We'll take care of the rest.

What was that supposed to mean?

Rynere went back to her blanket by the fire as Kace entered the kitchen to prepare something Rynere hoped was edible. Kyndran was stirring, but Danid was as unconscious as he had been the night before.

"Where's that guide of yours?"

Rynere looked over at Kyndran. He was sitting up.

"You mean Tace?"

"Well, the other one is dead, isn't he?"

Rynere didn't answer for several seconds. How could he -how could he say that so flippantly? Tass -dead -

"So where is this 'Tace'? Tass's son, I suppose."

"No, he's not."

"Well," Kyndran glanced at the ceiling, "I guess that's good. So who is he?"

"One of Tass's relations."

"Is his sole duty in life also to kidnap young girls under the pretense of marrying them to princes?"

"It's not a pretense."

"How do you know that?" Kyndran shrugged, pushing himself to his feet. "Ah well. We'll find out. At least I'm here to make sure you aren't mistreated."

"Why would I be mistreated?"

"I don't see any other lad -nevermind."

"Do either of you want something to eat?" Kace was standing in the kitchen doorway, one eyebrow raised.

"What is there?" Kyndran said suspiciously, obviously recalling the last time one of this family line had given him food.

"Well, it's some unidentified forest game bird, a little tough but over all it has a good flavor. Mixed in are a few roots and herbs I've found here and there in the forest."

Kace grinned at Kyndran's face, which spoke volumes about what he thought about what exactly the 'roots and herbs' might be.

"There are no sleeping potions in there. Miss Rynere here is going to eat it, I wouldn't put anything like that in it."

"Only because of Rynere?"

"That's Miss Rynere to you sir," Kace smirked.

"Who are you to tell me that?" Kyndran took a step towards him.

"Please!" Rynere quickly stood up. "Kyndran, Kace, this is just breakfast!"

Kyndran sat back down on his mat, muttering to himself. Kace turned into the kitchen and brought out two bowls.

"Well then," he handed one to Rynere with a cocked grin towards Kyndran, "shall we eat?"