“Eternity,” Ula finished in a low voice.

“How do you mean?” Arien pressed.

“Imagine reliving your worst memory for fifteen minutes from the eyes of someone who hates you.” Ula looked at the boy. “Now multiply that by ten.” Arien paled and fell silent, clearly frightened of her explanation.

“When will we pass through that way?” Ronan asked.

“If we are lucky we’ll be past it in eight days.” Keegan looked at Ronan. “Have you never been anywhere outside of this place?”

“I am a blacksmith. People come to me,” Ronan answered pointedly. “I have been places but nowhere that has the magic of the likes which she describes. Is there no way around this River Blanch?”

“No.”

“What is Sledgewood? Is it just as scary?” Arien asked.

“It isn’t if you do not disturb the trees. They are guarded by Sledgers…well, that’s what they’ve been called.” Keegan shoveled more food into his mouth. “If you keep to their good side, they won’t bother you. Do wrong…well, let’s just say that pain can do a lot to a person and the Sledgers are experts about making you realize that fact.”

“I rather like the idea of the river better.” Ronan glanced at Ula when she shook her head as she shivered. Maybe her rat foot wasn’t such a bad idea after all.

“I’ve traveled this road many times. You shall make it to Merisgale alive,” Keegan said when he glanced up at Ronan. “It was wise that you asked for someone to lead you. You may have died before you got half way. There are many dangers to be aware of. I know them all by heart.”

Ronan nodded, for once in agreement with the horseman and thankful now that the man was going with them.

Two

Ronan lifted his eyes to a sun that had no mercy on the morning. Only four hours upon the horse, and his body was already silently cursing at him for the unfamiliar strain. He shifted in an attempt to ease some of the soreness in his legs and back. He was not soft but he was no rider.