"You know how advice is. You only want it if it agrees with what you wanted to do anyway." – John Steinbeck
Bredin spent a two more evenings with Sarin before the summer break. He hoped she would join him at the trainees' Midsummer Eve celebration in Grey Vale, but she went with Amos Songer instead.
::She helped you. That is enough.:: Lacaral told him. ::Meanwhile, Ari would like to get to know you better.::
Bredin thought about it and agreed with his Companion. As the sun set on Midsummer night, Bredin and Ari walked hand in hand out to Grey Vale. Lacaral trotted up, winked at him, then bellowed and galloped off with Pania chasing after him.
Bredin and Lars headed home for the summer break three mornings later. Tom Murray joined them for the ride as far as Leuven. Jaim and Sonja Murray waited anxiously at the gate of The Blue and The White as the three boys rode into Leuven. Sonja Murray shrieked with joy and threw her arms around her son as he dismounted from Bryston.
Lars nudged Bredin and pointed at the sign. Now there were two Companions and Heralds painted there.
Once the Companions were untacked and fed, the three boys went into the inn. The Murrays insisted that Tom sit with his fellow trainees for lunch and sign the register as they did. Instead of the usual hearty soup, the meal included roasted chicken and beef. The meal finished with a large slice of cream cake.
::If you eat any more, I'll make you walk.:: Lacaral mock-threatened. ::I don't want you to break my back.::
::I suppose you don't want any of Mistress Murray's pocket pies, then.:: Bredin retorted.
::I can persuade little Kitya to provide that.:: Lacaral sent a view of Tom's sister.
::It appears she's more interested in Bryston.:: Bredin said.
::But she has a lot of friends.::
Bredin used his farsight to check and saw that the three Companions were surrounded by a gaggle of children, all competing to pet them and offer treats.
After a very long lunch, joined by Herald Emeric, who was on his way to his circuit and Herald Ylsa, who was returning from a courier route, Bredin and Leo saddled up and headed on.
They arrived in Bransat in the late afternoon. Someone must have been watching, because a mob surrounded them as they entered the town and paraded them to his parents' home.
Bredin grinned as he jumped down and hugged his mother. Zelar hugged him and stretched up to kiss him. Bredin wondered how she had gotten so small, then looked at his father and realized with a shock that he was now the same height.
Lars spent the night with Bredin and his family and went on to his own family the next day.
Bredin passed the summer at Bransat much as he had done the year before. His yearmate Jan visited for a few days. When Enro learned Jan's birth rank, he insisted Bredin take time out of the shop to play host to his yearmate. Jan's attempts to be an unobtrusive guest only worsened Enro's reverent behavior, so Bredin and Jan took a few days to visit Lars at his family's farm. Bredin wondered what his father would have thought of Jan cheerfully bedding down in the hay loft.
As they had the year before, Bredin and Lars returned to the Collegium the day after Bredin's birthday. Tom joined them at his family's inn.
Bredin settled into his fourth year. The workouts with Alberich were more intense than ever as the Weaponsmaster drove Bredin and his yearmates relentlessly. They no longer thought of Alberich as a tyrant. All were now sensitive to the Death Bell; its terrible tolling gave stark warning that Alberich's teachings could mean the difference between life and death.
When the year's crop of New Chosen completed their orientation, Keren dragooned Bredin as her assistant for a few moons. "Watching their errors will help you see where you need to improve and, because you've just gone through the beginnings, you will remember your own struggles. You will understand their frustrations and help them through the basics."
Like his yearmates, Bredin was fit and healthy. He and they enjoyed the pleasures of the bed as much as any group of youngsters. As Herald Trainees, they were considerate and respectful of one another. Their trysts were free of jealousy and mean-spirited recriminations. Bredin had numerous opportunities to enjoy the company of his fellow trainees. The fact that he was very well-endowed drew teasing from the male trainees and invitations from the female ones. He had a few invitations from Percy Kerner and a couple of other trainees who were shaych. At Lacaral's urging, Bredin did spend one evening with Percy. Though Percy was as amusing and fun as Lacaral promised, Bredin felt no arousal and the evening was unsatisfying for both.
