Bili smiled again. “Whatever you wish, Lord Ahlee, for you have served me and my House well. I know you to be a stark warrior, for all that you profess to be a man of peace. You may remain with your patients or you may ride with me.”
Ahlee’s gentle smile answered Bili’s. “Young Eeshmaheel is become as accomplished a physician as am I.
Indeed, he already has a Volunteer apprentice,’ so the wounded here can receive no better care from me. I had long forgotten how exhilarating is combat. I will fetch my blade and see to my horse.”
“And me, Bili?” inquired Milo.
The smile slipped from the young Thoheeks” face. “Who am I to give orders to My Lord?” he answered uncomfortably, the memory of his attempt to execute this more-than-man still painfully fresh in his mind.
“No, Bili,” Milo mindspoke. “Put that from your thoughts. I knew your intention and could easily have stopped you, had I so desired.
“But that was last night. May I ride with your force this morning?”
“Any sound horse in my stables is yours, My Lord,” Bili silently assured him. “I will be most honored to do whatever the High Lord commands.”
Milo grinned. “Remember that promise, Bili; for are you truly that which I believe you to be. I have great plans for you.
“But for now, for a little while longer, think of me only as your distant-Kinsman Klairuhnz, and command me as you would him. You see, young Bili, the life of a High Lord is often boring, and I must return to that life soon enough.
“Now,” he smiled, “shall we go and see if that witchman’s big chestnut is the charger he claims to be?”