Return to Kinthaldith

"Up," said a voice, and Jesh opened his eyes. Someone pulled him out of bed and into a sitting position. Jesh panicked until he recognized Risser, who unlocked the chain from his neck. The sun was up already, late in the morning.

Jesh stood up and saw that the horses were gone and the tents all packed up. A fire crackled in the firepit where a pot sat cooking.

Risser unhooked the chain from the tree and headed back to camp. Jesh grabbed his bedroll and followed. Risser nodded towards the pot. "Eat. There's food left."

Nowhere did Jesh see any sign of Lord Darrish and the others or their tents. "Where did the others go?"

"We're going to meet them there," said Risser.

Jesh hesitated, staring at Risser. "Where?" He knew perhaps he shouldn't ask.

Risser glared at him. "Don't worry about it." He went to his own pack and started organizing it while Jesh ate.

"You lied to me about my bag," said Jesh, still angry from last night. "At the trial, it could have proved my innocence."

Lord Risser shrugged. "What's done is done," he said nonchalantly. This angered Jesh all the more.

When Jesh finished eating, Risser cleaned up the dishes and packed them. Soon, he was ready to go. Risser shouldered the large pack, which was half the load, and left the others to Jesh. Despite his anger, Jesh felt grateful.

* * * * *

The day passed well. With the others gone, Jesh felt much more relaxed, and as the morning wore on, Risser seemed to relax more. Though they didn't talk much, Risser's mood was almost friendly. He kept a relatively leisurely pace and didn't leave Jesh behind but waited for him.

As he walked, Jesh considered his grim future. He'd made a choice, and now he was stuck with Risser, no matter what happened. Perhaps it wasn't an impossible situation. Perhaps Risser could be fair after all. He had cruel moments, but he had protected Jesh from the others on this trip. Maybe as a lord, he deserved Jesh's respect. Anyway, Jesh would spend the rest of his life in Risser's service, so he might as well make the best of it.

So far, Jesh had done what was asked of him, sometimes sullenly. He hadn't really acted as a valet for Risser, concerned with his care and comfort, affording him the respect he would give a true lord. Jesh had spent his early life training for this position. His own father had served Risser's father as a valet. Jesh decided to assume his role to the fullest. It galled him somewhat to serve a man like Risser--but there was little other choice to make now.

When they stopped for lunch, Jesh helped Risser off with his pack and began building a fire.

"I'll make lunch," Jesh offered. Risser watched him and said nothing.

Jesh had difficulty with the fire. He wasn't much good at using a tender box. Risser watched him awhile, then came over. "I'll do it." Jesh let him and went about cooking soup for lunch.

Risser lay down and rested until the food was ready, then they ate in silence. Then Jesh cleaned the dishes and packed everything up. They put their packs on and continued. Risser said nothing but watched him with interest during all this.

When they stopped at night, Jesh did the same thing. Again, he needed Risser's help to start the fire. He did all the chores, refilling the water, setting up the tent, and cooking the food without being asked. He made tea and offered some to Risser. Risser accepted it.

"Is the flavor all right?" asked Jesh.

Risser nodded. "It's passable."

They ate silently, and after they were done, Jesh cleaned the dishes and put them away.