They passed over the border into Scanra before their evening meal, with almsot everyone in good spirits despite the seriousness of their mission. So far they had encountered none of the enemy, though they did find signs of an old campsite. Kel had Thom warn Steadfast in case the old occupants of the week old abondoned camp were headed their way.

Setting up the camp was differcult, much of the area was wet from recent rain, and the ground near the river was completely uninhabitable. Finally they found shelter beneath the trees, fortunately for Habek's companions, whos moaning had the members of Dom's squad at their wits end.

Kel herself was beginning to become irretated and wondered how Habek put up with, if indeed he saw these friends of his often. Habek himself had been quiet and seemed pensieve and recluse. Only speaking when spoken to, and even then only with one or two words.

Dom and co. were infamous for their fire side antics, and even now, on the wrong side of the Scanran border their reputation proved true. It was Dom's turn to cook the evening meal, so while he built the some his squad switched the food packs with nice wriggly fresh water eels from the river.

Kel leaving her newly constructed tent Kel noticed Dom's squad watching him closely. ''What are you boys up to?'' she began. Only to stop midsentance as Habek approached her.

''Lady Keladry?'' the men of the own practically scuttled away, Kel unable to do something about them, instead focused on what Habek was saying. ''I want to know when we will arrive at Nairwood Valley.'' Kel found his manner rude and abrupt.

''Around midday tomorrow, Lord Habek.'' Looking over Habeks shoulder she noticed Wolset hand Dom the box that they kept the food in. That was deffinitely suspicious. ''If you could excuse me...''

''We would move more quickly if we abandoned this riddiculous stealth, we would reach our destination in half the time.'' sighing silently, Kel resigned herself to Habeks unrest and what ever misfortune Wolset and the others had in mind for him.

''I assure you that we know what we're doing.'' Habek snorted disbelievingly.

''Maggur will know by now of my tretchery. If your king wants this alliance to work then you had better start doing as I say. And I say we move as fast as possible, starting at dawn tomorrow!'' Kel really didn't appreciate being shouted at, but still remained calm as she answered. Trying to ignore how Dom's men were watching him as he stroked the fire.

''Lord Habek, let me remind you that without us you cannot rescue your family nor free your country from Maggurs tyranny. And I will not risk the lives of the men under my command, on acting rashly.'' Maggur looked troubled my her words, but he still seemed determined to argue. Neal joined the men of the Own, and a whispered conversation ensued, culminating with Neal laughing, then stuffing his fist in his mouth to styful it.

''I have already lost everything Lady Kel, I'm sure your king can lose a few extra foot soldiers to ensure a swift and to this conflict.'' Habek seemed to think that settled the subject. He was also totally unaware that Kel kept shooting glances over his shoulder between the Dom and the others.

But Kel was not so easily swayed, ''Those 'foot soldiers' are some of Tortall's finest, but even if they weren't we value all life and do not sacrifice it unnecessarily.'' taking a breath to calm herself down, carried on, ''I understand your worry for you family but there is very little any of us can do for them if we are dead.''

Not allowing him time to give a retort to that, Kel excused herself and politely walked off, still hoping to head off whatever prank that was about to take place. Unfortunately Thom went over to Dom, who asked him to pass him the food box. Unawares, Thom did so.

Deciding their little joke might be a welcome relief Kel instead joined Neal. And looking pointedly at Wolset, asked. ''What's in the box?'' One of the others paled slightly.

Smiling innocently Wolset asked, ''Which box would that be lady Kel?'' they were all still looking in Dom's direction as they were speaking and before Kel could say anything Dom let out a yell.

Spilling out of the box were about thirty slimy and wriggling eels, Dom more surprised than anything threw the box from him, Thom whom he accidently threw the box near fell backwards. Kel joined in with the others laughing as a red faced Dom held the box for an even more red faced Thom to levitate the eels back into.

Even the odd look Habek gave Kel didn't stop put her off. Though Wolset wasn't best pleased at Dom 'assigning' them to return the eels from where they came from as he grinned evilly. Gaining revenge on his tormentors