For most young people, a Declaration of profession was a formality. Their families and backgrounds dictated their choices. Because his mother’s and aunt’s status in the Halt had always been anomalous, given that they were outsiders with no permanent ties except those they created themselves, the boy was a bit of a curiosity. In a way, he’d been cosseted, like an exotic pet the locals cared for in common because his mother, the midwife, and his aunt, the deputy courier, often had to travel and be away from home, in service of the needs of the intendancy.

“He hasn’t decided yet, or so he’s said to me,” Elen replied.

“He was certain the other time,” remarked the captain with a lifted eyebrow.

“That’s a different sort of declaration, isn’t it?” said the intendant. “All the more likely to be certain because of it. Because it has nothing to do with who your people are and what they expect of you on behalf of your Manor.” Bitterness soured his tone.

“It might, for some,” said Elen, thinking of Kem’s complicated and not always easy relationship with his mother.

“True enough.” He cleared his throat hastily. “Elen, you’ve refused surveyor training before because of your responsibilities to Midwife Aoving and young Kem. But with his Declaration Day upon him, he’ll be busy with an apprenticeship even if he stays here and still lives with you. This might be the time for you to think on it.”

It was true she’d refused the intendant’s previous offer of an elevation into the Imperial Order of Surveyors because surveyors were often out for months at a time. That had been too long to be away from fragile Aoving and a growing child.

“I’d welcome it,” said the captain. “You’ve a nose for Spore that’s unrivaled. If you’ve any hesitation, be sure I will support you from inside the order. I know surveyors are generally chosen from the Manor-born. Our order can be insular and possessive of its privileges. But the best surveyor I worked with came from outside the Manors. I’m not one to lean on ancestry and protocol in this matter.”

“I thank you with all my heart, Intendant. Captain, your words do me honor. It’s tempting. I’ve long wanted…” She hesitated. I’ve long wanted to know their secrets was not the right thing to say. “I admire the surveyors. Such an honor and responsibility seemed out of reach because I’m not Manor-born. Let me see Kem settled.”