“Two boys and three girls,” Addis said to Nesta, in response to her question about his family. “Then there is a third boy, whom we fostered.” He launched into a description of his children and their achievements while Nesta listened politely.

Marcus looked past them to the dense clustering of men and horses that stretched along the banks of the stream. From this domestic conversation, one would never guess that Addis and he led an army, or that Nesta accompanied them as something of a prisoner.

He had brought her because he dared not leave her to make mischief from Anglesmore, and because her presence might be useful.

She also came, however, because he wanted her with him. He had not voiced that reason to Addis, but he suspected that Addis had guessed it. Someone sleeping in the bedchamber would have heard what occurred in the solar.

Nesta walked the twenty paces to the stream’s bank. She took out a cloth and dipped it in the water and began dabbing her face and neck.

Addis sidled closer to Marcus, and glanced up at the tree-covered hill to their left. “We are being watched. Have been since we entered this valley. I know it, you know it, she knows it, and half the men know it.”

Marcus nodded. There had been no evidence of being followed, but one could feel the presence of others.

Addis gestured to a group of three men standing to one side. They had also come as prisoners, only more obviously than Nesta had. “Good that you had them remove Arundal’s colors. It was wise of you to bring them, too. If Arundal had arrived at Anglesmore demanding their release, the men guarding the keep would be hard-pressed to refuse him.”

“My bigger concern was the danger they faced from those guards, Addis. Many within my walls are Welsh, or have a lot of Welsh blood, and even my English knights think they deserve execution. If I did not hang them that day in the village, I do not want to return and find them dead through some accident or suspicious illness.”

Addis peered to where the valley narrowed and rose. “We will be riding no more than two across up ahead. If there is going to be trouble, it will be there.”

Marcus laughed, and clamped his hand on Addis’s shoulder. “You broach the subject as a mother does with a grown son. The warden in you wants to give advice, but you hesitate lest you insult me.”

Addis smiled with some chagrin. “It is habit, from when you needed advice.”

“I still welcome it, so do not be so careful with my pride. As for the eyes in the forest and the narrow path ahead, we will tell the men to carry their shields.”