iChina.com

Gradually a single rider clip-clopped into view. A churchman, a friar, perhaps, covered in his burlap hood, riding by himself through dangerous woods. I relaxed and stepped out from my cover. You must be either foolishly brave to chance these woods alone, Father, I called to the advancing shape, or just as foolishly drunk. The churchman stopped. That's an unusual warning, he replied from under his hood, coming from a man in a patchwork skirt. To my shock, the voice was familiar! He lifted his hood, and I saw it was Father Leo, with a smile the width of his face. What are you doing here? I exclaimed. I thought a man on a mission like yours might need his soul tended to. He sighed, struggling to get off his mount. I hope you don't mind. Mind? I'm delighted to have the company, old friend. I knew it was a risk, the priest said, brushing dust off his robe. Truth is, it's taken me so long to find a true sign from God, I couldn't bear being separated from the lance. I laughed and helped him brush off the road dirt. You look tired, Father. Drink. I handed Father Leo my calfskin and he tilted it back. We will make quite an army when we get to Bord. I smiled. The fool and the priest. Yes, the priest said and wiped his mouth, very imposing. I knew we would frighten no one, so I hope you don't mind that I asked along a friend. A friend... ? From down the road, the hoofbeats of another rider could be heard, and as he came close, I blinked twice and realized it was Alphonse. The lad trotted up to me dressed for battle. He flashed me his shy, awkward smile. You two are crazy, I said.