Chapter 28

When Kyminn returned to his rooms the next day for his noon meal and customary afternoon of paperwork, he found a message had been delivered along with his lunch. It requested – instructed? – him to meet a Herald Keren later that afternoon. The time set was for the third bell and the location a training field, adjacent to the Herald's collegium. Kyminn had, by this point, spent enough time exploring the grounds that he had a pretty good idea of where he was to go. He was also reasonably certain someone would direct him in the event he got lost.

He needn't have worried. The field in question was extensive, anchored on one end by an open, level swath but breaking away at its far end to broken, scrubby ground, threaded by gullies and brush. A wide assortment of obstacles, barriers, poles, and other construction littered the course. A low fence, clearly more boundary than barrier, marked the perimeter. As Kyminn arrived, a lone Herald and Companion were soaring over the easiest jumps with a casual artistry that was a joy to watch.

The pair worked their way over to where Kyminn waited, the Herald dismounting with the same casual grace. Kyminn afforded them a polite and respectful bow. "Herald Keren? My name is Kyminn Danner. I hope I am expected by you and your Companion?"

Herald Keren was thin and wiry, her gaze frank and open. "Dantris and I were expecting you, yes. What is less clear is why you're here. Delassia's message was somewhat vague."

Kyminn wasn't sure if the Herald had intended to be as dry as the observation sounded, so he opted to ignore any implied sarcasm. "I happen to have a gift for Animal Healing. I helped Derris when he was injured a few moons ago." He paused to see if she was familiar with the incident. When she nodded to indicate she had at least some knowledge, Kyminn continued.

"Now that Derris is nearly recovered, Healer Delassia is focusing on physical therapies – exercises, drills, stretches and so forth. She is letting me observe and I asked her how a healer decides which therapies to use." An apologetic shrug prefaced his next words. "Although I have spent the last six moons in close company with several Companions, all my experience has been with either a profoundly injured individual or with Companions doing very slow-paced travel.

"I really have never seen a Companion working at his or her full capability. It occurred to the Healer and I that I don't understand the physical stresses or needs of a working Companion. I guess that what I'm trying to say, Herald, is that I am hoping you and Dantris would be able to show me the kinds of things a Companion does while on duty. That way, I might be able to figure out how to design a treatment plan that would let him or her do those things." He looked at her hopefully. "Is that a little bit more clear?"

Keren nodded. "It is, I think. You have prior experience healing horses?"

An affirmative nod. "Yes, but since Companions are not horses…basic therapies that would return a horse to work as a dray beast might not strengthen the same muscles – in the same way – that a Companion might need while…running cross country…or whatever else he might be called on to do."

"Well," Keren swung back up into Dantris's saddle. "I made a guess, based on Delassia's note and it looks like I guessed right." She jerked her chin at something behind Kyminn. "This is the senior class of Heraldic trainees. All of them can be expected to graduate into Whites within a few moons. I think," and there was a definite twinkle in her eye this time, "that they will provide an ample demonstration of the kinds of things a Companion does."

Kyminn made a quick count of the group as they trotted past. Eleven gray-clad trainees and two other Heralds made up the crowd. Kyminn was surprised to realize that the two Heraldic assistants wore padding but the trainees themselves did not. The trainees moved off in a gaggle towards the level end of the field while the other two dispersed into the scrub at the other. Keren followed his glance. "The purpose of this drill is for the trainee to get from one end of the field to the other and return safely. The 'enemy' have padded poles dusted with coloured chalk, representing weapons. In order to be counted a successful run, both trainee and Companion must return unmarked." A sardonic grin. "A Herald on rounds doesn't wear amour as a matter of course. The point of this drill is to evade, not defeat. It's harder than you'd think."

Harder indeed, as the first pair quickly proved. The student and Companion opted to head straight up the middle of the course, no doubt hoping to leave themselves ample maneuvering room and avoid getting trapped against the boundary fence. Unfortunately for the pair, Herald Keren had foreseen this strategy and placed a series of wide barriers across that route, forcing the pair into a narrow track where an opponent lay in wait. In spite of the pair's prodigious attempts to twist, leap and evade, they were marked out when the Companion was tagged on his rear haunch.

As the exercises progressed, Kyminn's already vast appreciation for the talents of Companions multiplied exponentially. As the fourth pair started their run, Kyminn was struck by the realization that Heralds didn't ride Companions. Rather, they were borne by them. To ride implied that one party was providing the control, the direction. Instead, the students were borne – two minds, eight limbs, one purpose. There was no other explanation possible for the unity of action unfolding in the field.

It was the fifth trainee who finally succeeded in completing the drill unmarked. The pair made it down to the far fence by making use of one of the gullies. The petite Companion mare avoided the entangling boulders littering the bottom of the gully and instead moved, catlike, from side to side, launching from one bank to the other, avoiding the blows raining down from above. When they finally broke from the far end, Kyminn found himself cheering, along with her classmates.

