A few hours’ ride, not cooped up in the train, being out in the fresh air and they’d both be tired enough to sleep. No matter how dedicated to engaging Nick in conversation Todd was while they rode, he was met with little more than one- or two-word answers. Nick’s clenched jaw and the lines crossing his forehead clued Todd even more into Nick’s physical condition. A constant headache was what Todd suspected.
The air was warm and slightly heavy with humidity, but at least there were no large storms threatening. They rode until it was completely dark, then found a comfortable place to camp for the night.
While Nick attended to bedding down the horses, Todd saw to starting a fire, preparing a meal, and spreading out their bedrolls, using the saddles for back-rests.
“Full?” Todd set his bow
