Odo was silent as he thought. He knew the wagon was slow and it was wise for Benedict to depart before them. He looked across at Steward Alard. "Charlotte will want to come and help Petrus."

"No Odo, she cannot go!" The look on the steward's face was resolute.

Odo didn't argue.

Charlotte argued.

"Cathal believes outlaws will try to kill the reeve. This journey is no place for a woman, Charlotte," Odo ...