She tried to smile, but her mouth felt all wrong.

“How did the last harvest go” he prodded, trying again to distract her.

“I know what you are doing,” she said, trying not to whine. “Let’s go back to our first conversation.” She gave him a level look. “I don’t like the thought of you being a soldier, Trasen. The Romani are dangerous.”

“So are the Wayland Outriders,” he countered. “I’m not going as a soldier. Finders are paid much better.”

“Why are you so suddenly interested in earning ducats” she asked, butting his knee with hers. “Is there a fancy bow you are craving A new blade”

He smiled wanly, looking down at the floor suddenly. “It takes ducats to start a homestead, Phae. Of course, there are all those abandoned ones in Wayland from the last Plague. But I’ve heard