No True Way by Mercedes Lackey Page B

the inn. She helped stable the Companion and took the Herald into the kitchen, where her mom and sister were preparing breakfast. Before breakfast was over, a trio of Bards came up on stocky brown ponies, with gitterns strapped to their backs and saddlebags bursting with clothes and food and musical instruments. They all headed for the front door as Dravon took the ponies to the stable.
    Helen went to the kitchen and took a hot biscuit directly from the oven. She told them to make at least twice what they were making and to plan on a big lunch. The words came out without her thinking about them. She smiled and went back out to find a spot of shade to watch for more guests. By dinner, there were eight more people from Haven: two Heralds with their Companions, two Bards, and a Healer and her apprentice.
    The funeral was held the next day in late afternoon, after the most important parts of the farming were done. The air smelled of warming stew and bread and fresh fruit and mead that people from all over town had brought to the inn, so there could be a feast after the ceremony.
    Almost everyone who lived in Goldleaf came, making a small, respectful mob in the cemetery, which was just on the edge of town. The visitors from Haven stood behind the townspeople. None of them spoke a word, although they watched quietly. Even though she’d seen two of the Bards and one of the Heralds and her Companion before, Helen thought it felt like living in a legend for them all to be there at once. She tried to watch them all so hard her neck started to hurt from twisting and turning so many ways at once.
    Then the priest started speaking, and everyone quieted into respectful silence. Even though he nevermentioned her grandmother’s gift, as the priest spoke about how well Ella ran the inn and how she helped so many people, Helen felt closer to her, and she knew how much she’d miss her. She hoped to keep sensing people coming from Haven because every time she would remember her grandfather’s story.
    After the priest was done with his talk, and after her grandfather said a few simple sentences, the bards started to play “The Innkeep’s Daughter.”
    As she recognized the song, Helen felt her eyes sting with tears. She stepped back a little out of the circle, closer to the Heralds and Companions. She didn’t want anyone to notice that the song was making her cry.
    One of the Companions came up and put its head on her shoulder lightly, the touch so soft and comforting that Helen felt warmed by it.

Consequences Unforeseen
    Elizabeth A. Vaughan
    Dearest Father,
    This missive is written in haste, and for that I beg your pardon. You may have already received the news, but if it has not reached you yet, I regret that I must inform you that my husband, Lord Sinmonkelrath, was killed in the same hunting accident that claimed the life of Prince Karathanelan. Official word will have been sent through the Court of Valdemar to the Court of Rethwellan. I will write separately to Sinmonkelrath’s eldest brother as well, so that he may pass the word within his family, although I fear there was little love lost between his brother and him.
    It has been decided that during my period of mourning I should take up residence in the lands deeded to my late lord. Queen Selenay agrees with my decision to depart Haven and has accepted my oath of fealty before sending me on with her best wishes. The carriage awaits, Father. I will send further word when I am able. Please keep me in your prayers.
    Your loving daughter,
    Ceraratha
    *   *   *
    The carriage jolted yet again, and Ceraratha braced herself against the wall, the wood rough under her fingers. Alena, her maidservant, lost her balance and jolted against her arm with a murmured apology. Cera was certain they’d be a mass of bruises by the time they reached their destination.
    Across from them sat Herald Premlor, looking as jostled and jolted as they were, and