Rynere woke up to Danid's voice -which more than slightly angry.

“What happened to her, Tass?”

“She fainted.”

“I know that. Why? What were you doing?”

“I was talking to her.”

“Tass,” Danid said warningly.

“What?”

“What were you saying?”

“I was just telling her about what I was doing with the person I was meeting.”

Rynere opened her eyes. She was lying at the edge of a small clearing. Tass was leaning against a nearby tree, grinning. Danid was next to him, glaring at him, and Karoy was nowhere in sight.

She had a headache.

“What ...”

Both heads turned. Tass grinned.

“Ah, Rynere ...”

“What happened?” Danid didn't even wait for her to sit up.

“Tass -”

“What about him? Why did you faint?”

“She was holding her breath too long,” Tass said, studying his fingers -looking a lot like he had the day Rynere had met him.

“Why was she holding her breath too long?”

Rynere felt the side of her head that was hurting. Pointless arguing …

“Rynere!” Danid turned to her. “What did he do?”

Rynere really wasn't in the mood to use any more words than necessary.

“He told me that he was married.”

The silence that followed was music to Rynere's ears. Danid was staring at Tass, absolutely incredulous.

After several minutes, Danid spoke.

“You're what?”

Tass grinned.

“Married, Danny.”

“Who -how -”

“It's a long and complicated story and one you probably shouldn't worry about. Suffice it to say ...I am.”

Danid didn't respond.

“So, Danny,” Tass straightened, glancing over at Rynere. “Exactly where did that guard of yours go?”

“He's looking for water.” Danid was still watching Tass warily.

Tass's eyes suddenly widened.

"Already?"

"What do mean, 'already'?"

"Which direction did he go?"

"Ahead on the path ..." Danid said carefully.

"Tass, what is wrong?" Rynere asked, pulling herself to her feet.

Tass started walking in the direction Danid had indicated.

"The guard usually doesn't get himself killed quite this early."

"What do you mean, 'get himself killed'?" Danid followed him.

"I meant exactly what I said. And, unless I'm greatly mistaken, I can't stop it at this point."