"So," Cathar said, taking a final drink of his ale, "when will you go?"
"Tonight."
"Tonight is almost over, little brother."
"Then I'd best hurry," Miach said with a smile. "You'll hold things together while I'm gone, won't you?"
"Me?" Cathar asked in surprise. "But Adhémar left Turah on the throne."
"So he did," Miach said.
Cathar looked at him evenly. "That would be treason, Miach."
Miach returned his look. "Clap me in irons, then."
"I imagine I can't."
"I imagine you can't either," Miach agreed.
Cathar frowned. "You know, in the hands of the unscrupulous, this power you have could be a very dangerous thing."
"Hence the refining fire that makes a mage into an archmage," Miach said easily. "I would be nothing but ashes it I hadn't passed the test."
"Then your heart is pure?"
"I wouldn't go that far," Miach said dryly, "but I am loyal to the crown."
"To the crown, or the king. "
Miach paused for several moments before he could manage a reply. "I think you wouldn't care for the answer. "
"Treason," Cathar breathed. "And this time I'm serious."
Miach shook his head. "Nay, Cathar, I will be loyal to the king, the crown, and the realm and I certainly have no plans to undermine any of the three. Regardless of what I think personally. "
Cathar shook his head slowly. "Miach, it is no wonder Adhémar does not sleep well. I think you worry him."
"I likely should," Miach said with a sigh. "I think I should go now. You will see to things while I'm gone? If Turah makes a poor decision, go behind him and remedy it, won't you?"
"And find my head on a pike outside the gate when Adhémar finds out what I've done."
"He won't find out because neither you nor I will tell him. You'll make certain the kingdom stays safe and I'll make haste."
"You do that," Cathar said. He paused, then looked at Miach seriously. "Be careful."
"I always am." He rose and stretched. "I'll continue to watch the borders while I'm away. I think I can manage that, at least." He put his hand on Cathar's shoulder. "Put the fire out before you leave, would you?"
Cathar blinked in surprise. "You're goingnow'!"
"Is there a better time? "
"But supplies… a horse…"
"I won't need them."
"Miach, you'll need food. At least take a bow and arrow for hunting."
"I won't need those either. I'll just use my talons."
