Roland leant in, brushing his lips against her forehead, and shook his head. "If I am," he said, rather grimly, "it's only because I'm well-practiced in those thoughts."

But he had no mind to dwell on that, and he doubted she wanted to either. He just brushed her hair back from her face, a small but gentle gesture, and gave her a little nod, holding out his kerchief. "Wipe your face. We ought to find the others and head back before too long. I mislike leaving Alain alone too long, with all he's been through."