take little time to gather.

I nod to Brann that I am ready to go then call to Cliste. "Cliste, dos! Amser dhe gasa!" The wolf bounds up playfully leaping shoulder high in his excitement. He was pleased to be leaving with Vaughn's beautiful black Aifa for company.

I am grateful to Vaughn for his offer, knowing we will probably slow his progress. "We do need horses." I thought. Maybe we could make a trade somewhere for the jewelry given us by Amlaidh and Valeria. Those pieces looked to be valuable enough.

I knew Bryn's decision to accompany us had not been as easy to make as he pretended. I had seen the pain in their eyes when he and Valeria had bid their farewells to each other. Brann had thanked him for his frienship.. Now I lay a hand on his shoulder and spoke my own thanks to him then added, "You're likely to see her sooner than you think, my friend."