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Leafblade

By: Isaac Coyote

Chapter 4: The Road Calls

Tarin awoke to the sound of Rayac's voice. "We need to be moving." Tarin blinked a few times, trying to piece together the memories of yesterday. It took him a few moments to remember why he could not see out of one eye. Moving was all it took to remind him about the rest of his injuries, though. The pain seemed to be less than it had been the previous night. He stretched his arms and legs a bit to test their tenderness. "How do you feel?"

Tarin pushed himself out of his bed slowly. "Well enough to move," He replied. He nearly fell back into his bed when his legs tried to give out. The only thing that stopped him was Rayac catching him. Tarin gave Rayac a thankful look, and noted that he had already gotten himself dressed. "Standing, however..."

"Give yourself a moment." Rayac said quickly. "Let your legs find themselves. You need to be gone from the manor before sunrise."

Tarin took a moment to steady himself. His legs didn't protest long before they reluctantly accepted that Tarin wasn't going to sit down. "You said we had three days. Why the insistence to leave tonight?"

"If you flee tonight, I can play it off as running from your military obligations." Rayac explained. "If you wait, someone might get suspicious."

Tarin grumbled quietly. "I thought I was running."

Rayac placed a gentle paw on Tarin's chest. This simple gesture made Tarin feel more relaxed. "You are going to stop the war, remember? You told me you knew how."

"I can." Tarin replied. "I will."

"Then better that no one suspects you of anything." Rayac said simply. "Get yourself ready and meet me at the entrance." Rayac started out the door, "And be quick about it."

Tarin watched silently as Rayac left. He was preparing to leave everything behind. It wasn't a happy life, but it was his, and he was ready to abandon it all. He was scared, terrified. He could not believe he thought this would even work. Work or not, though, he had to try, for Rayac's sake.

Before he realized what he was doing, Tarin had already completely dressed and was halfway to the entrance hall. He didn't pack anything other than Liandra's letter. He didn't know what he would need, so he relied on Rayac to pack what he would need. He did not know where he was going, so he relied on Rayac to give directions. Tarin suddenly found himself wishing Rayac was leaving as well.

Tarin arrived at the entrance hall to find Rayac speaking to the guards at the door. Tarin moved in closer, so Rayac would notice that he arrived. As he moved closer, he overheard the last of Rayac's instructions. "So let him in without hassle, and keep this to yourselves. I want this to be a surprise for Her Highness, and you know how servants can gossip."

One of the guards chuckled a little, but the other responded with a straight face. "Yes, my Lord."

"You have my thanks." Rayac replied, seeing Tarin finally. "There you are, come quickly. There isn't much time before daylight, and your task is of great importance." The guards opened the door for Rayac and Tarin, and Rayac nearly pushed Tarin out the door.

Rayac didn't stop pushing Tarin until they were well past the gates of the manor. Once they stopped, Rayac handed Tarin a traveling pack. "There isn't much in here, just food for today. I was unable to acquire any food that would survive travel, so you are going to have to pick up supplies in the next town. There are some coins in a purse inside the pack. Do not pull it out until you need it, and keep it in the pack. I gave you more than any person of less than noble standing should ever possess. If you are seen carrying that much, it will draw suspicion."

"I don't know..." Tarin started, but Rayac continued on as if he didn't speak.

"If you have to buy anything, don't immediately accept asking price. Try to talk them down a little, not much, or they'll get offended."

"How much..." Tarin tried again, but Rayac would not hear him.

"Your destination is to the east. Follow this road until it forks, then make a right." He indicated as much with his paw. "Travel it for a day and you should arrive in Cailawyn. Find an inn and stay for a couple of days. I smell a storm on the wind, and you best not travel when it's raining. I pray it holds out until you arrive."

Tarin stopped a moment and sniffed the air. He had been so caught up in the moment that he had not noticed. However, he could tell the storm would be hitting all too soon. "What do I do when I get there?"

"While you are waiting for the storm to blow over, ask around. Find a merchant traveling to Isaldir, or in that direction. Offer to pay him for escort as far as he's wiling to go. If he can take you as far as Isaldir Castle, then do so. If not, find a new merchant each time you part ways."

