Chapter 3 Good intentions

Darin yawned and stretched as he walked down the corridor from his room. He was still tired: just in from his circuit and he was looking forward to his time off.

:Jeraela: he called. :Humph: :You want to go to town:? :Only if you stop by the Compass: she sent.

Darin grinned, Jeraela was fascinated with the crowd at the Compass Rose. She couldn't come in herself but she loved to listen in from the back of his mind when he went there.

Before she chose him he had been one of that crowd himself, though only a student. He liked to keep in touch himself. He had several friends that should be there at this time of day.

Darin squinted at the bright sunlight as he left his wing of the Herald's quarters. He saw that Jeraela was waiting near the fence for him, another companion at her side.

:Who's your friend: he asked. :Terril, Geddies is his chosen: :Isn't he a little young for you: he teased. Jeraela didn't answer.

A woman walking from the direction of the gardens caught the attention of both. She limped slightly and appeared to need the cane she held.

He held back and watched as she walked slowly over to the fence. She was young to need a cane and he wondered what had happened to her. She was obviously from the court, but he didn't remember ever seeing her before.

She was looking towards the companions field and didn't see him as he approached. He saw her reach into a pocket and take something out holding it out to Terril, then again to Jeraella.

"Lovely day for a walk" he said. She started and almost dropped whatever she was holding out to Jeraela. :It's good: Jeraela sent. :Give her my thanks Darin:

"Jeraela tells me to thank you" he said to the woman. She looked down then said something in a language he didn't know. When he didn't say something for a moment she began to look worried.

:Jer, she must be from one of the foreign delegations that arrived recently. I wonder why no one has taken her to the Dyheli to get the Valdemarian tongue:

:Maybe you should take her there Darin, the Compass can wait that long:

He sighed and then approached her. She looked a little worried , but relaxed as he smiled and gently took her hand gesturing for her to follow.