risk. Of course they must be trained.”
Pashani’s eyes narrowed. “A pity we cannot summon more mindspeakers to assist us. There would be no need of couriers then.”
Refusing to respond to what he expected she meant as provocation, Turisan merely nodded. “Very true.”
Beyond her, Parishan met Turisan’s gaze with a small, apologetic smile. Turisan felt a sudden kinship with him; they were both nextkin to their parents, who were governors. Some day it might be they who led their Council delegations.
Pashani turned away and began to reiterate her reasons for insisting that the couriers be given priority. Turisan fell quiet, giving up for the present, though he was not deterred.
High Holding needed defenders. The garrison at the outpost was only a handful, enough to give warning should the kobalen begin coming through the pass, but no more. They would have to abandon the outpost to avoid being slain.
And they would offer little protection to Eliani as she traveled past Midrange. Turisan closed his eyes, acknowledging that concern for her was one of his reasons for urging that High Holding be garrisoned immediately. Was it wrong to want to place a few hundred guardians between his love and the kobalen threat? He knew that she would be beyond Midrange before a garrison ever reached it even if they set out immediately, but still he wanted the comfort of sending them. They might be able to help her if there was need. If only he could go himself.
He opened his eyes, turning to look at his father. Would Jharan permit him to lead a force to High Holding? A thrill filled him at the thought, though he heard his father’s objections at once: too dangerous, defeating the purpose of Eliani’s journey.
But if he could convince Jharan that his going would benefit the army’s morale—would attract more recruits and inspire the experienced guardians with greater courage—Berephan might help him persuade thegovernor that the benefits outweighed the risks. He wished the warden had been present this afternoon, but Berephan had little patience for the Council’s debates.
Turisan gazed at the table before him, thinking, the councillors’ voices washing over him unheard. He would have to pledge to return at once, of course. There was no possibility of his remaining away from Glenhallow for more than the few days it would take to ride to Midrange and back. He would go despite this if he could.
A call for a vote dragged his attention back to the chamber. The Council had agreed on a plan to deploy the couriers, and in a formal vote by delegation, the plan was approved. Governor Pashani’s mood was consequently jovial; she even smiled at Turisan as the councillors left the chamber.
“Do you go to the feasthall? You may escort me if you wish.”
Turisan smiled politely, making a slight bow. “Alas, I am committed elsewhere, though I will be glad to see you in before I must leave.”
She gave him a wry look. “Committed elsewhere? Does your lady know of this?”
“I hide nothing from my lady, Governor Pashani.”
He escorted her to the feasthall, then took leave of her and of his father and hastened back to the garrison. The sun was just setting, making the golden stones of the avenue gleam beneath his boots. He was once again glad of his new guardian’s cloak and hoped the other was keeping his lady warm.
Eliani? Have you made camp?
Not yet
.
Two days’ hard ride apart, and he had noticed no diminishment of Eliani’s voice. Each day proved thegreater worth of their gift. Turisan smiled to himself, delighted and still in awe.
I will be in company for a while. Berephan has asked me to sup with him and his captains
.
Drink a flagon of wine for me. I shall be feasting on dried meat and apples
.
My poor love. The outpost at Midrange will have some comforts for you in another day or two
.
I have fixed my hopes on Highstone
.
He smiled, then sent love and farewell as he reached the garrison and turned to Lord
Pashani’s eyes narrowed. “A pity we cannot summon more mindspeakers to assist us. There would be no need of couriers then.”
Refusing to respond to what he expected she meant as provocation, Turisan merely nodded. “Very true.”
Beyond her, Parishan met Turisan’s gaze with a small, apologetic smile. Turisan felt a sudden kinship with him; they were both nextkin to their parents, who were governors. Some day it might be they who led their Council delegations.
Pashani turned away and began to reiterate her reasons for insisting that the couriers be given priority. Turisan fell quiet, giving up for the present, though he was not deterred.
High Holding needed defenders. The garrison at the outpost was only a handful, enough to give warning should the kobalen begin coming through the pass, but no more. They would have to abandon the outpost to avoid being slain.
And they would offer little protection to Eliani as she traveled past Midrange. Turisan closed his eyes, acknowledging that concern for her was one of his reasons for urging that High Holding be garrisoned immediately. Was it wrong to want to place a few hundred guardians between his love and the kobalen threat? He knew that she would be beyond Midrange before a garrison ever reached it even if they set out immediately, but still he wanted the comfort of sending them. They might be able to help her if there was need. If only he could go himself.
He opened his eyes, turning to look at his father. Would Jharan permit him to lead a force to High Holding? A thrill filled him at the thought, though he heard his father’s objections at once: too dangerous, defeating the purpose of Eliani’s journey.
But if he could convince Jharan that his going would benefit the army’s morale—would attract more recruits and inspire the experienced guardians with greater courage—Berephan might help him persuade thegovernor that the benefits outweighed the risks. He wished the warden had been present this afternoon, but Berephan had little patience for the Council’s debates.
Turisan gazed at the table before him, thinking, the councillors’ voices washing over him unheard. He would have to pledge to return at once, of course. There was no possibility of his remaining away from Glenhallow for more than the few days it would take to ride to Midrange and back. He would go despite this if he could.
A call for a vote dragged his attention back to the chamber. The Council had agreed on a plan to deploy the couriers, and in a formal vote by delegation, the plan was approved. Governor Pashani’s mood was consequently jovial; she even smiled at Turisan as the councillors left the chamber.
“Do you go to the feasthall? You may escort me if you wish.”
Turisan smiled politely, making a slight bow. “Alas, I am committed elsewhere, though I will be glad to see you in before I must leave.”
She gave him a wry look. “Committed elsewhere? Does your lady know of this?”
“I hide nothing from my lady, Governor Pashani.”
He escorted her to the feasthall, then took leave of her and of his father and hastened back to the garrison. The sun was just setting, making the golden stones of the avenue gleam beneath his boots. He was once again glad of his new guardian’s cloak and hoped the other was keeping his lady warm.
Eliani? Have you made camp?
Not yet
.
Two days’ hard ride apart, and he had noticed no diminishment of Eliani’s voice. Each day proved thegreater worth of their gift. Turisan smiled to himself, delighted and still in awe.
I will be in company for a while. Berephan has asked me to sup with him and his captains
.
Drink a flagon of wine for me. I shall be feasting on dried meat and apples
.
My poor love. The outpost at Midrange will have some comforts for you in another day or two
.
I have fixed my hopes on Highstone
.
He smiled, then sent love and farewell as he reached the garrison and turned to Lord
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