:I am. And the chief of the Companions; and as such, it was by my neglect that this child was able to menace you. So I, too, ask your forgiveness—:

But Alberich interrupted him with a shaky chuckle. “Nah, who can tell, what in a boy’s head will be? No need, there is. And no harm either. But, I think, good it would be to return to my place.”

Taver’s ears pricked forward. :You are gracious—:

“I am tired,” Alberich corrected. “And late, it is. Good night, I bid you.”

:Good night. And know that after this, you will find a warmer welcome among us. No matter who else troubles you, you will always be welcome among the Companions.: The great stallion ghosted off after the others, leaving Alberich alone with Kantor.

“Thank you,” he said to his Companion. Kantor tossed up his head and looked satisfied, if still a bit ruffled.

:Jasker—underwent much horror at the hands of the Sunpriests,: Kantor explained. :He, and all his family. All lost, and in great fear and pain—:

Family? Companions have families? He supposed, on second thought, they had to come from somewhere. And to lose one’s whole family—

:Night-demons?: he asked, with a shiver. He had seen what Night-demons left behind, or at least, that was what he had been told had happened, and had heard the things only once, off in the far distance. He never wished to come that close again. The Sunpriests claimed that Night-demons were sent only against the traitors and heretics and enemies of Karse—but Alberich could not imagine how those ravening horrors could determine just who was a traitor, or a heretic—

:Yes,: Kantor replied, simply.

:Then I understand.: The Night-demons did not leave very much to bury; often it was only enough to tell whether the victim had been male or female, and sometimes not even that much. :I hope that Taver will not be too hard on him. Shall we go back to the salle?:

:You do have the first class in the morning,: Kantor reminded him. :I believe it would be wise.: Then, very quietly, :You are a man of much honor, Chosen.:

Alberich started. Then, slowly, smiled.

“I hope I may be,” he said after a moment, “I only hope I may be.”

6

6

Alberich contemplated a substantial pile of books waiting beside his chair in the sitting room with a sigh. If he’d seen half that number of books in the past several years, he’d have been very much surprised. Lessons. Classes! At his age—

Still, only a fool wishes to stop learning. And he needed these classes if he was going to understand these Valdemarans.