Katherine, too, attempts a smile in reply to his oath, but her eyes stay downcast as they ride on.

It's when his voice gets quieter, and he insists he'll make it back, she feels something in her chest tighten and the smile slides from her face.

Gently, but insistently, she pulls back on her reins and stops the horse. She sits for a spell before she lifts her chin and looks at him again.

"How can you be sure?"

It's barely a whisper.