Lorimal's Chalice: Part One - The Exile [7] by Jane Fletcher

Lorimal's Chalice
Part One - The Exile
by Jane Fletcher

Disclaimers: see Chapter 1

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Chapter 7: Dishonourable Conduct
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        By the time Tevi returned to the guildhall the evening meal was in progress. Luckily, she arrived at the babies' table before Perrin had embarked on his third helping, so there was still food left. The others shifted along to make room for her. Even before she had sat down it was obvious Cayell was in high spirits.
        "They've decided I'm more help than hindrance in a fight. Now they're going to see what I can do as a scout." Cayell was almost bouncing up and down with excitement. Tevi wondered whether the scout had been more concerned than she had let on.
        "What tests do you get now?" Tevi asked.
        "Oh, dreadful, awful things that would make you shudder just to hear about." Despite her words, Cayell was grinning as she spoke. "I'll probably be dumped in the middle of nowhere and have to survive off the land, while a team of hunters try to catch me."
        "And you'll have to eat spiders." Perrin said, smiling, before he took a large bite of his food.
        "Big, juicy, tasty spiders?" Dale enquired innocently.
        The young woman Tevi had seen leaving the assessor's rooms was also sitting at the table. She now joined in. "There's no such thing as a tasty spider. Believe me. I speak from experience."
        "Are you a scout as well?" Perrin asked eagerly.
        "Er... yes. My name's Aroche. I'm just starting my appraisal."
        "Right, well, while Cay's away, do you mind making it your job to find short cuts to the refectory?"
        Aroche smiled. "I'll do my best, if you think it's important."
        "We're talking about Perrin's stomach - of course it's important." Rymar quipped.
        When the table had quietened, Tevi asked Cayall, "How long will you be gone?"
        "About ten days. You can take my bed while I'm away, if you want." Predictably, Cayell had managed to wangle one of the better positions in the nominees' dormitory.
        Tevi shook her head. "I won't need it. I've been accepted into the guild. I'll be moving to the members' quarters tomorrow."
        At the news, Cayell cheered loudly and punched the air, drawing stern looks from other tables. She pointed at Tevi. "Promise me you'll save the celebration until I get back. There's not time to do it justice tonight, and with any luck we can celebrate my acceptance as well."
        Confronted with such exuberance Tevi could do nothing but agree. It occurred to her that, for the first time since childhood, she felt like an accepted member of a group. The camaraderie of the guild enveloped its members with a sense of belonging. She had been very fond of Marith and Verron, but they had been more like aunt and uncle to her. Cayell and the other nominees were her friends.
        That night Tevi got ready to sleep in the nominees' dormitory for the last time. Light-hearted banter was flying around - as were pillows and items of clothing. Tevi joined in, mainly by ducking at the appropriate points. She felt relaxed and happy for the first time since her interview with the assessor that afternoon.

* * * * * *

        Eleven days later, Tevi was wandering along a colonnaded walkway that she hoped would lead her back to the junior members' quarters, when she was startled by a loud whoop. Running towards her was a figure, that was presumably Cayell, on account of the general size and shape, though the exterior was so covered in mud and other debris that almost anybody or anything could have lurked beneath.
        "I passed. They're going to accept me." the figure screamed, thereby confirming its identity. Cayell would have flung herself onto her friend and hugged her, but Tevi held the mud-covered scout at arms' length.
        "Cay! Look at the state of you!" Tevi exclaimed.
        "I've only just got back." Cayell replied, as if it was some sort of explanation.
        "I guessed, but I hadn't realised mud fights formed part of your appraisal."
        "It's camouflage. I had to blend into the countryside."
        "You've been somewhere where walking cow-pats are commonplace?" Tevi said dryly.
        "Um... actually most of it is due to a slight accident on the way into town." Cayell grinned mischievously
        "Why don't you tell me about it on the way to the bathhouse?"
        "I've got to go and see the assessor." Cayell paused and inspected herself. "Or do you think I should get cleaned up first?"
        "It might be a good idea. I've seen more presentable scarecrows thrown out as scrap."
        "You're probably right." Cayell reached out and grabbed Tevi's hands. Holding them palm down she inspected the tattooed red and gold swords. Her eyes met Tevi's while another huge grin plastered itself across her face. "Very pretty. We've got to go and celebrate. Get some of the others to meet up tonight."
        "I know Dale and Rymar will be keen, probably Perrin as well."
        "That'll be great." Cayell began to walk away backwards.
        "Then you can tell us all about the slight accident." Tevi suggested.
        "Only if you promise not to laugh. It was a touch unfortunate." She raised one hand to her head in a melodramatic fashion, and then grinned again before disappearing in the general direction of the guild bathhouse.

