“A guardsman?” I hazarded.
Despite himself, Burrich gave a snort of laughter. “I was serious,” he said after a moment.
“So am I, about the King and Queen. We must put our minds to how we will accomplish this. I no longer care what I sacrifice to accomplish it.”
He was quiet a moment. “So somehow I’m to get four animals and a litter out of Buckkeep without exciting any interest?”
I nodded in the dark, then “Can it be done?”
Grudgingly he said, “There’s a stable hand or two left that I trust. It’s not a favor I like to ask of anyone. I don’t want a lad swinging over something I asked him to do. But I suppose it could be made to look as if they were part of a coffle being taken upriver. But my lads are not stupid; I won’t have a stupid hand in the stable. Once the news is out that the King is missing, they’ll figure it out quickly.”
“Choose one who loves the King.”
Burrich sighed. “Food supplies. It won’t be sumptuous rations. More like marching fare. Am I to supply winter clothing as well?”
“No. Only for yourself. Kettricken can wear and carry what she’ll need. And Chade can see to the King’s needs.”
“Chade. The name is almost familiar, as if I heard it before, long ago.”
“He is supposed to have died, long ago. Before that, he was seen about the Keep.”
“To live all these years as a shadow.” He marveled.
“And he plans to go on living as a shadow.”
“You need not fear I’ll betray him.” Burrich sounded hurt.
“I know. I am just so-”
“I know. Go on, then. You’ve told me enough for me to do my part. I’ll be there with the horses and supplies. What time?”