‘I must not, milord. My beloved—’

Osserc felt his smile tightening and there was pleasure when he hardened his tone. ‘But I insist, Renarr. You will humour me in this small gesture, I am sure.’

‘Milord, if he sees—’

‘And if he does? Will he imagine that we dallied by the stream?’

‘You may wish him to think so – him and others, milord. And so make sport of him. And me.’

Osserc decided he disliked this young woman, but this made her only more attractive. ‘Am I to be challenged on my father’s own lands? By some farm boy? Will he think so little of you to imagine you unable to resist my charms?’

‘Milord, you are Lord Urusander’s son.’

‘And I am far from starved of the pleasures of women, as he must well know!’

‘Also known to him, milord, is your insatiability, and your prowess.’

Osserc grunted, feeling his smile return, but now that smile was relaxed. ‘It seems I have a reputation, then.’

‘One of admiration, milord. And perhaps, for young men, some envy.’

‘We shall ride side by side, Renarr, and should your beloved appear I will speak to put him at ease. After all, we have done nothing untoward, have we?’

‘You have been most gracious, milord.’

‘And you need never fear otherwise. As proof of that, I insist that you call me Osserc. I am my father’s son and we are humble before what modest privileges our family possesses. Indeed,’ he continued as they trotted up the road, ‘we take most seriously our responsibilities, which seems to be too rare a virtue among the highborn. But then, we are not highborn, are we? We are soldiers. That and nothing more.’

To this she said nothing, but he found her silence pleasing, since it told him that she was listening to his every word.

‘I will tell your beloved that he should be proud to have won your love, Renarr. The Abyss knows, I am too wayward and my future too uncertain, and besides, I have no freedom in such matters. For me, marriage will be political, and then there will be hostages and commissions and postings in border garrisons and the like. I see my future as one of service to the realm, and have made my peace with that.’

When he glanced across at her he saw that she was studying him intently. She quickly looked away. ‘Milord, there are some in the village – sour old women, mostly – who do not approve of your nightly visits with – to the taverns, I mean.’

‘Indeed?’

‘But by your words I see that you must find what pleasures you can, and I will speak against their harsh judgement, on your behalf. A life of sacrifice awaits you, milord.’

He laughed. ‘Then once again I am forgiven in your eyes?’

‘Please excuse my presumption, milord. A village is like a tree filled with birds all talking at once. All manner of things are said.’