13
Soon after this, Tarkyn bid his family and friends farewell, explaining he might be gone for a few days, and translocated with Gavin, back to Highkington.
As they lay in the reeds recovering, they could hear the gentle musical honks of the nearby black swans on one side and a couple of coots thrashing around in the reeds. Then they heard boots thudding across the lawns on the other side of them.
“Stand down,” croaked Gavin. He cleared his throat and said more firmly. “Stand down. High Lord Tarkyn and I will be out to join you in a minute.” He looked at Tarkyn who was now getting to his feet. “Just a moment,” Gavin said to him, “let me lead you out of here. I have no wish for wet breeches.”
“Hmph.” Tarkyn smiled despite his lingering nausea and nodded. “Good idea.”
Gavin stood up, b
