The Angry Boy

by Tantris

Heralds are not perfect human beings. They are people with flaws and failings like all of us. They have their gifts but they must also have courage and determination in order that their flaws may be turned to facets of what makes them Heralds. They may not do Great Things, but they may rise to greatness by what they do. As always, the Valdemar Universe belongs to Mercedes Lackey.

63. Chapter 63

The Angry Boy Chapter 63

Thus times do shift, each thing his turn does hold; New things succeed, as former things grow old.
- Robert Herrick

Kensie left for Haven late the next morning. He would have left before sunrise, but his parents insisted he attend one final formal breakfast with his family and his father's guests and endure a prolonged farewell before finally mounting Losanir and setting off. Losanir's sardonic commentary on the formalities helped Kensie bear the delay.

The main road was already busy with traffic, so they took the back roads and trails that Kensie knew. Though longer, there were few people on the trails and Losanir was able to stretch out in a full gallop.

Kensie and Losanir reached Leuven by noon and stopped at The Blue and The White. Kensie had not visited the inn since Tom Murray had been Chosen, so he was surprised when the boy appeared in a grey uniform to help him with Losanir. Bryston popped in from the field and each of them introduced their Companions. There was also another Companion present named Caiseal, who Tom introduced. Her Herald was already inside.

Jaim and Sonja Murray remembered Kensie from his previous visits, especially the attack from nearly five years before. They were delighted he had been Chosen and proudly escorted him to the 'Heralds' Table.' Kensie introduced himself to Caiseal's Chosen, a Herald named Mani Zucca, who was outbound for the Northeast Corner Sector where the borders of Valdemar, Hardorn and Iftel met. Mani was in his mid-thirties. He had dark brown hair, a long narrow face and hazel eyes set close. His nose appeared to have been broken once and his left earlobe was missing. He was average height, but his hips and shoulders were quite narrow, making him appear taller.

Sonja Murray handed Kensie the register and a pen. Just below Herald Mani's entry, he wrote "Kensie Poldara, New Chosen, Losanir, Inbound for Haven.'

Over lunch, Mani told stories of his years on circuit. Kensie talked about his time in the army. When Mani expressed admiration for Kensie's 'Formal Greys', Kensie blushed, explaining that his mother had ordered them specially made for his renunciation ceremony and it seemed appropriate to wear them on his way to the Collegium.

After lunch, Kensie and Mani mounted up once more and headed their separate ways. The main road was now very busy and congested, slowing their pace. ::You know the back roads around Bransat and Poldara.:: Losanir said. ::I know the shortcuts near Haven.::

Less than a hundred yards further along, Losanir ducked into a scarcely visible gap between the trees and broke into a gallop. The Companion flew along the narrow track. Kensie bent low over his neck to avoid low branches. He balanced himself carefully as Losanir wove through the trees. It took all of Kensie's skill to position himself as Losanir made frequent sharp turns and cleared streams and fallen logs with powerful, breath-taking jumps.

Kensie laughed, enjoying the thrill of the ride. On a short straightaway, he stroked Losanir's neck as the Companion charged ahead. ::You are wonderful.:: He said.

::You're a good rider. Most Companions never get to do this with their New Chosen. Most have to wait until their Chosen are in the fourth or fifth year. We enjoy a good gallop too.:: Losanir's mindvoice was joyous as he executed a series of hard turns to the left and right through a grove of massive trees.

::Let's do this whenever we get a chance.:: Kensie said just before the Companion made another wrenching turn and jumped over a six foot high tangle of bushes.

::Agreed.:: Losanir said and ran faster.

Except for the few times they had to join the main road or pass through a village, Losanir kept up the pace until they crested the last hill outside of Haven. The Companion made one more breath-taking descent to the road before moving into the stream of ordinary travellers going towards the city.

Kensie smiled and waved to the other travellers as they went along. Due to his age and the grey uniform, most assumed he was one of the older trainees. Kensie and Losanir entered Haven through the Cattle Gate and wound their way through the streets of the city until they reached the palace, entering through the gate used by Heralds.

Sergeant Lorin Dillon was in charge of the gate detail. "This would be Losanir. Welcome back, Sir." He said before glancing up. His jaw dropped. "Lord Kensie? Losanir Chose you?" Lorin had sparred with Kensie at the salle before Kensie had gone into the guard. Though he recognized Kensie, the two had never spoken outside of practices.

"Not 'Lord Kensie' anymore, Sergeant." Kensie smiled back. "Just 'Herald Trainee Kensie' now. Do I go in on my own or does someone have to escort me?"

The sergeant pointed at Losanir. "You've got your escort right there. If you don't know the way, he does. And congratulations."

"Thank you, Sergeant. See you around." Losanir walked on toward the Collegium.

::I suppose I'll be getting that reaction from a lot of people.:: Kensie said as Losanir strode along.

::True. That's what you get for being famous.:: Losanir replied.

::Or notorious.:: Kensie joked.

::Your word, not mine.::

Losanir took them to the Collegium where Elcarth and Keren waited for them.

"It looks like I've got a new assistant." Keren grinned.

