“What?” he asked.

“You stink.”

He glanced down. “It’s my only shirt.”

I dug through my pack, producing his other shirt. “No it isn’t.”

“Ah. I wondered where that had gotten to.”

“I was keeping it safe for you.”

“Mighty nice of you.” He cocked his head to the side. “How about a deal? I’ll get washed up if you join me?”

Tempting, very tempting. “Do we have time? We have to meet the others.”

Kerrick glanced at the horse. “Hux is fast, but with two of us... Ah, hell.” He kicked off his boots and pulled off his soiled shirt and pants.

“Hux? You named the horse?”

“Yeah. Avry, meet Huxley.”

Huxley snorted and moved closer.

“Hello.” I scratched him behind the ears. “What happened to your reluctance to having a big noisy creature around?”

Kerrick grabbed my soap and plopped into the pool. “I’ve been training Hux how to be quiet.”

Huxley nudged me with his nose, pushing me closer to Kerrick. Then he headed deeper into the forest.

“Hux thinks we have some extra time,” Kerrick said, laughing. “We’re not going to get another chance for a while.” He splashed me. “Come on in, the water’s—”

“Cold.” I shivered, but joined him.

“No worries, my love. I’ll warm you up in no time.”

One of the things I loved about Kerrick—he kept his promises.

* * *

I had to admit, Hux’s ability to move through the forest with hardly a sound was impressive. Even with two people on his back, he galloped as if we weighed nothing. However, every jolt reminded me of my broken ribs. We’d been on the road for a day and, according to Kerrick, we’d traveled at an angle, which was how we’d arrived at the border a few hours before the women.

“They have to keep to the paths,” he explained. “The briars would rip their legs to shreds.”

About to ask why Hux didn’t have any trouble, I realized the answer. Kerrick’s forest magic. He made full use of his power as we waited for the women. Leaving me next to a bonfire, he took Hux hunting and returned with two stags. I helped him butcher the animals and threaded thin ribbons of meat onto twigs to cook.

When the women arrived, they were grateful for the fire and the food. They took turns standing close to the flames, warming up. Everyone looked worn out, including Kerrick. He’d eaten and then disappeared.

Flea, Ives, Odd, and the monkeys found a spot to plop. I joined them.

“Any problems?” I asked.

“Just the usual,” Loren said. “Cold nights, hungry women, blisters, and lots of whining from Quain.”

No response from Quain. He leaned his head back on a tree trunk with his eyes closed.

“Estrid’s troops?” I asked.