A sort of interlude between interesting parts. Just be patient, explanations are on their way!
Jaydn was silent. Speechless. They had reached the far edge of the Companion's Field by the time he spoke at last.
"How can she do that?" he demanded furiously as they sat on the fence. "How can anyone hate the Heralds so much?"
Kuviay sighed. "She always has, as far as I'm aware. The late Lord Courem never liked us much, either, though his dislike increased soon before he wed Cayri." He paused thoughtfully. "Not two years after, he died. Everyone believes he was killed, poisoned, which is why it's strange that Cayri has as much power in Court that she does. Apparently she's convinced some of her innocence in his death, though I for one don't believe a word of it." Jaydn didn't have difficulty believing it either.
"She sounds pretty power-hungry, if she's willing to kill her husband and profane the Heralds' name," he observed.
They were interrupted by the sudden and unexpected appearance of another Herald. Josef was between Kuviay and Jaydn in age, but surpassed both, as well as almost all of the male Heralds, in looks. He was a particular favorite of the ladies, and even some of the men, what with sun-darkened skin, shaggy crow's-wing hair, and deep, dark eyes. But he'd always been very quiet, and spoke little unless he had something important to say.
"Are you speaking of Lord Cayri?" he asked bluntly. He had a thick accent, Jaydn noted.
"Actually, yes," Kuviay answered. "Would you like to join us in the Heraldic gossip?"
Josef didn't laugh at the intended joke, but he nodded and climbed on to the fence next to Kuviay. "The Lord Cayri has always baffled me," he said slowly.
"She hates Heralds," Jaydn blurted out. "She's evil!"
Josef considered the thought for a moment, though Kuviay quickly agreed. "I do not think she is evil," he said at last "But I will not say either that she is free of corruption."
"She did kill Herald Athyar and her own husband, not to mention who knows who else," Kuviay felt compelled to point out.
"But the people of Sancta follow her as the follow no other, and the Hold perishes not," Josef replied. "There are many tales to tell of Cayri, strange tales of a strange Hold." He paused for a long time.
"Do you have a tale of Cayri, Josef?" Jaydn asked finally.
He nodded. "I will tell it, if I may."