Now There Are Two

"What happened?" she asked. "I dealt with the attackers with a little spell I know. It had an unfortunate effect on your 'friend'. I had known it would, already knowing what he was, but could not afford to hold back on that account." "And what is he?" "A thoabath - an oathbreaker. One who has died, but been revived and sent back into the world to betray all those to whom he owed loyalty."

Andrea did not want to believe Belboz, for she neither liked nor trusted him. But just before she had fainted she had seen Fred burrow into the ground. It also occurred to her that, whilst she was unconscious, Belboz could have dealt with her however he chose. That she was still alive and, as far as she could tell, unharmed suggested that he did not wish her ill. Not that she altogether trusted him, even now, but she was prepared to accept what he said about Fred, whom she had not much liked.

"So why can't we afford to delay?" she asked, as she hurried after Belboz, who was already walking away at a stiff pace. "Partly because those who ambushed us may yet regroup and come after us. I'd guess that they are in league with those who took your family's keep. But more importantly, because we almost certainly haven't seen the last of your thoabath. And even I would not feel confident in a second encounter, for he has great power. There is only one I know of who may be able to help us, an old friend of mine, and we are going to try to find him. He was last heard of way out in the wildlands."

"And Astra?" "I'm afraid that she is going to have to fend for herself. She seems well capable of that."

1. Andrea reluctantly goes with Belboz.
2. Andrea insists on going off on her own in an attempt to find Astra, refusing to admit to herself that she lacks the tracking skills to have much chance of success.

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