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Tears of the Phoenix	By : serialcabbit78 Category: S through Z > Valdemar Series Views: 1397 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do NOT own ANY of the rights to the Valdemar Series, those all belong to Mercedes Lackey, who has given me the inspiration. I make no profit from this or any writing.

Chapter List
- 9
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- 11
It wasn’t the sunlight that lit the room though the window that woke them, it was a soft tap to the door. Luna blinked and sat up, slipping from the bed as she noticed that Trey was already at the door. He opened it to find a Guardswoman standing there. She smiled brightly at him and peeked into the room. Luna looked at the bed where Stefen still seemed to be soundly asleep.

“Good Morning, I was just making sure you all were alright after your late night ride in.” She said brightly. “I know it is rough riding in at night, but you two look rested. This inn keeps a room reserved for the off chance that a newly Chosen rides in at night, that way we can send you off into the city rested. Didn’t used to have two beds, but then we started getting them least thrice weekly, and more than two at a time. We made due though, well if you young ones want some breakfast, come on down after you dress.” With that, she shut the door and they heard her going back down the hall.

Stefen groaned as he sat up and Luna began to think the ride in had been harder on him than it had been for her and Trey. He smiled as he eased from under the covers and rose. He stretched, and again reminded Luna of a cat. When he turned she felt Trey’s hand cover her eyes and turned her towards him. Stefen’s chuckle behind her had her mystified.

“No worries, younglings. Trey, you’ll soon find it’s just a normal thing.” Stefen said as Luna moved away from Trey to begin dressing.

:Why did you do that?: She asked Trey, in Mindspeech. :You are acting like Surya did when she first chose me. You surely don’t think I haven’t seen what you were trying to shield me from do you?:

:That wasn’t exactly why I turned you, he had a rather lovely dream.   I didn’t think he’d want you to see that.: Trey stated softly.   :He’s decent now, so you can get your nose out of the corner.:

Luna turned back, laughter dancing in her eyes. “Why Trey, you act as if I’m some little featherhead.”

“No, I don’t think it was that Luna, but thank you, Trey.” Stefen “Well let’s get packed up and head down.”
Luna braided her hair and tied it off. Her hands trembled a little. It was one thing being in a village, but she knew today she’d be entering the biggest place she had ever been in her life. She closed her eyes and tried to tighten her shields, feeling slightly off balance. She took a few deep breaths, remembering the things she’d been taught and felt herself center with a slight pop. Her shields reacted to that, leaving her feeling solid and sure. She wasn’t sure if the others noticed until Trey lightly touched her mind.

:Do you need help with your shielding, I can tell you are nervous. It will be okay, I’m here and if you ever need help, you know Surya will help.   You have the basics down good, Vanyel taught you well.: Trey took her hands and she smiled. :Yes, I see now that Vanyel is Brightstar’s father. He didn’t have a hand in his training, but he did yours. I can see that he does care about you.:

:Thank you, Trey. I doubt the other Heralds will have the same sight you and I do, I don’t know how I was ever born with Tayledras talents. I highly doubt anyone in my family has the remotest traces of them.: Luna looked into his eyes, seeing a calm reassurance there.

“Well, let’s go. I am kind of hungry” Luna gathered her stuff, as did the others, and they went down to eat. Once fed and other things tended to, they moved to the stables, where they saddled their mounts, and rode to the Guard shack.

“On your way out?” She asked, and reached for two metal scraps. “Here are your town chits, you should be to your destination by about midday, but it depends on the traffic in the city. Considering it’s not that early, you could make good time.” She saw them off waving a farewell to them.

It wasn’t long before large stone walls loomed ahead of them. They passed the guards with just a salute and a smile. Luna’s blue eyes widened at the sheer volume of people and animals around her. Her ears had been long attuned to much quieter sounds, and the noise around her had her on the verge of bolting. Surya seemed to pick up on her nerves and she felt the soft touch of her Companion’s mind.

:I know it seems overwhelming, but I promise you’ll get used to it,: Surya said gently. :There isn’t anything one can do to prepare themselves for the sound, you just have to learn to tune it out.:

:It’s not so much the noise or the people, but the amount of it. I suppose it’s too late to run back to the forest?: Luna joked. :I’m only teasing, I knew there was no turning back when you chose me.:
:Good, you’re joking. You will be just fine.: Surya chuckled. She tossed her head and let out a very horsy sounding laugh.

They rode though the noise of the city taking a route that seemed to twist and turn forever until they came to a calmer district. A man selling fruits waved at them and tossed a few apples to Luna and Trey. Though shocked, they caught them easily and waved in thanks. The Companions led the way though as their riders cut the fruit up and shared it with them. Luna looked back to Stefen, noting that the Bard was keeping a discrete distance behind them. She looked over at Trey who looked as overwhelmed as she looked.

:Are you alright, you look like a startled bird?: She touched his mind lightly, almost thinking he’d have blocked her out. He turned his head and gave her a small smile.

:It is very noisy in a big city. We didn’t have that much noise, even during the height of festivals and fairs. Corden was telling me that there really isn’t any way to prepare someone who has never experienced this for it, I guess Surya said the same.:

:She did, I kind of like this Mindspeech thing. I wish I could talk to Stefen this way, though I know he often wished he could with Vanyel. I am glad you let me in this much, though.: She laughed as Surya sidestepped a nasty little present the horse before them left on the street. :That’s kind of rude.:

:I don’t mind, honestly. I have used Mindspeech with Brightstar and a few others since I learned I had it. They taught me ways to shield and how to touch someone, like knocking on a door. I guess he taught you that as well?: Trey snickered at the disgusted snort Corden gave at the same little mess. :Some animals have no manners.:

:At least we can tell you when we need to do our business, instead of just making a mess. Though I can’t say the poor could complain much, they can get free manure for their gardens: A very dryly accented, but cheerful voice sounded in both their minds. :Pardon my manners, little Moonlight, I am Corden. I thought you three would enjoy my thoughts, as they echo Surya’s.:

:Oh step off it you shameless jackal.: Surya said indignantly. :I’m tempted to make you trod through the next pile if you keep that up:

Luna and Trey exchanged startled looks, then burst into laughter. Even to their young minds, they could tell there was flirting going on between the two Companions, even if the pair was not letting their Chosen in on the fact. They rode into the richer neighborhoods, where the streets were very quiet. They passed a few hired buggies, their drivers nodding to the Companions and their riders. The children smiled up at them and sat just a bit straighter in their saddles.

