26
As Tarkyn walked back around the bend in the stream, he found that the target practice had expanded to include several mountainfolk as well as members of his home guard. The minute he appeared, the talking and the laughter faltered, and for a moment, an awkward silence fell over the participants. Then Lapping Water extracted herself from the group and came over to him.
“Hello, Tarkyn,” she said, taking his arm and steering him towards the others, “Come and join us. Danton has managed to control his magic at least to the extent that he can leave larger rocks in place.” She smiled. “Smaller rocks are still too much of a challenge.”
Tarkyn flicked her a grateful glance. “Well, at least that’s better than this morning.”
“Hi, Prince,” said Rainstorm casually. “You’re looking better.”
Ta
