Zechariah departed to finish packing, leaving Justin alone in the rain. The sword hung heavy at his side, interfering with his center of balance. He looked down at the metal-woven basket-hilt on one side and the dirk's knobby handle on the other. Days ago, the thought of carrying a sword and a knife might have sounded exciting. Now, they just made him feel dirty.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a bright flash. Half a minute later, the rumble of thunder reached his ears. He tightened the hood over his head.
When everything was packed, with nothing left but a circle of charcoal where their fire had been, the four travelers mounted their steeds. Justin grimaced as the pains of yesterday rubbed against the saddle.
Ahlund looked at Leah. She nodded, and Ahlund rode forward. Leah and Zec
