He laid out the situation as he knew it, including Dorrin’s probable elevation to the dukedom of Verrakai and the Order of Attainder on Verrakai and Konhalt. They listened attentively, including young Burek, who’d be staying with him in the south.

“Are we authorized replacement mounts in case one goes lame?” Versin asked.

“Yes. I’ve made a list of the people we deal with in every town; I spoke to them on the way south and they’ve agreed to supply you. You’ll have to sign for it, of course. Check in with the moneychanger listed for each town; he will authorize your lodging and, if necessary a mount.”

“So we will not need to carry much money,” Versin said.

“That’s right. Safer than showing gold on the road. The Duke set it up that way years ago, as soon as he could afford it. I must warn you, though, with the Verrakai mess going on, Tsaia may not be as safe as usual, even on the trade road. You will be safer traveling as civilians, but some count’s alert reeve, or some Girdish Marshal, may insist on stopping you and asking questions. Show them the pass; everyone on that route knows me and knows the Company.”

Arcolin noticed that Arneson ate no faster and no more than the others; he admired the man’s determination to hide his poverty. Still, the sooner the man put some weight on his scrawny frame, the better. He called Arneson back as the others were leaving.

“I can tell that you’re basically healthy,” he said. “But I want our physician to see you, to see if he thinks you need a special diet. Fever, they tell me, does some damage that certain herbs can heal.”

“Sir, I’m well enough—”

“I don’t doubt you are well enough for duty, but humor me in this, if you will. The road north is long and hard; you will be meeting many travelers who may carry disease. A recurrence of your fever would be bad for both of us. If the physician tells you to follow a certain diet, and it prevents trouble—can that be so hard?”

Arneson flushed. “No, sir. I just—I just do not wish to cause you extra expense.”

“I’m certain you won’t. Let me introduce you to Master Simmitts.”

The physician, as Arcolin expected, recommended that Arneson eat more, to gain at least a stone. He also had specific recommendations for ordering meals at each inn. “This early in the season, traveling north, you won’t find fresh fruit. Take a sack of candied plums with you, eat at least three a day. Fresh greens, only lightly steamed, at your evening meal, along with redroots. Cows should be calving; you should be able to get fresh milk and butter. If not, be sure to eat cheese. Fever like you had thins the bones …” He was writing as he talked, and eventually handed Arneson a list. “And here’s a salve for your scar; use it morning and night. If it doesn’t last you all the way, here’s the name of a physician in Vérella who will give you more.” He took the list back, scribbled another name on it, and handed it over again.