“Yes,” she said. She walked up to him and gazed into his eyes. “Run away. I’m too young to become a widow.”

“I’m not going to…wait a moment. Too what?”

She pinched his arm, somehow managing to hurt him despite the thick cloth.

“Ow!”

“You deserved that. I’m trying to tell you how much I’m going to worry about you.”

Several cheeky replies sprang to mind but he pushed them away. He gently wrapped his arms around her shoulders. The material of the vest resisted the movement and he felt a stab of resentment that even embracing his wife was difficult in this ridiculous garb.

Silava sniffed. He drew away, surprised. She wiped her tears and turned from him, embarrassed.

“You will…you will be careful?” she asked quietly.

“Of course.”

“Promise me.”

“I promise I will be careful.”

She nodded and drew back. “I’ll hold you to that.” The sound of footsteps approaching drew their attention to the doorway. Their servant appeared, breathing heavily.

“Fa-Spear has arrived.”

Danjin nodded. “I’ll be down to join him in a moment.”

He turned to his wife and kissed her. “Goodbye for now, Silava.”

Her eyes glistened, but her voice was normal as she replied, “Goodbye for now.”

He hesitated, reluctant to leave her when she was upset, but she waved a hand impatiently.

“Go on. Don’t keep your father waiting.”

“No, that would never do.”

She managed a smile. He winked at her, then left the room. As he started down the stairs to the ground floor he drew in a deep breath and steeled himself for his father’s scorn.

It was cold outside, despite the bright morning sunlight. Fa-Spear was waiting in a covered platten. Danjin stepped out of his house and into the vehicle.

“Father,” he said in greeting.

“Danjin,” his father replied. “What a beautiful day to set out for war, eh? I wonder if the gods arranged it.”

“Whether they arrange it or not, every rain-free day will be appreciated,” Danjin replied.

His father leaned back in his seat and called to the driver to move on. As the platten sprang into motion, he regarded Danjin in his typical calculating manner.

“You must be feeling proud today.”

“Proud?”

“You are risking your life for your country. That is something to be proud of.”

Danjin shrugged. “I will not be in any great danger, Father. Certainly nothing equal to what my brothers have faced recently. It takes a braver man than I to venture into the south at this time.”

His father’s eyes gleamed. “Indeed, their job is one that involves taking many risks.”

Danjin chuckled. “Yes. Though it didn’t surprise me when Rian observed that Theran has a habit of taking unnecessary risks.”

“Rian said that?”

“Yes. He also said Theran is not good at following orders either, but I guess that doesn’t come easily to a man who is used to having a free rein.”