11
It takes several days to prepare for travel to the eastern edge of the kingdom. I select a favorite mare, dappled gray with a thick chest and dark mane and tail. A soldier will accompany me in the guise of a companion with an ox and cart. The covered cart stores provisions needed for the journey as well as offering a dry place to sleep in case rain threatens.
Cho is the servant’s name, a soldier by profession. He is a large man, younger than I, and he carries a sword at his belt and a fierce expression on his face. Still, he is companionable enough, and his presence, and his sword, gives me comfort.
It is six days’ ride to the edge of the boundary where I will begin my questioning. We nod to other travelers we meet on our journey and share an easy camaraderie when we stop to prepare