"How much do I offer him?"

Rayac sighed, "It will vary. I gave you enough to last you until you arrive at the castle, as long as you do not get carried away. See what he asks, and try and talk him down."

"This is too complicated." Tarin replied, getting frustrated.

"It is the safest plan I could devise on short notice." Rayac replied sympathetically. "You are not knowledgeable enough to make the trip alone, and merchants are the safest way to travel, if you have money."

"Follow the road, right at the fork, and it'll take me to the next town?"

Rayac nodded. "Also, if you can, buy some better travel clothes. I gave you some of mine, but you are smaller than me. It would be best if you had good travel clothes that fit you."

Tarin nodded. "I should leave." He said, hesitantly.

"One last thing." Rayac replied, unbuckling the sword from his waist. "Take this."

Tarin stared at the sword. "What? I am not allowed to touch one. I don't know how to use it."

"You won't have to, with luck." Rayac replied, shoving the sword into Tarin's paws. "Wear it, and make people think you can use it, and you should be fine. Once you find a merchant, you won't need to wear the sword anymore." Rayac grabbed Tarin by both his shoulders, "Do not tell anyone that you do not know use it. Do not tell anyone you know how to either. Be vague, it will make them more hesitant to find out."

Tarin took a quick look at the sword before attaching it to his waist, with Rayac's help. "And if they want to find out?"

"Run." Rayac replied flatly. "And hope it isn't a cheetah wanting to test you." Tarin glared at Rayac. "I am being honest."

Tarin nodded slowly. "I will stop the war. I promise you this."

Rayac smiled. "I know you will. If anyone can, it is you." He pulled Tarin into a hug. Tarin threw his arms around Rayac, and they stood there. Tarin didn't want to let go, he wanted to stay in that moment for eternity, but all too soon, Rayac released his grip and gently pushed Tarin down the road. "Go. Be safe, brother mine."

Tarin opened his mouth to reply. He had one thing on his mind, one thing he wanted to tell Rayac, one thing that just would not come out. After a moment of hesitation, he finally said, "I will return. Be safe until I do." Rayac nodded, and Tarin accepted that as the end of their conversation. He turned and started down the road. He glanced back a few times, and Rayac had not moved. Tarin stopped just in sight of the manor, looking back. He was really leaving. This was it, his goodbye. He took in the manor, and Rayac, and wondered if he really would be returning. This was the freedom Rayac had always been promising. Would it be more than enough to keep him away? Looking at his old life from the outside brought tears to his eyes, and he fought the urge to cry.

Rayac waved from the distance, and Tarin returned it. That gesture solidified in Tarin's mind that there was no turning back now. He turned down the road, turning his back on Rayac, and let his tears loose. As he began to cry, the sky cried with him. Tarin knew he should not travel in the rain, but he did not care. Instead of turning back, he kept going forward.

He walked for hours without any sign of life outside the trees that lined the road. His feet were soaked from the rain and stumbling into stray puddles. Between that and the excessive walking, his feet were starting to ache. The extra weight from the pack was dragging him down, and causing his back and legs to protest. The cold wind bit through his rain-soaked fur and clothes. Yet he pressed on.

The sun rose around the time he arrived at the fork, and despite not being able to see it, the area was now brighter, if not drastically so. The rain and the grey skies did not help Tarin's mood. He stopped, looking both ways before deciding which way to go. He had trouble sometimes remembering which way was right or left, but he could figure it out. Once he was sure which direction was right, he continued onward.

Travel was slow, and the rain only seemed to make it that much slower. Several times, Tarin lost his footing in the mud and fell. The first couple of times he tried to wash the mud out of his fur with the rain, but all it seemed to do was further ingrain the mud into his fur. After the third time falling, he just accepted the fact that he was covered in mud.

