Friege was but a blip on the horizon, yet Tailtiu hid behind Father Claud to escape the long, sharp gazes of the Gelbenritter (no one knew she was leaving). Claud was a tall man, taller than she realized, probably taller than Lex.
"Tailtiu," he started. "Please tell me your father knows where you are."
Her feet hurt and they weren't even out of Grannvale. The Father wasn't above accepting a ride from a kind passerby, yet was strangely evasive when she mentioned riding. Have faith, Tailtiu.
"Tailtiu."
"I'm not lying to a priest." Claud sighed. Not in the mood to be scolded, "It's fine, Claud! Don't be such a worrywort."
Claud, yet to let go of his Fortify staff, stopped in his tracks. For the third time, "Tailtiu, if there was ever a time for worry—"
"—now is the time," she repeated. "But you don't have to worry about me. I can look out for myself. I'm not so sure about you." Tilting her head, she found his eyes. Soft, pretty faces weren't easy to read. "When else am I gonna get out of Friege?"
"Tailtiu."
"That's my name."
"I cannot shake you off, but I ask for some care."