Kensie jumped down. He gave Losanir a quick embrace before turning to the Dean and the Riding Master. He shook their hands and asked "What now?"

"We have to get you settled in the Collegium first." Elcarth said. "If you will come with me."

"I have to take care of Losanir first…." Kensie began.

"I can do that." Keren said.

"But…."

"Sometimes Heralds have to let their friends help them, Lord Kensie." Elcarth said. "This is one of them."

::Don't worry, Chosen. Keren certainly knows how to take care of a Companion. I'll see you after dinner.:: Losanir said.

::OK. Meet you at the stable.:: Kensie followed Elcarth into the Collegium.

"As you are highborn, we have to petition the Royal Council for you to enter the Collegium. I understand you have already renounced your title, so the matter should be routine." Elcarth said as they walked along.

"How did you know that?" Kensie was surprised.

Elcarth smiled. "The saying goes 'Whatever one Companion knows, every Companion knows.' You will get used to that. Right now, I have to find out what classes you need."

"Well, I've had plenty of combat training…." Kensie began.

::Alberich will have something to say about that.:: Losanir put in.

"I think you will find that the Weaponsmaster will demand a slightly higher standard now that you are a Trainee." Elcarth said.

Kensie's lips twitched downwards. "Losanir just said the same thing."

Elcarth laughed. "And you are going to have to get used to a big white busybody putting his two pennies worth in regularly."

Kensie thought about it for a moment. "Actually, he's been doing it constantly ever since he Chose me. It just feels natural. I like having him 'at my shoulder'."

::Thank you, Chosen.::

Elcarth smiled. "It sounds like you two have already got a good solid bond."

By now, they had reached Elcarth's office. Kensie followed the Dean into the tiny cubicle and found a space to sit amid the clutter. For the next candlemark, Elcarth questioned Kensie about his training and knowledge.

"You have most of the training you will need in Court Judgments. You will still need to take Field Investigations and get training in the Truth Spell. Your knowledge of accounts is more than enough for field work. Your time as Baron of Bransat gave you some practical experience as well. You will have to cover surveying for when you have to reset boundaries – you are lacking in geometry and you need some practical application."

Kensie nodded. He could see there was a lot to cover.

Elcarth frowned. "Unfortunately, your knowledge of languages is not what I would expect from someone of your birth rank. I suppose you could get by in Rethwellan, but your Hardornen is execrable."

Kensie blushed. Elcarth sighed. "Pity. Your birth rank and your experience in Courtly Graces would normally make you useful in diplomatic missions. We'll give you some intense training in Rethwellan, which will at least help you at the common-level day-to-day contacts along that border. "

Elcarth stood up and Kensie did as well. "We usually assign an older trainee as a mentor, but you are the oldest trainee we have at this time. Since Keren has spoken for you as her assistant, she will be your mentor." He gestured at the door. Kensie and Elcarth went out.

"Let's show you your room." Elcarth led Kensie down the hall and up two flights of stairs. "This is the third floor common room. He pointed to the door on one side. "Female trainees are on that side – " he pointed at a door opposite " – male trainees are there."

Going through the door, they entered a hallway. He took Kensie to the third door on the right and opened it. "This will be your room."

Kensie entered the spartan room. There was a bed, a chest of drawers, a desk and a night table. All were battered but solid. There was also a small closet with shelving. There were no decorations on the walls, but Kensie could see spots where things had been hung. "Am I allowed to put up decorations?" He asked.

Elcarth correctly read the thought behind Kensie's question. "It is rather plain, I'll admit and rather less than I expect you are accustomed to. A Herald's life is not a pageant."

Kensie repressed a sigh. "As an ensign, I shared a room not much larger than this with one of the others. I saw the waystations. I should have been expecting it."

"Does it bother you?" Elcarth asked. From years of welcoming newly Chosen, the Dean knew it was best to get problems resolved at the beginning.

Kensie quirked a smile. "I will get used to it. I grew up in luxury. I just hadn't faced the fact that luxury wasn't what I really wanted."

Elcarth looked at Kensie curiously. "What did you really want?"

Kensie stared at the wall and pulled his lip. "I didn't know until Losanir came for me. Since then, we've talked a lot." He looked the Dean in the eyes. "Now I know. I want to make a difference. Heralds make a difference. I want to be a Herald."

Elcarth looked impressed. "I see you've thought about it. As for the decorations, feel free to add what you want. Just don't make any permanent alterations."

Kensie chuckled. "Agreed."

There was a knock on the door. Elcarth opened it, revealing a young Herald trainee with short black hair, dark eyes and a thin, rather hawk-like face. "I have to get back to some paperwork, so I have asked Coroc, here, to show you around."

The young man offered his hand and Kensie shook it. "Aren't you the Lord Marshall's son?" Kensie asked.

Coroc nodded. "Second son, actually. We've met a few times."

"Yes! Last time was at Poldara House for that affair over the investment." Kensie said.

"I see you two know each other." Elcarth said. "I'll leave you to it. I think you will need a supply of uniforms first." The Dean let himself out, leaving the two young men together.