The quiet trio rode up to a gate and a Guard stepped out, dressed in blue and silver. He waited until the Companions were stopped before he stepped out and greeted them.

“Well, if it isn’t Corden and Surya! You two have been out so long, did you jump boarders?” He patted the Companions, then looked at the children. “You two look amazingly young, how old are you?”

“Sir, I turned twelve this past winter. I’m from around the areas outside of Valdemar. The young lady just turned eleven, she’s from the Sorrows.” Trey spoke for both of them, seeing Luna looking quite frightened. “I guess you could say they traveled a bit far to find us.”

“Well, I see you seem to have a good escort here, tell me has he been stuffing your heads full of fantastically embellished tales of Heralds?   It’s ok to be afraid, younglings, your lives have changed.” He patted Luna’s hand that gripped the reins so tightly her knuckles where white.
“No, I haven’t been filling their heads with any tales. We’ve had some interesting conversations, though. These two have come from places that might make some of their teachers quite pleased.” Stefen said. “Have there been many coming in today?”

“Well, there’s been six today, including these two. Ten in all this week, and if we get more, they’re going to have to start taking classes in shifts. First time I’ve seen it this full in years.” The Guard stated, waving to three people coming to the gate from the other side, two were dressed in Whites, the third was dressed in scarlet, like Stefen. The guard opened the gate and waved Stefen and the children through.

They entered the grounds, and dismounted when they reached the trio waiting to greet them. Trey looked somewhat mystified that someone from Bards was there to greet them, as he’d expected to see Heralds.

The woman in scarlet stepped forward as Stefen led his horse by the reins and she gave him a small smile. Stefen put his other hand on Luna’s shoulder and gently pushed her forward, as the child was trying to hide between the Companions. She shyly looked up at the three that were waiting for them. Some stable hands came up and relieved their mounts of the packs and led the horse and Companions away. Some other youngsters, dressed in grey, picked up their packs and went off into a building. Luna nearly raced after them but was stopped by the woman who was dressed in red.

“It’s alright, youngling. They’re taking your stuff to the rooms you’ll be using. I am Bard Lynnell, and I do believe you may be one of our newer dually gifted Heralds. Once we have you and some of the others settled in, we’ll be testing your gift.” Lynnell’s voice was calm but authoritative.   “Welcome to the Collegium, there are three different types of learning here, Heraldic, Bardic, and Healer. You two will be enrolled in the Heraldic, by virtue of your having been Chosen by your Companions.”

A man stepped forward, dressed in the White of the Heraldic uniforms and held out his hand to the children. He had a gentle but warm smile and seemed to try to put the children at ease.

“I am Herald Tantras, I’ll be the Herald assigned to the wing of Trainees you will be in. We’ve had to go back to using the suites used by the Herald-Mages and the protégés they trained. Because of that we’ll have a Senior Herald assigned to each wing with either a Trainee close to getting their whites or a Bard in each suite as a mentor.” He shook both Luna and Trey’s hands, favoring Luna with a bright smile. “Since you two are already acquainted with Bard Stefen, he will be your Mentor with Herald-Trainee Thad being assigned to your suite as Stefen often needs to travel. Any problems with your class and chore schedules will need to be taken up with your Mentor and he’ll have the Dean re-arrange them for you. Any conflicts with other students will either go to your Mentor or me.”

A second woman, who was also dressed in Heraldic Whites stepped forward and favored Luna with a bright smile as well. She reached to first shake hands with Trey, then Luna. Luna’s eyes widened as she touched the woman’s hand and whatever she Saw, she wisely kept to herself. She knew who the woman was without being told.

“I am Herald Jisa, the King’s Own Herald. Usually my place is with the King, and I don’t normally meet with newly chosen. However, you two are quite special. Treyvor, you may end up being an envoy between us and the lands held in protection by the Tayledras. Luna, you can help us with the history and mysteries of the Sorrows.” She smiled softly.   She folded her hands over her stomach, hiding the slight bump of a just showing pregnancy.

Trey started to say something, but Luna discretely nudged him with her arm. He shot her a shocked look, prompting her to give him a definite ‘be quiet’ look. They seemed to have a silent battle of wills for a moment, and Jisa smiled with a soft, knowing smile.

:I doubt she’s made an official announcement, so keep it behind your teeth or I’ll have Corden kick you: Luna said fiercely to Trey. :She’s barely showing as it is, so please stay quiet.:

:Well, if they don’t know, I don’t want to spoil her surprise, but she should know she’s carrying a girl, not a boy.: Trey interjected. :She’s Brightstar’s sister!:

:I take it you both have good command of Mindspeech, very good.: Jisa said to them both, knowing that their conversation was quite private. :I did not overhear you, but I could see the intense discussion you were sharing by your expressions.:

They turned in unison to stare at Jisa, shock registering in their expressions. They both flushed and stepped away from each other. Jisa saved them both from true embarrassment by taking each by the hand.

