...upset. I believe he's fond of you, Borysko."

Borysko blinked a couple of times, surprised. He'd always assumed that the boy resented him.

"Well...I guess I'm a bit fond of him too," he admitted ruefully. Madame de Silva patted his hand.

"I'm glad to hear it. You're a likeable man, Borysko. Underneath it all. I do believe I'm becoming rather fond of you too."

The warrior gaped at her as she rose to her feet and began to gather branches for a fire.

"Madame-"

"Please," she said, over her shoulder. "Call me Nyssa."

A while later, as they huddled around a campfire that flickered sullenly in the darkness, Borysko looked up and stared into the forest, frowning. Nyssa de Silva looked at him.

"What is it?"

"I can hear something..."

"Soldiers?"

"No...it's stranger than that..."

He scratched his head, and shrugged, glancing at his companion who looked equally puzzled.

"It sounds like someone laughing."