"How trying. How has the rest of your journey proceeded?"
"About the same," Adhémar said grimly.
"Insults?"
"Too numerous to relate."
"Complaints?"
"I could fill volumes."
"And now being bested by a beautiful wench," Miach said. "And all without your magic. Where have you been so far, by the way?"
"Wherehaven'tI been?" Adhémar countered. "Oh, you'll need to make a visit to Ainneamh soon."
"Why?"
"Ehrne is touchy."
Miach rolled his eyes. He could only imagine the various feathers he would be called upon to unruffle by the time Adhémar returned home. "And in all these delicate parleys with rulers of other realms you found no wielder?"
"Not a one."
"Not even any decent mages?"
"There is a distressing lack of them. I suppose I'll have to look farther afield." He shivered lightly. "I do not relish a journey to the east. Only wizards and criminals there."
"You'll survive," Miach said. He rose wearily to his feet. "I'll let you be about it then?"
"Sit down," Adhémar commanded. "I did not give you leave to go."
"I wasn't planning to go far," Miach said and as he said the words, he realized it was true. "I was going to find something to eat."
And then find Morgan and see how she fared.
"Why did you even start out to look for me?" Adhémar asked sharply.
Miach hesitated, then sighed and squatted back down by the fire. He might as well give Adhémar tidings. He would have no peace otherwise. "I worried."
"About me?"
"Among other things."
Adhémar scowled at him. "Who is seeing to the borders?"
Miach forced himself not to hesitate. "Turah sits the throne, as you commanded," he said.
"I hope he can see to the borders," Adhémar said.
Miach refrained from comment?quite wisely to his mind. Cathar was minding the borders and most everything else. No doubt Turah would have quite a tale to tell when Adhémar returned home, but Miach would sort that all out when forced. For now, there was no sense in upsetting his brother.
"And you?" Adhémar asked. "Did you leave someone to mind things?"
"The realm will survive my absence. I hadn't intended to stay away long."
Adhémar grunted. "Neither had I. I'm telling you, Miach, that I have no more time for this wild hare of yours. I'll look for another fortnight, but then I'm turning for home."
"Perhaps you'll have good fortune," Miach said. "For now, I'm hoping for a good meal." He rose and stretched. "Are you coming?"
