The Dreamweavers were taking turns driving the three four-wheeled tarns they had purchased in Jarime to carry their food, tents and supplies. Some walked ahead to melt or sweep away snow where it had blocked the road. All Leiard could see of the cart before him was the oiled cloth covering the large bundles of supplies strapped onto it. There was no point looking over his shoulder; his view was blocked by his own equally loaded tarn. He could hear the voices of the Dreamweavers that made up Arleej’s group.

“Do you think the army will catch up with us?” Jayim asked.

Leiard looked at the young man sitting beside him, then back at the arems.

“No. Most are travelling on foot.”

“Why?” Jayim asked.

Leiard chuckled. “There aren’t enough trained reyer in Hania for half the local army, let alone for the Somreyans as well.”

Jayim chewed his lip. “We’re hardly travelling much faster than a walk, and we keep having to stop because of the snow, so we won’t get much farther ahead of them.”

“We might. Remember, we don’t have an army to keep in order. Imagine the time and effort it will take for them to camp each night, to arrange distribution of food and fuel for fires, settle disputes, rouse everyone in the morning, get them to pack up and start marching. Even when these last snows stop and the weather warms, there is much to do.”

Jayim looked thoughtful. “It would be interesting to watch. I almost wish we were travelling with them, though I understand why we aren’t.”

Leiard nodded. During a mind link a few days ago he had shown Jayim a few link memories of previous wars. Because Dreamweavers did not take sides, and treated the sick and injured no matter what the nationality or creed of their patient, this often caused resentment. In the past, more than a few Dreamweavers had been killed for “helping the enemy.”

Dreamweavers did not travel with armies. They travelled before and behind, in small groups. They waited at a distance during the folly of battle, then, afterward, they entered the battlefield and the camps of both armies simultaneously to offer their assistance.

Jayim glanced at Leiard, then quickly away.

“What is it?” Leiard asked.

“Nothing.”

Leiard smiled and waited. It was unusual now for Jayim to hesitate to speak. After a few minutes, Jayim looked at Leiard.

“Do…do you think you’ll meet with Auraya at some point?”

At her name, Leiard felt a thrill of hope and expectation. He took a deep breath and reminded himself why he was here with Arleej.

“You’d have to meet in secret, wouldn’t you?” Jayim persisted.

“Not necessarily.”

“I guess you’ll be safe so long as the other White aren’t around to read your mind.”

“Yes.”

“Do you think you will…get together? One last time?” Jayim asked.

Leiard glanced at Jayim. The boy grinned.