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realized the peril that her
dearest friend was in, she insisted on going with Jared. There was nothing I
could do, not when she had her mind set as she did, and I couldn’t follow, for
who would watch the children and the inn? I watched Jared and Helen both
disappear galloping into the night. It was the last time I ever saw either one
of them.”
    Adrian listened, waiting for more, and when he
realized that his uncle was done talking he looked up and saw the other man
wiping tears away from his eyes. Adrian felt the warm trail of tears upon his
own cheeks, and wiped them away. What his uncle had told him gave him more
insight into what the dreams showed him, but it also made them that much worse.
“Thank you,” he whispered.
    “You’ve never told any of us that before,”
Connor said quietly. “Why?”
    “It’s not something that one can easily explain
to his children,” said Jon, “but I hope you’re old enough now to understand
it.”
    Connor’s eyes darted to Adrian, and Adrian was
stunned by the anger they suddenly held. “ You . All because of you.”
    “Connor--” began Jon, and was cut off.
    “If not for you, she would be alive!” cried
Connor, his face contorted in anguish. “She left to save your mother and
died as well!”
    Adrian could only look at his cousin in hurt
wonder. In all the time that they had known one another, since they had been
little children, they had never shouted at one another like this.
    “Calm down, Connor!” shouted Jon. “It happened a
long time ago, and it’s not Adrian’s fault!”
    “It’s all been his fault!” shouted Connor,
crying in harsh sobs. He rushed out the door.
    Jon stood up and began to pace back and forth,
running a hand through his brown hair. “Forgive him, Adrian, he’s simply
overcome by anger.”
    “I ... I know,” replied Adrian, remembering the
accusation in Connor’s eyes.
    “I’ll go speak with him,” said his uncle and
left.
    Adrian looked at the food, and thought there had
never been a time when he’d felt less like eating. He put the tray aside and
methodically packed the rest of his clothing. He then lay down on his bed and
closed his eyes for a few moments, wishing that he could shut away his thoughts
as easily.
    He fell asleep, and for the first time in what
felt like forever, did not dream.

Chapter 5
     
    Leaving
Port Hope
     
    1
     
    Adrian awoke at the crack of dawn from his
uncle’s gentle shaking. Morning was only a hint across the sky outside. Jon
watched him silently for a few moments, and Adrian expected him to say
something, but at last he turned and left in silent misery. Adrian went to the
washbasin on slow feet, not feeling any hurry to put his life behind him, and
washed his face. He went to the bed and picked up clothes he had lain the
previous night and dressed at a lethargic pace. Once dressed, he grabbed his
bag and headed for the door. He stopped in the doorway and turned to look at
the room. It already had the feel of something long deserted, or something that
he had given away. He looked to his empty bed, and thought he should have at
least made it up one last time. Connor’s bed was empty as well, he saw; it
looked as though he had slept somewhere else.
    Adrian carried his haversack and blanket rolls
with him and walked out of the room, realizing that it was likely the last time
he would ever see it again.
    In spite of the time, Nina was awake, and she
had eggs and porridge ready for him along with milk. Adrian didn’t feel much
like eating, but he ate nonetheless, for Nina’s sake. When he was done he
exited to the stables. He stopped inside the door, surprised to find Connor
saddling one of the horses. Behind Connor the three Legionnaires tended to
their own mounts, doing last minute checkups.
    Uncle Jon came out and stood beside him. “Connor
...” Adrian began, puzzled.
    “He plans on going with you as well,” said Jon,
his voice grave and his face haggard. “He’ll have it no other way.