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((The Mon/Wen/Fri Double -- page 1 of 2))
The circumstances were extenuating, to be sure, but that didn’t change the fact that those Shards were arguably more precious than any other artifact that the Sandlords as a whole possessed. And the power that lay dormant within them was no meager thing. One day, they could become very real weapons again. And that could prove to be either a great blessing or a great problem.

‘I didn’t require confirmation that he was still there,’ said Qorvass bitterly. ‘I remember perfectly well.’

Asad didn’t doubt him. Qorvass was one of the oldest reapers among the Sandlords. Asad knew that Qorvass felt especially attached to the Shards. “Even so, a lot can change in seven hundred years.”

‘Hmph.’

“Anyway, we are getting off-topic,” said Asad.

‘Are we? It seems similarly possible that even if Rasalased didn’t grant Hector this new ability, he could have still granted him the knowledge needed to discover it.’

The thought had occurred to Asad as well. “Maybe, but it makes little difference at this point.”

‘I disagree. If Rasalased granted him this knowledge, then who knows what else might be in that young man’s head, now?’

“All the more reason to remain on good terms with him,” said Asad.

‘I wasn’t trying to suggest otherwise. Rather, I recommend bringing him into the fold, if at all possible.’

Asad knew exactly what the reaper meant, as he had been considering it as well. “I’m not so sure that it IS possible, but yes, I agree in sentiment, at least.”

‘Are you concerned that our Rainlord friends will not approve?’

“Oh, I’m certain they won’t.”

‘They are no doubt trying to find a suitable bride for him at this very moment. But even if Hector were to agree--and I’m not sure he will--I don’t imagine that Garovel will just sit idly by and watch his servant be married off to just anyone. He seemed a shrewd one to me.’