If Jass were here now, I would demand the same of him.

Jass lay to one side, weeping, his hands tied behind his back.

Jass gathered up his pack and headed for the wide front entrance.

Feet slammed the dirt of the floor and Jass came running in.

Of Buri, Jass confessed he had seen the man only a few times.

Orman nodded and handed Svalthbrul to Jass, then set to climbing.

Pinned to the trunk by a hunting knife hung Jass's cloak.

In time, Jass took a breath and raised a hand to point down-slope.

They closed further and Jass choked out: 'Leave me to die!

Over Jass's head, Old Bear's single eye caught Orman's gaze and fixed there.

That feeling of belonging that he knew when Jass had held out his hand.

I am Jass, Bregin's son.' He held out his hand.

Orman glanced to Jass and caught him studying him; the lad quickly looked away.

His heart had been thrust through as irrevocably as Jass's.

Orman studied the three of them: the brothers and Jass.

The absurdity of the idea of his ever deserting Jass made Orman laugh aloud.