* * * * * *

        The Golden Swan was a noisy tavern with grimy, splintered tables, and lanterns burning coarse, foul-smelling oil. The straw on the floor appeared not to have been changed since the founding of the Coven. The only heating came from the largely unwashed bodies of the customers. However the beer was cheap, and the bar-staff kept selling it long after the more respectable establishments of Lyremouth had closed.
        In a poorly lit corner at the back, the five young mercenaries had monopolised a small table. They were studiously trying to get drunk, and meeting with considerable success. A succession of toasts was made to the new guild members. These included Rymar, who was also sporting swords on the backs of his hands, only two days old and still slightly itchy.
        During a lull in the banter Perrin leaned across the table to Tevi and said, "Do you remember what we were saying about women with axes? Well, as a prime example, have you seen that Big Bron is back in the guildhall?"
        Tevi shook her head.
        "Oh you must have seen her." Dale chipped in. "You know the one - six foot two, square, long blond hair and has a copper torque around her neck that could double as a wagon-wheel. She has a permanently pained expression on her face, as if she's just sat on something uncomfortable."
         Tevi raised her eyes to the ceiling; she had been mistaken yet again. "I thought that was a man."
        "Now that's unusual." Cayell said seriously, "Most people mistake her for some sort of architectural support structure."
        Rymar nudged Tevi's shoulder. "You wouldn't make that mistake if you'd seen her naked."
        "YOU WHAT!!!" Even Cayell was almost speechless.
        "Oh, no, no. Nothing like that." At the sight of the stunned faces, Rymar held up his hands in denial. "She was in the baths and someone swiped her clothes as a joke. Honest, it wasn't me. I'm not the suicidal type. But I was standing outside when she stormed out, looking for blood." He shook his head slowly. "What a sight - half a ton of scarred muscle charging towards me. I nearly made a mess of my underwear."
        "You mean the sight of all that well-toned flesh didn't arouse your ardour?" Dale asked in mock surprise.
        "Don't be a fool. She eats boys like me for breakfast." Rymar ran a finger around his collar.
        "It could have been a cute beginning to a beautiful relationship for you and Bron."
        "The words 'cute' and 'Bron' do not belong in the same sentence." Rymar sounded definite.
        "You did it just then." Dale pointed out.
        "Look... just take it from me. Romance was not in the air. Murder, yes. Romance, no."
        "Probably just as well. They say Bron doesn't have much in the way of a sense of humour." Cayell joined in.
        "And...?" Rymar prompted.
        "From what I've heard, she'd need it with you." Cayell said innocently.
        Rymar acted hurt. "That's a nasty, untrue, malicious rumour. I am a lover of great sophistication and skill - as I'll willingly demonstrate to anyone here." His expression changed to an idiotic leer and he rubbed his hands together. "Come on, any takers?"
        "I would pick you up on the offer, but..." Perrin clasped a hand to his breast in a flamboyant gesture. "I am sworn to another."
        Dale slid over and put his arm around Perrin's shoulder. His voice oozed sincere concern. "Look. You've got to learn to be adult about this. One night of passion with a mange-ridden sheep does not constitute a binding commitment - for either of you." he finished as everyone gave way to yelps of laughter.
        Tevi wiped her eyes. Sometimes she was unable to tell whether people were being serious or not. Even when she had that much sorted out, she was often unsure of exactly what the point of the joke was. This, she realised, was a completely invented leg-pull.
        Summoning her self-control, she looked steadily at Perrin. "Take no notice. They're just being very silly, and making things up. I'm sure she didn't really have mange and, even if she did, there are medical treatments. There's no reason why the two of you can't be very happy together."
        At the sight of Perrin's expression Cayell curled forward, holding her sides and whimpering. Perrin stood up to his full height and looked down sternly at the rest. "If you're all going to act the fool, I'm going to buy another round of drinks." His features broke into a large grin.
        Dale hugged Perrin round the waist. "Your logic's flawed, but I'll love you forever." He then fell backwards off his stool.

