Tedi winced at the implied insinuationin Master Clava’s remarks. “Master Clava, I was not trying to . . .“

Konic waved the boy to silence. “Tedi,whatever the reason for your little journey up on the roof, it wasnot the reason the witch was questioning you. Arik, I want you boysto move down to the little clearing just south of here, the one weused to picnic in with your mother. Start a campfire but keep alertfor bandits. I’m going into town to get Master Markel and we’llmeet you there.”

“Master Clava,” Tediinterrupted, “are you sure it’s a good idea bringing my father outhere? I mean with his drinking and all, he might . . .”

“Tedi,” Konic began softly,“your father is a good man. Never forget that. He has had a problemcoping with the loss of your mother and he is not the first man totry to drown his grief. I think his time for mourning is over now.I probably should have forced it to end sooner but, in a way, Icould almost join him in a bottle. You know the man as your fatherand that is a pretty narrow scope of perception. I’ve known yourfather for over thirty years and there isn’t a finer person I’veever known. If there is going to be trouble, he is the one man Iwould call on to guard my back. You boys get going and we’ll meetyou there soon.”

“Be careful, Dad,” Arik calledafter the retreating figure.

The boys moved to the clearing andgathered wood for a fire. “Do you believe those things your fathersaid about my dad?” asked Tedi.

Arik turned and looked at Tedi. “If myfather says it, then it’s true,” Arik replied. “I don’t know whathe can do for your father that hasn’t already been tried, but ifanybody can help, he will.”