He kept watch ahead of him for signs of a town. Tarin had never seen a town before. As far back as he could remember, he'd never left the manor, but Rayac had told him stories of what they looked like. Several buildings, usually smaller than the manor, grouped together, with a lot of people walking around. That couldn't be hard to miss. He could tell by the light at this point that he was reaching the end of the day. He had been walking, without stopping for the entire day. He had even forgotten to eat. He resolved to eat when he got to the town, but no sign of it was in sight. He wondered if he might have taken a wrong turn, and considered doubling back, but decided against that. A town had to be down this way as well. He might hire a merchant from here to take him the correct direction.

With no sign of a town, Tarin could not fight off the hunger any longer. He found a spot just off the road and sat down, leaning against a tree. It didn't keep the rain completely off of him, but it did a good job of shielding most of it. He dug through the pack and found the food Rayac had packed. It consisted of bread, which was poorly shielded from the rain, and was now soaked and ruined. Frustration overtook Tarin and he threw the bread into the road. He had to get to town now. He had no food to eat, so he had to hurry.

He tried to push himself to his feet, but his legs protested. After three attempts, Tarin realized he did not have the strength left to stand. He leaned against the tree, staring up at the leaves above him. He could not afford to sleep, he needed to keep traveling, but a few moments of rest should return strength to his legs. The relaxing sound of the rain in company with the overwhelming exhaustion overcame Tarin and he drifted off to sleep

* * *

The rain continued to fall despite Rayac's desires for it to end. So long as the rain kept falling, Tarin was going to be in danger. He was sure his father would not send men to find Tarin, he had not yet, but in case Rayac was wrong, he wanted Tarin as far away from the manor as possible. Rayac had specifically told Tarin not to leave until the rain let up, and now he was regretting those words.

Lord Aunair had been furious when he discovered Tarin was gone. Rayac had done everything he could to keep Lord Aunair from discovering Tarin had taken Rayac's sword as well, but he found out eventually, and that did not improve his mood. Rayac was surprised to discover King Alshaer did not share in Lord Aunair's sentiment. Liandra was more depressed after Tarin's disappearance, and even though she assured Rayac in private that it was all part of her act, Rayac knew better. At least a part of her was depressed at Tarin being gone. She and Rayac both considered Tarin a good friend, and having sent him out like they did was affecting them both. This was why Rayac sat alone in his bedroom. He had specifically requested to be left alone. He was surprised to discover most people listened. Liandra, however, was not most people.

"Rayac, talk to me please." Liandra pleaded as she entered the room, not even bothering to knock.

"What is there to talk about?"

Liandra closed the door behind her. "I sent the servants away. We'll have privacy, for a short time." She crossed the distance between her and Rayac at a slow pace. "You are worried about Tarin." She was not asking him.

"He is young. He spent most of his life in the manor, and now we throw him out into the real world with no warning of what he will find."

Liandra winced at Rayac's words. "Put that way, you make us sound the villain."

"How are you certain we are not?"

"Because we show guilt," Liandra replied. "If we were truly villainous, we would have sent him out without hesitation and slept well at night." She grabbed Rayac's muzzle and gently turned his head to look into his eyes. "From what I can tell, you haven't slept at all."

"Tarin has been gone three days." Rayac replied. "The rain has not let up since he left. I cannot be certain he ever made it to Cailawyn."

"Cailawyn is a day and a half walking." Liandra replied. "Did you give him any supplies for setting up a camp?" Rayac looked away from Liandra. He was a little embarrassed to reply to that, but his lack of response was answer enough for her. "You did not think that far ahead?"

"I was not aware how far away Cailawyn was. I was sure he could arrive before sundown."

"Tarin may be naïve," Liandra began, moving next to Rayac to look out the window, "but he is also resourceful. I am certain he will have found shelter from the rain for the night."

Rayac nodded. "You are right. Tarin will be fine." He pushed himself to his feet. "I just wish I knew how long Tarin would be traveling."

"You know how far Isaldir Castle is from the manor, right?"

Rayac shrugged, "I researched a bit in the library, and according to the map I found, it was about this far." He held up his two paws, about shoulder width apart.

