Lovernios said little as they walked steadily, who knew where? Artio nuzzled her hand whenever she started to flag and the three of them snuggled close for warmth at night. There was not much that needed to be or could be said; they were together and the companionship held more meaning than a thousand words. And there was no need to discuss routes, as there was only one path, clear to follow and with no offshoots. Anyway, Lovernios seemed absorbed in his own world and his own thoughts, as if he were readying himself for whatever the next phase of his life would bring.
After several more nights — Boudicca couldn’t remember how many exactly but it was at least a quarter judging by the moon — they were disturbed in the late afternoon by a rustling in the forest close by. Artio put up her muz
