“The assignment is complete.” “There is one final task you must perform.” Sovereign’s gaze shifted toward the blacksmith. “You know the process now?” “I do,” Osric said. He drew in a single, deep breath. Chill wind air cooled his lungs. Then he turned, and in the turn closed the gap between him and the old smith. With his right hand he brought Spite across in a single clean stroke, removing the blacksmith’s head from his shoulders. It happened so fast the human would not have registered it. “I am sorry, Emrik Smith.” He wished he had never learned the man’s name. Blood smoked from the old
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