‘The locals call it that. Farmers have singular minds. So, what else, princess?’ She heard the doubt lurking behind his familiar endearment.
‘You might as well have the truth. They have around two thousand men. Camped close to the northern fringes. The leader—the one you drugged with neribane—found his way to Riadan, minus me, and got himself flogged. Seems Riadan didn’t believe him when he said you were still alive. Elaaron and the princes are about four days behind you. And if you keep on this road, in a day or so you will come within a rabbit’s whisker of Gedric and Gani.’
Julis let the reins go loose in his hands and stared at her, a cynical lift to one corner of his mouth. ‘A rabbit’s whisker back you were telling me only an i***t would pursue Riadan alone. Now …?’
‘Well, if you’re