“If it is alright, I would like to take these two for a little while. Stefen, I’ll make sure they are fed and brought to you when I’m done. I think these two have something they need to discuss that is not for everyone to hear.” Jisa led the two into the door closest to them and down a long corridor. She led them through the palace, into the Royal wing and to hers and the king’s private chambers. She rang a bell for a servant, ordering food and drink for them all.

“I take it you two have gifts that don’t ordinarily show up in Heralds, or so Taver tells me. As I said before, I don’t normally greet our newly Chosen, and you two are the first.” She gracefully sat on a sofa, after inviting them to sit as well. The servant appeared with food and drinks, laid them out. “If you all will excuse me, I need to talk to these two alone, and I think its best we’re not overheard.” The servants in the room nodded and they all took themselves out.

When the room was clear, Jisa directed them to each take some food and poured each of the children a drink before taking a glass of juice herself. She watched, smiling fondly as the children ate. Among the little pastries that were offered where ones that Luna fell upon with obvious delight.

“I haven’t had something like this since I left the Border Guard post. They sent some up for Stefen and me while we packed up.” Luna helped herself to a second, feeling just a little greedy. “What did you wish to speak to us about?”

“I don’t think Lynnell picked up on the fact you two were in awe of my condition, Tran may have, but he will keep that to himself. He was one of my father’s most trusted friends. Taver tells me that you two have a unique gift, it isn’t exactly Foresight, but it is in that family. It is quite rare among Heralds.” Jisa explained. “Taver has told me that your Companion Surya has picked up on it, Luna. She’s told Taver you have seen something that you feel I should know.”

“Well, it’s not something that many know, and when I told Stefen what I saw, he was rather shocked. I don’t think you should name the child you are carrying after Vanyel. There are those who suspect, and if you were to have a male child and name them after him, they may not believe your official story.” Luna looked around the room, as if she was trying to see if someone could overhear them.
“That’s true, Co-Consort Jisa. That isn’t the whole of it, part of my gift is Healing and I can see that you are carrying a girl, even though it’s too early for most of your healers to see that. I was trained by some of the Tayledras, who taught me some basics on how to use my gifts and to shield. They didn’t teach me all that much as they felt that how I would be taught here would be quite different than their techniques. Though, they did train me with Mindspeech and to use the Healing gift, as those are rather universal.” Trey explained. “Luna and I discovered soon after we met that we both could converse with Mindspeech, but we didn’t often use it as we didn’t want Stefen to feel left out.”

“When I first had my dreams, and Stef confessed to me that he was having the same ones about Luna, Trev and I decided that it would be best to send him. I discovered I was pregnant soon after he left, so he truly didn’t know.” Jisa smiled at the two children. “It’s not often we have so many chosen as young as you, and the wing that you will be assigned to will be mostly trainees your own age. Tran and Stefen are rather good with younglings. If either of you ever wish to speak with me, you can send a soft touch my way or ask Tran to let me know.”

Luna felt a soft, tender touch to her mind and she looked at Jisa, who smiled benevolently. She realized the woman could be curious to her thoughts on something else. She let her in to speak.

:I take it that you saw something that you feel should be for my ears and mind only? I know who sent the dreams my way, and I have to say I am pleased he did. Tran was one of my father’s friends, as I told you.: Jisa said

:I saw you wanting to tell Vanyel that you were pregnant, though this isn’t your first child, this one you had thought to name after him. I think what I’d told Stefen was that his daughter in soul wanted Vanyel to know you were pregnant. I saw that you still hold him in high regard. Treven knows. He knew the night you married him, based on your mother’s reactions. He has never let you know this because he respected both you and Vanyel. He respected the fact you want to keep it secret.:   Luna gauged the shock on Jisa’s face, but only saw a soft smile.

:I never told him because I felt it was something he didn’t need to know. I don’t think mom ever wanted me to know the truth though. She tried to keep it from me and it was only after a sleepless night that I sought him out that I asked father. I always felt that he was, but I was afraid to ask. It felt so much better when I knew, and I was free to give him the love I truly felt for him.: Jisa patted the seat next to her and Luna joined her. :You’ve had such a rough time from what I saw in my dreams. If you ever need motherly advice, you can always seek me out.:

“It’s always been hard for me, thank you, Jisa.” Luna smiled and Jisa gave her a warm hug.

“Luna, you will have a whole new life here, and well Stefen and I can be your family, and when you get to know the others, they can be as well.” Trey said gently. “Oh, and I prefer to be called Trey, I don’t want my name to get mixed up with someone else’s. I’m not as important as the King, so I don’t want to be called Treyvor.”

“I can understand that, Trey. If it makes you feel better, I’ll call you that. It’s just that your Companion told mine that is what your name was. There is another reason I chose to talk to the two of you is that you’ve had training before you were chosen. Both of you had Tayledras techniques and that we may test you some until we find out the extent of your training. I take it you both can read and write?”

“I can some, Herald Jisa. I don’t know how we managed it, but we did. Nana, our wise woman gave me a book and some things when I was exiled from our village for the winter when I was seven. He told me it would be important that I learned, so he helped me.” Luna sounded slightly meek.

“Well, he is a Guardian, after all, Luna. He became part of that forest, and you were an innocent in it. Father always had a soft spot for children, even though he didn’t feel all that fatherly. I guess it came from who trained him. He’d do anything he could to protect an innocent, and it appears he’ll continue to do so, even in death.” Jisa hugged Luna tight. “Trey, can you read and write?”

“Yes, ma’am, I can. I learned with the other children in my village even with taking training with the clan. Did you know you have a brother and sister. They are twins in the Tayledras clan, your brother did much of my training, though his fathers did some too.”

“I am not surprised, believe me. Father had his secrets, and don’t worry about us being overheard. I have a few servants who would do anything to keep people from bothering me.” She winked to the children and giggled. “Besides, they know the price if they tell. How about I get someone to take you to your new quarters?”

