***

  “He’s a few hours behind us,” Azile said, looking off into the distance.

  Tommy turned as if he’d be able to see him. “Determined,” was his response.

  Azile smiled.

  “Should we let him catch up?” Tommy asked.

  “Right now he’s so determined because he seeks some measure of revenge against me. We need to give him another reason for this pursuit.”

  “I don’t know if you did some spell on yourself, but my behind is killing,” Tommy told her.

  “Why don’t you sit on all those pastries you keep procuring?” she asked.

  “You did not tell me that you are now performing the dark arts, Azile!” Tommy exclaimed.

  “Come on. Let’s put a little more distance between us, were he to somehow catch us now, I’m not sure I could convince him of my intent.”