She went on, “However, I regret to inform you that the path ahead will challenge the chief menial. This slope has already set him back. It is by no means the worst of what we’ll face today, much less tomorrow. For example, today we can reach Sfendia Moat by sunset, but not if we have to travel at his pace. I mean no disrespect to an imperial servant. If this party wishes to make good time, then I am not sure what to tell you.” She looked through a gap between the trees, toward the top of the slope, but there was still no sign of Hemerlin. Qari had vanished, and Elen had no idea why.

“Leave Hemerlin behind if he cannot keep up,” said the prince.

Simo grimaced. “Your Highness! Chief Menial Hemerlin has served you since you were a child. He knows you better than anyone. Indeed, you have never traveled anywhere without him in attendance. You cannot simply abandon him.”

“Abandon? I did not say to abandon the man. He may follow the carriages back to the Halt, may he not? Is that impractical or impossible? What does the deputy courier say?”

“He could do so, it’s true,” Elen said encouragingly. “With help he can return to Orledder Halt safely by sunset, although he would need to turn around now to manage it.”

The prince raised a hand imperiously. “Simo, make it happen. We have rested for long enough. We must move on.”

“What about Kem?” Elen said, then caught herself and added, “Worthy Interlocutor, I beg your pardon for speaking out of turn. What of Novice Warden Kem? He and Warden Ipis aren’t here yet.”

“A trainee is of little use to us on this sort of journey,” said Simo. “We can easily detach him to escort the chief menial back.”

The prince rose, and she felt him studying her face. He said, “No, no, send someone else. The best training for a fledgling is to fly, not to be stuck in the nest.”

Xilsi looked up from the food she was eating. “Simo, you know why I volunteered for this mission. Don’t send me back.”

The captain sighed. “Qari, then, although I hate to lose him. He’s a good fighter, are we to meet any brigands in these hills.”

The prince smiled, and there was something eager, almost cruel, in his eyes. “Brigands will certainly regret meeting us. That’s settled, then. Let us go. The others can catch up, can they not?”

28 SHOULD THEY LIVE THAT LONG

The prince headed back to the path, Xilsi and Jirvy hurrying to keep pace. Elen grabbed her pack and hastened after. By the hearth, Fulmo was repacking. She paused beside him and said, “Are you all right, Menial Fulmo? Do you need help?”