"This is not the time to be making jokes." Liandra replied. Her intent on being serious was betrayed by her laugh.

"Maybe not," Rayac replied, "but it got you to smile."

Liandra turned her back to Rayac and headed for the door. "You should finish preparing. We leave in the morning."

"I remember," Rayac replied sullenly. "I will be ready."

"Try and get some sleep." Liandra added, "It will not do for you to be exhausted for the journey." She slipped out of the bedroom before Rayac could reply.

"I should have gone with you," Rayac whispered to nobody. "Then I would know that you were safe." Rayac moved away from the window and began to pack.

* * *

The scent of burning wood and meat was the first thing that stirred Tarin from his sleep. The second was the sound of a voice humming, which caused Tarin to sit up rather quickly. He regretted this as soon as he did it, as his entire body began aching with pain.

"Awake now, young pup?" The voice commented. "I was afraid you were going to die on me." It was clearly an older male, but Tarin could not determine anything else from the sound of his voice.

Tarin groaned a little before he managed to speak. "Where am I?" His vision was still horribly blurred, and he could not make out shapes at all.

"In a small cave just off the road." The voice explained. "It was the only shelter from the rain I could find close to where I found you."

"Found me?" Tarin was confused. His recent memories were a mess. Why wasn't he in his bed in the manor? He remembered Liandra asking him a favor, and Rayac telling him he had to leave. "Liandra!"

Tarin began crawling around before he could finish speaking. He ignored his aching body and frantically searched for his pack. His vision hadn't returned enough so that he could look for it, so his paws groped around for it. "Hold on. Easy pup, don't get so riled up."

"My pack." Tarin pleaded. "Where is my pack?"

"It was under your head." The voice commented confused. "I used it as your pillow." Tarin groped around a little more, trying to find his way back. "Are you blind, pup?" It was an inquiry, not an accusation.

"No." Tarin replied defensively. Almost immediately, the thought crossed his mind. What if he was? What if what happened to him cost him his sight? "I don't think so." He added.

"Don't think so?" The voice grumbled. "Well, are you or not? It is a simple question. Can you see?"

Tarin stopped his search and looked around. "Everything is blurry. I can see the fire, but not very well."

"That is nothing to worry about." The voice replied, "Give it some time and your vision will return." The sound of footsteps told Tarin that the man was coming his way. "Let me help you, then." A gentle paw was placed on his shoulder. "Give me your paw." Tarin held up his paw, and the man took it and helped him to his feet. "Walk forward a little, and I'll direct you as you need to turn."

The man placed an arm around Tarin for support, and Tarin suddenly realized that he could feel the embrace directly on his fur. "Where are my clothes?" Tarin asked, embarrassed.

"I removed them once I brought you in here." The man explained. "They were soaked through and I needed to get you dry and warm." He gave Tarin a gentle push, which got Tarin walking. "I apologize if I am making you uncomfortable."

"Who are you?" Tarin asked suddenly. "Why are you helping me?"

"My name is Valaren. I am helping because if I hadn't, you would have died out there."

Returning to where he had woken up took more steps than Tarin had expected. He apparently crawled farther than he realized. By the time he actually got back to his pack, his vision had already started to noticeably clear up. He could now make out shapes, but details were still lost to him. He covered himself up with the blanket he had awoken under. "Thank you. For the help, I mean." Tarin replied. "My name is Tarin."

"It is not anything that requires thanks." Valaren explained calmly.

Tarin began digging through his pack, feeling more than looking amongst his belongings. When his paw found the letter, he let out sigh of relief. "It's still here."

Valaren chuckled a little. "I took care of your belongings. If anything is missing, it was missing before I found you."

Tarin hesitated. He didn't look up at Valaren, not because it would have been pointless to try and see him, but because of the implications such an action would suggest. "Why are you being so kind to me?"

"Is it not enough that I am being kind?" Valaren asked mysteriously. "There is too much pain and dishonesty in this world. Those left who are honest need to look out for each other."

"I guess so."

