“And you came back here after the war?” Duncan asked.
“It’s the refuge, don’t ye know. Rangers need a refuge to make ready fer the next battle. We ain’t done with the ’Nakis, I know that in my bones. Gotta keep ready, wait for orders.”
Duncan leaned toward Brandt. “So the next battle is to free the hero from his chains.”
Brandt looked up in alarm, glancing nervously at the other tavern patrons. “Keep yer voice down!” he whispered, and slowly nodded. “A misunderstanding is all. He ain’t any more a traitor than you.” Duncan and Conawago exchanged an ironic glance.
One of the resident doves flew through the rafters overhead, shedding a small downy body feather as it flew. Brandt stared at it with the fascination of a small child as it drifted over their table; then he made an unsuccessful
