wound, not the winter flu.” Valiana knelt down next to him and gripped his hand in hers. “Well, as long as it’s not catching.” Nile laughed. “Ah. Hmm. Say, I’d swear I’ve seen a portrait of you. Gaudy damned thing sent by the Bitch-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named. Did that foul old woman ever mention me? I caused her trouble a time or two.” Valiana hesitated for a moment, then said, “She spoke of you many times. She said you were one of the few Greatcoats she feared, and that if she could see you dead at her hand she’d end her days a happy woman.” Nile gave a chortle. “Oh, I like this one, Falcio. She
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