They rode through the streets of Pyxis as ahead of them galloped more of Kiraha's agents, who rode off from the four of themwithout a word or backwards glance. Thorough professionals. Arum was in bright spirits. He was glad to get away from that house and the Atmosphere that was in it. Being exposed to such rivalry and animosity was scary and probably, he reasoned, bad for one's health. He stretched and sighed, relaxed. Tynan was more or less directing all the horses for them.

"By Mezen it feels incredible to be up and about again," he said, grinning brightly.

"At least we won't have to eat that horrible food again," quipped Adam.

"What are you talking about - you ate six servings." .

"So? It still tasted terrible."

Arum sighed, dismayed at the weirdness of some children. "So what's the route, Tynan?" he asked.

"We'll ride for a day north east on the highway, then strike north. We should pass a couple of villages before we reach the Northern highways. Finding Karnak should be easy then." Tynan replied confidently. He felt eyes on him and he turned around to see Adam smiling at him mysteriously as he rested in Feather's arms, his head against her chest.

"I want to ride with Ty today." he said suddenly.

"What?" Feather asked, surprised at the sudden outburst from the boy.

"I'm proud of him, he deserves hugs and I miss him." said the boy, holding his hands out to the man. Tynan had some suspicions then. He frowned and took the boy from Feather's arms, blushing slightly at the hidden compliment as Adam nestled against him, his arms around his guardian. Sometimes how Adam found things our mystified him.

"What was that all about?" Feather asked, she had been riding in thoughtful silence eversince they left Kiraha's mansion.

"I have no idea." Tynan lied.