It took another two days for the Five traveler's and their flock to reach the main road. From there it was a short walk north to the crossroads between Tungol-Saju Moras-Burg and the Bastillion mines. Looking south they could just make out the large cairn that marked the track to the Tungol Scholars village. The cairn sat on the edge of the Vior this also marked the end of any cover they had to hide the flock. It was still early in the afternoon, so they made their way along the edge of the forest to find a camp where the animals couldn’t easily be seen from the road. They were all reluctant to part ways.

“It’s nice to feel the sun again,” Raya said to Thorn who was sitting on the back of the cart.

“It has been a long week” he admitted “but a good one, it seems a shame to go back to the castle”

Arwin interrupted them “There is a fire up ahead. I'm going to head over check it out, I would rather know who is camping nearby.”

Arriving at the camp Arwin met a group of five travelers. She chatted from a distance, bow in hand lowered but ready. She learned that they had bought passage on a trading boat from Seafon-Masah hoping to find work. They were on the way to the Bastillion mines which they heard were expanding. In their ranks were a teacher, a former court advisor, a gardener and two farmers. They all spoke of their downturn at the hand of the queen. The two farmers had been driven from their land while the others had fled the castle together a year ago eking out a living on the road since.

“Do you mind if we join you for the night? I think we all share a similar philosophy when it comes to the current royals.” said Arwin with a smile.

“You are welcome” said Tarn, the former advisor. “Though we have little to share.” “Well, we have plenty. Stoke up the fire” replied Arwin and walked back to the group at the cart.

“They will be good company, and if it's okay with you Will I would like to prepare a sheep for dinner. We should have a feast for our last night together.”

“They aren't my sheep” said Will sitting up.

He had been lying in the grass beside the cart watching a falcon survey the edge of the forest for prey.

“They are going to help you get on your feet all the same if we can make this work” replied Arwin.

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“Thanks Arwin, maybe we can spare one sheep then” said Will smiling happy in the feeling that his new friends really had his interests at heart.

To the delight of their new company, they prepared pots of mutton, potatoes and beans, roast legs, and herb coated ribs. Frya, the teacher, fussed over Will and Raya saying they were too young to be out in the wild, what sort of education would they get? To everyone's surprise Will stood up and sung a beautiful stanza that he was taught during his days in court of Tungol-Saju. Everyone clapped.

“Well, that answers my question,” said Frya smiling, “shall we.”

She winked at Dion the farmer, then pulled out a fiddle from her sack. Dion began with a lively beat on his drum. Their music filled the camp with joy and laughter. Thorn pulled out a whistle and joined in admitting later he didn’t get much chance to play in the guard these days.

In the morning Thorn and Willow dressed in the most bear chewed uniforms, helmets and shields from the collection.

“That should impress the major. What great soldiers we are, defenders of the queen's interests, fighter of bears, pride of the army” said Willow standing tall with a silly grin on his face.

Thorn gave Arwin the purse of coins from the captain.

“Sell what you like from the rest of the gear we don’t need any share in it, but can you keep this safe for us. If we get searched coming back into town it would be a shame to say the money was rescued for the queen and have to hand it over.” he smiled

“Drop by any time” said Arwin tucking the pouch into her cloak.

“Klint should wake up this afternoon,” said Raya “if he is in pain give him these herbs, they will help him sleep.”

“We will be in the castle by tomorrow evening and Klint needs to be conscious enough to repeat the story we tell him when he wakes up this afternoon,” laughed Willow. “He will be ok, I'm sure, thanks to your care.”

“He is only like that thanks to my bear,” said Raya smiling at her own wit despite the slightly sick feeling the memory left in her stomach.

Thorn and Willow headed to the main road with Klint on the stretcher.

“Good to know there are still some decent people in the guard, I look forward to seeing them again,” said Arwin.

“Me too,” said Raya.

Frya insisted on cutting Wills hair, even though it was done with a blade it looked one hundred times better than before.

“If we could dress you I some nice clothes you could fit right in at the royal court.” said Tarn

“He certainly won't be recognized by any guards as the dirty farm boy that ran away with the flock.” said Arwin.

They left some of the soldier's food and some seeds from Wills farm with their new friends.

Frya thanked them on behalf of the group. “Your kindness sets you apart from many we have encountered on our travels, may the rest of your journey be fruitful.”

Will felt good with his new haircut and was pleased to be out of the woods. “What are the Tungol scholars like” he asked Raya who was walking with him out the front.

“They are people just like us really. My friend Charles runs the gardens, everyone there knows lots about orbits and gravity, they talk about it more than the weather...” “I can remember a few moon poems” said Will. “They should see you right.” said Raya.