"Sir, where are we going now?"
Feld crouched low over his horse. The damp wind, carrying the smell of its mane, rushed into his nose and mouth, making every word come out with an involuntary roll.
This family, hidden away in the mountains for years, retained a sharp military bearing. After a few brief questions to clarify the situation, they set out light, carrying only a few days' worth of rations and clean water, and led the way in an unfamiliar direction.
At a heart-stopping speed, they cut diagonally across a valley and plunged into the mountainside woods, still shrouded in a dazed, shadowy haze, moving farther and farther from the main road.
"A shortcut."
The reply drifted back from up ahead, as brisk as the man's manner. He offered nothing more.
Since setting out, the only thing Feld had learned was the middle-aged man's full name: Benedict. And that he really was the father of the boy dressed as a knight's squire, Lucian.
Lucian was more talkative than his father and grandfather, retaining a liveliness that couldn't be reined in and happily chatting with outsiders.
"We can't catch up if we pursue him directly, but if we're fast enough, we might be able to cut him off by going this way." He explained with the confidence of someone familiar with the terrain.
"You know where he's going?" Though wholly focused on controlling his horse, Feld still caught the implication behind the boy's words. "Has this sort of thing happened in your territory before?"
"That's right." Noticing that their guest wasn't much of a rider, Benny slowed a little to close the distance. "My father used to handle it. Now it's my turn."
Feld was surprised to hear no pride in Benny's voice at taking on this responsibility. He had