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them on the ground around the cloth. |
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As soon as the preparations were complete, the Dark Man said, ''Keep your sword handy. You never know, Mr. Trigg may change his mind and decide to become a martyr." |
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The goateed man took the falchion and tiptoed around the cave. Every few steps he paused, jabbed at a rock or a shadow and then jumped back as if he expected the Devil himself to come charging out. The Hungan watched his assistant's performance for a moment, then shook his head sadly. |
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"I should have been a Catholic. They would make me a saint." |
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The Dark Man walked slowly toward Kyna. She gave ground until her back was pressed up against cool rock. She did her best not to shake. He towered over her, looking down with the coldest eyes she had ever seen. |
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"You are very beautiful," the witch doctor said. "I have a way with beautiful women, if I do say so myself. I mean, to look at this face"the tips of his fingers gently caressed the tattoos"you might find it hard to believe, but many women find me irresistible. Many have offered themselves to me . . . truly. Some have even crawled naked across the floor and tried to kiss my feet. And do you know why? They wanted somethingdon't they all? Do you know what they wanted? The simplest things are often the most precious. They wanted to die." |
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The Dark Man's hand snaked out and ripped the front of Kyna's blouse open. When she tried to cover herself, he backhanded her across the face and his steely eyes locked on the talisman. |
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Slowly, his hands went around behind Kyna's neck. At his touch, her skin crawled as if a fat slug had oozed down her back. It took everything she had to keep from screaming. |
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Gentlyalmost reverentlyhe unfastened the clasp and pulled the necklace off. |
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"You have no idea what this is, do you?" he asked, holding the talisman in front of her eyes. |
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