...nt. I will not forget this."

"Forget it if you wish. But go! Don't waste time."

He turned and slipped hurriedly off towards the camp; Borsyko, Drakon and Calla slid into the undergrowth, and were away.

They had not gone far before they saw the flicker of firelight between the bushes, and heard the tuneless singing of drunks. Borysko thrust out an arm to stop Drakon.

"Hush. People ahead."

"Who is it?"

"I cannot see...wait here..."

The big warrior, ruthlesly suppressing his weakness, slid forwards to get a better view. But his reactions were not as they were, and he felt clumsy; a dry stick snapped under his hand with the sound of a rapid-fire spell. One figure, sitting alone at the edge of the firelight, swung around; and they locked eyes at the same moment.

"Borysko!"

"My King?!"

And then Drakon's voice, as he ventured forwards, sounding even more stunned than Borysko, and far more relieved.

"Father!"