“You don’t even know me.”
“You’ll receive five loaves next time,” he answered and turned to walk away, calling over his shoulder, “I’ll see to it.”
15
NOW: PRIEST
That first morning, Gerard’s soldiers instructed each wagon to empty their waste from the night into a long latrine dug at the edge of the camp. I stood in line to do so, our bucket’s rope handle in my hand. My eyes roamed over my fellow penitents, observing both Sheridan and Carver folk. There was an air of unease, of nervousness. We all saw that there was a Perpatanian soldier for every two penitents. It seemed to be more than necessary.
We may have been offered the sanctuary of Skow at the end of this pilgrimage, but there was no turning back or stepping out of line now. With every hour, every pass of a small unit of marching soldiers by each wagon, it became more and more apparent. Our grace came at the cost of our freedom.
I stepped up to the ditch with a handful of others when it was my turn, our distance a polite effort not to splash filth on the shins and feet of the person nearby. When I had completed my chore, I began my walk back to our wagon, wending my way among tents and other wagons, small campfires steaming from hastily cookedbreakfasts.
“Robbie,” came a friendly voice.
I turned to see a man with silvered hair and a rakish smile. “Oh, good day, old friend,” I said, winking as he drew near.
My one-time lover caught up to where I stood, ease in his manner. “Some enterprise this, isn’t it? Definitely will be the longest drive I’ve ever done as a driver for Thane. I would not want to do it, but he is paying us double and I’ve a little one now.”
“You do?” I exclaimed. “That is wonderful, Herschel.”
He nodded. “She’s small. Sweet thing. Can’t believe she’s mine. Thought it was too late for me.”
“You are a handful of winters older than me. Plenty of men get children on wives at your age,” I chided.
“No wife,” he sighed. “The mother won’t have anything to do with me, but I can see my girl whenever I wish if I support them. Hence me taking this business on with Thane. She’s out Eccleston way to the north of the city. Had no harm from Tintar. Too rural of a place. Anyway—” He looked at me with some guilt in his expression. “I’ve a favor to ask, and I hate to ask it.”
“Please,” I said dismissively. “Weare‘old friends’ even if I joke when I say that. What is it?”
Herschel stepped even closer to me. “Everyone in Sheridan knows Thane has eyes for you. I need this work, Robbie. For my girl. I can’t have him unhappy with me because of—because we used to swive.”
I squinted. “You want me to act as if I do not really know you?”
“I feel dirty asking. I am sorry.”
I pursed my lips. “That's reasonable.”
He glanced up at me. “You do not mind? I would rather be safe.”
I shrugged. “Whatever gives your mind peace. I don’t think his eyes are as much trained on me as you would think, but I will defer to your wishes.”
“I would never want you to think I am ashamed of having had you.”
“Your babe comes first. Well before my pride.”
“It was quite the opposite, just so you know,” he said, his old flirtatious manner creeping back into his voice.
“Quite the opposite of what?”
“Quite the opposite of shame,” he explained. “I mean several of Thane’s other long-distance drivers knew. And I threatened them with my fist if they were to expose me to him, but they knew and if I am honest, ‘old friend,’ I was damn proud of having been your lover for a season or two.”
I looked away, trying not to laugh and failing. “For gods’ sake.”
“It’s true!” Herschel replied. “I had to deal with lots of jealousy.”
“Oh go on.”
“It was worth it though,” he added.
