Irenya slept for most of the day. The party made ready to leave at sundown. For one uncomfortable moment, she thought Gedric wanted her to share his camel, but he pointed to another animal. He could not have missed the relief on her face; she had not missed the awe and suspicion on his. They rode west toward the Idris River. The Ilkyrie guard whose camel she shared scarcely spoke, which suited her fine.
Hours later the party took time to rest in a village on the banks of the river. Irenya would ride south with Telo and several Sildahnis. She avoided everyone, but wherever she found a private corner, Julis managed to seek her out, inviting a casual confidence. He found her in a quiet spot by the river.
‘His Grace wants your company before you leave.’
‘What for?’ She saw a marmalade tomca
