Disclaimer: I own nothing. Everything belongs to Mercedes lackey except
for a few characters.
Chapter 1.
Ian finished wiping the last table and turned to survey the room. "Finally clean and with this storm no-ones going to arrive for at least a few days," he thought. "All I have to do is clean up after the two upstairs and Harold." Harold arrived as if the thought had summoned him. "If you're finished in here get started on the stables. No lazing about." "Yes sir" replied Ian as he made his way to the door. Outside the sleet and wind had him soaked through before he was halfway across the yard. He opened the door to the welcome warmth of the stable and quickly closed it behind himself. The horses whickered for attention and he walked around the stalls calming them. When he was small his mother used to tease him when he said the horses spoke to him and he soon learned to keep the knowledge to himself. After his mother died Harold the innkeeper was given care of him and only knew the 'boy' was good with even the most ill tempered of mounts. Having reassured all of the horses of his continued affection he started brushing down the first horse. After brushing all the horses Ian forked hay into the stalls and began measuring out grain rations. He was almost finished when the stable door flew open and a rider led a limping mount in and closed the door. Before the rider could turn Ian was there with a blanket to help the rider heat up brimming with questions as to why anyone would travel in a storm as bad as this one. The rider brushed him away gently "I'm fine" he said his voice laden with exhaustion, "but Condor is injured". "I'll see to him sir" Ian stated. "If you don't mind me saying you should get to the inn proper and get warm and sleep" "I don't mind you saying lad but Condor is my first priority" the man replied. Only now did Ian realise the man was wearing whites. "He's a companion?" asked Ian shocked. Heralds never passed through this area it was too remote even for circuit. "Aye he's a companion and his right front leg looks bad." The herald replied "Sir I still think you should get some sleep first" at this the companion whickered and nudged his rider. "Condor agrees with you lad and I have to give in. If you'll see to him I'll head over to the inn. By the way my names Jadrek." "I'm Ian. Don't worry I'll take care of him mister Jadrek I have to finish feeding the horses anyway. If you don't mind you could tell Harold I'll stay here the night. That way I can keep an eye on the leg in case it gets worse." Ian spoke reasonably and appeared to get through to the herald. "Harold, the innkeeper?" Jadrek guessed "Yes sir" "I'll tell him lad. And thanks." "No problem" Ian replied honestly. An excuse to stay away from the inn for a night! One Harold couldn't object to or offend the herald! Ian wouldn't pass that up. "I'll see you in the morning then" Jadrek said and patted Condor goodnight. "Take good care of him lad." And with that he left to brave the storm on the way to the inn.
Chapter 1.
Ian finished wiping the last table and turned to survey the room. "Finally clean and with this storm no-ones going to arrive for at least a few days," he thought. "All I have to do is clean up after the two upstairs and Harold." Harold arrived as if the thought had summoned him. "If you're finished in here get started on the stables. No lazing about." "Yes sir" replied Ian as he made his way to the door. Outside the sleet and wind had him soaked through before he was halfway across the yard. He opened the door to the welcome warmth of the stable and quickly closed it behind himself. The horses whickered for attention and he walked around the stalls calming them. When he was small his mother used to tease him when he said the horses spoke to him and he soon learned to keep the knowledge to himself. After his mother died Harold the innkeeper was given care of him and only knew the 'boy' was good with even the most ill tempered of mounts. Having reassured all of the horses of his continued affection he started brushing down the first horse. After brushing all the horses Ian forked hay into the stalls and began measuring out grain rations. He was almost finished when the stable door flew open and a rider led a limping mount in and closed the door. Before the rider could turn Ian was there with a blanket to help the rider heat up brimming with questions as to why anyone would travel in a storm as bad as this one. The rider brushed him away gently "I'm fine" he said his voice laden with exhaustion, "but Condor is injured". "I'll see to him sir" Ian stated. "If you don't mind me saying you should get to the inn proper and get warm and sleep" "I don't mind you saying lad but Condor is my first priority" the man replied. Only now did Ian realise the man was wearing whites. "He's a companion?" asked Ian shocked. Heralds never passed through this area it was too remote even for circuit. "Aye he's a companion and his right front leg looks bad." The herald replied "Sir I still think you should get some sleep first" at this the companion whickered and nudged his rider. "Condor agrees with you lad and I have to give in. If you'll see to him I'll head over to the inn. By the way my names Jadrek." "I'm Ian. Don't worry I'll take care of him mister Jadrek I have to finish feeding the horses anyway. If you don't mind you could tell Harold I'll stay here the night. That way I can keep an eye on the leg in case it gets worse." Ian spoke reasonably and appeared to get through to the herald. "Harold, the innkeeper?" Jadrek guessed "Yes sir" "I'll tell him lad. And thanks." "No problem" Ian replied honestly. An excuse to stay away from the inn for a night! One Harold couldn't object to or offend the herald! Ian wouldn't pass that up. "I'll see you in the morning then" Jadrek said and patted Condor goodnight. "Take good care of him lad." And with that he left to brave the storm on the way to the inn.