The Ladies Novar left before the end of the week. They had originally planned to stay longer, but after agreeing to call off the engagement, there was no reason for them to stay.

The day after they left, Ayers and Nalin departed to finish taking Lady Eilina to her father’s estate. The three-day ride was uneventful, if cold. The snow had mostly been cleared off the roads by that time, or packed down by the feet of those who absolutely had to go out in it.

Once Eilina had been returned to her home, the two collected their halved pay, and returned to the road.

“Where are we heading next?” asked Nalin.

“We could find a new job in the city of Hadlesberg, or I was thinking that we should go and collect my cousin, since I want him to be my heir.”

“Don’t we usually rest during the winter?”

“Well, yes, but I think we already wore out our welcome at Ellcastle.”

“We’re always welcome at my father’s house, you know that.”

“Ah-ha! You’re just trying to think of ways we can escape the winter’s cold.”

“It’s not like you enjoy freezing all that much, either.”

Ayers chuckled. “Are you going to transport us, then?”

Nalin shook his head. “I thought maybe we could take some time for ourselves and ride there.”

Ayers frowned. “By the time we arrive that way, winter will almost be over.”

“Are you really complaining about over a month’s time alone with me?” Nalin asked coyly, smirking and winking at Ayers.

“Well, when you put it that way…” Ayers kicked his horse into motion. “Last one to the South’s a rotten egg!”

Laughing, Nalin nudged his horse to follow.