The lieutenant transfixed her with a stare. "Is there a place hereabout where a group of men could hide?"
"There are many such places. The hills around here are riddled with caves."
"And I suppose you know where they are?"
"Yes sir. My father was a woodsman. I spent much time in the forest with him. My mother would send me out to bring him his mid-day meal. I learned where the caves were because my father taught me to avoid them. They were frequently the hiding places for smugglers and thieves."
"I see. Well then, Maid Flindra, I don't suppose you would care to show us these caves?"
"I would be happy to, sir."
"Then do it."
Flindra smiled discreetly while she urged Deru to the head of the column. The Spirit might have solved her problem for her. She was working with the Prince's men. Perhaps this could be the opportunity she needed to move into a position to help Prince Storos.
They trotted down the road for half a league before she veered to the left on a barely noticeable path. The path twisted through the forest, obviously made by men who wished to avoid pursuit or detection. The trail would have been difficult to follow if one did not know it, but she knew it well thanks to the gift of her extended memories.
Eventually the path intercepted another. Flindra stopped here, dismounted, and examined the ground.
"What is it?" the lieutenant demanded.
"There are tracks here. Seven, no eight, horses passed this way within the last few hours. One of the horses has a worn shoe. It looks like he is about to lose it. The horse will turn up lame before his rider makes it to the caves."
"I see you are a skilled tracker," the lieutenant said respectfully. His own skills where rather rudimentary but he knew enough to recognize her expertise.
"Thank you. I had a good teacher."
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