Asher smiled genuinely, for the first time in what seemed like weeks. "I like your thinking, miss Johanna. Of course, I'm sure there will be plenty of danger and more than a little bit of discomfort, but if you're willing to put up with that," he broke off and looked her up and down, "and I do believe you are...well, then I see no reason to delay."

He stooped down, picked up his bags, and closed the fireplace doors. "Shall we?"

---Skip Ahead---

Day four. From what Johanna had told him, they still had a long way to go. Asher sighed, and held his hands up to the fire. It was still cold at night, and now they ran the added risk of being attacked by wolves, bears, or whatever animal decided they were easy prey out this far in the wilderness.

Still, they weren't too badly off. Asher glanced to his left, and the twinkle of another campfire brought a slight reassurance to his mind. They were not alone: dozens of refugees off the main road had all set up camp here together. He looked back at Johanna. The light from the blaze caught her face in a warm caress, and not for the first time Asher caught himself admiring her features. He shrugged, laughing it off as a loner's curse.

He shifted slightly closer to his companion. "Tell me something about your brothers. Ciola. Anything. Let's pass the time for a while before sleep."