We made camp in the forest, fairly sure we were safe from the bandits.  To be safe, however, we determined a watch would be set up and we would take turns through the nigh. 

Derrek hovered close to me during the whole time we were setting up camp and taking care of the horses.  I didn't mind at all.  In fact, I savored it.  

As I slipped Axe's bridle off, I realized how little Derrek knew, and how bewildered he was probably feeling right now.  I had three totally new friends.  Well, if Daxton could count as a friend.  He was currently slumped against a tree as he whittled away at a stick and glared at the world.

And one of the those friends was a a former Ravager.  I didn't know if Derrek had figured that out yet.  

I also had a horse of my own now.  Well, kinda.  I didn't know if he was actually mine or still belonged to Redwar.  I could also ride him or any other horse so much better.   

And finally, my sword skills had accelerated beyond what they'd ever been under Redwar's teaching.  I mean, I still wasn't quite Redwar's level, in many ways, but I'd been able to take on Corban with confidence.  

Thinking of Corban made my jaw clench.  I still didn't understand why Redwar had stopped me from ending him, and intended to demand an explanation as soon as possible.  

I led Axe down to the creek and let him drink deeply from it.  I patted his shoulder.  "You did good from me today boy.  Thanks," I murmured.  

Derrek glanced around, and seeing we were alone, spoke.  "Ravine...  Who are these people?"

The way he said it seemed to imply that I shouldn't be with them, and that made me bristle a little in a way only a sibling could provoke.  "They're Redwar, Valeria, and Daxton."  

He rolled his eyes.  "Oh come on, you know what I mean."  

"Oh, I do?"  I sassed back as Axe raised his dripping muzzle.  

He stared at me for a moment, then began to laugh.  "It's so good to hear your voice, Ravine."  

I began to laugh too.  How many times had I wanted to just have an argument with my brother, if only to hear his voice?   "It's good to hear yours too."  

His voice dropped lower, so that I barely heard him.  "I didn't think I'd ever hear it again."  

I stared at him, drinking him in as I replied,  "I wasn't sure I would either."  Then I smiled and chuckled.  "You gave us quite a chase, you know."  

"I did?"  

I nodded.  Seeing Axe was finished with his drink, I began to turn and lead him back to camp.  "I saw you in Ladris as you were leaving."  

His eyes widened.  "Why didn't you stop me!"

"I couldn't, I-"  I broke off, realizing just how long the story that would explain that was.  "I'll explain with everything else."  

He looked up.  "We've got a lot to talk about, Ravine."

"Yeah, we sure do."  I remembered something that put a little bit of spice in my voice.  "Like why you thought it was a good idea to become a spy in a gang.  Derrek, what were you thinking?  You could have been killed."

"It was like that-"  He began defensively, but then stopped and smirked a bit.  "I'll explain with everything else." 

I used the tail end of Axe's reins to try and swat him, but he ducked out my reach with a grin.  "Do better next time," he taunted.  

"Just come back her and see if you get away again," I challenged.

He stuck his chin in the air. "Nah, I don't think so."

"Hey, not fair, you've got to give me a chance to regain my honor." Though my tone was serious and demanding, on my face was the biggest and cheesiest grin in all of Thathia. It felt good to play, yes, play with my brother again. To just be the innocent girl I'd been before the Ravager raid.

I looked back to our camp, to find everyone else watching us banter. Daxton had a curious, almost puzzled expression on his face. Valeria's looked enamored.

Redwar's was calm with a satisfied half smile. But in his eyes, I saw something that I couldn't explain. There was enjoyment, happiness, but also a deep sadness and... longing, maybe?

When I caught them watching, Daxton and Valeria did a, "Whoops, got caught," face and busied themselves with what they'd been doing before.

But Redwar didn't turn away. We kept staring at each other for a moment before he spoke. "It was not easy, was it?"

I shook my head.

"But was it worth it?"

"Always," I said as I looked back at my brother.

He nodded slowly and turned away.

I was a little puzzled by our exchange and what I saw in his eyes. Something was up with Redwar, and my anger with him was swept away in a flood of concern.  

The horses were fed and put away for the night. Valeria was cooking our dinner at the fire, and Daxton was still wittling. Redwar was over by Ladine, standing at her shoulder as she grazed. His face was turned from me.

Derrek and I were left to ourselves, so I led him over to Valeria's and I's bedrolls to talk.

"You never did answer my earlier question," said Derrek as we sat down.

"What?" I said, even though I knew perfectly well what he was talking about.

"Who are these people?" He gestured outwards toward our camp. ""I don't recognize any of them."

I crossed my legs under myself and leaned forward so I was looking him squarely in the eye.

"First, and foremost Derrek, they're my friends." I paused, then amended. "Well, Redwar and Valeria are. I'm not sure about Daxton yet."

"But Redwar and Valeria are very much part of the reason you're sitting here talking to me right now. Redwar especially."

Derrek eyed him across the clearing. "Valeria, I understand. But Redwar?" He turned back to me. "Ravine, he kept us from justice!"

Despite being angry with that myself, I rushed to Redwar's defense. "Yes, Redwar. You have no idea what he has done for me Derrek. More than any man has any obligation to."

Seeing how serious I was, he backed off but still shook his head. "I just don't know. Something's off about him." He held up his fingers, ticking off the things that he didn't like. "He kept us from killing Corban. Hiis speed is way faster than the average man, almost Ravagerian." He paused. "He taught you all that new sword stuff, didn't he?"

I nodded.

His eyebrows raised. "Corban said that you fight like a Ravager."

I shrugged. "I don't know if I do or don't, but I was able to match him."

"Ravine!" He leaned forward and grabbed me. "Are you blind? The man looks to be Ravagerian!"

"A conclusion you just reached yourself," I remained calm, which was obviously a little frustrating to him.

I looked over at Redwar. "I know Redwar is different, Derrek. I've known for a long time. But I trust him with my very life, for who knows how many times he's saved it."

He let go of me and crossed his arms. "He has all the signs of being Ravagerian, and you trust him."

"Yes!" I hissed. "I do, and you should too." I bit my lip. "I just... I just don't know if he would be okay with me telling you everything. If he wants to tell you himself."

He raised his chin. "You may trust him, but I don't, at least not until I hear all the facts."

I wanted to argue more for Redwar's innocence, but held my tongue. "Fair enough." 

AN:  Ah, feels good to write in some sibling fun between Ravine and Derrek.  We just crossed 100 reads on the first chapter of this book, so yay! 

Also, a little warning here:  Sunday updates may have to just be half chapters for a little while, because I've only got so much time and I must dedicate a lot of it to editing A Challenge for publishing.  

But I wanted to have some fun with it, so go check out this book and add it to your library-->  

Even if you've never read A Challenge, I think you can have some fun.  

Thanks for reading, see you next Sunday!