Tarin was putting so much effort into not looking at Valaren that he didn't realize Valaren move at all. In the time it took to conclude that conversation, Valaren had brought something to him, something that smelled extremely good. "You need to eat. I made some stew."

Tarin looked up at Valaren, and at this time he realized his vision had cleared up enough that he could make out his savior at this close a distance. He was canid, that could not be mistaken, but it was impossible for Tarin to determine exact species. He was too large to be a coyote, yet the fur coloring did not look like any wolf he'd ever seen before. He was mostly dark brown, though his muzzle was black, as were parts of his left ear. His paws had small traces of light brown, but most of his fur was dark.

His features were very well defined, more than King Alshaer's had been, at least as well as Tarin could see through Valaren's clothing. He looked strong, and rugged, and mildly intimidating. Yet, in an odd contradiction, Valaren's eyes were very soft, caring. They were gentle.

He wore just enough clothing to stay warm. In his hand was a bowl of stew with a wooden spoon inside the contents.

Tarin did not hesitate in taking the bowl from Valaren. Upon seeing the food, he was very quickly reminded of how hungry he was. Valaren began speaking as Tarin started to eat. "Careful, it is still a little on the..." Valaren trailed off, as Tarin burned his tongue on the stew. Unfazed by this, Tarin immediately began to shovel more into his muzzle, hunger winning over the pain. He almost had the second spoonful in his muzzle when Valaren grabbed him by the wrist. "I think you can wait a minute more." He said, taking the bowl with one paw. Once he set the bowl down, he removed the spoon from Tarin's possession, only letting go of the young coyote's wrist once the food was safely away from him. "If you are able to be up and speaking, you are not so hungry as to need to burn your insides in the process."

"I feel as if I haven't eaten in days," Tarin admitted.

Valaren chuckled. "That would probably be because you have not eaten in days." Tarin's shocked look earned a pat on the shoulder from the older canine. "Two at least, as that is how long you've been sleeping."

Tarin spent a few moments taking this bit of information in. "I'm already behind." He said. He was on his feet before Valaren could react and running to the entrance of the cave. "I have to get to Cailawyn."

Valaren followed behind Tarin, catching him at the mouth of the cave and pulling him back inside. His grip was iron, but he pulled with no more force than necessary. Despite the suddenness of the pull, Tarin was surprised that it didn't hurt. "Have you no concept of decency?" He growled, frustrated but not angry. "Just because it is evening and the rains keep most travelers away does not mean you can march around without a stitch of clothing on." He led Tarin to his makeshift bed and gestured for him to sit, letting go of his arm as soon as Tarin showed the intent of following instructions. "What if a Disciple had been passing by?"

Tarin shot a confused look at Valaren. "What is a Disciple?"

Valaren returned Tarin's confused look with a matching one of his own. "You don't know what a Disciple is?" Valaren shook his head, cutting off any reply Tarin could give. "It is not important now. We can worry about that another time." Valaren sat down beside Tarin and handed him the bowl of stew again. "If you are more comfortable walking around naked, it will not bother me, but please refrain from leaving the cave." Valaren looked out of the mouth of the cave from where he sat as Tarin started to eat again. "In fact, I recommend not leaving the cave, dressed or no, until the rains hold up." Tarin paused in his eating to stare defiantly at Valaren. He was about to speak, but Valaren cut him off. "The weather already nearly killed you once. Are you really that desperate that you are willing to give it a second chance?"

Tarin spooned another bite of stew as a means to buy him some time to think. He had to go, but how much should he tell Valaren? Tarin had to tell him enough to get the point across without revealing too much. "Yes." He admitted finally.

Valaren didn't look at Tarin; he seemed distracted by something else, though his reply seemed grounded in the conversation. "What is so important that you'd be willing to throw your life away?"

"I..." Tarin could not think of a way to say it without revealing too much. "I can't say. It is important, but I promised to remain silent on my purpose."

Valaren nodded, "And it would not be honorable to pry in such a private matter." He scratched his chin a little. "And your business is in Cailawyn, then?"

