Before darkness fell, the two groups gathered together. Riyan and his group had reclaimed their horses and equipment, as well as a spare for each from those of Captain Glaver’s. Lord Haran and his men took the rest.
“What route do you plan to take on your way home?” Riyan asked Lord Haran.
“First, we must go to Aquillian and speak with your King,” he replied. “My uncle has brought our two nations perilously close to war and I must set that right.”
“Our families are on their way to Terix which is on the way to Aquillian,” Riyan explained. “If you are agreeable, we could travel that far together.”
Nodding, Lord Haran said, “I would like that.” Giving Riyan a grin, he signaled for his men to get underway.
Riyan led them on a route toward the south ford that would avoid any possible contact with the inhabitants of Quillim. As much as he loved the village of his birth, there was no reason to return. The home in which he grew to adulthood was gone, his mother and Freya were no longer there, everything he cared for was on its way to Terix.
As he rode through the countryside, he thought of the last year and the changes his life had taken. Who would have thought that a simple shepherd boy would one day be riding in camaraderie with a Warlord of the Tribes! Smiling to himself, he thought of the friends he had made and the adventures they survived. But most of all, he thought of Freya and their future life together. Man, it was a good day to be alive!
