Gradually, it all came out.

Ansen, a profoundly private person who committed himself without stint when he gave of himself. A man who, despite the confidence and maturity of his years as a Herald, had nonetheless been reluctant to expose this part of himself to his parents and family.

He needn't have worried. His Healer parents, Kyminn and Cydris, were long acquainted with the scars that hard truths can bring. Both of them understood that a Herald's duty would always come first and that the reward and comfort of someone to share that Herald's life was a chancy thing.

They had welcomed Claudia on Claudia's own terms, offering only the degree of attachment that Claudia could find room for in her own heart. That Claudia could feel as comfortable at the Danner's hearth as she could her own parents was gratifying to them all.

Claudia – and Orren – were family, chosen by heart, not by blood or custom.

# #

Claudia, as introspective as Ansen but with a lighter, more open perspective. Like him, unwilling to bind another when bound to duty, but as deeply committed nonetheless.

Aware that not everyone understood what it meant to be a Herald, that for some her son represented scandal and failure, she was genuinely unmoved by the judgement of others. She was, however, loathe to cause discord for Ansen and had been willing to remain apart from his family if necessary.

That his family had simply expanded their table to make two more places had been a relief and joy.

# #

Cellen, his life as focused and directed as one of the Queen's own arrows, seldom crossed paths with either his parents or his siblings. His rare, all-too-brief visits were as unexpected as they were welcome. His parents, respecting of Ansen's privacy, had said nothing. It had been over two years since Cellen had last seen his older brother face to face, but they both would have gladly traded the prospect of seeing each other for the necessity of the warning he'd carried.

Cellen, in his own way, was as opposite to his brother as light was to dark. Headstrong where Ansen was cautious, trusting his heart where Ansen was introspective, the young Herald was the epitome of the rootless vagabond, an ever-moving ball on the tether that was Haven and family.

Cellen was well aware that his brash conviction was a trial to more sedate and measured personalities. That his instincts were right far more often than not didn't help matters. He'd long since learned how to if not change his ways, at least how to best direct his impulses when working with his fellow Heralds.

Thus it had sat when Cellen and Claudia found themselves together in Chapel Hill, each dispatched in warning and now working together to manage this next crisis.

Claudia, uncertain if Ansen had found the time to speak with Cellen, had found herself with three paths.

In the first, Cellen and Ansen had spoken and Cellen had been as welcoming as his parents had. Since Cellen had said nothing, this eventuality had clearly not taken place.

In the second, the conversation had taken place and Cellen had been – unlikely as it seemed from a fellow Herald and Ansen's brother – not open to the news. Were that the case, all she could do would be to maintain a professional distance and not deepen any rift which had developed between the two.

In the last, there had been no time, in the flood and subsequent flight to safety, to speak of personal things. In that case, her decision had been silence, judging this a matter for brothers first and foremost.

Instead, they had blundered about in blissful ignorance of each other, their mutual politeness leading to, as Cellen wryly put it, "The kind of revelation you expect in a puppet play."

That comment had brought laughter from all three of them and a new understanding.

"I had better get moving," Ansen finally said when they had settled again. "I need to find a place for the Families and brief them."

"You," Cellen said firmly, "need to stay here and rest."

"Cellen's right," Claudia interjected. "We can arrange to bring the work to you." She caught Cellen's eye and the younger Herald nodded in agreement.

"I'll talk to the Guard commander and arrange to have the information brought that you'll need. We've been trying to keep an up to date list of every refugee and their original holding. The list of goods and livestock they brought is also as up to date as we can manage." Cellen rose from the table. "Unlike Kandrel, Lancri hasn't been climbing over mountains for the past moon. Let Kandrel rest, I'm sure he could use it."

"And I," Claudia added, "Will see about getting accommodations arranged. That will take some negotiating as I think we'll have to move some people around. Getting some distance between them might be a challenge, but I'll do my best."

"Actually," Ansen said slowly, "I'd prefer you didn't. Separate them, I mean." He nodded, his voice more certain as he spoke. "What can you do about keeping them fairly close together?"

The other two Heralds bore looks of equal surprise.

A small smile. "Oh, they're not bosom friends, not be a long shot. That's a bit much to ask without divine intervention. However, they have learned how to get along, and how to work together. And they are certainly going to have to work together for the foreseeable future. And the sooner everyone sees them doing that, the better."

Cellen simply looked nonplussed. "You're the expert on the Families. We'll follow your lead."

"I think I can make the arrangements you describe," Claudia was clearly consulting a mental map. "Tell me – how close is 'close'? Same building just down the hall close? Or building next door close?"

"Just down the hall is a bit too close," Ansen clarified. "If nothing else, there will be a lot of visitors and while the heads of the Families have learned out to get along, their retainers haven't yet. Also, they've been in very close quarters for a while and will need some space."

"Plus," Claudia pointed out, "some decisions for each House should remain in the house."

