"You speak like someone from no hold I know."
"That's because I'm from no hold you know."
"Convenient answer."
"Conveniently true."
The standoff lasted several seconds.
Then Liora groaned.
"Captain, argue at the gate. The skarn nest is awake."
That ended the matter more effectively than anything Rohan could have said.
Maerin's eyes flicked toward the ridge, then back to Rohan.
"Keep the spear lowered. If you raise it toward any of mine, you die."
"Very fair."
"Walk where I can see you."
"Also fair."
The patrol formed around the injured with quick efficiency. Bryan was placed onto a collapsible stretcher made from two poles and a sheet of reinforced fabric one of the watchers carried across their back. Liora refused to be carried until she tried to stand again and nearly fell, at which point the shield-bearer silently lifted her with one arm and set her on his back like a sack of grain.
She looked furious about it.
Rohan wisely said nothing.
They moved toward Veyrhold.
