"Wise sayings often fall on barren ground, but a kind word is never thrown away." - Arthur Helps
Bredin took the lead in the first village on their circuit. "I know you've judged before and I know you've looked at tax rolls." Bredin said. "You can watch the first one to see the routine, then you can do the next one."
Kensie shrugged. "Sounds logical." He agreed.
In Monmouth, Bredin's review was routine. There were no significant problems or difficult disputes. The villagers' enthusiastic welcome of the two Heralds took Kensie back slightly. He was accustomed to the reserved deference normally given highborn rather than the cheers and attentiveness he and Bredin received.
He was also surprised by the looks from village women, including some of the married women. Even if the Collegium instructors had not explicitly warned him and his fellow trainees against such involvements, his own experience with Peony Rains/Mittel made him proof against their flirtations.
::I just wish they were a little less blatant.:: He complained to Losanir as one girl blew a kiss in his direction. Kensie pretended not to see it.
::What do you expect when the see two prime, healthy, apparently available, young men?:: Losanir said. ::You and Bredin aren't homely or unsavory.::
::We're not celibate, either.:: Kensie retorted. ::But I'd rather not put my hand in a wasp's nest.::
::Wise man.:: Losanir said. ::Think of how Bredin would be pestered if they knew what he had between his legs.::
Caught off guard by the Companion's comment, Kensie burst into laughter, which he unconvincingly turned into a 'fit of coughing'. Bredin looked at him curiously for a moment before returning to the case he was judging.
::That was not helpful, horse.:: Kensie threw a mock-angry glance at Losanir, who was blissfully leaning into the fingers of an enchanted boy scratching his crest.
At the end of each day, they discussed the cases Bredin had heard. Kensie agreed with Bredin's decisions, adding only a few minor insights of his own.
###
Their second stop was the village of Tulle, which had been fought over several times during the Tedrel Wars. Whole families had been wiped out and many people had fled north, resulting in numerous vacant and abandoned farmsteads. Sometimes there were distant relatives who put forward claims, occasionally there were disputed ones. More often, there were no claimants but people who wanted to take over the abandoned properties. Six years had now passed since the wars and the special laws passed to deal with such lands were coming into effect.
Bredin watched Kensie as deftly worked through the process of recognizing new owners and ensuring that the new titles were registered. By the next time Heralds came through, the new owners would have to provide proper surveys defining the precise extent of the land, including appropriate documentation from old records whenever possible.
::He is handling all those details very well.:: Bredin said to Lacaral.
::Highborn grow up practically swimming in land and inheritance law.:: Lacaral pointed out.
::I suppose you are right.:: Bredin said. ::I just didn't expect him to be so good at it.::
::You mean you were secretly hoping he would have to call on you for help.:: Lacaral said.
His Companion's shrewd observation put Bredin into a prolonged introspection. He stopped listening to the cases for a while and considered his own thoughts and motivations. ::You are right.:: He admitted reluctantly. ::I should be cheering him on.::
::Just as you would any other Herald.:: Lacaral said.
###
Kensie stiffened at Bredin's sharp words as he scolded a young man. Ollie Ellis said his brother did not deserve a share in their inheritance. Arvid, the younger brother, had a club foot and had not worked the fields with Ollie, who said that the farm should go to him alone instead of being split in accordance with their father's will.
"Ollie Ellis, you are a churl. Yes, you plowed the fields in your father's failing years. But your brother did not just sit around. Arvid tended both your parents and saw they were comfortable during their illness. He prepared the meals for you and for them. The bows he made and sold paid for the medicines. Due to his club foot, Arvid could not sow and plow the fields, but he contributed as much to the family as you did.
"You are a greedy ingrate, Ollie Ellis, and a terrible brother. If it were in my power, I would strip you entirely of your share." Kensie saw the outrage on the older brother's face.
Bredin went on. "You could have accepted Arvid's offer to buy him out for a third of the value, but you wanted it all and brought this case. Instead, I am ordering you to pay him the full half to which he is entitled by law."
"The gimpy li'l bastid don' need it." Ollie burst out. "He can make 'is way sellin' 'is bows."
"He contributed as much as you and he has the same rights as you." Bredin said. "Your claim is dismissed. Get out of my sight." He banged the gavel.
Kensie winced at Bredin's sharp tone. He looked around. The villagers and farmers gathered in the square were nodding their heads and throwing looks of disapproval at Ollie Ellis.
