“What could be worse than a vow of chastity?”
“I’m being sent to Vayrin,” Tor told him.
To give Rin his due, he was quick. “Sheislovely.”
“But I’d have to do more than look at her for the rest of my life!” Tor snapped.
Rin made a face. “True. Are we fleeing?”
“Can’t. These were actual orders frommy king,” Tor spat the words out, “because I’m an incompetent ass whose presence is hindering the functioning of the castle.”
For a moment, the levity fell away, and Rin straightened. Seriously, he asked, “What do you need?”
Tor sighed. “Your company on what is sure to be the most depressing trip that we’ve ever taken together.”
For an extra-long moment, the other man continued to stare at him, clearly gauging his mental state. And then he nodded sharply and relaxed again, leaning back against the stable wall.
“Of course. We’ve always said we’re ready for the next adventure. You can hardly deny that we’ve never done anything quite like this before.”
Tor couldn’t help but laugh, even as he protested, “That’s because this is the most awful thing that we could possibly do.”
“Not themostawful,” Rin reassured him promptly.
“Oh, no?” Tor challenged.
Rin grinned at him slyly. “Fernila could have had a sister.”
Tor gaped at him. “Bite your tongue!”
Rin only laughed, and Tor relaxed in spite of himself.
Offering his hand, Rin said, “Come on. Let’s stop sulking in the stables.”
Since he was uncomfortably aware that he’d been doing something an awful lot like sulking, Tor allowed himself to be tugged outside.
“When did you want to leave?” Rin asked.
“Tomorrow,” Tor said after a moment’s consideration. “Better to get it over with. And I’m not sticking around to have anyone accuse me of not doing my duty to the realm.”
“That’s the spirit,” Rin said, slapping him on the back. “Shall I round up the troop?”
Tor nodded. “Might as well. However many you think is appropriate.”
Varex wasn’t going to want Tor wandering the countryside unprotected, and if Tor had to travel, he’d rather do it with a group of people he trusted.
Even if he wasn’t going to be drinking any ale with them orcarousinglike they were.
It was as if his brother had had all the joy sucked out of his life and was determined to do the same to Tor.
Chapter Two
Tor
Rin was nearly as efficient as he was fun-loving, so everything was organized the next morning just as though it had always been planned. No one could accuse Tor of shirking his duty. He was leaving with an honor guard of ten, servants, food, clothing, and supplies.
Rin had even requested the traveling carriage.
“What could I possibly want with a traveling carriage?” Tor demanded, appalled.
