“When I give the go ahead, go ahead," Alyss said, the jungle gym having come to a stop less than a gwormmy-length from her face.What? the four General Doppels cried at once.Run when I say so.”

“When I give the go ahead, go ahead."--Alyss”

“Dodge," Alyss said, putting a hand to the parrallel scars on his cheek, that brand left so long ago by The Cat. She pressed her lips against each of them--four delicate kisses.When she pulled away, he was smiling.”

“Redd's face contorted with a sudden realization. "How could I have been so stupid?"The Cat was trying to decide if this was a rhetorical question when she roared, "It's a construct!"With a dismiissive swing of Redd's arm, Alyss and her army began to shimmer, the billon points of engery that formed them monentarily visible before exploding apart into nothing. Redd scoped the queendom with her imagination's eye. "Where are you, Alyss? Where is my dear little niece?”

“But I killed you,” Alyss said. “Did you?” Red turned to The Cat. “Why wasn’t I informed?”

“Redd turned to her assassins. "What is it I always say?"The Cat, Sacrenoir, and the others bandied uncertain glances about."Don’t be stupid?" ventured Alistaire."I should kill you now?" offered The Cat."Do I have to murder everyone myself?" tried Siren."No, idiots! When in doubt, go for the head. That’s what I always say. ”

“We're family," Alyss said.Redd snorted. "Is that supposed to mean something?"Family," Alyss said again, trying to convince herself more than Redd.Don't talk to me about family! You were never disowned by your parents!"I'd rather have been disowned by them then see them murdered.”