Devin rode with the others from the castle, feeling very much like the odd one out among the others. Prince Rodry and the knights were all armored in plate and chain, all sitting comfortably on their horses, joking with one another as they rode. Next to them, Devin felt useless, not used to riding long distances, dressed in a blacksmiths leathers and with only the sword hed forged by his side.

So, Twell, the knight with two swords rather than a shield called out. Got the whole trip planned out?

We just follow the prince, Twell said. And Ive told you, Lars, I dont plan everything.

Dont believe him, the last knight said, nudging Devin. He plans for the possibility of enemies on the way down to dinner.

I do not!

Im Halfin, the knight said. Who are you?

Im Devin… my lord, Devin said, overwhelmed for a moment by the sudden friendliness by the knight. Hed heard stories of these men and their deeds: Twell, who could think his way out of anything. Lars, who had once dueled with three brothers at once over the hand of a maiden. Halfin, who had run a hundred miles with no horse over two days to warn of a coming battle ogres.

Lord, Lars said. Hes no ones lord. Dont go giving him ideas.

They rode on, down through the city and out into the countryside. The sun rose higher, and in its heat, Devin was glad he wasnt wearing the armor that the knights were. Prince Rodry rode at the front, and Devin found himself watching the way the men looked to him with clear respect. Devin could understand that; hed found the prince to be honorable and just in a way that his brother wasnt.

They rode for hours, and Devin found himself wondering at the fact that he was a part of this, brought along on a journey with a prince and three knights out of stories. He wondered most at how normal they all were, and how willing they were to talk to him like an equal, even when he wasnt.

Slowly, the ground started to drop away, walls of rock rearing up on either side of them to form a canyon. A stream of perfect, clear water ran through it, and Devin saw Halfin drop down, ready to fill his water bottle.

Dont, Twell said. The water in Clearwater Deep is contaminated. Drink it and you risk death.

Then what am I supposed to drink? Halfin asked.

Twell took a spare water skin out of his pack, tossing it over, as if hed anticipated this. As if hed planned for it, Devin thought with a smile.

Theres no time to stop, Rodry said. I want to get to the spot my father told me about before it gets too late for us to get back.

I brought a tent, just in case, Twell said.

Lars snorted. Of course you did.