Thinking back, she realised this was true and nodded an apology for her hasty words. Then she frowned, thinking. "Why did ye no mention it afore?"
He paled, his face pinched, but his tone was civil. "I did not know till now. A courier for His Lordship has been waiting for us here. He told me of the, ah, recent developments."
Anala stopped her sigh. There was naught she could do but she dreaded telling the boys the news. It was vexing, to be sure, but she'd just have to be on her guard -- even more than she had been. Any more and I'll shape-shift into a shield.
"A'right. I thank ye fer telling me," she said with another disarming smile, then nodded farewell and walked into the tavern.
He gave her retreating back a long, long look before returning to his men.
~
Needless to say, the bo