"I need to seek assistance in Cailawyn." Tarin replied, "My journey is long, and larger numbers would make my travel safer and more pleasant." Tarin did not lie, he was careful of that, yet he never admitted the true reason as to what he needed in Cailawyn.

"And your final destination?"

Tarin hesitated. "Isaldir Castle."

"Interesting," Valaren mused. "How well can you wield your blade?"

The sudden change of topic caused Tarin to hesitate. He wasn't expecting that question, and it took his mind a moment to remember what he was supposed to say. "I carry it, don't I?"

"Any fool can carry a sword." Valaren replied, "Most wave it around frantically in hopes to strike a kill." He smiled, a small smile, but one that was pure enjoyment. "Few ever understand the artistic nature of swordplay."

"Killing is an art?"

"No, pup." Valaren replied, sounding very amused at Tarin's confusion. "Killing is a necessary evil in life. Swordplay is an art, a dance."

Tarin's mind wandered back to Liandra, and her promise to teach him how to dance. He briefly pictured her and Rayac at royal ball, swords drawn and fighting, fluidly and deliberate. He shook his head, clearing the image from his mind. "I don't understand."

"That is of no importance right now." Valaren replied. "I will test you and see how well you wield the sword, and see if you need further instruction."

"Is there anything that is of importance right now?" Tarin retorted. He almost instantly winced after saying it. Valaren, however, simply laughed.

"Eating, and sleeping." Valaren responded, "Get some food in you and be well rested. We might be able to leave in the morning if the storm clears up."

Tarin only then realized what Valaren was implying. "You are traveling with me?"

"Of course." Valaren replied. "You clearly need some assistance. I am traveling the opposite direction as you, unfortunately, and I will have to inconvenience you slightly before we are on our way. It will be longer, but we can avoid Cailawyn this way. It is not a safe city right now, I assure you."

Tarin glanced at Valaren skeptically. "How much longer?"

"Nine days," Valaren replied, "Maybe ten."

Tarin shook his head, "No, I cannot wait nine days."

"Nine days will mean nothing in the long run." Valaren countered. "Do you know how far Isaldir Castle is from here? I take it from your look that you do not." Tarin had been trying to keep his expression neutral. It was clear he had failed at that. "Traveling through Cailawyn, which I advise against, would take us two months, if we traveled light and quick. Another nine days will mean nothing in comparison."

Tarin went to take another bite, as a distraction, only to realize his bowl was empty. "What reason do you have to help me?"

"I was young once." Valaren replied. "I remember being in need of help. No one was willing to offer any aid. I don't want another young pup to suffer as I did." Valaren took the empty bowl from Tarin. "I will set this over here. If you are still hungry, help yourself to whatever is left. I recommend you lay down and get some rest soon."

Tarin was still a bit hungry, but he was suddenly very tired. He watched as Valaren stripped himself of his tunic, pulled himself into bed and closed his eyes. Once Valaren finished his task, Tarin followed his lead. The sound of the rain was relaxing, and when accompanied by the sound of the crackling fire, it should have been more than enough to soothe Tarin to sleep. Sleep did not come for the coyote, however. Tarin rolled around, attempting to get comfortable, but it did not help. He was scared. He had never been out on his own before. He was in an isolated cave, Rayac was nowhere near him, and he did not know where he was going to be this time tomorrow. No matter how he fought it, the fears would not leave him. Tarin rolled out of his bed and found his pants. He slipped them on and walked by the almost dead fire towards the entrance of the cave.

He almost passed Valaren, trying not to wake him, when the canine's eyes opened up. "I told you to get some sleep."

"I can't." Tarin admitted. "I'm scared."

Valaren thought for a moment, then pulled his blanket back. "Come on down here." Tarin was reluctant to move, but Valaren insisted. "I will not bite. I mean you no harm, I promise." Tarin gave it a moment of thought before he finally slipped under the blankets. Valaren wrapped his arms around Tarin and held him close. It was surprisingly comforting being in the older canine's arms. "I will protect you; nothing will harm you as long as I am here." Valaren promised.

Tarin did not know how to take this, so he turned his head and said, "Thank you."

