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The next morning dawned bright and sweet, rising from the darkness like a light pastry from one's favorite bakery.  The sunlight and clear sky knew nothing of the day's difficult tasks.  Neither did the gulls, who screeeched through the sky and dove for fish with the uncaring abandon of those without larger worries.

Sandpoint itself, though, woke differently.  It's people arose chastened, yet determined to do whatever they could to protect their homes from those who would threaten them.  The lingering effect of Mayor Deverin's speech lingered in the set of their shoulders and the defiant glints in their eyes.

Battle was coming to Sandpoint.  And they would be ready.

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