would

fourth day, sir. They had passed the Guild League road; there's a village just south, and they burned it. Then we passed the column, the next day, and that was the fourth after we started."
"How fast were they traveling?"
"Sir, I—I don't know. Canna said when we were three days from here that it would take them five—but that was before the rain."
"Yes. With rain—those wagons should be slowed—Cal, tell your father this. I'm leaving today, with the Company, to see if I can catch them on the road. After that, I'll go north. I'll do what I can to save his men; I'll expect to meet him soon. I can't offer you much escort—"
"Sir, I'll be fine."
"Cal, the Honeycat is infinitely devious. Let me send my youngest squire, at least: he's brave, if pigheaded."
"Sir, I thank you, but my own escort will suffice."
"Be careful, then. And Cal—be fast."
"I'll kill every horse I own, if I must. May I go?"
"Yes. Luck go with you." The young Halveric bowed and withdrew. The Duke looked at Paks; she was drinking on