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. If it were anyone in need Iwould still have done it. Then he blushed again, realizing how that could be interpreted. Not not that you are anyone, Master, he added hurriedly, and bit his lip when the two menlaughed. Still, thank you. Myche produced a pouch and a small kettle from one of the packs, and began to preparefor some light food and tea.Raven was happy to let the silence fall, unsure what to say nowthat the company had changed.Back at the mansion he and Myche had had a purpose,something in common.Now Raven felt at a loss.He glanced at Myche and saw a sort ofrearranging of the lines around his eyes, the relief clear on his face, as he must surely feel tohave his master back and both their freedom.But glancing at the master Raven wasn t so sure he was as at ease.His captivity had notbeen easy.Raven could only imagine and wasn t sure he wanted to know.They sat sharing their simple meal in silence, the fire crackling, when the master lookedat his hands holding the bowl.He opened and clenched the fingers of one hand, staring as ifhe had never seen such a thing before.There was a strangled sound from deep in his throatand he got abruptly to his feet, the bowl falling to the ground and spilling its contents, andthen he stalked out into the dark forest without a word to the others.Myche let him go but after only a few moments he rose. Wait here.We won t be far. He left too and Raven was once again alone in the dark.~*~ He woke up with a crick in his neck and a blanket over his shoulders.He sensed therewas someone sitting nearby and saw Myche across the fire.Myche acknowledged him with anod and a bowl of something that smelled wonderful. You have time.We ll move on soon, though, he said quietly.Raven looked around for Myche s master as he ate his potatoes and broth, but there wasonly the two of them. He s out there.He just&. Myche shrugged.Raven didn t know what to say so he kept quiet, patting Myche awkwardly on the knee.His friend managed a small smile.Birds began to chirp in the trees and small creatures rustled the bushes with the breakingdawn.Myche seemed anxious to go.He put out the fire and packed all their things, evensaddled the horses while they waited.The master came back, his face carefully composed, and with a curt nod at them,mounted one of the horses.Raven frowned uncertainly, a bit disturbed by the man s brusquebehaviour where he before had been quite amiable, but Myche seemed ready to forgive it.Hetook the other horse and reached down a hand for Raven. We ll ride double.You re so skinny I don t think the horse will realize it. Sitting across the horse s rump with his arms around Myche s waist, Raven felt moreconfident and dared look around as they rode on into morning.This was an old forest wherethe trees had grown tall and thick, soaking up all the sunlight and effectively keeping younger,smaller plants from taking root.Not like the forest at home where the trees were periodicallycut down to build houses or clear land for farm patches.They kept to deer trails and trappers paths.Raven sensed they were heading away fromall civilization.A wise move, he supposed, in the company of fugitives.Three of them.Chatrina couldn t very well order the guards to hunt down an old dog.Or a wolf.It botheredRaven the glamour had broken to let the guards see the wolf, but he couldn t say why thatwas.The silence between them kept well into early forenoon, but it was an easy silence and hedidn t want to be the one to disturb it.Judging by Myche s contentment, it was not unusual.Raven took the chance to study Myche s master too.There were lines around his eyesand mouth, physical signs of his ordeal, no doubt.But he rode with a straight, confidentposture and a keen eye on the forest around them that felt reassuring.Raven s stomach had begun to growl by the time they stopped for a meal.No fire thistime, and the horses were kept saddled. So, Myche, the master said after his first cup of cool tea, a moustache now? Myche blushed to his hair and looked down at his hands. I mean to shave it, Master.Itwas& it felt like the right thing to have, for a time. The master seemed amused, but he nodded approvingly.Then he turned to Raven. Isuppose I haven t spoken to you since yesterday, he said, a wry twist to his lips. For that Iapologize.I ve been& preoccupied. Raven shook his head. No need, Master.I understand. The man gave him a brief, painful look. I should introduce myself.My name is, well,frankly it would be difficult for you to pronounce all of it, but you may call me Breyre.OrMaster Breyre, if you prefer, though I m hardly your master. Raven nodded. May I ask? Myche said the same thing about his name where are youfrom that your names are so different? Breyre raised his eyebrows and glanced at Myche who shrugged. We re from furthernorth.It surprises me that you don t know&. He trailed off with a frown. Where are youfrom yourself? Nowhere important, a small village some ways west of here. He ducked his head underthe man s intense gaze. Hmm, I m not knowledgeable about the lands to the west.Do you fall under the rule ofthe Queen? Raven shrugged, not truly knowing.He hadn t been told a great many things about theworld when he still lived with his father, and had no way of finding out after he left. Isuppose. From what I understand the western lands are more autonomous, Myche said. Butthey can ask for the aid of the Queen if necessary. Breyre nodded slowly. I see you have earrings, young Raven, he murmured.Howpleasant his voice sounded when he spoke quietly like that.Self-conscious, Raven touched one ear. They were my mother s. Ah.I d say you look a bit young for such things
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