The stranger turned sharply, almost dropping his dagger at the sight of Ren. “Ren!” he called, voice cracking with emotion as he fumbled to sheathe his dagger and yank back the hood that cast his face into shadow. A moment later, Niklas' body slammed into Ren's own as he wrapped his arms around Ren in a crushing hug. “I was so afraid you were dead,” Niklas croaked, looking Ren up and down to make sure he wasn't hurt.

“I'm fine. Anik can be trusted,” Ren assured him, even if it stung a little to admit. Anik might be an ass, but at least the Lowlander hadn't betrayed him yet. Anik stood behind Niklas, his sword back in its sheath, although his expression remained wary.

“What are you doing here? Did something happen?” Ren asked, worry suddenly replacing the relief he had felt at seeing Niklas' familiar face. He stepped back, but let Niklas hold onto his hand.

“I want to come with you,” Niklas said firmly. He tightened his grip.

“Tell me everything,” Ren said.

They walked back over the hill, Anik at the back, Niklas with an arm slung over Ren's shoulder.

“Things are getting worse back home. Halvard executed two of our generals in the courtyard. People were talking about hostages and war and I panicked. I couldn't stay there.”

“Fuck.” A hard ball of ice formed in Ren's gut at Niklas' words. “How did you get here? I don't suppose you walked.”

Niklas flushed and shook his head. “No, I had a horse, but I lost it last night, bags and all. Fucking idiotic; I must not have secured it well enough. I had just about given up trying to find you when I went to get water from the river and stumbled upon your guard dog,” he said, gesturing over his shoulder at Anik.

“What about Thais?” Ren asked. A part of him wished Niklas had stayed in the castle where he could have watched over his brother, but a more selfish part of him was grateful at the prospect of having a friend along on the journey. Anik certainly didn't count.

“I don't know anything new.” Niklas' expression was apologetic. “I left only a day after you did. As far as I know, they still have him locked up.”

Ren sighed, putting his bag down by the ashes of the campfire and digging through it. “Here, you should eat,” he said, handing Niklas some of the dried bread and meat. “We'll wait for you.”

Ren almost expected Anik to protest and hurry them on, but he stayed quiet. Instead, he left them to return to the horses. He was meticulous, checking their hooves one by one and adjusting the saddles as if looking for any excuse not to spend time in their company.