"Go and check we're still all clear," Jewd said, sensing Kilt wanted the king gone for a minute. Still grinning at Kilt's fart comment, Leo nodded and set off.

"Thanks," Kilt said. "I don't need him seeing me at my shrieking best."

"Has it worked yet?"

"I want to say no."

"All right then, let's see." Jewd removed Kilt's shirt, glancing only briefly at the familiar birthmark beneath his shoulder blade as he focused on the injury. "Good news or bad news first?"

"Get on with it!"

"We have to put right your shoulder joint."

Kilt groaned. "And the good news?"

Without warning Jewd manipulated his friend's arm and Kilt yelped as his shoulder slipped back into its correct position.

"The good news is, it's back in," Jewd said, grinning.

"Oh, very funny," Kilt choked out, breathing hard and wincing.

"Here, keep the bermine. I reckon you'll need it. We have to make up a sling."

Leo returned. "All clear. What's happened?"

"His shoulder was out," Jewd replied.

"And now it's back," Kilt finished.

Jewd winked at Leo. "And he didn't even scream. How's your leg?"

"I hate the limp but at least I don't need the stick anymore."

"Told you it would get better. Is there pain?"

"Nothing to scream about," Leo replied.

"Get that sling onto me," Kilt demanded, seeing that Jewd had finished turning a large kerchief into a workable hammock. "And let's get out of here."

Later, as they rested briefly for Kilt's sake, he spoke to them both in a grave tone. "I haven't said thank you."

"For disobeying you?" Jewd said.

"For action that probably saved my life."

"They didn't know who you were, Kilt," Jewd assured.

Kilt nodded. "They can add things up, though, my friend. A limping archer, a huge man? Why would they appear out of nowhere to ambush the emperor's men in order to rescue a clergyman? No, we'll have pricked their curiosity. And we can't discount the fact that Vulpan was present. According to what Freath told us, once he's tasted your blood, he can recognize you again without having to taste you. Do you understand?"

Leo and Jewd shook their heads, after glancing, confused, at each other.

Kilt pointed at Leo's leg. "He's tasted you, your majesty. We cannot overlook the possibility that amidst all that confusion he recognized you."

Dawning spread across their faces. "But he doesn't know me! Doesn't know who I truly am!" Leo protested.

"No, that's right. But if what Freath says is true, then he will have recognized the blood of a man from the north. They don't know which one, but they know you were one of the outlaw band and that's all they'll need. They now know that our men were rescuing Pastor Jeves. We know Loethar is too smart for his own good. He won't necessarily arrive at the conclusion that they had Kilt Faris in their clutches but they'll know they had someone who matters to the outlaw band. I reckon they'll now intensify their search."

Jewd was nodding. "Blind me! This is why you lead us. I just don't think this far ahead."

"What about Lily?" Leo asked.

Kilt sighed. His expression became still more shrouded with gloom. "She's obviously using this *marriage' as a cover but as Stracker's onto it I presume she and Felt will have to keep up the pretense in order to keep themselves safe. Especially as Lily has somehow passed herself off as Vested." Both his companions opened their mouths but he continued, cutting off their questions. "Don't ask how because I don't know, but she seems to have Vulpan tricked. He claims he's felt the benefit of her magical touch." Kilt shook his head. "For now we have to let her go or we could compromise her disguise. I think Felt will take her back to Brighthelm."

"I'm sorry for you," Jewd said quietly.

"Don't be. This is all my fault," Kilt replied, his anger not well disguised. "Come on, we have to get back to the hideout. We must warn our band that imperial guards are going to be stepping up their search for us."

Thirty-One.

Arriving at the entry to Francham, Loethar allowed Vulpan's horse to move slightly ahead so he could speak to Stracker in relative privacy. "People don't need to know I'm here. We want no fuss."

Stracker shrugged. "I can't stop them recognizing you."

"I've grown a beard, I'm deliberately wearing rough clothes. Besides, they won't be looking for me."

"What's the secrecy for?"

"A precaution. I don't want Valya knowing I'm here, for instance."

Stracker smiled unkindly. "Has wedded bliss worn off, brother?"

"It was never present," Loethar replied. "Our child died," he added as bluntly.

Stracker was unmoved. "Son or daughter?"

"A girl."

His half-brother made a sound of disdain. "Then it doesn't matter, does it?"

Loethar bit back on the retort that sprang easily to his lips. "I suppose not," he lied.

"Is that why you're running away?"

"I've asked Valya to leave."

"Banished the bitch, eh? Excellent news. So that's why you're here."

"That and a couple of other things." He moved ahead of Stracker. "I'll make my own arrangements but I shall see you later."

"Where?"

"You know this town better than me. Somewhere quiet."

"How about the two-mile marker to the west?"

Loethar frowned. "In the forest?"

"You said quiet," Stracker said, shrugging.

"But I didn't say dangerous."

"Don't you trust me?"

"Shouldn't I?"

Stracker grinned. "Tell me now then. I don't care either way."

"I would prefer you to have privacy when I give you this information."

"So cagey, Loethar, one would think you were sensitive to my feelings."

"In this instance I might be."

"Then I'll see you at the two-mile marker. It's quiet, private...and safe."

Loethar nodded, holding his half-brother's gaze. "When?"

"Twilight."

"I'll see you there."

"What about Vulpan?"

Loethar shook his head. "Right now he's your concern. But from tomorrow we're going to use him to track down the Faris gang once and for all." He saw soldiers-Greens, mainly-melting out of the throng of people, having recognized their general. Loethar did not want to be seen by them. "Until later, keep my secret."

"Happy to, brother," Stracker said to himself as he watched the emperor blend into the busy Francham main street.

It was nearing sunset when Gavriel and Elka led their horses out of the eastern foothills. They could see the activity of Francham ahead, chimneys smoking and lanterns beginning to be lit across the busy community. The town twinkled like a fairytale oasis in the gradually falling light, the Dragons-back Mountains rearing to the north and the forest a dark blanket to the west.

"Lo's wrath!" Gavriel remarked. "You told me it was a town. This looks like a small city."

Elka was shaking her head. "If I wasn't seeing it for myself I wouldn't believe it," she admitted. "Ten anni ago it was little more than a large village on the verge of becoming a town."

"Well, it looks like it's a thriving spot now."

"My brothers have been through here. They said it was a busy place but I think in their usual way they've understated the fact!"

Gavriel looked at her. "I know what you're going to say next."

She gave him a superior glare. "Then I don't need to say it."

"Oh, but you must. I get such satisfaction out of knowing you so well."

"Not as well as you think," Elka cautioned.

Gavriel looked appropriately abashed and tried to change the subject. "So, want to spend another night under the stars with me?"

"And there I was thinking you'd never ask," she answered wryly.

His change in subject had failed miserably.

She seemed to notice his discomfort. "Listen," she began, losing all the sarcasm in her voice. "You know that I don't like being so obvious."

"Of course."

"So sleeping in the forest is far more alluring to me than a night at an inn where everyone wants to compare their height to mine or have a drink with me, or worse, arm wrestle me."

He laughed. "I'd tell them not to bother. You always win."

"And lose me a fortune?" she asked.

"Save you a night of tedium, more like."

"So we're agreed. We'll stay in the forest?"

"I can't think of a better place. I really hate soft beds and ale and roasted meats," he said sarcastically.

"Gavriel-"

"Well done."

She looked at him quizzically.

"That's the first time you've called me by my real name without stumbling or wincing."

"I had to get used to it."

"I know," he said, a sad note in his voice. "And I'm grateful for it. The moment the Quirin spoke my name I knew it was right."

"Have you remembered more?"