Before Jisa could stand, someone knocked on the door and a Guard poked his head in. She nodded to him and he stepped in the room, shutting the door behind him. He crossed the room and walked a few steps across the room then bowed.

“Your Highness, Herald Tantras is outside and wishes to get the children settled in. He says he needs to take them to get their uniforms and find out what chores they can do.” He said.

“I was just getting ready to have someone go fetch him, let him in.” Jisa said crisply. She stood and motioned for them to rise and she walked them to the door. “Tran will take you to get you your new things.   You will be wearing the uniforms, to get you used to when you get your whites, but I am sure that Tran will explain that all to you.”

The handsome Herald that had been there to greet them stepped into the room and gave them a smile. He nodded to Jisa and led them out of the suite of rooms and down a few stairways to a room that held shelves of grey material. He looked them over, as if he were weighing them for something then reached up to one shelf and pulled down several sets of clothing and handed them to Trey. He glanced back to Luna, then reached over to another and pulled more down to hand to her.

“These may be a bit loose on you, youngling, but I think with better food than you had before you were Chosen, you’ll fit them soon enough. We’ll be taking you to the Cobblers in a couple of days to get fitted for new boots.” Herald Tantras said. “If you haven’t guessed by now, I’m Herald Tantras, but you can call me Tran, everyone else does.” He grinned broadly.

“Since you were not with us when I went over things with the others, you are to wash before meals, full bath every night, after arms practice and after working with your Companions. You’ll change your sheets twice a week, those are in a closet in your suite. Each suite has a privy to suit three people, but there’s little privacy there. Each privy will have the supplies you may need Luna, and if you have questions, we’ll have an older female student to explain them to you, but you don’t look old enough to have started your moon days.” He led them back through the maze of stairways and halls till he led them to a door. “This is my room, should you have any conflicts on your schedules you can come to me and we’ll work around them.”

“What kind of chores will we need to do, Herald Tantras?” Luna asked, with a small gulp.

“Well, breakfast and lunch will be brought into your suites, but dinner will be in the common room. We’re still working on getting cooks, so if you can do a little cooking, we can put you as helper. There’s making and repairing uniforms, cleaning the bathing room and the main room of your suites.” Tantras knelt in front of her and put his hand on her shoulder. “You don’t have to be afraid here. I know you’re from the Sorrows, and that you had to do everything you could to survive.”

Luna put her hand on his and she could see the thoughts he hadn’t spoken. He knew who had cared for her. He looked into her eyes and smiled softly. She could feel his shields, but in front of them was a memory of him and Vanyel, just talking and laughing.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.” Luna said softly.

“You didn’t. I was showing you that because I know how you survived. His touch on your training is as clear as your hair is beautiful. How about we get you settled in.”

He led them down the hall to another set of doors that proved to be the bathing room. There was a divider that hid the room from the doorway, and they were told one was in the middle as well. Females to the right, males to the left and that there would be monitors to be sure no one would cross sides.

“Each of the mentor rooms will have a private privy and a shower, and if you wish to use that instead, you must schedule it with your mentor. We will have one student that will stay with the mentor in that suite, and in the case of your suite, when Stefen is away, Thad will move in. Normally, we would not assign a female to share the room with a male mentor, but because you are so young, Luna, you will room with Stefen.”

He led them to the suite they would be staying in and opened the door. The first room held a couple of chair and a couple of couches arranged in a square in the middle. A table to one side showed evidence of food and drinks. As she stepped into the room, she could feel the unmistakable echo of something tragic happening. By the fireplace, she saw an over image of a chair with a woman sitting in it. She smiled to Luna and waved her in, then the image faded. Luna stepped in and saw Stefen poke his head out of a doorway. She went over to it with her pile of folded clothing.

“That’s your side there, I put your packs on the bed.” He pointed to a small canopied bed, complete with soft blue bed curtains. “There is a chest for your clothes. Did you tell her?”

“Yes, but she didn’t seem surprised. I think she was more relieved, to be honest. I told her like I talk to Trey. It wasn’t anyone else’s business, not even Trey’s.” She started putting her things away, then noticed that Stefen had made her bed. “I have the feeling that though they say it’s because I’m so young that they put me with you, is there something they aren’t telling me?”

“There is, it’s because of where you’re from. Tran seems to think that because you lived in the Sorrows and spent so much time basically by yourself, that you may not be comfortable with some of the other trainees who have come from larger villages. Not only that, they didn’t want them to try to you about him,” Stefen said simply. “Now me, you know I don’t mind. When you came in, you had a strange look on your face.”

“I saw a woman sitting in a chair, I couldn’t see her clearly, but she smiled at me and welcomed me in. Did she die? Did she die in that room?” Luna’s blue eyes were wide. “Was she… was she Savil?”

“Yes, these were her rooms, little one. The fact you saw her and she smiled, take that as her accepting you. Maybe when you’re a little older, I will tell you the story, but it’s something that was not at all anything I want to tell you now. I’m sure you can still feel the echoes of what happened, even though it’s been years.” Stefen could still see the traces of the horror that had happened that night, including the intense pain Vanyel felt at the loss. His eyes filled with tears, and they streaked down his cheeks. “I’m not at all gifted like you and I still feel her here sometimes. She was such an incredible person.”

“Sometimes when someone is tragically pulled from their life, they can leave an echo behind. I don’t think she’s unhappy that we use her rooms, and I’m sure she will happily watch over you.” Stefen hugged Luna to him tightly.

“It will be soon you’ll be taking your own classes. Lynnell wants to see you tomorrow after breakfast. I showed her your flute and she said it’s a well made instrument. I told her I suspect you have the Bardic Gift, and she’s quite interested in training a Herald with that gift.” Stefen said softly.

