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sword. He suddenly stopped at the bend at the top of a steep slope. |
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"Ah!" the Dark Man purred, looking over his apprentice's shoulder. "It looks as if someone has had a tragic accident." |
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The goateed man's light shone over a set of skid marks in the dust made by sliding feet, and a little farther on was a small pool of blood. |
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The Dark Man glanced over the side of the walkway and slowly scanned the village. "I think Ms. Rand may be injured." He put the suitcase down and pulled the combat knife from the hidden pocket in his cape. "Down there. That first building. I believe we have our quarry." |
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The goateed man led the way into the dwelling, shining his light around the dust and desolation. |
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"Careful!" the Dark Man hissed, aiming his flashlight beam on the gaping hole near the back wall. |
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"Where did they go?" the goateed man asked. |
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The Dark Man stared into the hole and replied with a string of curses. "Go get the case. They will not escape me even if they are dead and I have to drag their souls all the way back from hell." |
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"Are you okay?" Kyna whispered. |
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They had skidded, rolled and tumbled down through a maze of ancient lava chutes, finally coming to a stop when they slammed up against a tall stalagmite on the floor of a vast underground chamber. Cyrus had used his body to cushion Kyna as much as he could and he had to wait until she disentangled herself before sitting up. He was having a bit of trouble coaxing air back into his lungs. |
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"Fine," he gasped. "I'm fine. You?" |
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"A few more cuts aren't going to kill me. Where are we now?" |
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Concentrating on just his eyes, Cyrus was able to control the change. In a matter of seconds he stood up and looked around the cave. |
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