::They think Ollie is getting exactly what he deserves.:: Losanir said. ::Bredin is saying what they all think, but dare not say. Also, Ollie would take civility as weakness and try to make further trouble. This is not the Court or even the Collegium. In the country, people want 'straight talk.'::
Kensie nodded to himself. He remembered Gustav Rains tearing a strip off people before his Court in Bransat when they were being petty or grasping. ::I don't know if I will ever be able to do that.:: He said.
::OH? What did you say to Privates Essig and Style when they got into a drunken fight and broke Goodwife Steen's chicken coop?:: Losanir asked. ::Did you say "You naughty boys?"::
Kensie grinned at the memory, which he had shared with Losanir previously. ::I called them a pair of stupid *********** and made them pay her five times the value of the chickens she lost.::
::That's not exactly Courtly language, is it?:: Losanir asked mockingly.
::But that was the Guard. They expect that.::
::Exactly. And these people expect to you to speak their language as well. Not "Ollie Ellis, your plea in the probate of your father's estate is denied on the basis of your brother's equitable contribution to the well-being of your kindred and holdings."::
Kensie tried to imagine speaking that way in front of the villagers of Hyde. He shook his head in amusement.
There was one last item for the day. Four farmers had entered into a complicated swap of livestock and lands and asked Bredin's help in making the agreement clear and proper so no one could later claim they'd been cheated. Bredin took the time to read the agreement over and reviewed the deal with all four. He glanced at Kensie "I think that covers it. Did you notice anything?"
Compared to some of the negotiations Kensie had seen among the nobles, the agreement was child's play. "Everything looks ok to me." He said.
The farmers signed the agreement and Bredin witnessed it before giving it to the Headman to put in the village records.
Done, they put their papers away and mounted their Companions. It was still cool, but the sun had warmed the air enough that Bredin had been able to move his bench from the stuffy, cramped inn to the village square.
The dirt road was wide enough that they could ride side by side. The Companions picked their way fastidiously around the puddles and mud-holes.
Once they were out of earshot, Bredin looked over at Kensie. "What was so amusing about that little inheritance dispute?" He tried to keep his irritation out of his voice.
"Nothing." Kensie said. "Losanir was telling me I would have to learn not to speak like I was talking to Earl Nose-in-the-air. I wish I had your touch with the villagers."
"Thanks for the praise." Bredin bobbed his head. He smiled slightly. "Mani drilled it into me. He said it was the other side of Courtly Graces. 'When in the village, be a villager.'"
"That makes sense." Kensie agreed. "Losanir pointed out I'd had to speak differently in the Guard. It's just that I'm used to being around Highborn, officers and Heralds, where genteel speech is expected."
Bredin mulled it over for a moment. He hadn't thought of the problem of moving down in class and learning the ways of those beneath you.
::It's not a matter of 'beneath'.:: Lacaral said, ::It's a matter of 'different'.::
"I had the same problem when Jan Nilsen invited me to spend the summer at his father's estate several years back. I made mistakes, but Baron Pik and Lady Claire ignored my blunders and helped me learn."
Kensie glanced at him. "I've seen you talking to highborn. Honestly, Bredin, I think you'd mix right in at one of Lord Orthallen's feasts." Kensie had turned to look up the road, so he missed Bredin's startled expression.
"Thank you." Bredin said. Kensie's compliment made him oddly uncomfortable.
They reached the turnoff to the waystation. On the narrow path, they could only ride single file. Bredin rode ahead and Kensie followed.
::I expect you to groom me properly once we're back at the waystation.:: Lacaral grumbled as he picked his way through the mud and slush on the path.
"I always do. Why are you so concerned about today?" Bredin asked.
::Look at the path.::
Bredin's lips twitched. Lacaral was being inscrutable again, insisting that he work it out for himself. He looked at the narrow track ahead. There were fresh hoofprints heading towards the waystation. Hyde was not on the road to any other circuit. Probably a Herald Courier. Why would that cause Lacaral to want a special grooming? The answer hit him. There were only two Herald Couriers who rode mares: Tobias and Ylsa.
"So, is it Irian or Felara?" Bredin asked.
::Irian.::
Bredin laughed. He turned to look at Kensie.
"Lacaral wants to look his best…." He began.
Kensie grinned back at him. "Losanir told me. He says his little brother will have to settle for seconds."
Both of them laughed. Lacaral pinned his ears.