With practice, Bredin became a proficient bedmate and gained a reputation as a competent and tender lover. Female trainees sought his company on a regular basis. Bredin proved not only pleasurable company, but thoughtful and discreet.
His reputation spread beyond Heraldic to the other Collegia and he began to get flirtatious looks from a few of the Bardic and Healer trainees. Bredin would smile politely and nod, but followed the advice of his fellow trainees and Lacaral to keep his trysts within Heraldic. One Bardic trainee, Edite Rey, began a campaign to attract Bredin's attention shortly after Midwinter.
She began her approach as Bredin returned from Bransat, contriving to meet him between the gate and Companions' stable as they arrived back from Midwinter break. Bredin rode between Tom and Lars when she met them on the path. "Oh, you look like the Three Brothers of Whiteham." She said, referring to an old tale of three brothers Chosen as Heralds centuries before.
Tom blushed, unsure how to react. Lars laughed and said "We're not brothers."
Bredin had just covered the reign of Elspeth Cleverhanded and the full story of the three brothers. "I may have a temper, but I doubt I would tear someone's heart out." He smiled.
Edite dimpled at him. She stroked Lacaral's neck. The Companion pinned his ears. "Ah, but your Quesnel, here, is angry enough to trample Count Farkas' corpse."
"Oh, he may dump me in the manure pile, but I doubt he would trample anyone." Bredin said.
::I might dump her in the manure pile, though.:: Lacaral put in. Lacaral's vehemence surprised Bredin.
"His name is Lacaral and I'm Bredin." He introduced himself.
She feigned surprise. "You are the Trainee who beat three highborn bullies who attacked you? I'm Edite Rey. I'd like to hear the story from you." She smiled, half-closing her eyes.
::Standing up or lying down?:: Lacaral interjected once more.
No longer a naïf, Bredin was fully aware of Edite's designs. For amusement, he played along. He swung down from the saddle and walked beside her. "If you want to come with us to Companion's stable, I can tell you the story."
"Oh, would you?" She cooed. "I would love to hear it from you. But first, tell me about your Companion. He is so beautiful."
Lars and Tom both recognized what was happening. Still in their saddles, the two smirked at one another. "We'll see you at supper, Bred." Lars said before he and Tom trotted ahead.
Edite placed herself between Bredin and Lacaral as they went towards the stable. He told her how Lacaral had Chosen him and of his struggles learning to ride. Edite cooed encouragement to Bredin and stroked Lacaral's neck frequently. The Companion kept his ears back the whole time.
Edite stayed with him as he unsaddled and groomed Lacaral. He told her the story of how Lords Kadhael, Evan and Olaf had confronted him twice on Pitcher Road.
As Bredin picked up his saddlebags to go back to his room, Edite said "You must be very strong and clever. I'd like to spend some time with you."
Bredin nodded amiably. "I think I'd enjoy that."
::Chosen! There is more than one reason Bards wear scarlet!:: Lacaral's mindvoice was more mocking than scolding.
::Hush, Granny Barnes.:: Bredin retorted. He was confident of his ability to handle Edite's attentions.
::On your head be it.:: Lacaral plunged his nose into his bucket.
For the next three sennights, Edite lavished attention on Bredin to the amusement of his fellow trainees and the pointed gibes of Lacaral. One person was not amused: Edite's erstwhile beau Trion Songer.
On the eve of the third Rest Day after Midwinter, Bredin and Edite crowned their acquaintance in a passionate night in Bredin's room.
The next afternoon was bitterly cold. Bredin and his yearmates lounged together in the second floor common room. Bredin played chess with Jan. Lars, Ari and Jill played a game of darts.
Everyone looked up as Chan began tuning his gittern. He played a few chords and winked broadly at his yearmates. Expecting only a mildly amusing tune, Bredin turned his attention back to his game.
