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The afternoon passed by, but their progress was slow. Risser rested often, and Jesh had no problem keeping up. The prince's pale complexion worried Jesh, and he feared what might happen if the assassin attacked again.

In a meadow, Risser stopped again and sat down. "I want you to go find a campsite," said Risser, looking very tired. "Close to the river but out of sight."

It was late afternoon, and there was still plenty of daylight left. The young lord must be pretty badly off, Jesh worried. He turned to start for the river.

"Wait," said Risser. Jesh came back. "Leave the packs, you'll travel faster." Jesh nodded and set them down near Risser. "And take this," said Risser. He pulled the pistol from his cloak and held it out for Jesh. "Have you ever shot a gun before?"

"No," admitted Jesh.

Risser showed him the safety lock. "Unlatch this first, then pull the trigger." Along with it, he handed Jesh a small bag of ammunition.

Jesh nodded and took them, a little hesitant. He checked the safety, put it in a pocket in his cloak, and headed across the meadow.

The quiet of the meadow reassured Jesh. He hoped there were no wolves around here. For the first time, he was in a situation where he had to protect the Heir. It was a strange feeling. Risser had shown some trust in him--something he'd never expected.

Down near the river, Jesh found a spot surrounded by bushes that was fairly well hidden. He headed back to where he had left Risser, but as he neared it he saw Risser collapsed on the ground.

Jesh ran to his side, but the young lord didn't stir. "Risser!" Jesh urged, tugging at Risser's shoulders and trying to get a response. Finally, he stirred a little. "Risser--are you all right?" Jesh asked anxiously as he helped the prince sit up. Then he realized that he had shortened Risser's name to the familiar. A mistake he was in no position to make and at which he knew Risser would take offense.

"I fell asleep," said Risser, either not noticing Jesh's use of the familiar or not caring.

"I found a spot for a campsite off the trail."

"Good," said Risser. Jesh picked up the bags and put them over his shoulder, but Risser sat there without moving. He looked a little dazed.

"My lord?" asked Jesh. He held his hand out to Risser, who took it, pulling himself to his feet somewhat tenuously. He was weakening, Jesh thought with a panic. "Take my arm," Jesh offered. Willingly, Risser took it and let Jesh prop him up as they crossed the meadow to the campsite.

Jesh set all the bags down. "Do you want to eat something?" asked Jesh.

"No, I want to sleep," Risser said irritably.

Quickly, Jesh set about fixing up Risser's bedding. When he was done, he offered Risser a hand up, and Risser accepted. He moved over to the bed and took his cloak off.