2. A FEATHER FOR A FRIEND Garen Storm came limping down the dark hallway, carrying his hawk-headed cane as if it were a weapon. Talis cringed at the dark expression on his father’s face as he swept aside his silk cape, black eyes glaring at Talis, and he puffed on a pipe, sending smoke swirls rising into the gloomy air. The candlelight from the servant standing on the side of the room sent flickering dark gashes across Father’s face. Why was Father lately always so dark and serious? “What’s your excuse this time?” he muttered, tapping the cane against his hairy hand. “Haldish, bring some light
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