Talamir coughed. “Well. Apparently you have far more friends here than I had thought, Alberich. So unless someone from the Council actually sees you at Selenay’s back, and realizes who you are, apparently we’ll keep that much from their attention for a while.” His face grew distant again for a moment, and he added, “Long enough that perhaps by the time the Council realizes just who Selenay’s bodyguard is, there will be far fewer doubts about you.”

“Occurred to you, had it, that we being managed are?” Alberich asked him, in a moment of stark frankness. “By them?”

They knew who he meant—the Companions. He half expected Kantor to be annoyed by the statement, but he sensed instead a dry amusement.

He got a look of startlement, then one of understanding, from both the Heralds. “Oh, always, at least to an extent,” Talamir replied, with the same utter honesty. “And in some cases, that’s all to the good.” His voice took on a different coloring then, a hint of wry tartness. “But let me tell you a bit of home truth, Alberich of Karse—something that I do not tell the children, because they are children and need managing—it is your right and privilege to tell your beloved Companion just where he can shove anything he tells you or asks of you if it goes completely against your better judgment.” He raised an eyebrow. “As even my Taver has found, to his occasional shock and dismay.”

Dethor whooped with laughter, and applauded. “By the gods, Talamir, good for you! And well said!”

Now Alberich expected Kantor to be completely offended, but instead, he “heard” an ironic chuckle in his mind. :Tell the King’s Own that it is our right and privilege to do the same with our Chosen, you know.:

Alberich started to repeat the remark, but Talamir held up his hand. “Never mind. Taver has said the same as your Kantor, I expect. My point is that we are adults, and although the Companions have certain abilities and information that we, their Heralds, may not—well, the reverse is true as well. You’ve got a mind of your own, and experience that your Companion doesn’t have, and, I presume, sound judgment. Don’t be afraid to use them, and if you feel strongly about something, be prepared to insist you be heard. The Companions don’t know everything. As Taver pointed out to a few of them the other night, they aren’t infallible. They can make mistakes, and advice can go both ways. Herald and Companion are meant to be partners, not superior and servant.”