Dragonfly

sent back to him."

"I've also had my best students forge you some papers," Professor Norling added. "Passports and other supporting documents, that's if we meet a soldier able to read. Shocking lack of

education throughout the Empire these days!" He subsided into a mutter of complaint.

"You seem to have thought of everything," said Tashi. "I am very grateful."

"Though I would wish to help you in any case, Your Highness," Nerul explained, "you are also an investment for us. If you can bring your country into this war now before it is too late for the

East, then we

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might be able to turn the tide against Fergox and begin to reclaim our lands from him."

"I'll drink to that, Your Grace," Tashi replied, raising her cup to his.

The horses were saddled and ready for them outside the tent. Thunder was looking eager for

the adventure and in excellent condition, well groomed and fed. The Inkar's warhorse, named

Snowy by Gordoc, seemed more resigned, perhaps because he anticipated many weary miles

carrying more weight than all the other mounts. Melletin's horse was a chestnut gelding, several

hands smaller than the warhorses but matching them in fighting spirit. The mare Tashi had

ridden was also waiting, as well as three more sturdy beasts, one loaded with the extra bags.

From the cases of scientific instruments peeping out from among the food supplies, Tashi

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guessed that Professor Norling did not understand the concept of travelling light.

After the scene the night before, Tashi had not been expecting to escape without exchanging a

few words with Merl, so she was prepared when he arrived at her side to help her mount.

"I apologize for my behavior yesterday," he said in a low voice. "I have suffered a sleepless night in bitter repentance."

"Then I forgive you, sir," Tashi replied, assuming her most regal air.

"I was serious when I said that I wanted you by my

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side always. If our destiny allows us to meet again, I hope you will give me the opportunity to

prove my sincerity."

Will he not take "no" for an answer? she wondered, secretly irritated by his persistence.

"Sir, 1 wish you and your brother all good fortune in your struggle, but do not look to such a

time. I pray that you find your happiness here with someone else. 1 can offer you no hope."

"Then I will wait without hope, because I must."

With a final farewell to Nerul, the party headed out on the paths winding across the Fens. Tashi

nudged her horse in line behind Melletin, trying not to think too much about what lay ahead,

nor worry about the suitor she had left behind. Her inexperience as a rider helped as she spent

so much time concentrating on her mare, Flake, that she forgot to fret. For some miles, they

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rode in silence through the freezing mist, each absorbed in his or her own thoughts. The cold

was penetrating. Tashi had to keep flexing her fingers to stop them from turning to ice. Finally,

Melletin signalled a halt in a clump of willows.

"This is a good spot--the last shelter before we reach the main north-south road."

Immediately, Ramil was at Tashi's stirrup to help her dismount but then walked back to tend to

his own mount. Tashi chewed her lip, wondering how they could break this awkwardness

between them. Before she could think of anything, Yelena came up to her and touched her

discreetly on the shoulder.

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"Your Highness, there's a place where you and I can go if you would like a private bush."

"Thank you." Tashi followed the Brigardian woman off the path and into the rushes. "But you must call me Tashi, Yelena," she called to the warrior's straight back.

The woman turned and gri

blue eyes sparkled with mischief. "That's good. I was worried you were going to be all stuck-up

and formal with me."

"No, that's only for the men," Tashi admitted, jumping over a streamlet.

Yelena yelped with laughter.

"I never feel more foreign than when trying to understand them," Tashi confessed.

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"Join the rest of us, sister. They are strange creatures. No wonder your people put their women

in charge. I've often thought things would've been different if men like Fergox had been kept in

their place."

"Ah yes, but then you'd have women like the Inkar ru

"True. I had forgot her." Yelena showed Tashi a clear place on the bank to wash. "But you speak as if you've seen her."

"I have. And Ramil even danced with her."

"You are joking?"

Yelena found the idea of this so hilarious that she roared with laughter and had trouble

standing. She still had not calmed down when they returned to the men, causing the others to

exchange quizzical looks.

"What's so fu

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She shook her head, with not enough breath to string two words together.

"Women!" Ramil muttered to Gordoc, though his eyes were on Tashi who was caressing Flake

with a secretive smile on her lips.

The travellers split up when they reached the main road. Melletin and Yelena were to scout

ahead and ride back if there was trouble; otherwise they arranged to meet at the Yellow Dog, an

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i

"You have to be careful at the i

roads north."

"Is there nowhere else to stay?" Ramil asked.

"Why yes, indeed, but it is the last place Fergox's men would be looking for fugitives. If you

brazen it out in the taproom there, they will hardly notice you.

But ask for a private room for your giant and the lady. They will attract more attention and

should keep out of the public areas. Yelena and I will fall in with you as if by chance. Professor

Norling, I trust you will ensure they do not go astray?"

The professor flapped him away with his hand. "Of course, Melletin. I was travelling these roads

before you were born."

The two fighters rode off on their hardy horses, urging them through the ice-covered ruts in the

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churned-up road. Tashi drew her veil over her face, now seeing the world through purple gauze.

On the wider path, the four riders fell into pairs.

Norling dropped behind with Gordoc and began to quiz him on his fitness regime, probing the

secret of the man's exceptional strength. Ramil rode with Tashi, though he sat high above her,

awkward for talking.

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"Here, slacken the reins a little. Flake's mouth is tender and she's not comfortable," he said, noticing the mare fretting.

Tashi did as instructed, keeping her counsel behind the veil.

"You're doing well, for a begi

"Yes, that is surprising, considering my teachers," she replied coolly.

Ramil believed himself reprimanded. They rode on in silence.

"I'm sorry about what I said to you the other night," he said at length, knowing the words had to be spoken sooner or later. "I should've realized that you and Merl weren't ..."

"Yes?"

"Well, that you weren't."