C H A P T E R - 4

Tashti was clinging to the wall beside the window of her target.  She listened carefully and heard two people sleeping and a large bird.  She had been warned about the bird, a Tayledras Bondbird, his perch was at the far side of the room and the people were right below the window.

Silently she pulled herself through the window.  The woman was facing away from her.  The man was lying on his back.

The bird roused and looked at her.

:Window?:

:Play Game.:  She answered him, she asked Cryni how to talk to him with out speaking.  :Just watch?:

:Game.:  He understood Tashti was just playing a human game and she had asked him to just watch.

She smiled and tapped each of the sleepers.  As they opened their eyes she clasped her hands over their mouths.  She had renewed the potion on both gloves so they both had Mage Bane on the palms.

Both went limp.

:Game over?:  The bird asked.  :Not hurt?:

:Not hurt.:  She answered. 

:What game?:

:Show they can't leave themselves undefended.:

:Not protect nest and get hurt.:  He understood.

:I like you already.  Do you want to go out?:

:Out. Food.:  He agreed.

She quickly bound them hand and foot with her silk cords.  She climbed out the window again and started climbing down.  The Bondbird flew out the window once she was clear.  When she reached the ground she picked up the dark lantern and pulled up the guard.  The Bondbird landed on her shoulder careful not to pierce her skin. 

"They well know to protect their nest better after this, eh?"  She stroked his feathers.  "Let's find Kero."

:And Food.:

"And food."  She smiled and removed the mask and hood.

She found Kerowyn in the Queen's apartments.  The guard was stunned to see a woman clad all in black with a large raptor approaching.

"Kerowyn is expecting me."  She said.

He opened the door and spoke quietly then allowed her to enter.

"I see you made a new friend."  Kerowyn laughed.

"He thought it was a good game."

"Would you care to explain why you have Vree?"  The Queen looked alarmed.

"Ask Kerowyn."

"Elspeth used magic every time I drilled her these past few months.  I had Tashti remind her there were ways around her magic."

"This charming fellow agreed they weren't vigilant enough, especially with their bed under the window."  Vree shifted from her shoulder to the back of a chair.  "They should be coming out of it right about now."

Only a few minutes later the disgruntled mages appeared at the door convinced some dastardly deed had occurred.  Tashti was stood out of the way watching them.

Tashti had to admit it was actually fun when your goal was solely to warn with no harm done. 

"Someone is in the Palace.  The woman said urgently.

Kero cocked an eyebrow.

"What is Vree doing down here and what does he mean 'good game'?"  The man asked.

"What did you do to them?"  Selenay asked Tashti.

"Mage Bane.  It renders a person incapable of movement and stops the use of most gifts."

"You did this?"  The woman turned on her.

"On orders."  Tashti confirmed.  "Vree thought it was a good game."

:Good Game.  Watch Nest.:

"Exactly my feathered friend."

"He let you do this?"  The man looked incredulous.

"Apparently he thought you weren't protecting your nest."  Tashti stroked Vree's head.

"Traitor."  The man glared at the bird.

:???:  Vree cocked his head to one side.

"I suppose I should introduce you to our newest Trainee.  Darkwind, Elspeth, this is Trainee Tashti.  Tashti, this is Herald Elspeth and Darkwind k'Sheyna."

Tashti nodded in acknowledgement.

"A Trainee?"

"Just to add insult to injury.  She has no mage gift and little training with her mind gifts."  Kerowyn confirmed.

"That was actually fun."  Tashti sat next to Kerowyn.  "Just let me say you took it better than they are."

Selenay grinned.

"I have heard of this Mage Bane.  It is incredibly rare."  Darkwind said thoughtfully.  "I can't place where I have heard of it though."

"I would be an idiot to come into Valdemar with out it.  Too many Heralds about."

Darkwind looked like he was still trying to place where he heard of it.

Tashti hoped he wouldn't remember.

"How did you get in?"  Darkwind asked, giving up on placing the name of the potion.

"The window.  It was considerate for you to place your bed so conveniently."  She smiled sweetly.  Elspeth looked like she was still fuming but Darkwind seemed to see a bit of humour in it.

"That's a sheer wall, it must be five stories."  He looked shocked.

