The pillars of creation

Jennsen admitted the truth of it with a nod and went back to eating her own meal in silence.

"Anyway," he said, "this gives us and the horses needed food and rest. It can only help us put more distance on them. I'm glad that you reminded me of how the Creator helps those in need."

Jennsen was warmed by his smile. "I hope it helps that poor boy."

"Me too," he said.

"I'm going to clean up and see if they need any help."

He nodded as he scooped up the last piece of lamb into his spoon. "You take the next to last cabin. I'll take the one after, on the end. I'll go start you a fire first while you finish up, here."

After he put his spoon in his empty bowl, Jennsen put a hand over his. "Sleep well."

She basked in his private smile for her and then watched as he whispered to the healer. By the man's nod, she guessed that Sebastian had thanked him and wished him a good night. The mother, sitting beside her boy, stroking his brow, also thanked Sebastian for the help, and hardly noticed the icy air that rushed in as he went out the door.

Jennsen carried a steaming bowl of stew over to the woman. She accepted it politely, but absently, her attention on her small worry asleep at her hip. At Jennsen's urging, the healer sighed in agreement and sat at the table while she served him a bowl of his stew.

"Quite good, even if I made it," he said with good humor as she brought him a mug of water.

Jennsen chuckled, assuring him that she shared his conviction. She let him eat, occupying herself with cleaning the dirty bowls in a wooden wash bucket and then adding several logs to the fire. The burning logs shot showers of sparks. Oak made a good fire, but it was messy without a screen. As she arranged the logs, sparks anew swirled up the chimney amid billowing smoke. With a broom from the corner, she swept the dead ashes back into the hearth.

When she saw that the healer was nearly finished with his meal, she sat on the bench, close to him, so that she could speak privately. "We must be leaving early, so in case I miss you in the morning, I wanted to thank you for all your help this evening, not only for the boy, but for us as well."

Although he didn't look down, she knew by the expression on his face that he interpreted her need to be away early as having to do with the knife at her belt. She said nothing to dissuade that notion.

"We appreciate the generous contribution to our sect. It will help in our efforts to help our people."

Jennsen knew he was just marking time until she said what was really on her mind, so she finally did. "I would like to inquire about a man that I've learned is living with the Raug'Moss. He may even be a healer, I'm not sure. I'd like to know if you know anything about him."

He shrugged. "Ask. I will tell you what I know."

"His name is Drefan."

For the first time that night, the man's eyes revealed the fire of emotion. "Drefan was the evil spawn of Darken Rahl."

Jennsen had to force herself not to show any reaction at the power of his words. She reminded herself that he had seen her knife with the symbol of the House of Rahl, and that might be coloring his words. Still, he sounded emphatic.

"I know that much. I still need very much to find him."

"You're too late." A satisfied smile ghosted across his face. " 'Master Rahl protect us, " he quoted from the devotion.

"I don't understand."

"Lord Rahl, the new Lord Rahl, killed him-spared us all from that bastard son of Darken Rahl.-

Jennsen.

Jennsen sat stunned, feeling almost as unseen talons were coming out of a dark sky toward her throat.

"You're sure" was all she could think to say. "I mean, you're sure that Lord Rahl was the one who did it."

"While there were polite words spoken about Drefan's death, about how he had died in service of the people of D'Hara, I believe, as do the rest of the Raug'Moss, that Lord Rahl killed Drefan."

Jennsen.

Polite words. Polite words for murder. Jermsen imagined that one did not just come right out and call it murder to Lord Rahl's face. Ordinary people were murdered. Lord Rahl's victims died in service to the people of D'Hara.

Jennsen felt her chest tightening at the fright of Lord Rahl being one murder closer to her. Darken Rahl had not found Drefan. Richard Rahl had. Richard Rahl would find her, too.

She gripped her trembling hands together in her lap, under the table. She hoped her face didn't show anything. This man was obviously loyal to the Lord Rahl. She dared not reveal her true revulsion, her true terror.

Surrender.

Her true anger.

Surrender.

That single word echoed around in her head behind the tumbling thoughts, her frustration, her hopeless gloom, her burgeoning anger.

CHAPTER 34