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How will that help us? By getting rid of you pests! he thought. And it would hardly hurt them very much. This was a hopeless chase anyway. Various other scenarios went through his mind of what should have happened, should have been done...but he pushed them all aside. He was not to argue.
Coen raised his eyebrows at the boy. Of course he had respect: enough respect to talk back to his elders. But it had been glaringly clear that this boy did not have anyone to control him at home, much less once he had taken off into the woods.
"It will help us by keeping you three out of our way. The Lord Athanar's orders were not only to seek the fugitives but to see to the safety of the Hall and its inhabitants -- and you will find yourself safest at home."
It was not a suggestion. Coen lead his horse back to the road and mounted up. He was done here. He looked apologetically at Fearghall, making it clear that if nothing went as hoped, the soldier would be completely excused... "See to it that these boys make their way home."
He turned back to Javan and the boys. "If I see you again out here, you will be thrown over the back of a horse and taken back to the Hall."
Coen called for the others to follow him and took off at a quick trot down the road. Perhaps they would not come back empty handed at least, he thought, grinding his teeth. This was ridiculous. How could someone as accomplished and noble as Athanar get landed this backwater bunch of ruffians who did not even know how to keep their women and children in line?
Fearghall stood holding the reins of his horse, frowning at the boys and looking tired. "I have no more desire to deal with you than you do to deal with me, boys. I assume you're gonna persist kickin' and screamin' about all this?"
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