Chapter 42

That evening’s meal was a much more sombre affair than the night before. They lit a fire near the cave entrance. No need to hide when the potential enemy had followed them all day and knew where they were. Eleanor had attempted a story after they ate. Everyone had listened intently, except the men at the cave entrance who watched the darkness for signs of attack, but not even the youngest lad could muster much enthusiasm. Eleanor found it odd that she missed the lecherous looks from the warriors. They had been respectful of Fann all along and not stared at her, but she had seen them glance at her with desire a few times. Not tonight though. All were focused the danger at hand. Sharpening their weapons or watching the entrance to the cave. They paid enough attention to her that they smiled and nodded appropriately, but she doubted one of them could tell her the moral of a single one of her tales.

“We should lie quiet,” one of the lads said at last, “morning will come fast enough.” The