and even when truth doesn't help with the sting
A couple of days later, the weather takes an abrupt turn for the decidedly nasty. The clouds were dark and ominous, and to make matters even worse, there was a slight miscommunication. When they hit a clan border, divided by a large strip of open ground, but no escort was waiting for them. The clan that had escorted them seemed anxious to leave, especially as Atan Engessa mentions--they have certain bad blood between the two clans.
On Sparhawk's advice, the Atans that had escorted them head back into the forest, and Kalten, while they wait, conveniently suggests lunch.
It's been noted Sparhawk is getting short-tempered with the situation. He's not alone. Maryani is displeased, too, but she tends to show it by smiling.