"Indeed. What would be perfect would be something like one of the guest wings at the palace. Separate suites with sitting rooms and a reception room or study. A common dining room – or meals taken in suites at need – plus a conference room to work in. I don't suppose you have anything like that?" There was irony in his voice.

"Actually…I think we do. Cellen? I was thinking about the monastery?"

Cellen nodded. "She's right, Ansen. I think it's exactly what you need."

"It's a monastery devoted to the Trine," Claudia explained. "The friar offered it to us when we arrived, but we haven't taken him up on his offer yet."

"If you're as short of housing as you say, why not?" Ansen's brow was furrowed.

"Several reasons, actually. First, part of the monastery is set aside for retreats and contemplation. The cells are small and very spartan. Most of our refugees are families and those rooms aren't at all suitable for that purpose.

"Second, there's the chapel. One of the conditions of the offer was that the chapel must be left available to those who need it. The main door of the chapel opens to the street, but there are two other doors which open into the monastery courtyard. Those doors lock from the monastery side. Anyone in the courtyard can open them. I – we" a nod at Cellen, "were worried that people would abuse the chapel by treating it as a hallway to the street. Or, worse yet, be tempted by some of the temple furnishings. I didn't want to put the monks in the position of having to question the motives of those in the chapel."

"And the Guard is busy enough without having to waste six men a day watching a pair of doors," Cellen offered.

A nod of understanding from Ansen.

"Lastly, there's the layout of the monastery itself. The main building contains a small kitchen and common refectory along with a library, an office and some common rooms. The common rooms could easily be reconfigured to serve as your meeting rooms. There are also three communal houses. One for men, one for women and the third – it's a monastery of the Trine, after all – for the friar and any guests. Each of these has several bedrooms along with privies and running water."

"While we could have housed families in the larger houses, there were the issues we mentioned with the chapel along with the fact that we hadn't yet come with an equitable way to assign what is, for the circumstances, very desirable accommodations." Cellen looked wry.

"For a time, we were using it as an infirmary, but the Healers wanted a bit more distance. They are using a converted storehouse on the outside of town at present. I'm sure Brother Barnard would be agreeable to installing the Families at the monastery."

Ansen looked profoundly relieved. "I can't believe you have the near-perfect solution here at hand! Let the Families provide the door wardens – I'm sure enough of their folk are here that they can manage that." A sigh. "I have a feeling that establishing guards from all three Houses on this one simple task may show us just how much work we have yet to do towards reconciliation."

::Assuming you can rely on them at all.:: Kandrel pointed out.

"Yes, there's that too." Ansen thought back. Had he ever had a chance to tell Cellen about the attacks and the mine guard conspiracy? Had Cellen even noticed the state of the camp when he'd come in to deliver his warning? Ansen realized that he had no idea.

"There's something else I think you should know." With the precision and clarity of one accustomed to providing a Herald's reports, Ansen told the other two about the attacks on the camp, the conspiracy, Lady Lisle's and the others' pending trials.

"We'd gotten part of the story from the injured Guards that you sent out just before the warning. Most of our information came from a Captain Ivorson."

"How is she? Her injuries were severe." The condition of the Captain – and each of the other wounded – was one of the many concerns that Ansen had yet to put to rest.

"She lost an ear, as you probably know, but the Healers managed to save her eye, mostly. She has already requested a transfer to a training position. Says if she's not fit for field work she may as well not waste all the years she spent learning all those soldiering skills," Cellen said dryly. "I believe there was talk about having assigned to train the young officers. She'll certainly have the needed credibility."

"Indeed," Ansen murmured. "I'm glad to know she will prosper. What about…"

"Enough. We'll bring you a full report when we get back. In the meantime, we have things to see to. You rest. You'll be busy yet, never fear." Claudia gave Ansen's arm a warm squeeze. Even here, with only the three of them, it was the most open display of affection she would permit herself while they were yet on duty.

# # #

As Claudia had predicted, there was no shortage of work. The monks had willingly surrendered the monastery to the Families, shifting themselves to the retreat house without demur. The community had further offered to provide cooking and a few maintenance services for the duration. As Bernard had pointed out, as a religious community under vows, they could be considered neutral parties.

"Herald Claudia, we are well aware of the history and issues of this region. Many of us were born here and we've all had to handle the prejudices of our upbringing. But the Mother, like any good parent, teaches forgiveness even as the Father urges us to honor and probity. I believe we can serve well for this need."

"Thank you, Brother Barnard. I admit I'm not completely familiar with the Trine as worshipped in this part of Valdemar. I didn't want to ask anything which would conflict with your beliefs."

The friar's weather-creased face smiled back at her. "That would be a difficult request on many levels and I can't imagine it would be even possible from the lips of a Herald.

"Our faith has three Aspects, Herald – Father, Mother and Child. The Aspect of the Father is as many similar faiths and encompasses values like strength, honor, family and hard work. The Mother is nurturing, fertility, temperance. The Child, or Youth, is neither male nor female but rather includes all that comes from the Father and Mother – growth, change, conflict."

