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you
could learn to be content with this land as I am, to love this land as Father
does.”
    Rowan
took a moment and gathered his thoughts, deciding what to say.
    “You are
not wrong.”
    “Of
course I am not wrong. We are brothers, Rowan. I know you and I know your
desires. I may not fully understand it, and I may not agree with you, but I
accept your wish to leave. This is not your place.”
    Rowan
knew the truth of what his brother said. He felt it every day.
    “Am I
truly so easy to understand? Does Father know my intentions as well?”
    “I don’t
think so,” Petar said. “Father knows of your wish to leave, but I think that
deep inside he denies the truth of it. He refuses to accept that you do not
intend to stay.”
    “Of
course not. He does not understand me,” Rowan said. “What would he know about
the way that I feel?”
    “You
should not be so hasty to judge. He has always lived here and felt at home
amongst these hills. It is hard for him to understand that you view this place
as a cage. And I imagine that even if he understood, it would be hard for him
to accept that you would choose to leave us.”
    Rowan
turned from his brother and pulled up the hood of his old cloak, letting it hide
the pain on his face. The way his brother spoke made him feel terrible, as
though he was betraying his family.
    “I think
our work is done. There is little more that we can do.” Petar turned and walked
back towards the house, leaving Rowan to follow at his own pace.
    Rowan
stood alone for a moment, his resolve to leave beginning to waver. He wanted to
see the world so badly, to find his place within it. He knew that Corrinth was
not where he belonged, but perhaps it could be if he gave it time. He did not hate
it so much, and he saw no way of making his father understand his feelings. But
even with such thoughts and feelings, Rowan found it hard to imagine himself
staying.
    Petar
was nearly back to the house, so Rowan did not bother hurrying to catch up. He walked
slowly, following in the footsteps of his elder brother. When he reached the
house, he found Petar and his father standing in the main room with their
guest. Brennon was speaking with the knight and Petar was standing off to the
side.
    “I would
urge to stay another night. It will not be safe to leave now. These hills are
treacherous in poor weather.”
    “I thank
you for your advice, but I must depart.”
    Rowan
went over to where Petar stood leaning against a wall as he observed.
    “The
knight is leaving,” Petar said. “Your chance to leave with him is slipping
away.”
    Rowan
did not respond. He could see it for himself, it was what he had dreaded. His
chance was slipping away from him.
    “You
should speak up. Take your chance now while you have it.”
    “I
can’t. Not in front of Father.”
    Petar
made a sound of disapproval but he said nothing more.
    “My
decision to leave is final. I will not change my mind.”
    “If you
will not hear me, then take your leave. Go, and hopefully your journey will be
safe.” Brennon turned from the knight, seeing that his cause was lost. Rowan’s
father was a stubborn man, but he knew when to give up.
    There
was a heavy thud as the knight tossed a small purse of coins on the
table. The sound told Rowan that they were being paid very well for offering
little more than a bed and some food.
    “I thank
you for your hospitality and your advice.”
    The
knight turned to leave.
    “Wait.”
    The
knight stopped at the door and turned at the sound of Petar’s voice, as did
Rowan. He wondered if his brother was going to try and speak for him, but that
would be out of character.
    “If you
intend to leave despite our father’s advice, perhaps you would be willing to
let us guide you part of the way.” Petar glanced at the purse the knight had
left behind. “We know the land much better than you, and we can show you the
quickest and safest path to travel.”
    “I would
welcome the help, if you are offering it. But I