There was a gentle curve in the road and fortuitous overhang of pine branches blocking the view. He turned around and offered a hand to Saran, who looked as though she had been tanned by a thin crust of mud.
He thought better of bestowing the same courtesy on Iona, whose scorn was already apparent. Instead, as they stood side by side just concealed and ready to step clear, he reached out and squeezed her shoulder. It was an almost brotherly gesture and she returned it with an appreciative half smile and gently brushed his arm. Words of affection were tied up on her tongue, held back by the hope that it would not prove too late if she waited to say them.
With a brash smile and a swaggering step, Iona led the trio forwards, into plain sight of the guard post. Their presence had the desired
