18
Daylight
Amazingly enough, the hammer did not drop on them that night.
Julian and Tolburt took turns standing watch; neither thought it proper to impose on Melanie to take a shift, and not just because she was a woman. She might be a mage, but she was not trained in woodcraft, and watchstanding. There were tricks to it that were easy to miss, and a slip-up could have disastrous results for their expedition and health.
More disastrous, really.
And truth to tell, Melanie didn't seem bothered by their planning without her. She simply tucked herself into her bedroll and closed her eyes without comment, like being watched over by them was her due.
It was his idea to do just that, but still, she could have at least offered to take some of the burden. Of course, Julian knew better th
