Most Heralds’ tents were big enough for their Companion, Myste’s being an exception, but she had obviously gotten last choice on accommodations. Somewhat to his surprise, it wasn’t at all unusual for Heralds to share their tents with their Companions, rather than using the canvas shelters. Kantor took up roughly half the space; that first night in his own tent again, bowed down by grief, he had craved Kantor’s company with a need that was almost physical, and Kantor had obliged by leaving the canvas shelter at the side and moving into the tent proper. And at first, despite that craving, it had still seemed unnatural in a way to have a—horse—in his tent. Now it was just as in the old days when he had shared tent space with another Sunsguard; it no longer seemed at all odd to see him there.

:Excuse me. I believe I am far better company than any of the Sunsguard you ever shared tent space with,: Kantor said indignantly.

He felt instantly contrite. :I beg your pardon. Indeed you are. Did anyone leave anything here for me to eat?:

Selenay’s swarm of little ones had adopted him as well, and lately had taken to fetching food for him at the same time that they got meals for her, leaving them in his tent, well-covered and protected against the depredations of insects and other pests.

:As a matter of fact, they did, and—I don’t suppose you’ll share?: Kantor asked hopefully.

Since his appetite had suffered as much lately as Selenay’s, Kantor’s hope was well-founded. :I don’t know why not.: He sat down on the bedroll and saw that the usual covered platter and cup had been left for him, cleverly balanced on two more cups in a pan of water, which prevented insects from crawling into it.

He took them out, and shoved the pan of water over to Kantor’s side of the tent. Taking the cover off the platter explained why Kantor had hoped he’d share.

Selenay had asked for the impossible, gotten it, and had seen to it that he got some of the cook’s largesse. Perfect for the heavy weather and a failing appetite were two sallats, a savory one and a sweet, the former a bed of greens with cheese, bits of chicken, fragrant herbs and spiced vinegar, the latter of chopped fresh fruit and nuts, with honey-sweetened cream. How had she known he’d like such things, too?

:Pijf. She asked me via Caryo, of course; she doesn’t need being told something twice. I’d like some of that cress, please, and some spinach.: