Blinking against the dawning light, I take some food from Portius’s fire. He’s watching me, no doubt making a note of the dark circles under my eyes, and the fact that my dress hasn’t been tied properly won’t pass his notice either. Wonderful, just what I need right now. I chew some meat begrudgingly, even as the flavour melts enticingly in my mouth. He offers me some bread and I eat it begrudgingly too.
My mood is dark and ominous, and I revel in it.
“You look tired.” Portius states, in his gruff, matter-of-fact way, not looking at me. Really? I hadn’t noticed. I ignore him, take another hand full of meat and a piece of bread from his plate and walk towards the lake. Misery does not love company today.
Lycur’s men raise their heads as I pass; the wind ruffles my clothes and their nose