Bredin paid little attention to the snickers that accompanied the first few verses. In the fourth verse, Chan had Bredin's full attention.
"- the Red Mare claimed the Grey Stallion's rod."
Bredin's jaw dropped. He took in the grinning faces of his yearmates and blushed. He listened dumbstruck as Chan finished the song. His yearmates applauded and laughed.
At first, Bredin felt outraged. Before he could say anything, Lacaral spoke up. ::You're hooked. The only graceful way out is to take a bow.::
Bredin forced a smile to his face. He stood up and bowed extravagantly to Chan. His yearmates cheered. "I guess you caught me. Well done." Bredin confessed. "Please don't play that for anyone else."
Chan shook his head. "It's not my song. Trion Songer has been playing that for anyone who will listen since breakfast this morning. It's all over the palace now."
"What?" Chan's remark filled Bredin with dread.
"Oh, yes. Trion and Edite were a pair before she set her cap for you. Trion's been quietly fuming since Midwinter." Chan shook his head slightly. "Never make an enemy of a bard. He wrote that little ditty and has been playing it for everyone. It's got a catchy tune and is spreading like wildfire."
Bredin put his face in his hands. "Oh, Tholan!" The others laughed.
He stood up. "I think I need some fresh air." Bredin fetched his coat and headed out to Companion's stable. He tried to ignore the grins and stares as he went.
Lacaral cocked his head at his Chosen and flicked an ear. He said nothing as Bredin saddled him and they headed out on the snow-covered paths.
Bredin looked around to see that they were alone. "You did warn me. Now I've got to figure out what to do about it."
::There's really not much you can do.:: Lacaral said. ::You could be hearing that for years. Just smile and pretend to be flattered.::
"Really?" Bredin said. "Won't it just die out?"
::Maybe.:: Lacaral said. ::But it's got a catchy tune and is a little bit naughty. Those kind of songs tend to be popular and hang around. You could hear it for the rest of your life.::
"Oh, please, no." Bredin said. Despite the cold air, his cheeks felt hot.
::You know the song 'Kerowyn's Ride'?:: Lacaral asked. At Bredin's nod, Lacaral went on. ::There is a real Kerowyn and that song is mostly true. It happened a few years back down in Rethwellan and it's everywhere now. Apparently, she hates it, but she has to pretend to be pleased every time she hears it.::
"How would you know that?" Bredin asked.
::Herald Eldan met her not long ago and spent some time with her.:: Lacaral said.
Bredin remembered Herald Eldan from his geography class. Eldan had given a few lessons on Karse and the current political situation there. "How did that happen?" He asked.
::Sorry, Chosen. 'It's not my secret.' Really. It is officially secret and nobody who wasn't involved is supposed to know.:: Lacaral's mindvoice took on a serious tone.
"Okay. I won't ask. But I suppose you know the whole story." Bredin blew out and watched the cloud float away.
::Of course. But we can be trusted not to tell.:: Lacaral was now smug.
Bredin laughed. He pulled off a glove and stroked Lacaral's crest. "Unless it's juicy gossip about who is bedding who."
The Companion whickered amusement. ::I hope you've learned your lesson about bards.::
"Oh, yes. I think it's best if Edite drifts away." Bredin agreed.
::You might spend some time with Ari. She really likes you.:: Lacaral bent his neck and winked an eye.
Bredin's discomfiture only increased the next day when Edite's musical retort to Trion began to circulate in the Palace. 'The Red Gelding' was just as catchy as 'The Grey Stallion', funnier and more salacious. Bards and minstrels took to playing them both one after the other. Bredin quickly grew very weary of hearing them.
Both Trion and Edite were furiously composing further musical volleys when Dean Arissa of Bardic hauled them both into her office and ordered an end to the war of songs. She also strongly suggested that Edite stop seeing Bredin.
At the same time, Teren took Bredin aside and made an equally firm suggestion that Bredin confine his trysts to his fellow Greys.