"There are places were you can fit a toe or finger.  That is all that is needed."  Tashti explained.  "The older the stone, the quicker the go."

"I didn't think anyone but a Tayledras could pull that off."

"Did you really use it on Kerowyn?"  Selenay said finally.

"She was thinking poisons could only be used in food.  Too unpredictable.  They may have a taster, the plates could be confused, or they may not be hungry.  Blow darts and inhaled poisons are more efficient."

"So long as you don't sneeze, eh?"  Kerowyn teased.

"Well, at least this test didn't give me more bruises."  Elspeth finally said.

~ * ~

Tashti helped Lyra onto Cryni's bare back and swung behind her.

"Are you ready?"

Lyra nodded.  Excited at the prospect of riding a Companion in a race.

Beside them Aeric was sitting comfortable in his saddle.  Each Companion carried roughly the same amount of weight.

A Trainee dropped a flag and both Companions surged forward.  Tashti hunched over Lyra's small body and urged Cryni onward.  They raced across the open field watched by Heralds, Trainees, and Companions.  Cryni had challenged Keara to a race and this was the result.  It would be unfair to Keara to carry a heavier rider so some how Lyra got involved.

Their route was across the field and back and so far they were neck and neck.

"Come on Cryni."  Lyra yelled.

Tashti felt the surge of power between he knees and held Lyra tighter.  Slowly Cyrni pulled ahead.

Herald and Trainees each cheered on their own as they hurled across the grass.

Cryni was the first to reach the wall and spun about tightly.  Her lead lengthened when Keara's turn was too wide.

Cryni put every bit of her energy into reaching the finish line and the ribbon stretched between two Heralds.

Keara regained ground on the return.

Tashti felt the hot breath of the Companion on her ankle as they neared the finish.  :Win and I will stop calling you horse.:  Tashti offered.

Cryni surged forward again and crossed the line first.

Lyra cheered as they slowed down.

Trainees gathered about cheering their new heroes and the Heralds took their defeat in good nature.

"Well done."  Aeric congratulated her.

"Thank you."  Tashti accepted.

She let Lyra down first then slipped to the ground.

"She was so fast!"  Lyra ran to her parents who were still recovering.

"And to the winner goes the spoils."  Tashti said to Cryni.

:I will hold you to it.:

Trainees surrounded them and led them off to the victory celebrations leaving the gathered Heralds with lighter pockets.  Lyra ran to rejoin them.

Cryni was groomed until she gleamed by several trainees while the gathered students recounted the race.  Lyra was hailed as a hero and praised for her riding ability and bravery.

Tashti listened as her lead was shortened until it was by a nose.  She and several of the older trainees sat off to the side.

Aeric led Keara in alone.  Tashti waved and slipped away from the group.

"Enjoying your spoils?"  He asked with a smile.

"Cryni is.  I don't think she has ever been so clean.  How much money did the Heralds loose?"

"I am not certain.  I bet on you."  Aeric admitted.

Tashti laughed.  "You did?"

"I always bet on the underdog."  He shrugged.

"I heard the odds were against us."  Tashti picked up a brush and helped him groom Keara.  "How have you been, I haven't seen you in a while."

"Well enough."  Aeric avoided answering.

"That doesn't sound promising."  Tashti paused.  He had a haunted look about him.  "Care to talk about it?"

"Not really." 

Tashti eyed him.  "I was going to go down to the Fairs this afternoon.  Would you care to join me?"

"Have you gone on an adventure lately?"  He referred to her tendency to roof walk.

"Not since early spring, just before you vanished."

"Vanished?"

"You forgot we were going to share supper and never appeared."  Tashti remembered how it had stung at the time.  She had planned to seduce him that evening.

Aeric blushed.  "Sorry, it was rather urgent."

"Knowing you, it would have to be for you to forget even something as commonplace as dinner with a friend.  Of course I can't get anyone to tell me what you are up to.  As if I would be unable to understand."

Aeric looked down at her with a smile.  "I am surprised you haven't taken to hanging outside windows and listening."

Tashti looked at him innocently.

"You didn't." 

"No."  Tashti assured him.  "I spend every spare moment studying.  And Kero has me testing Elspeth quite regularly which gives me plenty of time to pretend I am a spider."

