Yuri poking his nose in things, Talk of the fire, Sherodd's opinions.

[lantairvlea]

“That is the kind of thing that got Danrick Mishor in trouble.”

“Why are the records here if the Brotherhood doesn't want anyone reading them?” Yurrein asked.

“It is good for the Gordie’en and his Council to be aware of the Brotherhood’s full history. The rest of us?” The record keeper shrugged his shoulders in a resigned gesture. “Not so much.”

“Tos is right, I would rather not discuss the fire. It was an awful experience.” True enough.

“I’m sorry,” Weloma said, touching a hand to her chest. “I hope I didn't upset you.”

“You are fine, Weloma. A lot of people are curious about it, it’s only natural. I imagine the Jespans heard about it from their nephew who is also up there.”

Weloma took Traevel’s hand and leaned into him.

“I think we’re supposed to keep each other out of trouble.”

“What, with Kallon as chaperone?”

Sherodd shook his head. “It doesn’t matter. We’re on the same page. The arsonists could have burned the whole school down. We have no idea what they might try next, especially if they start getting desperate.”

“I know every person in this town, Mr. Haubodden.” Sray said, feeling a bit exasperated that she had to explain it. “I know them by sight, sound, and smell. They all know there are fugitives on the loose and are watching for them. There's nowhere for the men to hide within a hundred miles of Jon.”

“You have a herd of a hundred thousand trolas coming through here the next two weeks. They’re big animals and you could almost hide a whole horse and rider behind one. Don’t you think they might try to move in with the herd?”

“They might try, but they won’t succeed,” Sray insisted.

“Is it really worth risking your life for three days chasing trolas?” Sherodd asked.

“There’s a lot of people to get past. Someone would notice them and they will have no darkness to hide them as they did when attacking Engama.”

“Is it worth the risk to the other people of Jon?”

That thought was more sobering. “You think I would be putting others in danger being out there?”

“The longer they’re on the run, finding no refuge, the more desperate they are going to get. You and nameoflibrarian could have died in the fire and I doubt those men lost a single night’s sleep over it.” He shook his head and grimaced his distaste for his next words. “Except maybe on the thought you could have died, but didn’t.”

She watched him carefully. He believed every word of it, she was sure of that, but was he right? “I'll take your and M. Mishor's concerns into consideration, Mr. Haubodden.”

“I hope you do. Have a good day, Ms. Hillenbonn.”

She went back to the wagon.

“What did the cooper say?” Kallon asked.
Janef and Kayrin had not yet returned. Sray started to busy herself with harnessing and hooking the horses. “He and M. Mishor seem to think I should stay home tomorrow.”
Kallon snorted. “Why?”

Sray scanned the area around them as if looking for Kayrin and Janef, but was checking for anyone who might be in listening distance. “They think the arsonists might try coming after me and use the trolas to block their approach.”

Kallon’s lip curled slightly. “The arsonists have something else coming if they think that they can sneak up on us.”

“Indeed. I didn’t say it, but I’d rather be on the plains than at home. They can probably guess where the house is, but I don’t want anyone else knowing about Tafa. If I stay home, they might try coming to our door and I don’t want that.”