“I think I’m more nervous for that than I am to take weapons training. I’ve never used anything but a knife, and that was on food. Most of the time when I had meats, it was something Aroon brought me or the dried meats Nana gave me.   I felt bad when I caught rabbits though, they’re so cute, but I hope they forgave me for being hungry.” Luna sat on the side of her bed, watching as Stefen was arranging things to his liking. “I take it they’ve moved you here, did they have to give your rooms away?”

“I still have my room at Bardic, the one I was given after I came back. They thought I had run away to die, and were quite glad I came back. I still room with Medren though. He’ll come by at times to visit, if you don’t mind.” Stefen sat on his own bed. “At least the beds are a little bigger here. I can’t blame Tran for claiming the room he did, if I was a Herald, I would have asked for that one myself.”

“It was his, wasn’t it. I noticed it wasn’t too far from this one. I miss being in the forest, not because I miss a lot of the people I know, it’s just odd not feeling him around.” Luna sighed. “I do sort of feel him here as well, but I guess it was because you are here, and this was Savil’s bedroom. She loved him like her own son.”

“She did, and he was closer to her than he was his mother. He loved his mom, but Savil was a so much more for him. Until the last few months she was alive, you would have never known that she was in her early eighties. Then again, you saw Starwind, and they were the same age.” Stefen chuckled. “I know Jisa fed you, and for tonight, they brought supper here. How about we go meet the others?”

Stefen led Luna into the sitting room where two girls sat talking to Trey. Sitting in one of the chairs, eating sat the one person Luna had thought she’d never see again.   The young man turned his head and his eyes grew large. He set his plate to the side and rose from the chair, walking slowly.

“Dare I believe this? My darling little Luna! Oh I thought I would never see you again outside of the Havens! I knew that devil was keeping something from me.” Thad scooped Luna up in a hug and swung her around, both of them crying. “Oh sweet angel, I’m so happy to see you! What is her name?”

“Her name is Surya, I heard another Herald talking about you, that’s how I knew you were alive. Thad I met them! You remember Sven and Lora? They got married not too long after you disappeared, and they had a baby. Well, it’s too much to go into now, but they were killed by the bad men, and their son was adopted.” Luna clung to the taller boy. She pulled the woven mask from her pocket and showed it to him. “They said that I’m sister in soul to the baby.”

“I had the feeling any child Lora had could have potential, but I am surprised they let her marry. I guess they figured as dull as Sven was, there was no way any child she had would be of any use.” He sat her down on her feet. “I guess you know Trey, and this is Kasie and Leanna.   They came in today, a few marks before you did.”

Luna smiled and hugged Thad again. He led her to the sofa and they sat together. The others politely smiled at Luna, then one of the girls went back to her conversation with Trey.   Stefen sat gracefully in the chair that Thad had vacated and passed the plate to the boy. Thad accepted it with a smile. Luna felt a soft touch to her mind, and she smiled at Thad.

:Yes, Starwind and Moondance have the child. The night before I was chosen, the men decided to round up all the younger girls, me included. They beat me and tried to rape me. They killed the healer when she told them I was too young. They ripped a brand new dress that Nana made me off me, and tore the shift under it.   Lora and Sven tried to help me in many ways, but it got them in trouble.: Luna was trying to explain everything so rapidly that her thoughts were jumbled.

:Slow down, it’s alright, I know you are excited to see me again, but how did you survive after I left. Was it the Kyree that came to us?: Thad asked, exerting a gentle calmness to ease Luna’s anxiety and excitement. :I had the feeling those bastards were only waiting until they thought you were old enough, Sven stood up for you for a long time. He hated that your parents turned you out because you weren’t a son. I knew he and Lora were going to marry, but well, that had to happen right after Surya’s twin, Sonia carried me off. So they started snatching the girls?:

:Yes, I had left Nana’s and went to the privy nearest to her house, when I came out I was knocked into the wall of another house, and was knocked out. When I woke up, my head hurt so badly and my vision was fuzzy, and my arm was broken. They had us in cages, and they pulled me out. They knocked me around a little and asked the healer about my rags, and she told them I wasn’t due for at least another year. They slit her throat and we all started screaming. I don’t exactly know what happened, or how Cody heard us, but some of the walls of the building fell in and the cages unlocked. It did not have Vanyel’s feel to it. When the walls came down, I ran. I tripped in the forest way too many times and I know I mangled my arm. I fainted in that little creek.: Luna looked up at Thad and could see the anger in his eyes, but there was a relief that she was able to relate the story somewhat calmly. :I woke up on a soft pallet, I guess with Vanyel’s own cloak covering me, and I was healed.: She showed him her arm, where a thin scar showed.

:I truly hope that doesn’t affect your gift, Luna. Vanyel told me he had a broken arm not too long before he first came to Haven, he always had problems with it. He and I both could see you had the Bardic gift. You never used it when I was around you, but it is there.: He smiled when Luna shook her head. :But it’s possible with the healer having been killed he was able to hold her until she could help you.:
:That’s exactly what Starwind said. I owe Vanyel such a debt, and to Starwind and Moondance. They did some mind healing on me, and they didn’t have to.: Luna leaned against Thad, just reveling in the feeling of her friend being close again. :After they did the healing, we went back to where Stefen and I were camping, and I groomed Surya. She told me to braid two small sections of her mane and cut them loose to give to them. She said that in their custom, usually lovers will exchange feathers to initiate a relationship. She said that given the fact that I’m a child and a girl, if I offered them the locks, it might tell them I wish to be friends. The feathers on the mask are from their birds.:

:I think, given what you’ve told me, that it’s not you who owes a debt, but them. They came to visit Vanyel, I’ve seen them come to the pass nearly every year during the summer. They come in the winter, too. The reason they may feel they owe you is because of Cody. There’s something you aren’t telling me about that baby, isn’t there?:

