fostered is my shield. The darkness of your unbelief is my impregnable fortress. Go play with your
machines, fool! Play with your machines! But meddle with me no more!"
Her voice grew quiet, deadly.
"Now this I tell you. If you would live, if you would have live those who are dear to you-take your spies
away. Ricori you cannot save. He is mine. But you-think never of me again. Pry no more into my affairs.
I do not fear your spies-but they offend me. Take them away. At once. If by nightfall they are still on
watch-"
She caught me by the shoulder with a grip that bruised. She pushed me toward the door.
"Go!"
I fought to muster my will, to raise my arms. Could I have done so I would have struck her down as I