On the return leg, the pair seemed to be in more trouble, inexorably forced into the constricting barriers in the center of the field. While one opponent cornered the two and prevented retreat, the other broke around to the only possible escape and took up station at the exit. Kyminn was as puzzled as the other students when the Companion darted into a lane that clearly ended in a dead end. Instead of pulling up short and trying to backtrack, the mare spun, launching her hindquarters in a powerful kick. The resulting 'crack' was heard across the field as the side of the barrier suddenly sagged, one support beam snapped.

The mare spun again and launched herself at the gap, forelegs forcing the opening wider while her rear legs vaulted the two of them up, over and through. So fast was their action, both opponents were left far enough out of position that the mare and her trainee were able to dart across the line to safety. Kyminn wanted to cheer again.

It didn't surprise him when Herald Keren simply nodded at the trainee and said, "Good thinking. Well done." The past few moons had opened Kyminn's eyes with regard to the fact that life didn't play fair, especially to its Heralds. Success – and sometimes survival – solving the problem in front of you, not playing by the rules your enemies wanted to impose.

Kyminn watched the training for the remainder of the afternoon, observing the drills, the equitation exercises and more. He would have watched longer, but Keren finally turned the exhausted class loose to clean up and find their rest. "So?" Dantris loomed over Kyminn, the Companion's sides heaving at the stallion's recent exertions.

Kyminn looked up at the Herald, his nod profoundly respectful. "Thank you, both of you, for this opportunity. Dry facts in pictures and paragraphs cannot possibly convey any of this. I learned a great deal today and I'd be grateful for the opportunity to learn more. Would either of you mind terribly if I came and observed, from time to time?"

The two seemed to confer and finally Keren gave a grudging nod of assent. "Normally we discourage spectators. It can be distracting, especially to the younger riders and some of the less skilled are fairly self-conscious. Since Healer Delassia seems to feel this could be an important part of your Healer training, we're willing to have you with us for a little while. Would a fortnight be able to give you the information you're looking for?"

"I certainly hope so. If something comes up, I'll certainly ask you about it, if that's alright."

"Very well then. I'll send someone around with the training schedule. There are some drills we do with the younger students that I believe you might find useful."

"Thank you Herald Keren, Dantris." Kyminn nodded gratefully to them both. "I know that if my being here poses any kind of a problem for you, you will be sure to let me know."

The glint in Keren's eye suggested she wouldn't hesitate.

SCENE BREAK

By then end of his first moon in Haven, Kyminn was chagrined to realize that he was bored. Evin had declared himself satisfied with Kyminn's shields and control and released him from classes. Evin had also pointed out that, should Kyminn desire further development of his Gifts, then Kyminn would have to apply for formal enrollment in the Collegium.

Jannen had since returned to duty, although he had stopped in to say good-bye before leaving. Jannen hadn't said when he expected to return aside from the very vague "Probably a few moons." As for Randen, the disabled Herald had been assigned a blend of teaching and judicial duties. Those, along with his continuing therapies, kept him busy. Kyminn knew that Randen would make time for him were he to ask, but Kyminn didn't want to inject himself into Randen's life and friendships. Further, Kyminn knew that although the two of them would always enjoy a significant friendship, it would never replace the kinds of bond Randen had with his fellow Heralds and the young Healer didn't want to see gratitude sour into resentment by overdrawing on their relationship.

Healer Delassia had – finally – accepted both sets of case notes, pronouncing herself satisfied with Kyminn's efforts. Kyminn had also, at her request, drawn up a proposed set of exercises, based on Derris's current progress. That Delassia accepted the suggestions without comment or revision marked a quiet victory.

Kyminn completed his fortnight of observations and had actually consulted Herald Keren about the exercises assignment. Even Kyminn's Gifts had been quiet, aside from a few brief, nebulous moments while observing the senior trainees. Kyminn had tried to pursue the visions, but simply got more of the same: weapons, Companions, violence – and not now. He duly recorded and reported the episode as he'd been taught, but was unsurprised when there was no follow up.

Feeling distinctly at loose ends, Kyminn wandered the grounds, his path taking him, as had become his habit, along the fence of Companion's Field.

:Kyminn:

The sudden voice startled him and he glanced up, surprised to see Jareth blocking the path.

"Jareth! I haven't seen you since I arrived. How are you?" Kyminn was a bit surprised at how pleased he was at Jareth's presence.

:I am well.: Jareth's tone was somewhat distant and oddly formal. :I believe this is the last time I will bespeak you, and I thought it right to let you know.: The soft nose gently nudged Kyminn. :You are…out of sorts. I knew you would be. I was planning on waiting a bit longer, but…events have overtaken us.:

"I'm fine. Wait, what events?" Kyminn was remembering how easy it was for conversations with Companions to quickly slide out of one's control.

