Everything Begins

Chapter 26

"Thank Yisu! Tonight we get a bath and a bed and a decent meal.”

“And just what is wrong with my cooking?” Tero asked.

“Nothing, but you have to admit that with supplies running low, today’s midmeal was a little lean. I am yearning for a mahisa steak with potatoes and fresh vegetables dripping with butter.” He grinned. “But first, a long, hot bath.”

Tero laughed. “All right,” he conceded, “even I have to admit that sounds good.”

Frank and Sophyra said nothing. They were riding slightly ahead of the other two, and neither of them were in the mood for light banter. They were both trying to think of anything but what had consumed them for the last two days.

For his part, Frank was trying to ignore the heat coming from Sophyra. He knew what it meant, and he was not sure how much longer he was going to be able to ignore the fire that was building up between them. At the same time, she was thinking of him. During their ride north, she had had the opportunity to admire him without him notici