:I hadn’t gotten to that yet. You sensed my gifts, and you know I have that odd twist to the Foresight gift, that I have both that and the one that shows future.   When Cody was a few months old, I started getting the same feeling about him that I did you. I was terrified that meant you had the mage gift, and that you were killed because of that. It was the same feel we got off of Vanyel. It wasn’t until I met Stefen that I began to understand. Moondance and Starwind only made that feeling stronger. He’s like all four of you. Stefen does not have the mage gift in any sense, so that’s not what I felt. He’s like you. They have a word for it, Shay’a’chern. It means love like one’s self, or otherwise meaning he likes boys.:

:No, I don’t have the mage gift. There’s no way I’ll have offspring either, unless the healers find a way to give men that ability. There are some here who don’t mind those who are Saych. Tran is one, and he helped me understand that it is okay. It’s a pity he’s not though, he’s so pretty its criminal.: Thad thought to her wistfully. They were so wrapped up in their own conversation they didn’t notice anyone else until Trey lightly touched Luna’s hand.

“You two are obviously lost in catching up, but I wanted to ask if you want something to eat before they take the stuff away.” Trey offered her a plate of food that she took happily.

“Thanks Trey. Thad is an old friend of mine, one I thought I’d never see again. Another Herald I met told me that Thad had been chosen, but I didn’t know if I would see him here.” Luna smiled. “Thad, this is my friend Trey, we met on the way back.”

“It’s a pleasure, Trey. I am glad that Luna has a few friends to talk to here, at least until she gets to know the others better.” Thad shook Trey’s hand and gave him a wink. “So, since you got to travel with her, did Stefen do her justice and teach her to play any?”

“He did, she’s never touched an instrument before he taught her a little bit on his own, and she was given a beautiful flute. She definitely is good. Stefen said she learned some of what he taught her on the flute, all on her own.” Trey sat on Luna’s other side and grinned broadly. “I really think they will let her into Bardic as well.”

“Well, it’s a waste if they won’t train her on that gift, because it will be useful. Even when speaking, a Bard can use their gift. If you think she’s good at playing, you should hear her sing. She doesn’t often because they would yell at her when she did, but that’s because the fools didn’t understand she had a gift.” Thad grinned at Luna.

“You two can stop talking about me like I’m not sitting right here or I’m going to crack your heads together.” Luna growled playfully. “Then again, maybe not, Thad might like that too much.”

Everyone chuckled at what the exchange, and even Luna had to admit it was somewhat funny. They sat and talked about being chosen and the things they did before they were chosen. Stefen watched them all, just listening.   He honestly wished that both Vanyel and Savil were here to see this group, they would be proud.

Luna was definitely the youngest of those assigned to him. Trey was just older than her, and the other girls were in their early teens.   Before Tantras had told Stefen who he would be getting, they’d listened to some of the youngsters talking.    Though not many had spoken of Vanyel, some had had some rather strong reactions to where Luna had come from. Most of them had felt anger at the very idea of a child being made into a sexual object, some thought maybe she was trying to trick people into feeling sorry for her. The short time that it had taken them to get to Haven, she’d already put on a little weight. She was still tiny and rather bony, but there was a fullness to her that hadn’t been there when he’d met her. Tantras had rejected only one young boy on the fact he spoken only of talking to Luna, in hopes to find out more about the mysterious spirit that haunted the Sorrows. All of the mentors had worried that he would try to corner, so it was decided that Tran would take him on himself.   That and the boy had a very strong aversion to those who were Saych.

“I really wonder when Michael will react when he finds out that his oh so beloved idol was Saych.” Leanna said when the room quieted. “It’s no secret and you’d think that with his just meeting Stefen, he’d realize that.”

“Oh, please, that idiot can’t see past the nose on his face. I think if anyone could get though to him, it’s Herald Tantras. No offense, Stefen, but I really don’t think you want to try to talk to him. He won’t listen. If he doesn’t listen to Herald Tantras, then he deserves to be kicked around the Companion’s Field a few times.” Kasie snorted indelicately. “That one is too full of all the glorified tales about Vanyel and a few other Heralds he thinks we’ll be immortal or something.    The fact that we know Vanyel DIED to protect Valdemar should prove that wrong, after all if we were immortal, where are all the Mages then? Why isn’t King Randale still alive?”

“Kasie, I don’t think it’s that. I think he’s just full of himself. I think being Chosen has gone to his head, and he’s too much like some in his family who think they need to use others as stepping stones to a higher seat at the table.” Leanna said. “He’s going to learn real quick that will get him nowhere as a Herald, except for the worst possible thing.”

“What’s worse than death?” Luna asked softly.

“I think I can answer that one, Luna, as we discussed it on the road in. It’s having your Companion repudiate you. From what I understand, it can irrevocably shatter both the Companion and their Chosen, and both can die.” Stefen said. “That’s worse than death, I think.”

“I don’t even see how the boy was even Chosen. He must have something we don’t see because he gives me the creeps.” Kasie said and shuddered. “He looks at some of us girls like he’d love to see our clothes just fall off our bodies.”

“If he gives you, any of you ladies trouble, come tell me and I’ll be sure to chase him around the salle before our dear Arms master has a chance at him.” Thad said darkly. “I don’t think it’s fair to make advances at someone who objects to them.”

“I can’t argue with you on that, Thad.” Stefen said. “But that would be our area of expertise, and letting Herald Tantras have at him would be better. He is the Senior Herald on this wing, and it is his duty to see that you all behave.”

“Then maybe I’ll tell him and let him beat him black and blue with the flat of a practice blade.” Thad said and looked to the window. The sun was just beginning to set and he smiled. “I’d really rather not have to beat someone down just to get respect. It’s not a polite thing to do, but I will not stand for a bully.”