"It is not anything that requires thanks." Valaren whispered. "It is time we get some sleep."

Tarin's ear had found Valaren's exposed chest when he turned his head, and his heartbeat thumped out strongly back to him. It wasn't long before Tarin drifted off to sleep, smiling contently as he dreamed.

* * *

Rayac stood by the carriage, not content at leaving in such a manner. Rayac hated carriages, and hated horse-riding as well. He always felt that the Creator had given him legs for a reason, but he was constantly being robbed of his chance at using them. As he had no other means of protesting, Rayac stood out in the rain instead of inside as King Alshaer and Liandra were. A part of him hoped the smell of his wet fur would be enough to relent to him walking. He decided to put his protest to good use and also oversaw the loading of the carriage. The servants were running back and forth with supplies, doing everything they could to keep them dry.

His mind wandered to Tarin. Where was he? Rayac silently hoped Tarin made it to Cailawyn. He wondered to himself if he could have given Tarin some way to write to him. That might not have been wise, considering the purpose of Tarin's trip. Regardless, he wanted some sign that Tarin was safe, alive.

"Are you going to join us," Liandra's voice cut into his thoughts so abruptly, he almost slipped in the mud. "or did you want to bring more rain into the carriage?"

"My apologies, I was distracted." Rayac said as he climbed in after Liandra, who apparently climbed in when Rayac was not paying attention.

King Alshaer was not in the carriage yet, so he must have been inside. This was probably the reason Liandra felt it safe to inquire. "Tarin?"

"I am not going to stop worrying about him until he is safe again."

"You mean when he's where you can protect him again."

Rayac scowled at Liandra. "It is not my fault he is not prepared to face the world."

"I would argue that logic." Liandra countered. "I believe it was everyone's fault. We had so much time to teach him everything he needed to know."

"Why didn't we?" Rayac questioned.

Liandra sighed, "I do not know. Perhaps we were so distracted at the thought of losing a friend that we paid more attention to the moment than the future."

Rayac glanced out the window, "He will be alright." Despite his best efforts, he did not display confidence in his statement.

"Tarin will be fine," Liandra emphasized, "but you need to put him out of your mind for now. Once you arrive at the castle, you won't have time to let your thoughts wander to Tarin."

"Will you return to training as well?"

Liandra frowned. "As much as I am able. The Council cannot know what I am studying, or else they will grow suspicious of me."

"You are certain they are not?"

Liandra nodded. "Every move I've made has been in the shadows of their orders. Father has confirmed too often they are oblivious to my counters."

Rayac was about to respond when King Alshaer entered the carriage. "This rain will slow down travels." The King mused as he closed the door.

"How long is this going to be?" Rayac asked.

Liandra peeked out the window at the weather. "Considering the rain, six days seems reasonable. Four days if it lets up today."

Rayac nodded. "And the other enlistees?"

"They leave tomorrow." King Alshaer explained. "They will be traveling separate, and will arrive well after we do. It is a seven day walk from here to the Castle."

"It is important that father and I return quickly," Liandra offered, "That is why we will not be waiting for the others."

Rayac nodded, "I understand." He understood far too well. He met the King's gaze, and he silently wondered if Liandra had told the King that Rayac knew he was dying. "How long until we depart?"

"As soon as the driver finishes checking the horses." King Alshaer offered. "A pity our coyote friend could not travel with us." Liandra and Rayac turned their attention outside. "I do not blame his cowardice, though. He is too young."

"He is not a coward." Rayac snapped before he could stop himself.

"Is this some act of defiance, then?"

Rayac hesitated. He didn't know what to say. He glanced briefly to Liandra, who had a pleading look on her face. He wasn't sure what she was trying to tell him, but he guessed. "Yes. I do not understand what he was trying to get across, but he was showing defiance."

Liandra relaxed, and King Alshaer seemed to ponder this idea. "I would not have expected him to be capable of such an act of defiance. That saddens me all the more at losing him as a soldier."

(You haven't lost him as a soldier.) Rayac thought to himself. (He is just fighting a different battle than we are.)