Dorothea was quiet a moment while she stared thoughtfully up at Sam, considering her with the utmost seriousness. There was something different about Sam now. For the first time, Dorothea felt the difference in their age -- that Sam was very much her elder, with experience lived in a world she could never fathom -- a world of concrete and lights and noise that had made her head ache just running through it. Sam's own life had been threatened directly by the Marshal -- if she was confident in this, then Dorothea had no right to dissuade her. For all she knew, this sort of thing happened all the time in the world across the mirror. Finally, the princess took a slow breath. "All right," she declared, firm in her decision, "I trust you."

Coralie called them to breakfast, happily proud of the piles of eggs and hash that she'd managed to brown to perfection. Everything else was packed -- they should be able to leave soon.

After awhile, Alphonse emerged from the tent, followed by the Marshal, who had his wrists bound in front of him and was wearing the browns and greens of a common sword-for-hire. His hair was damp and the clothes were slightly too big on him, but he still managed to appear dangerous and in control. He thought about how easy it might be to wrap the rope around Alphonse's neck, take his knife and hold him hostage until the others did as he commanded -- but to remain prisoner here would do more to further his ends.

He gave Sam a cold glare, already considering her in charge, ignoring the princess completely. He held out his bound wrists. "I hope you're aware that this is a joke," he growled. He thought it was plainly obvious that only binding him this much was about as useful as letting him free.

Florian poked the point of his blade at the Marshal's ribs. "Just don't get any funny ideas," he said in deadly seriousness. The Marshal snorted in amusement and sat down by the fire, where Alphonse grudgingly handed him a full canteen. He drank half of it in a few thirsty gulps.

Dorothea stopped glaring daggers at him long enough to clear her throat. She looked to Sam. "We should arrive at the farm before mid-morning, then ride until nightfall. There's a small chance we might meet Liam's men on the road, but I believe we should have more than a few hours' gain at the least."