* * * * * *

        By the time they left the tavern, none of them were capable of walking in a straight line unaided. They formed a row, five abreast, with their arms wrapped around each others' shoulders in an attempt to provide mutual support and marched back to the guildhall in time to a song about a young mercenary called 'mighty Marrick'. The lyrics related the tale of the hero's encounters with, among others, a ship full of pirates, a family of hill trolls and one very surprised dragon. Tevi had trouble understanding much of the song, it contained many slang phases and euphemisms, but she made enough sense of the words to know that it was both obscene and biologically impossible.
        It took Cayell three attempts to get up the short flight of steps leading to the side entrance of the guildhall. Tevi stayed to help while the others went ahead. In the end Cayell literally crawled up the stairs, and then lay collapsed at the top, giggling. Tevi dragged her to her feet and propelled her forwards. Some distance ahead, the three men were embarking on a spirited repetition of the fourth verse.
        The singers were crossing a small courtyard when a door at the side was flung open. A large shape blocked the light, almost filling the entrance. Tevi was about to step into the open, but Cayell grabbed her shoulder and pulled her back behind a pillar. "It's her - Big Bron."
        While the two young women leaned against the pillar, biting their knuckles to stop from laughing, Bron loudly extolled the virtues of peace and quiet. She proceeded to give an unflattering account of the men and, by implication, their parents. Bron appeared to know only one adjective, but used it to great effect.
        When they heard the door slam, Tevi and Cayell peered cautiously around the pillar. Their friends had fled and the courtyard lay deserted in the moonlight. With exaggerated care, they tiptoed across the open space, then rushed all the way to the junior members' quarters where Tevi had her room. They stumbled to a halt outside.
        "I've got to go and see the assessor first thing tomorrow and confirm that I still want to join." Cayell gasped, trying to regain her breath. "Then I can move my things down here. Is there a spare room near yours?"
        Tevi nodded. "I'll meet you up in the dormitory and give you a hand."
        By way of acceptance Cayell flung her arms around Tevi and gave her a hug, which threatened to send the pair of them sprawling. They regained their balance and then Cayell stepped back. "Right then. Tomorrow, mid morning. See you there." She staggered away unsteadily, heading towards the nominees' dormitory, while quietly humming the chorus from 'mighty Marrick' under her breath.

