Return to Kinthaldith

The sun rose an hour later, barely visible among the threatening clouds, as Jesh followed Lord Risser through the woods, struggling to keep up with his fast pace. Already Jesh felt like he couldn't go on. He wondered if Risser feared an attack, and that's why he wanted his hands free--or was he deliberately treating Jesh like an inferior? He'd seemed very indifferent to Jesh since their escape from the Terresheld attack. Or perhaps Risser had too much on his mind.

As the day wore on, Jesh began to fall behind. Risser took only a few breaks, and they were short. Desperately, Jesh struggled to keep up, afraid of being alone in the wilderness. He didn't know whether they were being followed or not. His cough worsened, and the wounds on his chest ached dully, even though they should have been feeling better. He feared the cuts might have gotten infected.

As they neared the mountain, the trail sloped up sharply. Gradually, Jesh fell farther and farther behind until he looked up and saw no sign of Risser anywhere. He scrambled up that stretch of trail to the top and looked around. Still, he couldn't see him.

Jesh felt a panic. He had no idea where he was or which way to go. He wasn't sure which direction the Hasson was. Even if he could find a town, they might think he was a runaway because of his black tunic. They'd know he was thrall.

Quickly, Jesh continued up the trail, hoping to find Risser. The trail switched back a couple of times, and up near the top, Jesh saw Risser sitting on a rock and watching him. The ground was still muddy. Jesh struggled up to the top and sat down. As soon as he did, Lord Risser stood.

"You didn't get much exercise on Prent, did you?" asked Risser.

Jesh shook his head. "Some, but nothing like this."

Risser looked him over. "Pathetic weakling," he said with contempt. There was hatred in his eyes. Risser turned and continued up the trail. Jesh rested another moment, catching his breath, then got up and followed him.

Now Jesh was concerned. Did Risser mean Jesh harm? Did he lead him all the way out here to kill him? Is that what Lujen foresaw? Why didn't they head back to Anbarran?

Soon, Risser disappeared again from view. Jesh continued trudging along the trail, hoping to catch up with him. Every now and then, he'd get a glimpse of him up ahead but then lose him again. Jesh felt frustrated, tired, and hungry. His chest still hurt, and his cough wouldn't let up. He grew angry at Lord Risser and his arrogance.

The trail leveled out up ahead into a small meadow, but the grass was too thick, and Jesh couldn't tell which way to go. He stopped and stared around. Risser was nowhere to be seen.

Jesh almost called his name out, hoping to find him, but decided against it. He didn't know where they were or what enemies might be nearby.

He took off the packs and sat down for a long overdue rest. Jesh was sleeping lightly when approaching footfalls woke him.

"I didn't give you leave to rest," said Lord Risser sharply. Jesh got up and faced him, angry. A lord of the Hasson should have more compassion than this. "Let's go," said Risser.

"I'm not a mule! I didn't come back from Prent to carry your bags around! I came to help you against Prent!"

"You'll carry them, and that's a command," said the young Prince, deadly serious.

Jesh drew in a breath. "No," he said and immediately regretted it. One didn't defy one's sworn lord.

Lord Risser stared at him with a look of surprise. He studied him a moment, then quickly drew his sword and held it at Jesh's throat. "Are you refusing my command?"