Barnard stopped. "But I digress. I could go on all day and I'm sure you'd end up thinking I was trying to convert you." His eyes twinkled.

Claudia matched his smile. "I'm sure you would never try such a thing." Hesitated, then "I do have a serious question however. We noticed your monastery has separate housing for men and women. We will be housing husbands and wives there, along with servants both male and female. That won't…violate any blessings or strictures on the use of those spaces will it?"

"Do you mean would we be upset if people engage in sex in our buildings?" He grinned at her expression. "We are a chaste community Herald, not a celibate one. While members of our community are living here, they are expected to abide by their vow to remain chaste outside a formal bond. The separate housing helps make this easier. If, however, they wish to marry, they are free to do so. Many of our community are here because either they wish to spend some time in service and contemplation before settling down or because they have chosen a life of service.

"While we would prefer that people observe this chastity while living here, there is no one true way. We will not ask others to live by the rules we have chosen for ourselves. In the event one of our guests offends us, well, then it will give us an opportunity to forgive them." Claudia didn't need the Truth spell to feel the conviction in Barnard's serene words.

"Thank you, Brother Barnard. You and your community are a credit to your faith."

# # #

Having three Heralds in one location was a rarity outside of Haven. They needed thirty – or so it felt like to Ansen at times.

The three of them fell into a division of duties based on what had come before. Claudia worked closely with the original residents of the community including the village Council, guildmembers and other local leaders. Cellen worked with the Guard, acting as a liaison between them and the refugees. Ansen worked with the three Lords, smoothing things over and helping build some structure for the temporary city that was emerging.

The Guard handled the majority of the day to day issues which arose. With everyone housed and supplies beyond the basic necessities starting to appear, they spent much of their time serving as the local Watch. While Chapel Hill fell squarely within Lord Lisle's demesne, many of the refugees preferred to petition their own Lords for justice. Miscreants were given the choice of facing a panel of the three Lords or a Herald. Many, perhaps uncertain of the unbiased nature of the panel, chose Herald's justice.

The first case Ansen heard pulled him back in time to his Internship days, involving as it did a dispute about livestock. In the end, it had turned out to be a fairly honest misunderstanding.

The Guard, finding themselves suddenly overrun by refugees and livestock, had had to quickly come up with a way of matching beast with owner. They had come up with a simple, but very effective system of patterned cords. Knots would be tied into the cord and the pattern recorded, so that the record might show that Tandor Lennick had brought with him five cattle and they were marked with a pattern of 2 squares, a barrel, a matthew walker and two wall and crowns. Once tied, the cord was dipped in dye. If the knots were altered, the cord would show it. Once on the animal, the final knot was also dipped.

It wasn't a perfect system, but it worked.

In the case in question, two nearly identical pairs of black cows had been assigned nearly identical knot patterns. When one owner tried to claim his animals, it turned out he had misheard his pattern. The resulting dispute had ended in blows.

Those were the easy cases.

More difficult was an insidious tendency of some to feel that somewhere, someone else – usually from another Lord's lands – had more of something and that they were entitled to it.

Your neighbour has two pots and you have only one? Take the second pot. They're only Vernenen and don't deserve it anyway.

Don't want to haul your rubbish to the midden heap? Dump it across the street, they're Polleck trash. They won't know the difference.

The incidents were increasing, and getting uglier. This morning, a woman had thrown boiling water on a mother and child, "To shut up the squalling Lisle brat". Both had been burned, but fortunately the thrower's aim had been poor.

To Ansen's – and the other Herald's – shock, the Lords acted before the Heralds.

"Heralds, we know what's been going on." Wulfric was as blunt as always. "I admit, it's a stone in my craw to see the old feuds play out here, amongst desperate people. Lisle here – with our agreement – is going to pass an ordinance to try to stamp some of this out. We can't tell people what to think, but we can damn sure try to keep them from acting on their stupid prejudices."

"It's simple, Heralds. I – we – consulted quite a few sources and we believe we have the law on our side. It's called 'Mitigating Circumstances'. If a crime – even a petty misdemeanor – was committed because it was against someone from another house, the punishment is treble. Furthermore, any penalty applied will benefit the victim and the other two houses." Lisle was grim.

"The problem," Ross Polleck said apologetically, "is that in order to make sure if Mitigating Circumstances applies, we need the help of a Herald."

"You have our help, and gladly," Ansen replied. "As soon as you pass the ordinance, it will be applied in our hearings."

"With all due respect, Heralds, we believe this is something that we need to do. I am my people's leader, and when they hear that there will be a higher price to pay for hatred, they need to hear it from me." Lisle drew his shoulders back, his eyes even with Ansen's. "From now on, we'd have it that cases come to us first, with right of appeal to a Herald after. The way it should be."

"And we hope," Wulfric added, "that we'll have your backing, so long as you believe our decisions are just."

"Count on it."