“Why is it always the Saych ones who seem to have the best sense, especially when it comes to women?” Kasie asked, not really expecting an answer. “There are other guys out there with good heads on their shoulders, but sometimes they don’t think with THOSE heads.”

“Kasie, that’s an excellent question. For me, having grown up the way I did, I don’t like it when girls or women are treated badly. I saw some of the worst things, children being used as prostitutes, men beating women and forcing them to sell their bodies and taking that money. Even the old woman who raised me had a very dark side, after she found out I could get money by playing music, she fell heavily into drink and drugs. That’s how I discovered I could sing away pain. Lynnell found me and claimed me for the Bards.” Stefen said, looking around the room. “As for Michael, I think he’ll soon learn that keeping to the ways he kept before he was Chosen won’t bode well for him. Just pray that his Companion and Herald Tantras can help him.”

Luna sat and listened to the conversation around her as she ate the food Trey had handed her. She felt much better knowing that Thad was here, and that the others in this suite seemed to accept her without much complaint. With the exception of Trey, they were all older than her, but of the trainees, Thad was the oldest at seventeen. They often asked her questions about her life before being chosen and she would answer, but it was Kasie who asked something that left her thinking long after she answered the girl.

“I heard you grew up in the Sorrows? Is it true that some of the people that Vanyel fought in the pass actually made it into our lands?” Kasie asked.

“Some of them came in before he went there. I know they were in my village some time before I was born. I think they wanted to try to erase something from our memories or something like that. I could never figure it out, as whatever they were trying to do never made sense to me.” Luna said, frowning in thought. “It was like they held some kind of power over the people, but I could see through it.”

“I think their intent was to erase the legacies of King Valdemar and the Heralds he created. Whenever we had Heralds come through which was incredibly rare, it seemed like the people were interested in what news and all was brought, but when they left, the people forgot them. When I came here, I found that the Heralds had no memory of being up there. It was like our village was erased from any knowledge. It was the same with a few other places.” Thad added. “No one in the village even remembers the storms we had that night. I remember, and I know Luna has the vaguest memories of strange things happening. The only other person we know that remembers that was Nana.”

“Why would anyone want to do that? Why harm people that never did anything to you?” Leanna gasped. “Could they have infected other lands?”

“I think that’s what you should ask your Companions, children.” Stefen said gently. “We may never know the mysteries, and it may only be when we dance with the Shadow Lover that we may know those answers.”

“How did you get so wise?” Kasie asked; her soft features showed slight confusion. “You seem to be like the other Heralds, but you are a Bard.”
“I guess it comes from who my best friend and Lifebonded was,” Stefen smiled at her. “We often had long talks about things we couldn’t figure out on our own. I think he would be proud of you all, even though you’ve yet to even start your training.”

“My dad often told me stories about the Heralds and the Herald-Mages.” Leanna sighed softly. “He said that many died young, but that the jobs were vital to the Kingdom. He told me that Vanyel was someone he would have been proud to fight alongside with. He hated the tales of him being a hero, not because some could have been embellished, but because he was only doing what was right.”

“He didn’t like the hero worship. It bothered him a bit, that people looked at him with awe. I did at first, but as I got to know him, I loved him for the human he was.” Stefen said softly, thoughtfully.   “He told me of one time he had gone home to his family for a visit, and he stayed at an inn, the innkeeper wanted to give him the same treatment as visiting royalty would be given and Van simply didn’t want that. He just wanted to be treated like any other traveler. Given he’d just returned from the Karsite border, I can’t say I blame him.”

“So the songs are true? He banished shadows and demons? Did he ever talk to you about those times?” Leanna asked softly. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked that.”

“My grandpa told me that he was a hero all over. He was a hero to my village and with one of the Hawkbrother clans. I do believe that some of the songs were very true, more so than some of the things Bards come up with, no offense Stefen.” Trey said. “I think I prefer to think of Vanyel as someone who gave his all for people in trouble. They didn’t have to be his people, and they didn’t have to be within our lands, if he could help he would.”

“That’s exactly who he was, Trey.” Stefen smiled to the boy. “I think all of us have early mornings, so how about you younglings go find your baths and try to get some sleep.” Stefen rose from the chair and gathered the used dishes. Thad stood to help him as the girls went to their rooms to gather their bed gowns and robes.

“I’ll go see if the bathing room is clear, I think it’s almost time for me to stand monitor anyway.” Thad said as he slipped from the room.
Luna came out first, a bag of toiletries and a bundle of clothing in her hands. Leanna came out and together they walked down the hall. There was a small line for the room and they took their places. A young man came out of one of the rooms to join the line, and Luna took an instant dislike to him. He didn’t look like someone who could be all that bad. He was as tall as Thad, but a bit slighter. He had long blonde hair and soft blue eyes with a smile that belonged on a cherub instead of an imp. There was just an arrogance he carried with him that not even a king would carry. His eyes lit on Luna and he smiled to her.

:If that arrogant bastard puts one finger on you, I don’t care what anyone else says, I’m kicking his butt from one end of the Field to the other.: Surya said with a caustic acidity that could have etched stone. :Arrogant swine, glory hunting sack of droppings, he’s the sort of person Vanyel hated.:

:Peace, Surya, I’m quite certain I can handle myself with him. Isn’t the saying that one who is unarmed should not engage in a battle of wits with one carrying a sword? You can be my blade and feed me some of your wits.: Luna mindspoke to Surya, biting back a giggle. :Besides he doesn’t look like is all that bright.:

It didn’t take long for them to get to the door to the bathing room and Thad let Leanna and Luna into the room and pointed them to the female side. The blonde boy tried to enter the room with them and was stopped by the considerably bigger Thad.
“That’s the female side, and you know you’re not permitted to enter that side unless it is unoccupied. You can wait your turn for the male side.” Thad said as he blocked the way into the female side.

