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Traitor!

A need ca Zachary and Captain Mapstone to warn the broke, and so did his fever, he would rean was the one who risked herself to move Mornhavon into the future Maybe it had really been a trick she played, part of some nefarious scheme Maybe…

Birds squabbled in the trees outside his tent, and the crisp h the entry flap chilled the sweat clinging to his skin He shivered violently, pulled his blanket over his shoulder, and laid there for soan confused him He remembered so clearly that she had come to him in the forest, had soothed him and helped him find his way into the tower, yet was it really her? He’d been so very ill Probably delirious The power of the forest could haveand hearing things that were untrue

He sighed That had to be it He could not ian…No, she would not betray hiiven hiry he had been with her when they parted and she had not understood why He could still see her bewilderment and her hurt She had wanted to talk to him, but he had refused What must she think of him?

They had been friends, though Alton had once hoped for more He had probably ruined even the friendship

He started to drift back into sleep as the blanket warht had not been a restful one, and now peace lulled hih the canvas walls of his tent and the bustle of camp faded away, a new clamor jolted Alton awake

Outside, soldiers raised their voices in cheerful greeting “Rider!” one exclaimed

Alton rolled off his cot and, wrapping his blanket about hih the flap of his tent

A Rider, indeed He grinned

Garth Bowen handed off his mare, Chickadee, to a soldier when Alton stepped out of the tent and called to hi man waved and sauntered over “Alton, well met!” He reached out to shake with Alton, but Alton ruefully held up his bandaged hands Garth swept an assessing gaze over hi well, but I’m afraid I cannot”

Alton could only iine how bad he looked Then a breeze carried to hi over a nearby fire His storowled “Have you had breakfast yet?”

“Just some hardtack on the road”

Alton caught hold of one of his servants and requested food be brought to his tent One of the benefits of being the lord-governor’s heir was having servants in attendance, even at an encampment Once inside the tent, Garth’s considerable self took over one of the cas before him and slumped comfortably in his seat

Alton, meanwhile, pulled on a rumpled shirt and a pair of trousers that had seen much wear

“Have you brought news fro?” Alton asked

“Not exactly, no I’ and Captain Mapstone are anxious to knohat progress you’ve en and the wall”