###
Tobias had already lit the stove, so the waystation was warm when they reached it. They untacked their Companions and started dinner cooking before sitting down to talk.
Bredin and Kensie had only been away two moons, so the review of the new laws and court news took very little time. "Any other news?" Kensie asked. Since none of them shared yearmates, they did not have many common acquaintances.
Tobias nodded at Kensie. "Since you are highborn, you may hear from your noble friends and acquaintances about Princess Elspeth and the Queen's Companion. Selenay took Elspeth out to meet Caryo. The poor girl had full-blown hysterics. This wasn't just one of the 'brat' events we've all heard about. The poor child was absolutely terrified of Companions, including Caryo. No one knows where she got the idea that Companions are child-eating monsters, but she was as frightened as a Karsite meeting a 'Hell-Horse.'"
"Probably just a childish fancy that will pass." Bredin said. Kensie nodded agreement.
"That's what we think and that's what we are telling the courtiers, but be prepared if you hear a different version." Tobias said.
Bredin sensed Lacaral's disquiet. ::What's the matter?:: He asked.
::We think there's more to it than that.:: Lacaral said. He would not say more.
He saw the signs of Kensie talking to his Companion. "I think you got the same thing from Lacaral as Losanir just told me."
Tobias sniffed. "They do love to be mysterious, don't they?"
All three Companions snorted loudly. The Heralds grinned at each other.
"On to personal business." Tobias said. "Here are some letters for both of you, including one I picked up at Gillhold."
That puzzled both of them. "Why would Adrian write to us?" Bredin asked, taking the letter. "Did he say it was urgent?" When Tobias shook his head, Bredin put it aside with the other personal mail for now. It would be rude to bury themselves in their letters while Tobias was with them.
Over dinner (and a flask of wine Tobias brought with him), the three shared stories. More open with the Courier than he had been with Kensie, Bredin told of meeting T'Charol, Tashiketh and Mochghar. Tobias said he had heard similar stories, but all at third hand. Kensie looked dubious at first until Bredin saw him get the look that told him Kensie was talking to Losanir; after that, Kensie said he'd like to visit the area himself.
Since there were only two beds in the waystation, they agreed Tobias would get one of them. It was too difficult for him to use the hammock provided for such contingencies. Bredin won the coin toss and Kensie slept in the hammock.
###
Tobias left in the morning and the two spent another day with Bredin hearing the cases in the village of Hyde. When they returned to the waystation in the evening, they settled down to the letters that Tobias had left. Bredin took the letter from Adrian while Kensie opened one from his father.
Bredin frowned as he finished Adrian's short letter. He looked at Kensie, who was still reading. He cleared his throat to get Kensie's attention. "You remember that ex-pirate who was at Gillhold?"
Kensie nodded and Bredin went on. "Remember how Adrian and Urson both said he was in touch with the Spirit World?" Kensie nodded again.
Bredin held up the letter. "Adrian says that he saw that we were in danger."
"You mean he has foreseen danger for us?" Kensie asked.
"Not exactly. In fact, Adrian says that this 'Ragnar' denies it is actually a foresight or premonition. He says Ragnar believes we are in danger, but doesn't know what the danger is or when it will come."
"That doesn't sound particularly useful." Kensie said. "In fact, it's practically meaningless. Heralds are often in danger. We've all felt and heard the Death Bell. Most of the time because one of has been killed in the course of our duties."
Bredin glanced at the letter once more. "Adrian says that Ragnar thinks the danger comes from both outside Valdemar and inside Valdemar. He implies that someone we trust or should be able to trust is working with our enemies."
"Again, not particularly useful." Kensie said. He held up his own letter; Bredin noted it was written in green ink. "Though, if we are talking about threats, this is on topic. Father writes about a conversation he had with Sir Faro Mittel about the time we headed out. It seems that Wallis Mittel has been talking often and loudly about trying to kill me."
"He's mad." Bredin said. "Wallis, that is."
Kensie shrugged. "I think I can handle him if he made the attempt."
"It's not that, Kensie. I mean Wallis is insane, obsessed with killing you." Bredin said.
Kensie looked at him skeptically. "What do you know about this?"
Bredin told Kensie about Wallis' approach the day that they met at the barn.
"Why didn't you tell me about this before?" Kensie snapped.
"I didn't think he could really do anything." Bredin said. "I didn't think it was important."
