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“What are they?” she asks.

“Similar to the ones I used to breach the walls,” he explains. To Illan he says, “You can use them to blow any bridges you come across on your way north too.”

Nodding, Illan grins and says, “We’ll do that.”

“But won’t that make it hard for you to get out of the Empire?” Miko asks, worried.

“We’ll be returning another way,” he replies. “With any luck we’ll meet up with you by the time you reach the border.”

“Still an army or two between us and Madoc,” Ceadric interjects.

“True,” replies Illan. “But with any luck, Lord Pytherian and the Alliance will have softened them up some before we encounter them.”

“Maybe catch them between our force and his?” offers Ceadric.

“That’s the plan,” Illan says.

“Where are you planning on going?” Delia asks.

James looks to her for a moment and says, “Oh, just some places south of here that the Empire would hate to lose.” Then to Illan he adds, “On your way north, free as many slaves as you can. They may not be able to fight well, but every bit helps.”

Illan stands up and says, “We all have things to see to before we leave in the morning. I suggest we get to them.” And with that the meeting breaks up. Ceadric heads out to find Nerun and have him close down the northward migration of civilians. James takes Delia to the pack horses where he separates the crystals he’s planning on taking with those he’s leaving for her.

Jiron on the other hand has something else on his mind. It doesn’t take him long to locate Aleya, she’s with other archers working to fletch arrows damaged during the battle. It took them some time but they managed to retrieve a good portion of those used.

As he approaches, the talking ceases as she and the others turn toward him. “Uh…” he begins then stops.

“Yes?” she asks when he fails to continue to talk.

“Can I see you a moment?” he asks. When she nods he adds, “In private?”

An arrow lies in her lap, the arrowhead slightly skewed from where it had struck armor. “Give me a sec,” she says.

He waits patiently while she works on the arrow. Once the arrowhead is again secured firmly in the correct position, she puts it in her quiver which is propped against the pack lying next to her. As she comes to her feet, Jiron leads her away to a spot of relative privacy away from the hustle and bustle of the camp.

Coming to a halt, he turns to her and says quietly, “James and I are leaving this evening.”

“What?” she asks. “I thought we were all going together?”

He takes her by the hand. “So did I,” he replies. “I’m not sure exactly where James is leading us but I do know it’s further into the Empire. You and the others are going to begin the journey back to Madoc.”

Sadness comes to her eyes as she gazes into his. “I understand,” she assures him. “You be careful.”

Giving her a crooked smile he says, “I will.” Pulling her close he wraps his arms around her and happily feels hers wrap around him. “I love you, you know,” he whispers into her ear.

“I do know,” she replies with an emotional catch in her voice. “I love you too.”

Their embrace lasts for several minutes until the stillness of the moment is disturbed by James clearing his throat. They both turn to see him there a few feet away, a slightly embarrassed look upon his face. “I hate to break this up,” he says, “but the sun is almost down.” He glances from Aleya to Jiron and says, “We need to get ready.”

Jiron nods his head. Then to Aleya he says, “Would you mind helping me?”

“Not at all,” she replies. Arm in arm they walk over and begin getting Jiron’s equipment ready for travel.

He, James and Jared assemble their equipment for travel and for the time being leave it inside James’ tent. They will wait for the protective cover of night before they transfer their things to their horses, in case anyone is watching. Once everything is ready, they get something to eat. Jiron and Aleya go off away from the others to have some privacy while they share their meal.

“Just when things between