CHAPTER 15

Sherri smiled.  "I felt you poking about in my head so I know you knew what I could do when you Chose me."

:There is knowing and there is experiencing.:   The Companion pointed out.  :I am Quinlan.:

"I know.  I Saw that too."

:You are going to be a handful.:

Sherri stroked his nose.  It was as soft as the finest velvet.  "How about we find someplace else to have this discussion?"

:Certainly.  So long as you take it easy.:

Sherri cocked an eyebrow at him.  "You don't know me very well yet or you wouldn't say that."

:Sherri, just take a few days to let your body catch up with you.:  Quinlan urged.  :There is no need for you to hurry.:  Quinlan backed out of the door way and allowed Sherri into the garden.

She let him precede her out the small gate then pulled herself on to his back.  Quinlan picked his way across the courtyard to the famous Field.

"There are so many Companions."  Sherri said in an awed voice.

:There are more out on circuit.:

Sherri wondered if even the spindly legged foals remembered being human.

:Shall we go to a corner of the field?:  He suggested as he trotted across the stone bridge.

"That would be nice."  Sherri surveyed the green expanse of field.  What did the fields back north look like right now?  Had there been and floods or droughts?  Had the barbarians made another push south?

:Stop worrying sister of my heart.:  Quinlan scolded fondly.  :Your people are safe.:

"You shouldn't have Chosen me."  Sherri said suddenly.

Quinlan froze and turned one great blue eye towards her.  :Oh?  Why not?:

"It isn't you.  You are wonderful.  But I am nearly nineteen and have responsibilities."

:Responsibilities someone else can take over.:

"There is also my gift.  What good is a Herald that can't bear to be around people?  There was no problem with the Queen sending me objects to read."

Quinlan lipped at her bare foot.  :I have known you to be my Chosen from the moment I sensed you.  I have hesitated only because I thought the bond would hurt you since you are so sensitive.:

Sherri Felt his love pulsing through her body and smiled.  A tear made a crooked trail down her cheek.

:I couldn't let you go.  I was too selfish.  I understand if you still wish to…pass on.:

"I have never been one for suicide."  Sherri said as she wiped the tear from her cheek.

:Then we will find a way to control your powers or become hermits in your Sorrows together.:  Quinlan assured her and resumed his path to the small wood on the far side of the field.  Sun pierced to shade in bright patches in the little clearing he stopped in.  She slid to the ground and found a seat under a large twisted tree.  Quinlan lowered himself next to her.

"You would leave for me?"

:Yes, if that is what it takes.  I love you.:

Sherri smiled and brushed another tear away.  "I am turning into a bloody watering pot."

:You are stressed.  It is perfectly understandable.:  Quinlan nuzzled her hand.

"Imagine how my uncles are going to react."

:They'll be proud.:

"They want me to be a perfect lady.  Avren had a fit when he saw me practicing my sword work."

:Herald Vanyel, Bard Stefan, and Yfandes would be proud.:

"They would.  I wish I could tell them."

:But they have gone on.:  He sighed.

"They didn't.  They are still there.  Van promised they would return."

:So they couldn't go on.  Why can't you tell them?:

"Whatever they did to stop the cataclysm drained them completely.  They are less than wraiths now."

:Were you with them when I called you?:

"Yes, but don't feel guilty."

:Too late.:

"I was in a trance.  At least that is the only explanation I can think of.  It was strange, I couldn't care for anything, like nothing was really.  I remember they tried to convince me to go back to the keep many times but I could never think of why I should."

:Perhaps your unconscious mind was protecting you.  After all, it was essentially torture that drove you away.:

 Sherri shuddered and leaned her head against the rough bark of the tree.

:I suppose Herald Talia's calls weren't any more welcoming.  I know she finds it best if she works in contact with her patient.:  Quinlan looked thoughtful.  :I don't know what we are going to do.:

Sherri shrugged.  "Well, first there is going to be a fabulous fireworks display when my uncles hear about me being Chosen.  I don't want to think beyond that right now."

:We should return to the Healer's.  You are tired.:

"In a while."  Sherri assured him.  "I am not that tired."

~ * ~

Somehow Kevyn wasn't surprised Sherri had escaped her room.  Her Uncles were raising hell when he entered the Healers, insisting they be allowed to see Sherri.  The Healers all swore Sherri was no where in the building.

Kevyn left quickly before the uncles turned on him.  Some may consider it cowardly, but they had never faced the Demon brothers. 

:Hey, Four-foot.  Has Sherri gone riding?:  Kevyn called to Nick.

:I saw her and Quin heading towards the far corner.  I imagine they have a lot to talk about.:

:Her uncles are about to tear apart the healers.  I better find her.:

:I will meet you at the bridge.:

When Kevyn reached the bridge Nick was waiting impatiently.  "I hope I didn't drag you away from anything."

:Of course you did brother.  She had the most luscious tail…:

Kevyn laughed and swung onto his back.  "Well the sooner this is done the sooner you can go back to day dreaming."

