‘After Lostring Hill I went back home, close to the edge of the Crackmarsh. This is how I came to Andhun from there.’ They stopped beside a frozen pond. Mirrahj reversed her spear and smashed the ice around the edge so their horses could drink. Gallow drew a map in the snow with a stick. ‘The Crackmarsh is here, the Ironwood here. We go around the top of the Ironwood and then cross the marsh to the Aulian Way. The road leads to the Varyxhun valley.’ Mirrahj pinched her lips. ‘Crossing the Crackmarsh? So there is a way.’ ‘Probably about a dozen.’ Gallow yawned. ‘And you know them! Tell me!’ Gallow shook his head. ‘You’ll see soon enough. Until then it gives you another reason not to kill me in my sleep.’ ‘And why should I do that?’ Mirrahj spat a laugh at the snow. ‘We’ve both turned our backs on our people now.’ When he took her hand she flinched and snapped it away, got up and went back to the horses. He understood her bitterness. ‘Well, I have no secret to hold over you, forkbeard, yet I’ll sleep easily enough.