"We'll get your uniforms first." Coroc said. "I'll show you the bathing room on the way."

Coroc led Kensie down the hall to the bathing room. Kensie glanced at it quickly – it was similar to the bathing room at the guard post, except for the laundry chute for dirty uniforms and towels.

They went down to the basement, where Kensie obtained a supply of clean, though somewhat worn, uniforms. It was the first time, Kensie reflected, that he had clothes that were not tailor-made for him and brand new when he got them.

::Does that bother you?:: Losanir put in.

::It makes my skin crawl a bit.:: Kensie confessed. He shrugged. ::One does what one must.:: He quoted one of his mother's favorite aphorisms.

::Herald Trainees are very clean. It is not as if they have fleas.:: The Companion sent a mischievous image of things crawling on Kensie's skin.

Kensie teased back. ::Unless they picked up fleas from one of you.::

Losanir gave an indignant mental snort. Kensie laughed.

"Talking to your Companion?" Coroc asked, recognizing the signs.

Kensie nodded. The two spoke about their Companions while Coroc led him on a tour. They finished at Companion's stable where Kensie introduced Losanir and Coroc introduced Warana.

"I believe you know where the salle is." Coroc said.

"Yes. I'd better go over and say hello to the weaponsmaster." Kensie mimed a grimace. Coroc laughed and went back to the Collegium after promising to help Kensie find anything else he needed.

Losanir joined Kensie for the walk to the salle. Kensie rested his hand on Losanir's shoulder while they walked, enjoying the contact with his friend. ::This place feels empty.::

::That's because we are on the summer break.:: Losanir said. ::Except for the trainees like Coroc whose families actually live in Haven, most of them have left the city. Even those often go off to visit their yearmates during the summer.::

Kensie nodded. ::What about the unpartnered Companions?::

Losanir tossed his head towards the trees. ::They're mostly in the woods, enjoying the shade.::

::Here's one that isn't.:: Kensie spotted Kantor walking towards them. ::Hello, Kantor. Good to see you again.::

Kantor bobbed his head and whickered a welcome.

::Nothing to say?:: Kensie was disappointed Kantor did not reply.

::For the most part, we only speak to our Chosen.:: Losanir explained.

::That seems rather silly.:: Kensie said.

::Hearing one voice in your head is enough for most people. Hearing many voices in your head might make you wonder about your sanity.:: Losanir said.

Kensie laughed and both Companions whickered their amusement.

"If that's the case, I specially want to thank you Kantor for listening to me." He scratched Kantor's crest for a moment. Kantor arched his neck against Kensie's fingers.

Kensie looked at the two Companions, noting how they were both more heavily built than most. "Is there a reason you two look so much alike?" He asked.

::We have the same dam.:: Losanir said.

Kensie arched his eyebrows. ::I thought you said Lacaral was your brother.::

::Different sire. Companions are not monogamous.:: Both Companions whickered again.

They arrived at the salle. Kensie went in.

Alberich looked away from the two guardsmen he was working with. "So, returned you have."

Kensie did not feel at all reassured by the Weaponsmaster's smile.

A sunwidth later, Kensie found himself battling Kimel, the Captain of the Queen's personal guard. Being one of the best at a remote guard post, Kensie discovered, did not prepare him for a match with a true expert. Kimel outpointed Kensie seven to one before Alberich called a halt.

"Well done!" Kimel smiled as they saluted each other at the end.

"Expect better, I will." Alberich said. "At least you have not forgotten what you knew before." The Weaponsmaster then dissected every error Kensie made. In fairness, Kensie noted that Kimel also had one or two errors pointed out.

Alberich dismissed Kensie with instructions to return in the morning. After slow stretches to cool down, Kensie left the salle. As he met Losanir outside the door, a bell rang, signifying dinner in a half-candlemark.

::I should have put off going to the salle until tomorrow. I am exhausted.:: Kensie said.

::Then you would have gotten to practice with Jeri.:: There was mischief in the Companion's mindvoice.

::Who's Jeri?:: Kensie asked.

::You will meet her at dinner. Hurry now. You have just enough time for a quick shower and to change clothes.:: Losanir sniffed Kensie ostentatiously and made a face.

As turned out, Kensie knew Jeri. She had been the heiress to County Hesse before being Chosen. Though her father Count Zemon and Count Wyeth got along, Wyeth could barely manage to be civil to Lady Indra, her mother. Though it would have been politically advantageous, Wyeth's dislike of Lady Indra had put the possibility of a marriage between Kensie and Jeri out of consideration.

With most of the trainees away, there were only the instructors and a few students in the dining hall when Kensie arrived. Kensie sat down with Jeri, Coroc and a very thin trainee named Pike. Both Coroc and Pike had been Chosen the previous Midwinter. Pike said Coroc had saved him from freezing to death the night they had both been Chosen.

Kensie thought the food was excellent, though plain. It compared favorably with the food of the guard post. Maybe he could dine with his father occasionally when Wyeth was in Haven.

During weapons practice the next morning, Jeri thrashed Kensie even more thoroughly than Kimel had.