“Step aside you disgusting catamite. I’m surprised they let filth like you get Chosen. I don’t have all night so please, move aside and let me get my bath.” The boy said, with a dangerous edge to his voice. “That sweet little innocent that just came in today, I wonder if she’s been giving her Mentor more than just conversation.”

Leanna’s eyes widened at the accusation, her hands balled into fists. She dropped her things and clapped her hands over Luna’s ears before she could hear more, but both girls could hear the indignation as their Companions spoke to them. Luna trembled as an older girl who had just vacated a tub wrapped a towel around her body and pulled them close. Luna did the only thing she was sure of, she reached to feel Herald Tantras’s mind, then called for help.

“I don’t care if you have to wait all week for your bath, you’re not going into the female side.” Thad said darkly, his anger sparking.

“Oh, have you tasted that little plum yourself? Is she the one who turned you to boys?” The arrogance the boy exuded from his carriage dripped like water from his voice. “Why, I think you have a…”

“That’s quite enough!” A new voice thundered into the room. “I cannot believe that you can’t hold a civil tongue in your head long enough to get your bath! What did I tell you about the female side, Michael?”

“We’re not allowed unless it’s vacant, Herald Tantras.” Suddenly the boy sounded somewhat cowed, but only somewhat. “I thought it was, but he wouldn’t let me pass.”

“That’s not true and you know it.” Tantras snarled. “Do you think I’m deaf? I heard you talking to someone who is senior to you like you were the King. Now step back into the hall and wait your turn or I’ll make you get to the back of the line. Thad, go back to your room, I’ll handle monitor duty until that miscreant gets his bath.”

The older girl moved away from the two younger ones and began to run baths for them. She retrieved Luna’s belongings from the floor and smiled at her. Once things calmed some, Luna slowly stopped shaking. She moved to the tub and began to undress.

“Thank you.” She said in a tiny voice that was nearly covered by the running water. “Why is he so mean?”

“Don’t mind him, youngling. Some of us older students will watch out for you. He’s newly chosen and for some reason he doesn’t think to listen to his Companion. That may be a mistake he’ll dearly regret.” She said softly, watching Luna get in the tub. “My name’s Anya. I came in with Michael, we’ve just come out of orientation, but I think he needs a crash course in manners.”

“I wonder how he’ll react to finding out the truth about his hero,” Leanna giggled as she washed her hair. “If he reacted badly to Thad, who’s to say how he’ll react to that.”

“You would not believe how many times we’ve told him. We’ve even pointed out to him that Stefen was Vanyel’s lifebonded, but it doesn’t sink in.” Anya grumbled. “I’m tempted to chase him up to the Sorrows myself, if he doesn’t pull his head out of his arse.”

“That is if Surya doesn’t beat you to it. She’s mad at him.” Luna said and laughed. “I wouldn’t want to be him if he tries to visit his Companion, I have the feeling a few of them are as mad as she is.”

Anya stuck her head around the divider and told Tantras to let the next girl in, but that she’d stay with the younger two and escort them back to their rooms. When she came back she chuckled and shook her head.

“Well that’s something we didn’t think of. He’s got a good bond with his Companion, but doesn’t realize that he talks to the others. He’s jealous of Luna. He wanted to be roomed with Stef and is going to take it out on anyone in that room. They don’t want him near you or him, Luna, well, I think you both know that.” Anya said. “You grew up in the forest, and Stef was his lover, so he’d do anything he can to get near either of you.”

“He’s doing a fine job of endearing himself to us, that’s for sure.” Luna snorted as she rinsed her hair. “That was a rather disgusting way of putting things.”

“Ignore boys like him, Luna. They think if a girl gets something better than them, she used her body to get it. I don’t think he even understands that Stefen would die before using you in the way he hinted at. Not because he’s Saych, but because he wouldn’t do that to a child.” Anya handed Luna a towel as she stepped out of the tub. “You are rather young, I can see why they put you in with Stef.”

“He was the one I was with when I was Chosen. He has escorted me down here, we met another trainee on our way in.” Luna brushed her hair, then began to braid it. “I guess they feel I would be more comfortable.”

Anya escorted them back to their room, glaring daggers at Michael, who must have been grumbling as he’d been sent back to the end of the line. He glared right back at her and made a face at Luna. She turned away ignoring him completely. She went into their darkened suite, and lightly tapped on the door to hers and Stefen’s room. She opened it carefully, to avoid exposing him should he be dressing.

“You don’t need to knock, little one. This is your room too.” He said softly, smiling from his seat at the desk on his side. “Knocking to some may mean that you don’t feel welcome in here, and I don’t want that.”

“I only did it in case you were changing clothes or something, to let you know I’m coming in.” She explained, putting her dirty clothes in the basket and storing away her bag. “Maybe we should have a little code so that you and I know each other.”

“I only want the others to knock, you can come in. If I have company, I’ll use my other room, but I don’t think that will be often at all. Medren can visit in the sitting room, so there’s no worries there. I hear you had an encounter with Michael.” Stefen rose and put his hand on her shoulder. “Tran is very angry with him, and ended up ordering him to the end of the line. I’m sorry you had to hear that.”

“It probably won’t be the last time I hear it. He’s just jealous, that’s all. He’s mad because he wanted to be put in with us, but for all the wrong reasons.” Luna hugged Stefen then went to her bed. “I don’t see him lasting here long. Maybe between Herald Tantras and his own Companion maybe they can hedge him into different thinking.”
“Well, try to get some sleep, little one. I have to take you to Lynnell first thing in the morning, then after her you go see the Arms Master. Welcome to a new life, be what it may.” Stefen tucked her in gently, kissing her head softly. She fell asleep before he shut the curtains.
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Tears of the Phoenix