Peril on the Highway (Double-Length Chapter)

The next morning, everyone got up early, packed up the carts and hitched the beasts of burden, and set off down the highway toward the frontier.

Captain Kestrel seemed a little distracted. “I really wish we could have found some other guards!” He muttered. “Only two, only two guards! What if that isn’t enough?”

Achilles, walking close by, frowned. “Well, if Medea and I had enjoined at the last minute, would you have just gone on without any guards?”

“We would’ve waited a few more days. I did the economic calculations, and determined that in this case, we are best off if we set off right now with just the two of you.” Captain kestrel stuck out his lip like a petulant child. “That doesn’t mean I’m happy about it! That doesn’t mean I’m not worried. The mathematical calculations simply work out the best in this circumstance.”

Achilles knew very little about math, but he shrugged and kept walking.