“Is it only me who feels about a hundred years old?” he asked Nomi as they dismounted.

She groaned and rubbed at her thighs. “We've become too used to the good life,” she said. Ramus almost commented, but thought better of it.

Beko had dismounted and approached the farmstead, and several people wandered out to meet him. After a brief exchange, Beko came back smiling. “Plenty of room in their field, and they've bottled a new batch of root wine just this morning. Lowkie will be happy to give us six bottles, but he stresses we're the first tasters.”

“So if we wake with acid guts, it's not his fault,” Konrad said.

Beko shrugged. “That's a chance I'm willing to take. You can drink water if you like.”

“Will he sell me some food?” Konrad asked.

Beko's eyes narrowed. “What are you planning on cooking?”

The scarred Serian shrugged, then smiled. “That's for me to know and you to taste.”

Beko threw a money pouch, which Konrad caught in the air. “If you give him good money for dust, I'll skin you myself.”

Konrad's undamaged eyebrow arched. “You and which army?” He walked away from the group's quiet laughter.

Beko raised his arms. “Home for the night, everyone. The field's past the farmstead, and Lowkie recommends camping in the shelter of the trees at its center. He says there's no sign of any unpleasant wildlife around right now, so we'll get a good night's rest and can set off at dawn tomorrow.”

“Does he have any young farm daughters who need irrigating?” Noon asked.

Beko shrugged. “I'm sure if he has, they'll have already marked you out, Noon.”

Noon licked his fingers and rubbed them together.

“Sometimes I think I'd be better siding with seethe-gators,” Rhiana said.

Ramus laughed along with the rest of them, even though he had the distinct impression that Rhiana was not really talking to him.

They skirted around the farmstead, watched by two farm wolves lazing beneath a tree at one corner of the yard. Lowkie waved the travelers on, then he and the others disappeared back into the buildings.

Ramus caught up with Beko. “You know Lowkie?” he asked.

“I've camped here several times before. He's a good man, and an honest land worker.”

“Nice of him to give us free wine.”

“He said he'll bring it across to us later when the bottles are more settled. Honestly, I think he just wants time away from the farm, and sharing a bottle with us would only be polite.”

They walked together at the head of the line, leading their horses toward the spread of well-spaced trees on a small mound at the field's center. The setting sun cast long shadows across the grass, which was wavering slowly in the slight breeze. It reminded Ramus of the sea.