One task remained before they departed. Phyr dealt with it the next morning, as soon as he’d dressed and eaten.

Jarn was finishing his meal when Phyr came to confront him. Phyr dismissed the guards and locked the door behind them. He wanted no witnesses for this. Jarn set aside the last of his meal after seeing Phyr’s expression.

Phyr said, “I have read your ‘insurance.’ I intend to remove the current members of the Talon from power. I will agree to your terms on two conditions.”

Jarn said, “What conditions?”

“First, you will give me the original letters and burn any other copies that exist, rather than leaving them in hiding. I will not have this threat hanging over those who replace your grandmother and her minions. This…obscenity…will...

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