'You take care now,' Jed said sternly as Asher guzzled the rest of his ale. 'Dorana City's a long ways from here, and it be a powerful dry place. Not to mention swarmin' with Doranen. So just you watch your step, Meister Asher. You ain't the most respectful man I ever had the pleasure of knowin'. Fact is, I ain't sure those magic folk up yonder be ready for the likes of you.'

Asher laughed and tossed him the empty tankard. 'Reckon those magic folk up yonder can take care of 'emselves, Jed. Just like me. Now you won't forget to see my da first thing tomorrow and let him know I be fine and I'll be back a year from today, will you?'

'Course I won't. But I still reckon you ought to let me tell him where you'll be. He's bound to ask, y'know.'

'Aye, I know, but it ain't to be helped,' said Asher. 'You got to keep that flappin' tongue of yours behind your teeth, Jed, 'cause two seconds after you tell him he'll tell Zeth and the rest of 'em and that'll be the end of that. They'll find me and drag me back here and I won't ever get enough money saved to set Da and me up all grand and comfy. Just 'cause we're related and I be the youngest they think they own me. But they don't. So it'll be safest all round if you just act like you ain't got the foggiest notion where I am.'

'Lie, you mean?'

Asher pulled a face. 'For 'is own good, Jed. And mine.'

'All right,' said Jed, belching. 'If you say so.'

Asher tied the water-filled goatskin to his belt and hitched his knapsack over his shoulders. 'I say so.'

Jed sighed mournfully. 'You'll miss the festival.'

'This year. We can drink twice as much next year to make up for it. My shout. Now get yourself into the Anchor, would you, afore somebody wonders where you've got to and comes lookin'.'

'Aye, sir,' said Jed, and bruised Asher's ribs with a clumsy hug. 'Have a grand time, eh? Bring yourself home safe and sound.'

'I aim to.' Asher stepped back. 'Safe and mighty plump in the pocket to boot. And mayhap I'll bring a tidy armful of City Olken lass home with me and my money!'

Jed snorted. 'Mayhap you will at that. Provided she's half blind and all foolish. Now for the love of Barl, it be ten minutes till closing time. If you don't get out of here now you'll be leavin' with an audience.'