"So if my cooking makes me sick, I can run with that story and stick to it?" he asked. He didn't want her worrying about something she couldn't help at the moment. If he could deflect the concern, he intended to.

He noticed the quiet, too. It wasn't that he expected a bustling hub of activity. There was usually more than this. Even the night birds and insects that could usually be heard in the area were silent.

When she tugged the basket, he motioned with his sword that they should set it down out of the way. If it was nothing, they could pick it up again and continue on their path. If it wasn't, he wanted them both with the freedom to move in whatever direction they needed. He peered into the shadows for any sign of movement.