Chapter 25‘What do you mean, gone?’ Ibryen growled bad-temperedly as he pushed the Traveller’s hand away and made to roll over.
‘Gone, as in, not here any more, left, departed,’ the Traveller retorted, scarcely more sweetly. The words shook Ibryen fully conscious. As he reluctantly disentangled himself from his blanket the faint light enabled him to see the Traveller trying to waken Rachyl. This proved to be only marginally less hazardous than waking Ibryen for, with a throaty chuckle, she rolled over and, seizing him with a powerfully affectionate arm, pinned him down by her side.
It took him some effort to free himself, during which time Rachyl came to full and dangerously indignant wakefulness. Holding her at arm’s length he blurted out his news very quickly.
Then, with the aid of a