"I heard she was threatening to tie you down every night only she didn't think it would help."

"It wouldn't."

"I better go rescue Lyra before she thinks she can jump the moon."  Tashti set aside her brush.  "I'll catch up with you later."

She collected Lyra and returned her to her parents who had finally recovered from the race.

In the past few months she and the Queen had made peace and Tashti had started teaching some of the weapons classes including one with the royal twins.  Both were progressing rapidly.

She had astonished all of her teachers by completing a year's worth of work in less than half that time. 

The day she spoken to Kerowyn had marked a turning point.  The concept of a country was no longer so abstract and neither was the idea of a duty to people she had never met and probably never would.

"Excuse me."  Someone called to her.

Turning she saw Gervain Hardren hurry towards her.  She hadn't seen him since last fall and could have gone a lot longer without seeing him or listening to him spout rubbish about how she had defamed his family's name.

"What?"  She asked sharply.

"I know you don't owe me anything."  He started.

"You're right I don't.  Now get to the point."

"My mother is dying and for some odd reason believes you are my sister.  She wants to reconcile with you."

"I don't even know her."  Tashti pointed out.  She could feel his worry and concern beating at her shields.

"She is an old woman who is trying to make her peace before she dies."

"I will."  Tashti consented.

"Good."  He turned and started walking away.  "Aren't you coming?"

"Has anyone ever told you that you are rude?"  She asked.  "I smell like a Companion and I am dressed in working clothes.  If you can wait, I will change into something more appropriate."

He was about to protest when she simply walked away.  If he decided not to wait she knew where they lived.  She washed and changed into a clean uniform.  She strapped her sword to her back and a set of throwing knives to her arms.

:He is getting impatient.:  Cryni warned.

:Let him.:  She brushed her hair out of its braid and left it free down her back.

:Quit primping and get down here.:  Cryni ordered.

"Relax."  She set her brush down satisfied with her appearance.

Gervain was waiting at the palace gate with his horse and Cryni.

Tashti swung up on to her bareback.  There was no point in using a saddle on such a short ride when Cryni found bareback more comfortable.

"Lead on."  She ordered.

He was obviously rankled by her attitude.  He clambered into his saddle and led her out into the city.  After a few turns they arrived outside a massive house with a yard, a luxury in the cramped city.

Tashti had dismounted before a groom even took Gervain's reins.

"Follow me."  He led her inside and up the stairs.

Tashti noticed rugs were everywhere to keep sound from disturbing Gervain's mother. 

She was shown into a room on the second floor where the woman was propped up on several pillows wrapped in a white nightgown.

Tashti knew at a glance she was in perfect health. 

"Please don't tire her."  Gervain said quietly.

"I won't."  Tashti promised.

The Lady Hardren was ringing her hands as Tashti approached.  Tashti sat in a chair next to the bed.

"Why do you want to see me?  I know you are in perfect health."  Tashti said directly.

"I wanted to speak to you."  She answered.

Tashti waited.  She was very uncomfortable in this house and wanted desperately to be back at the Collegium.

"I am very sorry for everything."  The woman started to cry.

Tashti stiffened.

"I finally brought myself to go through Gerard's papers.  I found the letter's he received from that man you sold you to.  I am sorry I doubted you."  She grabbed both of Tashti's hands in her own.  "My poor little girl."

"My lady, I have no desire to disturb your family further."  Tashti tried to withdraw her hands.

"You have grown up into such a beautiful woman.  Much stronger than I could ever be."  She traced a line down Tashti's cheek.  "You were so young, so tiny.  You probably don't even remember me.  I know you will never forgive me for not protecting you but I just wanted to see my little girl one last time."

Tashti had no idea what to say.

"The papers are in the drawer there.  He sold you when his debts were too large for him to cover, he never told me but we were about to lose the house.  When I was visiting my sister he sold you to that filthy man and told me you had some how escaped the yard."

Tashti removed the papers.  There was even a receipt for her with her name listed and Tashti Hardren.  When she had started the hunt for the man who sold her she never thought she would actually find her family.  She had thought she was a street child with no family.  She only wanted to stop him from doing the same to others, especially after meeting a girl who had been sold as a sex slave.  The girl's spirit was more than broken, it was crushed beyond all repair.