* * * * * *

        The nominees' dormitory was deserted the next morning, when Tevi and her hangover entered. From four high windows, a muted, grey light fell over pale blankets on the row of empty beds. To Tevi's bloodshot eyes, the effect was dazzling, and forced her to squint as she peered around. The pulse throbbed at her temples with hammer blows and waves of nausea threatened her hold on the contents of her stomach - or would have, had there been any.
        She groped her way to Cayell's bed and fell, rather than sat, down, then she wrapped her hands about her head, as if trying to stop her skull from splitting. For a long time, only her gasped breathing broke the silence, as she sucked air into her lungs through clenched teeth.
        The door behind her swung open with a crash. "Oh dear, oh dear. Look what the cat's dragged in." Cayell's voice boomed mercilessly down the dormitory.
        "Go away, I hate you." Tevi mumbled in reply, drawing a peal of laughter from Cayell.
        "Yes, I can see you're going to be a bundle of fun today."
        This time Tevi only groaned.
        "Don't worry. Sit still. I haven't got much to pack." Cayell said.
        When Tevi still made no reply Cayell sat on the bed opposite and studied her friend's face dispassionately. "Feeling rough, aye? I wondered how you were when you didn't show up for breakfast."
        "Please don't mention food." Tevi muttered.
        "Best thing for you. Come on."
        Without waiting for a response, Cayell thrust a hand under Tevi's armpit and yanked her to her feet. She pushed and coaxed Tevi all the way to the refectory. The smell of cooking from the kitchens made Tevi's stomach heave, but her protests were ignored and Tevi felt too ill to put up much of a fight. She collapsed at the table where she was dumped and listened with half an ear as Cayell browbeat the staff into providing breakfast, water and a mug of something called the chef's special. The food and drink arrived shortly. Tevi could only stare at them in horror.
        "I can't eat."
        "Yes you can." Cayell said firmly.
        "I feel ill."
        "That's obvious. Look, take this. It's the chef's special remedy. Mercenaries swear by it." Cayell thrust a mug into Tevi's hand.
        "By it or at it?" Tevi asked.
        "Down it in one. It will make you feel better."
        It was too much hard work to withstand Cayell injunctions. Tevi drank the potion, then the water and started gingerly on the food. She hated to admit it but Cayell was right. Her stomach settled and the pounding in her head eased.
        "That's better. You're getting some colour back in your face." Cayell said.
        "Hmmph."
        "You're supposed to say 'Thank you Cay'." Cayell's tone was cheerful, but hardly sympathetic.
        "You can't expect gratitude from the dead." Tevi quipped grumpily.
        "Oh, you'll survive."
        "I'm not certain if I want to."
        Cayell laughed. "It's amazing the philosophical insights alcohol can bring. Apparently it took Keovan 40 years of meditation to question whether life was worth living. One night and twelve pints of beer and you've matched him."
        Tevi managed her first real smile of the day, and asked, "Was that how much we drank last night?"
        "I'm not sure. I lost count. If it's any consolation, Dale and Perrin both looked pretty green this morning, and they were due at the archery butts straight after breakfast."
        "You're looking alright."
        "Practice." Cayell said primly.
        Tevi finished off the last of the bread and drained the tankard of water. The blinding headache had shifted to a rumbling throb at the base of her skull. Tevi massaged it with one hand, then grinned ruefully at her companion. "I guess we can go and collect your things now."
        "If you're ready."
        "Sure... and thanks Cay." Tevi said softly.
        "Anytime."
        Grey clouds hung low in the sky over the guildhall; rain was not far off. The wind was cold and damp. People scurried along with their heads down and collars up. Seagulls sat despondently on the roofs. As the two women walked through the gloomy maze of pathways Cayell slipped her arm through Tevi's. Despite the beneficial effects of the chef's potion, Tevi was grateful for the additional support for her shaky legs.
        Back in the dormitory Cayell began to assemble her belongings, not that she, or any of the nominees, had much in the way of possessions. A chest at the foot of her bed held everything she owned. There was little need of Tevi's help - fortunately. Although she felt vastly better than when she had first entered the dormitory, she certainly was not up to any vigorous activity. Her body ached as if it had been put through a wringer. The pounding in her head threatened to return.
        Tevi wandered across the room to stare out of a window. The sky was darker and the first few splats of rain struck the glass. "You had no doubts about joining the guild?" She asked over her shoulder.
        "No. It's what I've always wanted."
        "Don't your parents mind? Or were they mercenaries as well?" Even as the words left her mouth Tevi bit her tongue. It seemed to be an unspoken rule that the nominees did not mention their families. Cayell paused in her packing, and her face grew sombre.
        "Little papa is worried sick. But he won't stand in my way." Cayell said eventually.
        "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry."
        "It's all right." Cayell sighed. She shook her head, as if trying to clear her thoughts and returned to her packing. "Little papa is a forester. He was the one who taught me how to live in the wild. He hoped I'd follow him. When he realised I wasn't interested in trees he wanted me to be apprenticed to a fur trapper. Big papa helped me talk him round. I want to pit myself against an enemy who's my equal, not an animal. I think all scouts feel like that."
        "Does Aroche?"
        "She's no scout." Cayell was dismissive.
