Ch 9 Ties that Bind
Lysander was still dazed at the end of the day, he kept glancing down at Sheyrin, almost unable to believe what had happened to him earlier.
Even though he had overheard the other companion's comments earlier, he hadn't fully appreciated what a companion was.
He felt her at the back of his mind constantly, welcome, but he didn't know where her loyalties were. He needed to be there for the people of Newhaven.
:My loyalties are with you chosen:
He started then sent back :You were listening in:
:Not really, but you were thinking rather loudly and I could hear an echo down our link: she said to him.
He frowned :I'm not used to keeping thoughts to myself in my own mind, in fact I'm not aware of anyone else with the gift in the Empire, my shields were mostly to keep thoughts out, not in:
:You don't have to shield from me, I can see what you're trying to do and I support you: she sent back.
"Ly, uh Sander, your not leaving us now that you've been chosen" Gherin asked quietly enough so that Marin wouldn't hear.
"Not if I can help it" he said glancing down at Sheyrin's mane.
:No, you're needed to much here: she said.
Lysander sighed and relaxed "Sheyrin says that I won't have to".
"Good we need you" Gherin said with a smile.
:You will have to go to Haven once everything is settled, you need to be trained:
"Haven" he said outloud, confused.
:It's the Capital city of Valdemar: she said amused.
Lysander flushed :Oh right, I remember from my training at..:
he broke off, not sure what to say next.
:I already know about that, you're my chosen and it doesn't matter, you aren't your training or I wouldn't have chosen you:
Lysander smiled feeling the warmth of her love washing down their bond.
"There's an inn up ahead, we can stay there" Marin called back.
They caught up to him and he looked over "Tremane's paying the bill, he really wants to talk to you".
Lysander tensed and Marin saw his reaction "Don't worry, even if he had wished to harm you, now that you've been chosen he wouldn't dare, to do so would be an act of war with Valdemar".
"Do they know about Sheyrin choosing me" Lysander asked.
Marin grinned "No, and I can't wait to see the look on their faces when they do" he chuckled.
"I'm not changing my plans you know, Sheyrin supports me in this" he told the Herald.
"I know, She won't say a word to Gemina, she's asked her, we're both curious about what you plan to do".Marin said ruefully.
"You'll just have to find out with everyone else" Lysander said.
Gherin spoke up "He hasn't even told me his plans, and he's supposed to be my friend" he gave a mock glare at Lysander.
While the three men were talking they entered the town, the inn was ahead on the main street.
In the fading light of the day it was a welcome sight, though well used to camping out in the woods, a warm dry bed was always welcome. :Hay and a warm mash as well: Sheyrin sent.
Lysander grinned :Only the best for you my love, especially when I'm not paying for it:.
She snorted, but he still felt the warmth of her reguard for him.
Once they had supper and made their way to their rooms Lysander relaxed.
He stretched out on his bed and reached out to Sheyrin, he felt her contentment, he closed his eyes and both slipped into a deep sleep, though as always a part of him was on watch. Ready to wake at the first sign of danger.
The next morning Lysander stretched in his bed as he slowly awakened, He had been traveling so much the last few weeks that being in a strange bed wasn't enough to wake him completely.
:Lysander, chosen, are you awake:
He sat up shocked for a moment, before he remembered what had happened yesterday. He rubbed his eyes and sent :Now I am, If you give me a heart attack, you'd be doing Tremane a favor:
:Sorry, I just wanted to tell you, Gemina said that we have to get up now if we want to reach Tremane's court by today:
Lysander groaned, this was something that he wasn't looking forward to, once Tremane recognised him his job would be that much harder.
:You have me now Lysander, Tremane knows enough about companion's that he might be able to overlook your past, besides, you'll have Elspeth and every other Herald on your side: she sent to him.
:But what about when they learn about my past, would they want anything to do with me then:
:If they want me they will: she replied.
Her support warmed a part of him that had always been cold, alone even among his family, perhaps especially among his family.
The manor that Tremane had taken over as his base of operations was small to someone used to the Empire and the Wolf throne, though it probally was impressive enough to the locals.
The response of Tremane's men more than made up for it though. Lysander had to admit, he was impressed. He took in what he could see of the earthworks, buildings and town.
Nice, he thought to himself, he was glad he wasn't planning a campaign against him. He grinned at the tone of his thought and sensed Sheyrin's amusement as well.
Gherin trailed the two of them, holding the reins of his horse and the packhorse as the approached the castle.
Tremane's majordomo stood by the door looking between him and Gherin, confusion plain on his face. As they dismounted Marin spoke to him, he gestured at Lysander "Lord Sander" then he pointed at Gherin "His companion Gherin".
:Companion indeed: Sheyrin added sending him the image of Gherin wearing her tack.
Lysander was hard put to keep a straight face. He turned towards Sheyrin for a moment, running his hand down her mane until he was sure of himself.
When he looked up he could still see confusion on the man's face though, to his credit he signaled to a man waiting to take their horses and Companions.
Lysander felt a moments worry at being separated from Sheyrin.
:I'll still be with you: she said.
Relieved he followed the man, Marin ahead and Gherin at his back.