Page 202 of Moon Craving

Abigail kept walking when she reached the smithy. Not bothering to ask why she

had not stopped, Guaire followed. They walked right through the gate, the gatekeeper not

detaining them because of Guaire's presence.

They had walked well beyond the wall when Abigail stopped. "Which way?"

"To where?" Guaire asked.

"To my sister's clan. Which way to Balmoral Island?"

"What did the king's messenger say?" Guaire asked, his own desolation dulling his

usually bright green gaze.

She told him.

Guaire looked stunned. "Talorc sent a messenger complaining about you to the

king?"

"Yes."

"I don't believe it."

"I know what I saw."

"Yes, but . . ."

"The messenger said the king would take care of me one way or another."

Guaire's already pale features leeched of all color. He pointed to the northeast.

"Balmoral Island is that way."

Abigail started walking. Guaire fell into step beside her. They stopped to drink from

a stream as the sun rose high in the sky.

"Our clan keeps skiffs for crossing the water in a cave at the water's edge," he told

her. "We'll have to wait until tomorrow to go to the island though. Walking, we won't reach

the water until darkness has already fallen."

"We can stay in the cave with the boats."

"Aye."

They resumed their journey, not stopping to rest until late afternoon. Like all

warriors, Guaire carried dried meat in the small bag he kept tied to his belt. They ate that

along with berries and greens Abigail foraged. It was no feast, but it renewed their

strength to continue their hike through the forest.

Although the moon shone brightly in the sky, it was past dark as Guaire had