"If only the spear could think for itself," Maximus replied, offering a grin as Wyatt stood. He checked the man over at the same time - just in case - but seemed satisfied that he wasn't about to die.

It was easy to joke about, as it helped keep at bay the truth: that Wyatt rated above just about everything in his life, at this particular moment. And that it couldn't be simply explained by loyalty.

So he chuckled, laughed it off, and tilted his head back in the grass.

"Might as well do a circuit of this side of the island. If he was back in those trees, we may well see his face in the sky tonight."