A/N I just want to thank everyone for their comments and follows to date. I'm trying to incorporate all the corrections and feedback that you provide. Thanks again!

Chapter 14

Herald Tarva held a town meeting on the Heralds' third day in town. At her request, Merell had sent messages to outlying homesteads and forester camps. All persons over the age of seven years and not otherwise infirm were to attend. Such a request was the norm when the Heralds arrived on circuit. It was vital that news and information from the capital be given the widest possible audience. This commitment to maintaining an informed populace was one of the keystones of Valdemar's success amongst the peoples of Velgarth.

On this occasion, there was no ill news from Haven and the notices were, thankfully, routine in nature. Of particular welcome was word that the crown had opted to maintain an import tariff on certain kinds of timber, meaning that their own lumber still faced a competitive marketplace. Perhaps it was pleasure at the good news, or simply a reflection of Merell's leadership, but when Tarva called for anyone who wished to appeal to Herald's justice, there were no candidates.

Herald Tarva looked out over the crowd, and her businesslike demeanor warmed, signaling that the 'serious' portion of the meeting was over. "I would like," she said with a smile, "to address the Companion in the room." She gestured over to where Derris rested, supported between Bryann and Jareth. Randen, back in his whites for the occasion, sat in a padded chair beside him. A chuckle of laughter rolled through the crowd. Tarva's tone became serious again. "As you know, the crown makes provision for events like natural disasters, illnesses, and other untoward happenings. When an individual – or community – suffers a loss or shortage of livelihood through no fault of their own, the king can choose to adjust taxes accordingly. One of our duties as Heralds is to bring such situations to the king's attention and recommend adjustments." She looked over at Merell.

"In helping Herald Randen and the Companion Derris, the village of Oakden underwent a sennight when they were unable to see to the timbering that is their livelihood. Further, in conducting the rescue and healing, the village was not only dislocated, but used a significant amount of labour and resources." She gestured at the fresh timbers on the newly-replaced all of the town hall. "This includes damages to the structures of the community. As you know, when a business or town provides services to the Guard, a Herald or newly Chosen, the crown provides a chit for a reduction in taxes." She pulled a chit out of her pouch and handed it to Merell. "It is my judgement as a Herald that the people and community of Oakden be granted a one-third reduction in their taxes this year. This reflects not only the material and labour costs to the community, but also the courage and commitment of her people. The crown thanks you for your service to two of its own", and she gave Merell a formal bow, equal to equal.

The celebration and feast that followed this pronouncement lasted well into the night. Randen was somewhat bemused at the number of townsfolk who came to thank him for everything he'd done. After the sixth or tenth person, he gave up pointing out that the thanks should properly go the other way around and simply said you're welcome. It didn't help that Derris was in a dryly witty mood and his pithy private comments often made it hard for Randen to keep a straight face.

Randen was feeling more tired than he had in weeks, but it was a pleasant kind of fatigue, born of good food and celebration instead of pain and fear. By the time Kyminn appeared out of the lamplight, Randen was more than ready to call it a night.

As Kyminn – as he did multiple times a day – checked to see how Derris was handling the strain, Randen prodded him. "So?"

Kyminn glanced back over his shoulder, as though weighing his answer. "You probably already know that I've spoken to Tarva and Jannen."

Randen shook his head. "Actually, I hadn't. They've been busy with Merell and making arrangements for the trip back."

"I had a long talk with my grandmother, and with Jareth." If this surprised Randen, he didn't show it, but let his silence give Kyminn a place to continue.

"I will be going back with you." A small, unhappy shrug. "I accept that it's really the only option. You two need me, so I need to go." He dropped down on the ground beside Randen's seat. "I guess I always knew that at some point, I might be asked – or sent – to Haven for training or assessment. I admit I was hoping to avoid it. But," another of his eloquent shrugs, "it's been necessary, so I'm going. However," his gaze was level and cool, "that doesn't mean that I've agreed to have anything to do with Healer's. I've agreed not to judge, but the reverse of that is that I get to have time to see for myself before I make any decisions. Jareth has agreed."

"It's not many people who attempt to negotiate with a Companion." Randen threw a wry glance at Derris. "Fewer still who actually win."

:He didn't win.: Jareth's voice made Kyminn twitch in surprise but hearing a strange Companion in his head caused Randen to yelp in shock. Kyminn couldn't help laughing at Randen's stunned expression.

:He didn't win: Jareth repeated. :There was nothing to win or lose. We talked and Kyminn had some reasonable concerns so we addressed them.: A mental sniff. :I'm not sure why you both seem so surprised at the notion that we can be reasonable.:

"Perhaps," Randen muttered, "It's because I've met too many Companions. You lot have always got something going on tucked under your tails there."

Jareth didn't bother to dignify that with a response.

Scene Break

The party left a day later than planned, five days after the Heralds and Companions arrived in Oakden. Part of Tarva's message to Captain Anden was a request for supplies as well as advising him when she would be sending his three guardsmen back to the garrison. That Captain Anden had given her request a great deal of thought was evidenced by what he'd sent in response to her note.

"Herald Tarva, you requested a wagon and two horse team be sent to transport Herald Randen as neither he is yet able to ride nor is the Companion Derris fit to be ridden. I have taken the liberty of expanding on your orders in what I hope is an intelligent and acceptable fashion. I hope that this serves Herald Randen well.

Last fall we arrested a so-called 'free-trader' who was more interested in making free with other's goods than in honest trade. After his arrest, our investigation determined that the amount that he'd stolen far exceeded the coin on his person. He was transported to the magistrate and convicted of theft. The magistrate ordered his goods be auctioned off and the proceeds distributed to his victims. Unfortunately, we were not able to find a buyer who could afford to purchase the wagon and team. So the Guard did, on behalf of the crown. It had been my intention to send it on to Haven later this year with the Guardsmen being posted.

I thought that this was a good solution for all. I'm sure Herald Randen will find it more comfortable than a standard supply wagon."

The wagon in question wasn't as big as a family size trade wagon, but it was definitely a step up from riding on the bench of supply wagon and sleeping in a tent. The rear was a wood frame with an oiled canvas cover. Clever bins and cabinets lined the frame and a small brazier provided heat for warmth and cooking. Most importantly, the wagon was deep in the frame, well sprung and with a low wagon-bed. A clever set of folding stairs meant that Randen would be able – slowly – to climb in and out by himself. There was only a single bunk, but there was ample space beneath the wagon, provided one didn't sit up too suddenly.

Finding themselves with a four horse team instead of two, and with a covered wagon instead of an open bed, the group spent an extra day reorganizing and repacking their supplies. By the time they rolled out of Oakden, Kyminn was almost relieved. Almost.

"You know," he said thoughtfully to Randen, beside him on the driver's bench. "I'm still not sure this is a good idea."

"If you turn back now, you'll have four Companions mad at you." Randen pointed out. "Plus your grandmother."

"Several thousand weight of angry, rampaging, intelligent, war-trained horseflesh? No problem. My grandmother, on the other hand…".