"Someone wants to kill me and you didn't think it was important enough to tell me?" Kensie's voice rose.
"I passed it on to Elcarth, Kyril and Alberich. If they didn't tell you, why should I?"
"Maybe because I am the intended target? Don't you think I should be warned too?" Kensie snarled.
"You didn't seem to care a moment ago. You implied you could brush Wallis Mittel off like a fly."
::Chosen, calm down!:: Losanir interrupted before Kensie could reply. From the look on Bredin's face, he was hearing from Lacaral. Both of them stopped with their mouths hanging open.
"I apologise." Bredin said. "I should have told you. I'm sorry." He held out his hand.
Kensie took a deep breath and shook Bredin's offered hand. "I apologise, too. I've been pretty cavalier about Wallis' threats. I shouldn't expect others to be more worried than I am."
"How serious a threat is Wallis?" Bredin asked.
Kensie snorted derisively. "He was never a famous swordsman. As I recall, he never got beyond the regular classes for the highborn in the salle. He wasn't in any of the advanced classes."
"So what did Sir Faro say to your father?" Bredin asked.
"Well, obviously Sir Faro isn't happy about his son making threats. Even though he has all but cut Wallis off, he doesn't want his son to do anything stupid." Kensie said. "Even talking the way he is could get Wallis dismissed from Orthallen's service."
"He's on Lord Orthallen's staff?" Bredin asked.
"Didn't you see his Blue Eagle badge?" Kensie said. "Aren't Heralds supposed to be more observant than that?"
Bredin ignored Kensie's taunt. "I didn't see the device he wore. I was more interested in getting away from him at the time. But I agree with Sir Faro that Lord Orthallen would not be happy about someone on his staff talking about killing a Herald. Now that you are in white, it's not just a matter of feuding highborn, after all."
"Orthallen will probably talk firmly to him about it at some point." Kensie said.
"Assuming Orthallen knows. He could be keeping his obsession secret from his liege." Bredin said.
Kensie snorted. "Even if he wanted to keep it secret, Orthallen would find out." When Bredin looked at him blankly, Kensie went on. "We spy on each other, of course. All the highborn spy on each other. Orthallen's is probably the biggest and most widespread, considering his wealth and position. It's also damned good. My father says he's never penetrated it."
Bredin absorbed this information. He had never thought about the infighting among the highborn; as a commoner and, later, as a Herald Trainee, he had always been insulated from it, though his reason told him that it must exist.
::And is considerably more underhanded and deadly than the sniping that happens in the marketplace in Bransat.:: Lacaral pointed out.
"I'll take your word for it. I'm not highborn." Bredin said. "But that leaves the question of why Lord Orthallen would have someone like that on his staff."
Kensie waved his hand dismissively. "He probably doesn't think it is important. He'll talk to Wallis about it and that will be the end of it."
Bredin wasn't satisfied. "You just implied that it is something that could damage Lord Orthallen's reputation. If I have learned anything about you highborn during my time at the Collegium, it is that you highborn place a great deal of stock in your reputation."
Kensie rolled his eyes in exasperation. "Which is why Lord Orthallen will talk to him about it."
"Why hasn't he already?" Bredin asked.
Kensie shrugged. "Orthallen's a busy man. Maybe he hasn't had time."
Bredin snorted. "Orthallen knows. You said it. He can't afford to ignore it or let it go. Again you said it. Kensie, the question is Why does Orthallen have someone obsessed with killing a Herald on his staff?"
Kensie shrugged. "Ask Orthallen, not me."
"The issue is 'Why?'." Bredin persisted. "Wallis even tried to kill you even before you were Chosen. There has to be more reason than he likes Wallis."
Kensie sighed and rolled his eyes once more. "Oh, please. This is not some Grand Conspiracy. It's just a minor case of a knight's son who is obsessed. Really, Bredin, you have no idea about Court politics."
::Chosen!:: Both Companions interrupted once more.
This time, Kensie apologised. "I'm sorry, Bredin. I shouldn't have gotten shirty. It's just that I am familiar with the Court and know it doesn't work that way. Pax?"
The two shook hands again.
"I'll send a letter to my father thanking him for letting me know." Kensie said.
Bredin nodded. "And I'll send a letter to Adrian thanking him for the warning."
Bredin never sent the letter. In the middle of his review of the tax rolls for Hyde the next morning, both of them felt the tolling of the Death Bell. Adrian and Werra were gone.