:Day dreaming!:  Nick snorted and gave a buck that jarred every bone in his Chosen's body.

Kevyn just laughed.  "Come on you old lecher, you already have three adorable fillies gallivanting about.  You should settle down and become a good role model for them."

:Settle down!  That's it, you are taking a bath.:  Nick spun and raced towards the river's edge.

Kevyn, familiar with Nick's retributions, leapt to the ground before they entered the water.  "Well, if you have been trying to prove you virility I would say three beautiful daughters is plenty of proof."

:Want to walk our next circuit?  I get enough grief from my angels.:  Nick glared at Kevyn.  :Heria actually tried to jump off the bridge because she wanted to fly.:

Kevyn shook his head, Heria was his youngest daughter and more than just a bit of a dreamer.  "She better choose a calm level headed Herald."

:I pray so.  If you are through twitting my virility, we should see about or new Herald.  Perhaps now you will have a second chance with her.:  Nick's eyes glowed with amusement.  :I can't wait till you have a few little imps scampering under foot.:

"Let's go."  Kevyn resumed his seat atop Nick.

:You do care for her a great deal.:  Nick observed seriously.

"She is a special woman.  Despite her gift she still is warm, loving…"

:Exquisite.:

"That too."

:If only she could see your thoughts now.:  Nick tossed his head and snorted.

Kevyn found Sherri asleep under a tree with her Companion keeping a careful eye on her.

"I assume she refused to go back."  Kevyn said as he knelt next to her. 

:We should just carry her back and tuck her into bed.:  Nick suggested.

Kevyn slid his arms under her and carefully picked her up.  She instinctively rested her head on his shoulder.

:Interesting use for honey.:  Sherri's voice said in his mind as her eyes opened.  "I am sorry, did I fall asleep?"

Kevyn blushed a hot red.  "Apparently.  Do you feel up to riding?"

Sherri sighed and trailed her finger down the front of his tunic.  "I wouldn't mind a walk.  Are my uncles really about to destroy the Healer's?"

Kevyn set her on her feet.  "What do you think?"

"That it is going to be even more interesting when they find out I have been Chosen.  Now about that honey."  She smiled warmly.

Kevyn cursed his wayward thoughts.  "I imagine you are used to picking up thoughts like that from men."

"Most aren't so creative."  Sherri assured him.  "Your thoughts seem more…organized than most as well.  I imagine it is because of your Gift and training.  They are quite pleasant to touch."

Kevyn offered her his arm.  "Thank you."

"I do admit.  I thought about it after you left.  I am sorry when I…propositioned you last winter.  I was trying to keep you close.  I really didn't mean to try and use you like that."  Sherri assured him seriously.

Kevyn glanced at Nick who said nothing.  "Don't worry about it."

The Companions trailed after them as they made their way across the field.

"This place is beautiful, and serene."  Sherri commented as she admired the foals scampering about the field.

"It usually is.  The palace on the other hand is much more volatile.  We'll have to cleanse a room for you."

"That is something else I wanted to talk to you about.  Can you teach me how to cleanse objects so thoroughly?  It would be handy."

"Not a problem."

"Kevyn!  I see our Countess has finally rejoined the world."  A diminutive redhead grinned widely at them both.

"You must be Myra.  I am sorry if you have had to deal with my uncles."  Sherri grinned in return.

"They're pussy cats."  Myra assured her.  "I come from a large family of all boys, not as hulking as your uncles, but there are more of them.  I learned young to manage my brothers."

"I am glad someone can."  Sherri said with a smile.  A shadow darkened her eyes.

"They are looking for you now."  Myra said.  She had noticed the change in her mood.  "Are you up to handling them?"

Sherri hesitated then shook her head.  "No.  I have missed them these past years but I can't take much more of them."

"Years?  I thought you saw them regularly.  They were full of tales about how sweet you were, your formidable talents with the needle, your culinary talents, how you rarely ever raised your voice."

"They wouldn't know.  This is the first time I have seen them all at once since I was five and then I was climbing trees and racing my pony.  The last time Avren visited I was seven.  Favram was the last to visit before Avren showed up again and that was two years ago.  I can't sew, cook, and I raise my voice rather regularly.  The only lady like quality I have is singing."

Myra shook her head.  "Men are such twits.  No offence Kev, but you are too."

"Just so long as that is clear."  Kevyn said sardonically.

"Why don't we find Sherri a room instead?  Let someone else deal with those barbarians."  Myra suggested.  "The sooner you are settled the sooner you can start your studies.  I imagine Teren is eager to find out what you know so he can place you.  Are you going to take the accelerated route?"

"Accelerated?"  Sherri asked, a little confused.

Myra patted her arm.  "Don't worry honey, you'll settle in soon enough."

Sherri grinned at the mention of the sweet liquid and Kevyn blushed.

"Should I ask?"  Myra cocked her head to the side.