Chapter 15

As the town disappeared behind the trees, the travelers dropped into silence, each lost in his own thoughts. Jannen and Niko foraged ahead, checking the road and taking advantage of the Companion's speed and mobility.

Jareth, Derris and Bryann came next, Derris slung between the other two Companions. His sling had been carefully adjusted so that he could take some of his weight on his hale three legs and ease the burden. Jareth and Bryann fell naturally into a perfectly matched pace, smooth and steady, with only Derris's off-beat step a discord to their perfectly synchronized cadence.

Kyminn handled the wagon, partly by rein, partly with a light mind-touch on the team. Randen was, for the time being, on the front bench with Kyminn. However, in spite of the wagon being excellently sprung, it was clear that his repaired pelvis would not tolerate it for more than a mark or so.

Jannen dropped back beside the wagon while Niko made a game of matching his steps to those of the other Companions.

"There's a Waystation up the way a fair bit. Tarva and I stayed there on our way up. At normal Companion speed, it's a day's journey." Jannen looked askance at Kyminn.

"And clearly we won't be travelling at anything like that speed," Kyminn confirmed. "Even for Companions, slinging another Companion for that long is a tremendous strain. Jareth and Bryann will need to rest. In addition, both Derris and Randen will need to rest and stretch three or four times a day – at least at first. I'm afraid that we're looking at about three-fourths a day's travel, at regular horse rates."

A nod. "That's about what I expected. I'm glad we're so well equipped for camping. I'll go on ahead and find a good place for the first rest break." With a jaunty salute, he and Niko departed on their self-appointed mission.

Randen sighed. "I knew it was going to be a long trip, but hearing it makes it seem even slower. I think that all those years of Derris and I dashing about may have spoiled me!"

"Not to worry," Kyminn chuckled. "Things will get better as you and Derris get back into shape. When we stop, I've got a surprise for you."

"No offense Kyminn, but there's been rather a lot of surprises so far this year. Not sure I'm up for another one."

"You'll like this one." And Kyminn refused to say anything more on the subject.

Two marks later, they rounded a bend to where a glade widened the road. Niko grazed while Jannen waited for them. The two had returned to the wagon a short while before and taken the canvas buckets, now filled with cool water and waiting for them.

"There's a stream back there that the Companions can reach. I thought we'd leave the horses hitched for now?" His tone made it a question.

Kyminn swung his leg over and dropped to the ground. "That should be fine. Derris needs to do some stretches and stand for a bit. That frees up Jareth and Bryann to go get a drink." He pointed at Randen. "Stay there. I've got something for you."

'Something' turned out to be a pair of crutches. They were beautiful examples of a tool made by a master craftsman. The shafts were fine grained oak, burnished to a gloss, while the braces were a dark wood, purple tinged and swirling with whorls. Even the feet were works of art, four iron claws turned under forming a grip for rough ground. With them were hard leather cases to put over the feet for use indoors. Leather hand grips and padded rests, dyed blue and wrapped with bright wire shone in the morning sunlight.

Randen ran his hands down the shaft, his fingers tracing the relief carving of a Companion that adorned it. His voice was rough. "I don't know what to say."

Kyminn gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze. "You don't have to say anything. Pell asked us to have something for you before you left and this is what they made. It doesn't make up for the loss of your leg, I know that. This is Oakden's way of saying sorry, and thank you."

Randen gave a wobbly smile and carefully eased himself down from the bench. His delight at once again standing on his own was obvious.

That break set the pattern for their day. Jannen would find a suitable resting spot and have water and grain waiting for them. Randen and Derris would get a chance to rest, exercise and get a massage for their healing muscles. Still, by the end of the day, Randen's hip was telling him it was past time to get off the front bench, no matter how well padded.

When they stopped for the evening, they fell into the needed chores with little fuss. Jannen took care of Niko, Bryann and two of the horses while Kyminn did the same for the other four-footed travelers. Randen was at first a little startled when Kyminn insisted on unslinging Derris right beside the wagon, until Kyminn casually put a curry comb in his hand. "You can stand. He can stand. He's right in front of you. Go ahead and care for your Companion."

Randen was still unable to walk, as was Derris, and neither was strong enough for Randen to complete the Companion's care. Kyminn quietly helped him finish, grinning as Randen laughed at something Derris said. They were healing.