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and the Darmar had him executed. In addition, nine of our estates were
forfeited to the Darmar. Other estastes were seized and distributed to other
nobles. Since then, the Empire has officially censured the House of Veta for
seven generations, and to make matters worse my father has squandered our
fortune. I have no inheritance, and our last remaining estate is reserved for
my worthless older brother. He is a spoiled failure who wastes money in
gambling houses and brothels.
Now that Dreibrand spoke about his family, he felt better about being stranded
in the forest with a dangerous beast.
Miranda found it intriguing that people who had everything could make such
problems for themselves, but she could empathize with a bad family life that
had no future.
I have a few questions about the Atrophane Horde, Miranda continued.
Dreibrand looked at her attentively, and she asked, If I had stayed in
Droxy with my children, would your soldiers have killed us?
This question caught Dreibrand off guard. He did not want to imagine
Miranda at the mercy of marauding soldiers.
You could have been killed, he admitted. But they would have wanted to take
you alive. You would be a valuable slave.
Is that how you see me? Miranda demanded angrily.
Dreibrand noted her defensive tone and her presence in the forest suddenly
made more sense. War turned people into slaves, but it also gave slaves an
opportunity to run away.
Anyone can be a slave, Dreibrand said.
I am not a slave, Miranda insisted.
Reacting to her sharp tone, he inquired, Who has been hitting you?
Miranda parted her lips, but faltered, uncertain what to say.
Before you deny it, I saw the bruises on the side of your face when you
cleaned my wounds, and the cut still shows on your lip, Dreibrand said.
Her hand strayed to the bruise near her ear. She noted that Dreibrand was a
very observant man, and not easily lied to. I guess you could say I
deserted too, she conceded.
Dreibrand appreciated her subtle admission.
Enough talk of me, she declared, taking back control. Would the
Atrophane have killed my children?
It disturbed Dreibrand to hear her questions. After expanding the
Empire for two years, he had seen atrocity. Sometimes children get killed,
he murmured.
Finally Miranda felt justified in her actions. Fleeing into the Wilderness was
perhaps foolish, but it may have saved her children s lives.
Do you kill children? she added coldly.
No, of course not, Dreibrand answered quickly as if he had a choice. I
am an honorable warrior, not a mad dog.
Miranda hoped it was true.
After an awkward silence, Dreibrand complimented her actions. You were wise
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to stay out of Droxy, but what is your next step?
Miranda considered her options. I saw my village burning when I rode up here,
and if my former master saw me again, I think he would kill me, so I suppose I
will make my way back to Ciniva, she replied but with an obvious lack of
enthusiasm.
Back to your family? he wondered.
Miranda frowned as if she had a bad taste in her mouth. I have no family,
except for my father, who sold me into slavery when I was fourteen.
I will fend for myself. I can make money in one of the towns, she decided.
Miranda made this plan as she spoke the words and inwardly accepted the means
by which she would support her family.
It does not sound like you have much to go back to, Dreibrand noted.
No. But I will go on, she whispered.
I have an idea, Dreibrand said. We could find the way up these cliffs while
things cool down around Droxy.
We? Miranda repeated.
Yes. I seriously think we should join forces, he stated. I want to explore
while I am here, and then I will help you get back to Ciniva.
Who says I need your help for that? Miranda argued.
You will want to avoid the Atrophane, and the Bosta Territory will be under
martial law for at least a year. To do this you must stick to the backcountry,
which will be occupied by bandits and other desperate sorts.
You will not be safe, but I could protect you.
Miranda had to admit that he gave good reasons.
He added, And with that fenthakrabi around, we both need someone to watch our
backs.
This reason carried the most weight. Although reluctant to trust him, she had
to be practical and conceded the need for a companion.
You say you can collect weapons from the camp tomorrow? she said
thoughtfully.
Unless that thing carries weapons and I hope it does not I should get my
sword, dagger, a bow, and maybe another sword or two, he responded.
If you promise to share these weapons with me, I will accompany you as long
as it pleases me, she stated her terms.
Dreibrand grinned at her caution, admiring the way she conducted herself like
a general. You can have half of everything. I will even teach you how to use
a weapon, he offered happily.
Learning how to defend herself appealed greatly to Miranda. You will teach me
then.
We are agreed? he urged.
Yes. We will travel together, she said.
Dreibrand seemed genuinely pleased, but Miranda remained neutral.
She would wait to see if he kept his promises.
Next they agreed to split the watch throughout the night. Miranda let
Dreibrand rest first because he was hurt. He buttoned his blue silk jacket
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