Chapter 2
The Arrival in Haven
Kethry and Vryna rode into the sunset, past the farm country, and small villages. Kethry watched her surroundings. She had never been much outside of Kettlesmith, and definitely not to Haven. Her parents would talk of parties held at the palace. It sounded like a wonderful city, and she couldn't wait to arrive.
"Are we gonna stop anywhere?" Kethry asked.
:Why should we? Haven is only a few candlemarks away, you forget how fast companions can travel.: Vryna chuckled. :Oh and by the way… try thinking your thoughts in your head, it works easier, most heralds talk to their companions through mindspeech:
"Mind Speech?" Kethry asked confused.
:Yes, Mindspeech. Try it.: Vryna replied.
:Ok… can you hear me?: Kethry tried.
Vryna made a whinny that sounded quite like a human laugh. :Yes, see, it's that easy.:
:This is weird… I'm not used to having things in my head.: Kethry said, trying to get used to the odd feeling.
:Oh, you'll get used to it soon enough. It's common for Heralds to have Gifts. I'm sure you've heard stories of Herald Vanyel and his many Gifts.:
Kethry nodded. :I own a book on Herald Vanyel.: She commented.
:Good, so you at least know the basics of what Heralds do. Though… it's not all that glamorous… let me assure you… there will be tough times.: Vryna said matter-of-factly.
Kethry nodded again. :I understand.: She was ready to take on whatever lay ahead… or… at least she thought she was.
:Oh good.: Vryna said finally. :You can see the gates of Haven, up there just down the road.:
Kethry squinted her eyes, and sure enough, she could see the enormous city gates. She could feel butterflies in her stomach. She looked down at herself, and she was still in her blue formal dress from dinner, and her curls, surprisingly had managed to stay.
:Yes, you look magnificent darling… especially riding me.: Vryna chuckled. :I'm sure well make quite the entrance.:
Sure enough, the guards at the city gates did a double take of Kethry. "Good evening Milady." They bowed. Then they looked at Vryna and bowed again, opening the city gates.
:You're lucky to have been chosen at such a time you were. Some trainees come in not looking their greatest because the companions were so insistent that they get on right now.: Vryna chuckled.
They traveled up the winding streets of the capital city. Kethry stared in awe. The fresh smells from the bakeries, the music of the minstrels and the hustle and bustle of traffic. Kethry already felt truly at home here. Vrynas hooves chimed against the cobblestone pavement.
Finally the homes were changing. Now they seemed like the estates Kethry had heard of. She shuddered, thinking that one of these estates was the home of Daren D'estera. In fact… they were probably home by now… it was well after dawn.
"Kethry!" She heard a voice call suddenly from the street. Her gut sank as she recognized who it was… it was Daren himself… Oh gods…
"Kethry! Glad you changed your mind! Come to visit I see?" He said, standing outside his door just a few feet ahead of them.
To her regret Vryna slowed down to a walk because of the heavy traffic. Daren approached them, and grabbed her hand kissing it gently. "Come Kethry, you do not know what you are missing out on." He said, in a sick, twisted voice.
:Vryna! Lets get out of here!: She said despereatly.
:Right oh!: Vryan replied, and lept into a canter, weaving through the traffic. It startled a few of the townsfolk, but Kethry was relieved to get away from Daren.
She could hear his angry shouts in the background. "Kethry! Kethry get back here! You'll be sorry!"
Kethrys gut sank as she rested in the sattle. She trembled a little in fear.
:It's alright dear, you're safe now. I wont let that man get you. I promise.: Vryna said reassuringly.
Kethry relaxed a little, and felt comforted by Vrynas certainty. Her spirits lifted just then, however. She saw the palace gates a few feet ahead. The palace guards nodded to them, and quickly opened the gates. Kethry heaved another sigh of relief as the gates were shut. She was safe inside the palace… nothing could hurt her now. She dismounted when they were by what seemed to be the stables.
:I love you Vryna.: Kethry said hugging Vrynas main.
:I love you too dearest. Now go get your classes arranged. The dean is inside that building over there.
Kethry nodded. :Thank you.: She began walking towards the palace, a little nervously. When she opened the door, she saw a group of trainees in gray. She breathed deeply and got the courage to speak to them. "Hello… My name is Kethry Beltran… I was chosen by the Companion Vryna. Do you know where the Deans office is?"
The group of trainees smiled. "Yes, we're heading that way! Come join us!"
Kethry smiled happily, and followed the trainees to the Deans office. Once they arrived they knocked on the door, and waited patiently for him to let them in.
"Come in!" It was the sweet voice of an old man that came from inside the door. It sounded pleasant.
The trainees looked at Kethry nervously. "Uh… you want to go first?" The asked.
Kethry nodded. Then put her hand on the doorknob and turned it slowly. She took another deep breath. She was about to take her first step into a whole new world. This was her future right here, right now. She opened the door a crack and was amazed at what she first saw.