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de came in short, careful gestures,
as if he thought about every step before making it. For a man so long a
soldier he looked uncomfortable wearing those boots.
"You could stay the night," he offered me as I prepared my horse to
leave.
"Father will want me home."
"Night falls already, Darynn. I fear for your safety if you walk
through those woods at this hour. It takes you four hours to reach your
home from here."
"I only spend the first two in the forest, sir. I will have no
trouble."
His eyes darted back and forth, and the concern in his face warmed me.
But at the same time it made me nervous; did he know something I didn't?
His nervousness said he did. Finally, though, he nodded his head. "Take
care of yourself, Darynn. I will want to see you again." He reached out a
hand and dropped payment in my hand. Seven silver, and
more than I had asked.
"And you, Thomas. God bless you." I mounted my horse and rode
towards the woods even as the darkbess of night fell further.
As I rode, I realized the error of my choice. For the clouds had
covered the sky and neither moon shone through to light my way. At first I
felt confident, but fear began to push that confidence down, so I lit a
lantern.
I saw that I had strayed far
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