They did. And it didn’t take very long either, since this was only going to be a procession. The greatest amount of time was spent in deciding what the order of precedence was going to be, and then, what places in the procession would belong to whom. He left them at it, after about a mark; his place would be with Selenay, and if they settled their differences without any interference from him, even if not everyone was happy, they couldn’t attach any blame to him or the Queen.

And nothing would be required of her except to follow the wagon carrying the coffin on foot, with Caryo walking beside her. Certainly no speeches. The focus of attention wouldn’t be on her, but rightfully, on the King’s remains, which should be something of a relief. So he hoped, anyway. If she wept, all the better. He hoped she would weep; she hadn’t done nearly enough.

By this time, it was full dark, and the camp was quiet; with an early start planned for the morrow, most people had, if their duties allowed, made an early night. He moved down the now-familiar lanes of tents in the light of the torches stuck on either side of his path, thinking that this place would look very odd when all of the canvas had been struck and there was no sign of what had stood here but trampled grass.

:I’m glad to be leaving,: Kantor said.

:So am I.: At least in Haven, there would not be the ever-present reminders that this was the place where they had lost a King.

His tent had been moved inside what had been the royal enclosure to adjoin Selenay’s, and out of habit, he glanced at hers to see if there was any light showing.

There wasn’t, and with a feeling of relief, he nodded to the guards at the tent door, and entered his own. They didn’t trouble to leave guards inside the tent’ anymore; Selenay’s little pages all slept in bedrolls spread out across the floor, and anyone trying to get in would probably step on one of them. He certainly wouldn’t get in quietly; those children slept lightly and the least little sound sent half a dozen heads shooting up. Any intruder would set off more noise than disturbing a flock of geese.

A lantern had been lit for him, and hung from the center pole, showing that most of his baggage had already been packed up and presumably put on the wagon. There wasn’t much left; only a bedroll, a set of clean linen and the towels and soap he’d need in the morning, and Kantor.