Peredur glanced nervously over his shoulder as they headed back towards the clearing where they had left Lukas.  The normal night sounds took on a more sinister edge as he imagined one of those stealthy enemies crouching in the darker areas of shadow - each tree stump could conceal a figure coiled to spring, each night-call could be a signal to a scout stalking the little party.  He shivered.<br/><br/>A cover story.  What could explain two young men traveling together, if not trade or courier service?  The lack of trade goods would prevent the first, and the second - well, the second was the purpose they<em>didn't</em>want to reveal.