:Events.: Ears twitched humorously. :I promise to explain myself. I know you hate it when I don't.: The mind voice grew serious again. :Well?:

Kyminn didn't pretend to misunderstand Jareth's question. Not only was it futile – and foolish – to prevaricate to a Companion, he found that he really didn't want to.

"I guess…that I have to decide. Derris's case has long since been turned over to the Healers here, Randen is back at work and I've done all they need me to do with respect to them both. Evin has signed off on my Gifts being properly managed and I've learned how to handle my Foresight.

"I've done a bit of asking around and it's pretty straightforward. If I want to work as a Healer – which I do – then I need to ask the Healer's Collegium to verify my training. That actually won't take very long, and assuming I pass, I could don greens and do…whatever."

:And? What's stopping you?:

"Seen from that perspective, nothing at all," his voice was full of doubt. "I'm still not sure if I want to wear greens and do that sort of Healing. I mean, I want to do both kinds, that's something I am more sure of than ever. I'm still worried about being not Gifted for people and wearing greens. I don't want to spend my life disappointing people because I can help their horse but I have to give them stitches instead." A small, wry smile. "Being around all these other Healers, I finally really, completely appreciate how…odd and in between…it was for my grandmother."

:And yet she did very well indeed in finding out how to use her Gift and her other skills. Tell me – would you say she had a good life? That she has been happy and been a benefit to those around her?:

"Well, since I wouldn't be here if she didn't have at least some kind of success…" Kyminn grinned, then sobered again. "But yes, I understand your question. I think that she would say that she's been happy. I think she really found her path once she was out on her own and working for the Guard. And I know she was very happy with my grandfather and with her life in Oakden."

:So that difficulty is something known to be solvable. You just can't see the solution from this side yet.: Jareth's tail swished gently, an oddly confident gesture.

"I suppose." Kyminn leaned on the fence, staring at nothing. "There's a lot of stuff that I'm not sure of. I'm not sure of where I'm going to end up, or what I might end up doing. And yet…" a gusty sigh. "And yet, it's not frightening. Not the way it was a few moons ago." He twisted back to look at Jareth. "Maybe I got older." Dry.

A deep snort. :We all get older. One day at a time, just like the rest of the world. It's not like you're a tottering grey beard yet. So what's holding you back, if not fear? Is it Haven? Healers?:

"I…" Kyminn was genuinely stumped. "You know what, I'm really not sure. Haven is alright – it's just big. Healers is…people. Some are easy to get along with, others…not quite so much." That was with a very Delassia-like eye-roll. "I'm sure there's conflict, and interpersonal squabbles, and frustration, but that's just…people. That's called being human. At least here it's clear that people really do care about making an effort to overcome the worst of it in us. They all try so hard to live up to the trust they've been given. It's…intimidating, somewhat."

:You have never struck me as the sort of person to be easily intimidated.: Jareth's customary tart tone asserted itself. :When you're in your element, you're very self confident.:

"Huh. Maybe that's why I'm hesitating. I feel out of my element here. I've come to realize there's a lot I need to learn. There's so much I want to learn." Kyminn trailed off reflectively.

:Not NEED to learn. You could pass into greens right now, if you so chose. As to WANT to learn, that's a cat of a different colour. You've already learned a lot and Delassia's right – you could be even better if you wanted. The question is – Is that what you want?: The tail swished again, more authoritatively this time.

"I do." Kyminn straightened up and faced Jareth squarely. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw two white shapes moving up to take flanking positions. "Jareth, there's so much I want to learn. I have no idea what the future holds, but I want to do the best I can with it. I…need to enter the Collegium. Formally, as a trainee."

Jareth let warm breath ruffle Kyminn's hair. :Good for you. You'll do well.:

The other two Companions had moved up and taken position beside Jareth. One was Bryann, the other a tall mare that Kyminn didn't know. Both newcomers radiated a sense of polite, but waning, impatience.

Jareth stepped back and lowered his head to Kyminn's level. :As to what I promised before – about events overtaking us…we: and a head toss took in the three of them, :Need your assistance:.

Startled. "Of course. With what?"

:Tacking us up. It's time. We're leaving. We're Choosing.: The mind voice was deep and resonant, with a longing and urgency beneath it.

"I see…." For a moment, Kyminn wondered if he should hope.

:No, Kyminn. I think you have quite a different path. One I think you'll find very rewarding indeed.: Gentle, firm, unspeakably kind.

Kyminn felt within himself for anger, disappointment, sorrow. Instead he found only quiet acceptance. He and Jareth had spoken of this before and this time it was no different. Something inside Kyminn knew he simply wouldn't be fully happy as a Herald. A small smile.

"Thank you Jareth. I'd be happy to help you all. And…I suppose…good bye. Your Chosen deserves everything you can give him or her. Thank you for being willing to speak with me all these times, and for your help."

A nod, a nudge and the four of them headed towards the Companion's barn and, beyond it, the Healer's Collegium.