The pillars of creation

He released the brake and flicked the reins. "If that's your wish, but I don't expect it."

"I do," she said as the wagon lurched ahead.

As soon as they were under way, he turned from her westerly course to a more northwest line.

She instantly reverted to her suspicion. "What are you doing? Where do you think you're going?"

He looked a little startled at her renewed mistrust. "You said you wanted to go to Althea's, didn't you?"

"Yes, but I was told to go west until I reached the tallest snowcapped mountain, and then on the other side to turn north and follow cliffs-"

"Oh," he said, realizing then what she was thinking and why. "That's if you want it to take an extra day."

"Why would that woman tell me to go a way that would take more time?"

"Probably because that's the way everyone goes to Althea's and she didn't know you were in a hurry."

"Why send people that way, if it takes more time?"

"People go that way because they fear the swamp. That way puts you in closest to Althea's at the end, meaning you have to go through the least amount of the swamp. It was probably the only way she knew about."

Jennsen had to grab the rail for support as the wagon bounced over a crease in the rocky ground. He was right, the wooden seat was hard sitting and with a wagon made for hauling heavy loads, it bounced more when empty.

"But, shouldn't I fear the swamp, too?" she finally asked.

"I suppose."

"Well then, why should I go this other way?"

He looked over, again, taking the briefest glance at her hair. It was a behavior she was used to. Most people couldn't help but to look.

"You said a man's life was at stake," he said, his timidity gone. "It takes a lot less time this way, cutting the comer off the route by going this side of that peak she told you about and not having to go up that twisting canyon beneath the cliffs. The problem is, you have to go in the swamp from the back, so you'll have more of the swamp to go through to get in to Althea's."

"And that doesn't take more time, going through more swamp?"

"Yes, but even with having to go through more swamp, I'm betting you'll still save a day each way. That's two days saved."

Jennsen didn't like swamps. More to the point, she didn't like the kinds of things that lived in swamps.

"Is it much more dangerous?"

"You wouldn't strike out alone with no supplies if it wasn't pretty important-a matter of life and death. If you were willing to risk your life to do that, then I figured you'd be looking to save any time you can. If you'd rather, though, I can take you the long way, with less distance through the swamp. Up to you, but if time is important, it's two days more by going that way."

"No, you're right." The meat pie on her lap was warm. It felt good to have her fingers around it. He was a thoughtful man for bringing it. "Thank you, Tom, for thinking to save time."

"Who is it that's at the other end of life and death?"

"A friend," she said.

"Must be a good friend."

"I'd be dead, now, if not for him."

He was silent as they rolled toward the dark band of mountains in the distance. She brooded about what might lie in the swamp. Worse, she worried about what would happen to Sebastian if she didn't get Althea's help soon enough.

"How long?" Jennsen asked. "How long till we get to the swamp?"

"Depends on how much snow is in the pass, and on a few other things. I don't go this way often, so I can't say for sure. If we ride all night, though, I'm reasonably sure we can be to the back reaches of the swamp by morning.»

"How long to get to Althea's, then. Through the swamp, I mean."

He glanced over uneasily. "Sorry, Jennsen, but I don't know for sure. I've never been in Althea's swamp before."

"Any guess?"

"Just knowing the lay of the land, I don't think it should take more than a day to go in and come back, but I'm guessing. And that doesn't count how much time you'll be spending in there with Althea." His uneasiness returned. "I'll get you in to Althea's as quickly as I can."

Jennsen had to talk to Althea about the Lord Rahl-both her father, and the present Lord Rahl, Richard, her half brother. It would not be good if Tom were to discover who she was, or her purpose. His helpfulness would evaporate, at the least. She also thought that a reason for him to stay behind might be in order, lest he get suspicious.

She shook her head. "I think it would be best if you stayed with the wagon and horses. If you drive all night, then you'll need to get some rest to be ready as soon as I come out. It will save us time."

He nodded as he considered her words. "That makes sense. But I could still-"

"No. I appreciate the ride, the food and water, and the warm blanket, but I won't let you risk your life in there, too. It would be the most help if you waited with the wagon and were ready to drive back when I come out."

She watched the wind in his blond hair as he thought it over. "All right, if those are your wishes. I'm glad you let me help you with my part of it. Where to after you see Althea?"

"Back to the palace," she said.