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THE BLACK TEMPEST

turned to each other and whispered. They beckoned Captain
Armel over, but glared at Asha when she tried to join.
Two minutes later, it was clear that they had made a deci-
sion, and that Captain Armel was not pleased. As he returned
to his place, he shot the twins a look of apology.
“Thank you for alerting us to this danger, and for suggesting
a strategy,” the king said. “It must be dealt with immediately. A
strike force will be sent this afternoon.”
Malcolm sighed in relief. “Thank you so much.”
“You will be informed of the outcome when the Ember
Guard returns,” the queen added.
“WHAT?!” the twins shouted in unison.
“A threat of this magnitude must be met only by trusted,
capable agents of Everwatch,” King Jerrik said. “Two untrained
youths may introduce more danger. You will be perfectly com-
fortable here in the meantime.”
Malcolm clenched his ‹sts. “Last year, a man from the fu-
ture tried to vaporize our town, and we beat him with no help.
Where were you then?”
“She has our family,” Valentine said. “We will not be held
captive here!”
“Mother, Father,” Asha broke in. “Please don’t—”
“We cannot base tactics on your emotions,” Queen Meliora
said to the twins. “This threat came from Everwatch, and it
will come back upon Everwatch if we do not quell it properly.”
Fury boiled Malcolm’s blood. “I’ve heard enough. We’re
going back home to protect our family now.”
Valentine stared daggers at the royals. “Just try and stop
us. Let’s go, Mal.”
Turning, they marched toward the main doors of the throne

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