It was rather depressing to see her life reduced to numbers.

"I don't know what to say."  She said finally.

"I know you don't owe us anything but I want to get to know you.  I want Gervain to get to know his sister.  Please say you will come live with us for your summer break.  I understand if you don't wish to."

Tashti looked at the woman in the bed realising suddenly she was her mother, a person she had rarely thought of.  Then she realised that shallow prick was her brother.

"I want to consider it."  Tashti stood up and replaced the papers in the drawer.

Her mother clasped her hand between both her own.  "Please at least visit me, I want to know you.  I have missed almost your entire life."

"I will be by in a few days."  Tashti promised and hurried out.

She didn't wait to be shown out.  Instead she swung up on Cryni and urged her away from the palace.  She needed to clear her head.

:Are you alright?:  Cryni asked with concern.

"Fine.  Just very confused."

Cryni sent her a wave of love and weaved her way through Haven and out into the green fields beyond.  It was noon before Tashti dismounted beside the river.

She sat on the banks staring at the swirling river.  "She a receipt for my sale."

:Do you need to talk about it?:  Cryni sank down next to her.

"It said 'Tashti Hardren, 4,000 gold pieces.'  That old bastard certainly didn't need me to retire, he had plenty of money."

:Perhaps he wanted a child to pass his art on to.:

"Perhaps."  She leaned against Cryni's neck.  "I am confused." 

:I know.: 

"She wants me to live with them for the break."

:Will you?:

"I don't know.  I want to get used to the idea first.  Now I want to know why he bought me."

:There is only one way to do that.  Do you want to hunt him down?:

"Would you mind if we did?"  Tashti asked seriously.

:If you need to, we will.:

"I feel I should."

:We should be off quickly then.:

Tashti agreed.  "It will give me a chance to deal with some unfinished business.  Don't worry, nothing bloody."

:Are you ready to return.:  Cryni gracefully stood.

"Yes.  We can leave in the morning."  Tashti leapt on to Cryni's back.

They returned via the swiftest route.  Tashti groomed Cryni and return to her room to pack.  She packed no uniforms.  Instead she packed plain tunics, shirts, and trews that would be unremarkable in any country that could also be adapted to whatever role she chose.  Her roll of poisons was also packed.  She wanted to refill some of the vials while she had the chance.

She had a large collection of coins from many countries so she could travel in moderate comfort.  These she left on her desk so she wouldn't forget them.

Everything she needed fit into a single set of saddlebags.  As she was trying to think if she missed anything a knock on her door made her jump.

"Come in Aeric."  She called.

"I thought you wanted to go to the fair.  Why are you packing?"

"Something came up.  I should return before classes resume."  Tashti assured him.

"I'll join you."

"No.  I would prefer to do this alone."  Tashti protested.

Aeric looked suspicious.  "Where are you going?"

"It's personal."  Tashti didn't feel comfortable revealing her destination.  "Don't say I shouldn't go.  I am not a child stumbling about blindly.  I know what I am doing."

"I am right in guessing it will be dangerous?"  Aeric countered.

"The road always is.  It is nothing I can't handle.  It is just some business I need to handle on my own."  Tashti stressed.

"You are only in your first year.  You shouldn't be going anywhere alone."

"I was alone before I was Chosen.  Cryni agrees I should go.  I am fully capable of handling whatever is thrown my way.  I don't need you hovering about."

"Very well."  He left her.

Tashti closed the door.  She felt bad for what she said already.  He was her friend and was just concerned for her.

She forced Aeric from her mind and wrote several notes.  One to Kerowyn saying she had some thing she needed to handle, one to Lyra to apologize for leaving with out saying good bye and assuring her she would return in a few weeks, one for the Hardrens saying she was unable to join them for the summer, and the last to Aeric.  She stumbled over what she wanted to say.  Finally she just said she would return soon and apologized for snapping at him.

Satisfied everything was taken care of she noted it was starting to grow dark.  She crawled into bed knowing she would be up early and she hated traveling tired.

The next morning she was up well before dawn and dressed plainly.  She chose a worn, plain leather kit for Cryni and saddled her with all the straps and rigging for long distance travel.

The sky was just starting to grey when they rode out the gates.