Chapter Forty-Eight: Tell them you are my Wife

Emilian's hands tightened reflexively around MeiLan's middle as they approached the small trading settlement.  "Listen," he said, speaking lowly in her ear, "For your protection, if anyone asks, I'm going to tell them you are my wife."

She had been silent for most of the ride.  MeiLan had always been a quiet woman, but now she was taking it to the extreme.  She only nodded in assent, as she guided the horse toward the small inn and restaurant.  It was a questionable-looking establishment, the building weathered and sagging, the small yard weedy and unkempt.  There were a couple of donkeys tied at the water trough, and some stained linens hanging out to dry.  Even the people seated at the tables looked unkempt and shifty to Emilian, as he tied the horse and then helped MeiLan down.