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typically meant to speak with the dead; we necromancers have the gift of that communication, but the incense makes it easier when we're able to get it." His mouth twitched, ever so briefly before all traces of unexpected humor were ruthlessly stamped out. "Much like having a sword to hand rather than being forced to fight bare-handed."
    Sorin smiled. "They do make things a good sight easier." Clearly annoyed that he'd been caught in his flash of humor, Koray glared and said nothing further. Brief levity fading, Sorin wondered aloud, "Why is it we know nothing about necromancers?"
    "Because—" Koray started to say, but was suddenly drowned out by a soldier.
    "They're soul eaters," the soldier spat, shaking with anger, covered in blood and gore, a livid cut on one cheek. "They take in souls the same as demons—that's why no one wants the filthy bastards! They're no different than demons! I've seen them do it! Bugger off, you demon, no one wants you here!"
    Sorin grabbed the man when he would have lunged and shoved him in the direction of some higher ranking paladins. "That is enough. I said that the necromancer Koray is my guest. He has met with and been approved by the high priest. His eyes are violet when he uses his powers, which means he is Goddess-blessed. No man with violet eyes is a demon, or close to a demon, and I bid you accept that or suffer my wrath. Do I make myself clear?"
    A chorus of 'Yes, High Paladin' resounded, some more enthusiastic than others.
    "Get back to the castle," Sorin ordered, motioning his officers to get to work, get the men home. He turned back to Koray. "I apologize."
    Koray shrugged. "What do I care if he voices what everyone is invariably thinking? Anyway, only a few marks ago you would have taken his side."
    "I do not take sides until I understand the situation," Sorin snapped.
    "Ah, so running after strangers and nearly getting them killed in a forest in the dead of night—"
    Sorin heaved an aggravated sigh, cutting him off, and said, "You were suspicious; I wanted to ascertain that you were no threat. Are you always so rude and inclined toward making wild assumptions?"
    "Find yourself frequently reviled and beaten and practically starving to death, High Paladin, and you tell me how much patience you have with people," Koray hissed. "I have no love of knights who never bother to ask questions before they attack me. You were no different, for all you are Highest of all Paladins. Let us return that I might do my duty and be free of this place." Turning away, he strode off.
    Leaving Sorin wanting to throttle him. Goddess in Heaven, what was next?
    Exhaustion washed over Sorin then, and he recalled he'd already been hungry and tired before the sudden call to arms. He swayed on his feet as he walked to the horse Emel held for him and smiled weakly in thanks as Emel once again caught him. "You are determined to collapse in front of your men, my lord," Emel teased. "I promise it will not make them more obedient. Quite the opposite, I fear."
    Sorin managed a laugh. "Help me up on my horse, miscreant. Koray, are you riding with me or would you like a horse of your own?"
    Koray looked at him like he was an idiot. "I will walk. I want no part of those foul beasts."
    "With me, then," Sorin said and snatched him close before Koray could move away, only laughing at Koray's futile efforts to break away. "Emel, help him up."
    "Get away from me," Koray snarled. He cast one last, hateful look at Sorin, then seemed to decide it was easier to cooperate for the time being and mounted with a smooth ease that surprised Sorin. The way Koray acted about horses, he had assumed Koray had never learned to ride. "Are we going?"
    Laughing again, Sorin mounted behind him, then paused a moment to make certain he would not fall off. Assured he would stay on the horse until he reached the castle, he spurred it into motion and followed the rest of the soldiers home again.
    Dawn was breaking as they reached the castle, and