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and he was glad that she would be back in Dengar Nor that
night.
Shortly after leaving the village, Miranda abruptly left the column and rode
behind a hedgerow. When she did not return in a timely manner, Dreibrand
veered from the road and went back to find her. Her roan gelding browsed
casually on the hedge but he could not see Miranda. After dismounting, he
heard her hacking on the other side of the shrubbery.
Traveling with the Horde and camping in close proximity with thousands of
people had given Dreibrand the unenviable skill of knowing the sound of almost
any bodily function within ten paces, and he knew she was sick.
Miranda, he called nervously, trying not to rush to her and invade her
privacy.
I am coming, she replied weakly.
He heard her canteen slosh as she rinsed out her mouth. When she came out from
behind the hedge, she forced a smile and chided, Can t someone use the bushes
in peace?
You are sick, Dreibrand cried, rushing to her and laying a hand on her
forehead. In a flash his concern turned to desperate worry. He had seen fevers
strike people dead in a day.
Her green eyes shifted as if she considered contradicting the truth. It is
nothing, she insisted.
Her forehead did not feel hot, but Dreibrand was still anxious. This could be
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a fever. You should not have made this trip, he fretted.
Seeing his terrible worry, Miranda tried to put him at ease. My stomach was
upset. Everyone has an upset stomach sometimes, she said.
But it might be worse, he whispered.
Dreibrand, I watched my mother and all of my brothers and sisters die of
fever. I know this is not that, she assured him.
He held her close, feeling a great compassion. She had not told him that about
her family before. Every time she shared something about her past, it was so
ugly, and he could understand why she kept so much to herself.
If you are sick, I will change my plans. I will stay with you I promise,
he said. He had told her earlier that he intended to talk to Shan and
Taischek at the midday break about the mission he had planned for the
Yentay, but he truly would not leave her if she fell ill. He hoped it was just
a brief stomachache, as it seemed.
Miranda nudged him. Let us go. We have fallen too far behind.
Indeed all of the riders were gone and Redan walked by on the road.
Miranda eyed the Zenglawa with dislike as Dreibrand helped her back into the
saddle. Bruises still distorted the handsome high cheek-boned face of
Redan, who looked at her with curiosity. When Dreibrand looked at him, he
turned his eyes quickly back to the road.
I do not like him, Miranda stated firmly.
I see quality in him. I believe his wish to serve Shan could be real,
Dreibrand said.
Shan only tolerates him to show that he is merciful. That he is better than
Onja, Miranda complained.
Dreibrand responded, Shan needs to inspire loyalty in as many ways as he can.
I want Redan to have his chance. It is not an easy thing to go against your
people.
Miranda shot him a piercing look, guessing Dreibrand s reasons for giving the
Zenglawa a chance.
During the midday break, Dreibrand approached Taischek.
Those Hirqua aren t giving you any trouble are they? the King teased.
Because if they are, I m sure Xander could advise you.
The Temu General brightened after his King s kind comment, but
Dreibrand politely declined any assistance.
King Taischek, my visit does concern the volunteers, Dreibrand said.
I came to ask you and Shan if I could take them on a patrol right away.
A patrol? Shan said with curiosity.
Yes, into the foothills east of the Temu Domain and up to the pass. I
believe this is the likeliest place that Onja will put her allies to stop us,
and
I want a better knowledge of the land. Also I would like to observe the
tribute caravans. I would like to verify that the Tacus and Hirqua do not pay
and I want to see who does. But most importantly I need to get to know my
warriors, and they need to get used to my command. This is best accomplished
in the field, Dreibrand explained.
I see that you have given this much thought, Taischek complimented.
You are kind, King Taischek. But I must look to the discipline of these
volunteers. I should keep them busy and not leave them to get bored in
Dengar Nor, Dreibrand said.
Well I don t know about being bored in Dengar Nor, but I see what you mean,
Taischek joked. What do you say, Shan?
The rys responded, It is a good idea. Dreibrand will be able to judge the
abilities and the loyalties of the Yentay.
Then you have my leave to travel east in the Temu Domain. When you are beyond
my borders may your wits serve you well, Taischek decided.
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Thank you. I will see what manner of men have joined us, and hopefully learn
something of our enemies. I would like to see these
Kezanada for myself, Dreibrand said.
Oh, don t look too hard for them, warned the King.
Yes. Taischek is right, Shan chimed in. I know you are anxious to learn the
details of the west, but be careful. You would not like to see the
Kezanada.
Taischek added, And don t look to make battles. Do your reconnaissance, but
the war season is over. I don t want some petty tribal leader complaining to
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