Arnolo pulled the guts from the hare. “Indeed, Barda. The finest steeds.”
“What puts you among these trees?” Silas said.
“A man hides in Vespen.”
“What from?”
“Thomas.” Arnolo burst into laughter.
Thomas threw a piece of kindling at him. “Fool.”
“I’d be hiding further than Vespen if I knew you two were on my tail,” Silas said.
The three men laughed together. Silas turned to see Mara smirk. Hopefully, he’s cheering up. Can’t blame the miserable little bastard, but still.
Arnolo passed Silas a bladder of horse berry wine. “And where are you headed, Barda?”
Silas took a swig of wine before he answered. “Bulov. I am taking Peter to his sister.”
Silas passed the bladder on to Mara. Arnolo’s eyes widened. Shit. Passed it without thinking. He reached out to take it back, but Mara held it away.
Arnolo laughed. “The boy likes his wine.”
Mara took a swig, then coughed several times. The three men bellowed with laughter.
“Good, Peter. Strong boy.” Arnolo flexed his huge bicep.
Mara stamped off toward where Vala foraged. He likes Vala. She’ll cheer him up – nothing like the kindness of an animal to soothe the soul.
The laughter simmered down, and Arnolo pulled the hare from the fire. “A strange task, Barda. Why not send the boy by wagon?”
“His father is an old friend, and I am to pass that way as it is.”
“Looks like his father has been feeding him nothing but punches.” Arnolo leaned toward Silas. “Looks like an urchin, Barda. I hope you haven’t got yourself mixed up in something you shouldn’t.”
“You need not worry, Arnolo. I have no reason to lie.”
“It would be unfortunate for us to be meeting under different circumstances, Barda.”
“Believe me, friend. Nothing unla
wful occurs here.”
Arnolo leaned back and nodded. “You’ll travel through Vespen to Bulov?”
“Of course.”
“Then, we shall travel together.”
With the big men farther in front, Mara poked Silas in the back. “You said your name was Silas.”
Silas twisted around. “It is; these men have no business knowing my real name, nor yours.”
“I don’t have a father or a sister.”
“Try to forget anything said around that fire.”
“Who are those men?”