Ch 6 The Burden of Duty

Agony's, a mare's

Heart cries

But destiny's forgiving

And duties bind.........

Remi and Val made the pass in time, both still in shock at the accident. The rest of their journey went quickly. When they entered the gate to the city it was with a heavy heart, neither one in a mood to appreciate being home for the first time in several years.

They wound up the twisting streets to the palace gates without really noticing anyone else, their grief was too strong. There was something about the pair that caught the attention of people, perhaps the grim look on Remi's face, the children that darted through the crowded streets kept from their path and no one approached them. Often in the past a vendor would offer Val a treat, but not today. Shortly they came to the gate, the guard checking them off his list of returning Heralds, he looked at them surprised. "Where's the little one" he asked, on his list it mentioned a foal.

Remi choked and looked away for a moment before answering "He didn't make it" he said in a strained voice.

The guard looked stricken "I'm sorry" he said and waved them in through the gate.

"I am too" Remi said softly as they rode in, he felt Val's wave of sorrow and agreement as well. When they arrived at the stable Remi took extra time to groom Val, he leaned against her, both of them taking comfort before he stood up straight "I need to report" he finally said.

She nodded and went to find Rolen to make her own report, as he turned and started walking towards the palace buildings.

The next few months seemed to last forever, though the sorrow slightly lessened with time, Valana didn't spend much time in Companion's field, it pained her to see the other youngsters and to realize a fresh what she had lost. They took assignment on a circuit to Lake Evendim to escape from the reminders until they were a little less raw.

Remi's breath clouded from his mouth and he pulled his cloak closer around his shoulders :Remind me again why we had to take a winter circuit: he asked Valana.

He felt her faint chuckle and grinned, it was the first time since Rethwellen she had been able to do so. He felt hope for her.

The shores of the lake stretched out into the distance, he squinted trying to see the other side, but he couldn't. It was hard to imagine that at one time this had been a thriving land and that a weapon from the magewars had caused this, something so Hugh, it boggled the mind. He felt her reluctant interest and he was glad he had asked for this assignment, Val had been withdrawing into herself. She needed something to do, something to keep her busy until the pain had healed a little. He sighed and pulled his cloak tighter, it was just too cold he thought with a shiver. He had come from far southern Valdemar and still wasn't used to the winters up here.

:Poor baby: Val sent to him with a tired chuckle.

He laughed, a surge of joy that she could joke again.

It was into summer and they were almost done with that leg of the circuit when another Herald came riding up to them. "You're wanted back at Haven" the other man gasped when they were close enough to be heard.

"Why, what's wrong" Remi asked.

"Can't tell you, but I'm taking over the rest of your circuit" he said.

Remi shook his head mystified, but he took the time to brief the other Herald and pass on everything the other man needed, The papers that were destined for Haven he kept himself, he would make much better time than a courier anyway.

They didn't rush, though they went directly to Haven, Val was still reluctant to return, though she had come to terms with the loss of her child. They passed the gates of the city and Val's head perked up and she hurried at a good pace "What" he said startled grabbing for his saddle to keep his seat.

:Sorry: she said but still kept up her pace.

:What's wrong: he asked worried.

:I think I feel him: she said.

:Who: he asked.

:Mikel, I think he's here: she said an excited note in her voice.

:He's dead dearling: he said beginning to worry anew about Val's state of mind.

:I told you before, he's not dead. Didn't you believe me: she asked a hurt tone to her voice.

:You saw the hill, it's hard to believe that anyone could survive something like that: he said bleakly as he remembered the scene. There was no time to say more as they rapidly approached the gates.