They were invited to remain for dinner, but Treyan insisted that they leave as soon as possible. As he spoke, Alex could see a storm front begin to overtake the day's remaining sunlight, and she began to think leaving sooner rather than later might be the better idea.
They did, however, stay long enough to enjoy a beverage. Or two. Alex couldn't tell if it was beer or cider, but the alcohol content was high, and it kept her warm. All the better, she surmised as she and Treyan began to say their goodbyes, for the weather had turned darker, and rain was beginning to fall as they saddled their horses for the return trip to the palace.
"If we're lucky, we'll be able to get back before the worst of it," Treyan informed her as he mounted his mare, looking up at the darkening sky. "We don't get
