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.But the Eyrders were nothing if not skilled at woodcraft,moving silently through, guarded by warriors and avatars alike.A few times Raven glimpseda wolf or bear, deer or fox, that loped too close to them to be anything truly wild. That s one of the captains, Myche said when Raven stared at the deer gracefullyleaping past them not far into the trees, pronged antlers held high. How do you know? To me it looks like any other deer. We can tell each other apart from wild animals, Myche assured. Usually by smell ifnot by sight.It s easiest if you make eye contact, though.And we have signals to make certainthat we are recognized. And rules, Breyre added where he rode in front of them, two horses on lead. Forinstance, if you recall, never enter a camp in avatar form unless you know for certain you reexpected or received on friendly terms. And show your ears? Raven added.A look passed between the other two that he wouldhave called troubled. What? Breyre slowed his horses until they were knee to knee and looked at him. Actually,showing your ears is not only to identify ourselves, but a way to reassure that we re not&well, an Outlander. He gave Raven an apologetic look. We ve had too many instanceswhere men and women have been hurt or killed because they weren t careful. Because of how we can look like you, like Eckien said.Except for our ears. This newrevelation made him nauseous. He says it in jest, Raven.He bears you no ill will, and neither do any of my warriors.They know who you are. Should I tie my hair back? Let everyone see I m not Eyrder? You don t have to, Breyre assured. But you braid your hair back, and Myche tucks his ears out of the cap, and many of thewarriors make sure theirs are visible.Not showing my ears sets me apart as well. But not the way it would if you were easily marked for an Outlander.Elekin s patronagekeeps you safe as well. He s right, Myche said. You are among friends and will not be harmed, or we ll allsuffer the Merender s wrath. He poked Raven in the side with a smile, but Raven couldn tquite match it. Maybe you should take up your practice again, Breyre said, clearly changing thesubject. Elekin will meet us in camp, and I m pretty sure he ll put you right back to work. With all that had happened the past week Raven had forgotten his lessons.Heremembered the book Elekin had given him just a few weeks before with the instructions tokeep at his studies.He hadn t thought it meant he d have to do it alone.Well, now was asgood a time as any to pick it up again.They made a cold camp that night, and the two following, and between days of ridingand as much meditation as he could manage or pouring over the illustrated book oftreatments, there was little energy or willingness, on Raven s part, given the lack of privacy for more than kisses and caresses between him and Breyre.Breyre didn t seem annoyed,only resigned, but the looks he sent Raven at times had him shifting in his saddle.He wantedto, but couldn t, and Breyre respected that.The forest finally gave way to a deep valley rimmed with tall rocks and old, gnarly trees,where shades lingered even with the sun bright overhead.Breyre resolutely led his men downthe north end when Raven would have balked. Where are we? he whispered to Myche, feeling something, like a tingle in the soles ofhis feet. Would you believe the irony if I told you it s called Ravensborn Pass? He gave Ravena wry look. It s been known to us for generations and we have a few stories about it, but thetrue use lies in its location, defensibility, and the caves. He nodded at the south-facing side ofthe valley and Raven noticed the dark mouths of small caves and crevices. But it s in enemy territory.What if they come looking for us? Myche shrugged. They might.But they have stories about this place too, a lot lesspleasant ones. His teeth-baring grin was explanation enough.They rode for nearly half an hour before Raven saw them, men appearing behind treesand rocks, nodding in greeting at the Esker.Warriors from the troops that had gone on ahead,he guessed.A ranger fell in step with Breyre s horses and guided them along.The camp was already set up in a hollow in the hillside.Trees and outcroppings overheadgave protection from sun and rain, and the tents would be well camouflaged. If they ever come this far we can lose them in the caves and come out behind them.It sa death-trap if you don t know your way around, but if you do&. Myche trailed offmeaningfully. You know these caves, then? A fair part of them.Breyre and I spent a lot of time here when we were young andadventurous. Young and foolish, is more like it, Breyre commented, pulling his horses to a halt anddismounting. We were lucky not to get lost in there. With your nose? You who can track down a single squirrel in a blizzard? Fine.Captured by Outlanders and killed, then.We were lucky either way. Breyre leftthe horses to them and followed the ranger to a cave some ways up the rock face. Grumpy, Myche muttered. You should let him have his way, Raven.I ve had hissulky treatment before and it s not funny. Raven felt his cheeks heat. Really.Maybe you should get some yourself! Myche turned, wide-eyed at his comment.The next moment he laughed so hard he nearlyfell off his horse.An hour later, when they had the Esker s camp set up and a late midday meal heating,Breyre returned.He looked grim but pleased. The caves are well in order and provisionsstored safely.If we have to make a stand here we ll be good for some time. Raven frowned at him. How long have you planned this? Breyre shrugged. Not much are truly my own plans.I found details in a book aboutwarfare, an old captain s journal, I think
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