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important to them. A few men had already broken out the small charcoal
stoves that they all carried and were heating water for the ubiquitous cheym
bark tea which Kei had drunk for much of his journey south. It wasn t drunk in
the houses of the gentility, but it was apparently a staple stimulant and
refreshment of the common man. Kei didn t care for its smell, but it was hot
and right now that was all that mattered.
Arman was feeding his animal. Oh good, there you are are you all right?
Apart from being exhausted, saddle-sore, frozen and hungry, I feel fine,
my lord.
Arman grinned. I think that s fairly normal for the circumstances. Hitch your
mount next to mine if you feed them, I ll get the water.
No one seemed to be the least curious that Arman was attending to himself
and his animal this way. But then, he would hardly be run after by his servants
even in a bigger expedition Arman wasn t the type.
They watered the urs beasts, and Kei got the little stove going, a
surreptitious use of his power speeding the flint sparks to make the tinder
catch. Hot drinks were essential, he knew even Arman, apparently so
superbly fit and strong, looked weary and chilled to the bone, and the night
would only get colder. Where will we sleep? There was no room on the path
for tents the urs beasts took up too much room.
Where we sit, more or less, against these hairy bastards, Arman said,
crouching down and taking the drink. I hope they ll keep us warm enough.
The men should move closer together, Kei said softly. It will be warmer
for men and animals.
Yes, true. Arman stood and moved to the group of men closest to them,
speaking to them quietly. They nodded, and he returned. I ve told them to
arrange the beasts and sleep between them. It s no different from sharing a
tent after all. We don t just don t tend to think of things like that, he added in
explanation. It doesn t get this cold in Kuprij.
We don t get snow in the north very often, it s usually too dry, but the
nights are bitter. The waterholes often freeze over.
Really? Arman seemed interested. But it doesn t last?
Sometimes, if it s very cold in the night and the day is cloudy. Then we skip
rocks along the ice and scare the birds. I mean, I used to do that when I was
a child, Kei amended virtuously.
You would never be so frivolous now, of course. Arman was grinning at
him.
No, of course not. Kei couldn t help smiling back a little too.
The stove was turned off as soon as the water boiled no sense in wasting
fuel and then the only warmth came from their own bodies and that of the
urs beasts, too well-insulated in their winter coats to donate much to their
owners, but who formed a good shelter against the wind. The heat they did
provide felt good at their backs. No one dallied over their meals, and the
rumble of conversation through the ranks soon died away as the men got
settled, sitting up wrapped in blankets and cloaks and each other between
their animals. Kei had little choice but to join Arman in a similar fashion. I
hope they don t make gossip about this, he muttered as Arman drew a
blanket over their heads, his other arm wrapped tightly around Kei s body.
Kei, they re all doing the same, and if they feel as tired as I do, all they will
be thinking about is trying to rest. As should you be. Gods, I m so cold I ve
never been this cold before in my life. Have you?
Once or twice, and I ve slept under the stars more than that. Move closer,
and don t let any air in.
He could feel Arman shivering, and realised that the general was probably
suffering more than he admitted. Under the blankets and the cloak, it was as
private as a tent, so they could tangle their legs and arms together without
fearing what it looked like although Kei felt sure as the night got colder,
Arman s soldiers would do so themselves, instinctively, looking for anything
that would keep out the penetrating chill. Kei s urs beast let out a comfortable
fart. Oh, thank you, kind sir, Arman grumbled. That s not the kind of warmth
I need.
He s only trying to help, Kei said straight-faced, and was rewarded by
feeling Arman s chuckle deep in his chest. We re not going to get much sleep
tonight, I fear.
No, I know, but still try to rest. Tonight and tomorrow are probably the
worst of it, if you can bear it.
Do I have a choice? Kei muttered.
Not at the moment, Arman murmured, his beard brushing crisply across
the top of Kei s head. Are you well otherwise? he whispered.
Well enough, my lord.
Good.
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