        "She said she was."
        "She may have said it, but that doesn't make it true. My guess is she's an assassin."
        "Assassin!" Tevi said in shock.
        "There are other politer names, like personal security guard.'"
        "Why did she lie?"
        "Force of habit. It can become a way of life with those people. Or perhaps creating a false identity is part of her assessment. I don't know if anyone else has twigged her, but she can't fool a real scout."
        "I know the guild has assassins in it, but I thought..." Tevi's words trailed off in confusion.
        "That we're always good-guys?" Cayell suggested with a grin. "Don't worry, security guard isn't such a euphemism. Most guild assassins are hired by Protectorate traders who are going to places where murder is part of everyday business practice. Her training is all about poisons and traps and breaking into places. The knowledge works both ways - doing or preventing. In general, guild members go for the latter. I'm sure she'll spend most of her working life stopping people bumping off her employer. "
        "But not all of it?" Tevi asked.
        "Maybe not. But, in theory, there's nothing to stop a band of thieves hiring you or me to boost their numbers. However, the guild-masters don't like guild members fighting each other. They've also decided that theft doesn't contribute to long-term economic growth, and the more money honest citizens make, the more they can afford to pay us. So traders are in and bandits are out." By now, all of Cayell's things had been put into a haversack, or folded neatly into two piles. She looked over at Tevi and asked, "Are you all right to help carry?"
        "As you said, I'll survive."
        When they reached the outside door, they discovered the rain had arrived in full force. Large drops were drumming on the flagstones. Water washed down the sides of the doorway and dripped from the lintel. The distance was lost to the grey falling sheets.
        Cayell grinned at Tevi. "We're going to have to run. Last one there gets wettest."
        The two women raced between buildings, hurdling puddles and the occasional rivulet pouring from an overflowing gutter. Cayell led the way, charging through the entrance to the junior quarters at full pelt. Tevi was close behind. Even after the short run, their shoulders were soaked and hair stuck to their foreheads. Laughing and wiping the water from their eyes the pair of them walked down the narrow corridor.
        The quarters had originally been one large open dormitory. During an expansion of the guildhall facilities, some years previous, it had been divided into individual small rooms by the erection of thin wooden partitions. Tevi halted outside one door and pushed it open. "This one's empty, and you're just three along from me."
        Following Tevi into the room Cayell looked around. There was a narrow bunk and a chest. A wide shelf ran the length of the wall above the bed,. There was not much in the way of floor space. The light came from half a window, which the more recent partition had divided into two.
        "It's small enough. They're certainly not splashing out on we lesser mortals." Cayell remarked.
        Tevi deposited the pile she was carrying on top of the chest. "It's luxury, pure luxury. In the village I came from only the queen had her own room and she still slept on the ground. I hadn't seen a proper bed before I reached the mainland. At first, I used to lie awake at night, frightened I'd roll over in my sleep."
        Cayell laughed and turned to face the other woman. Her expression changed from amusement to concern when she saw Tevi's face. "You've gone very pale. I don't think the run helped you."
        "It will ease." However, the sick pounding had already returned. Specs of light danced before Tevi's eyes. She groaned and raised her hands to her head.
        "Why don't you lie down while I put my things away? You'll only get under my feet if you stay standing."
        With relief, Tevi dropped onto the bed and scrunched her eyes shut. The blood roared in her ears. Pressure built in waves, as if her skull was about to crack open.
        "Do you want me to go and get some water for you?" There was an uncharacteristic gentleness in Cayell's voice.
        "I'll be alright. It will pass." Tevi said, although her voice was lacking in confidence.
        Cayell knelt beside the bed. She pulled a shirt off the pile of clothes and begun to use it as a towel, softly wiping Tevi's face dry. When she had finished, Tevi opened one eye. Her friend's face was serious, even tentative, both rare emotions for the exuberant extrovert.
        "You don't need to worry about me. I'm only hung-over."
        "I don't want you passing out on me." Cayell replied. "Or throwing up - there's not enough room in here for me to get out of your way."
        "I won't."
        Cayell's mouth opened, as if she was about to say something. Instead, she reached out and squeezed Tevi's shoulder. Her eyes remained fixed on Tevi's face.
        "You know, I think I... er... You have..." Cayell's mumbled speech ground to a halt.
        Tevi looked at her friend in confusion. It was most certainly not like the outspoken scout to be tongue-tied.
        Abruptly Cayell stood and busied herself about the room, unpacking her clothes. She started talking quickly. "I suppose we're lucky to get rooms to ourselves at all. If more people wanted accommodation they'd shift us juniors into a dormitory quickly enough. It's only because winter's a slack time. Not much is happening so lots of people take the chance to go and visit their families." She paused and looked at Tevi stretched out on the bed. "I guess you won't be going home much."
        "I'm not planning on it." Even with the headache, Tevi could hear the bitterness in her own voice.
        Cayell stared, then hurried on. "It will be great here in Lyremouth. The midwinter festival is one big party through the streets."
        "Perrin has told me about it."
        "Big papa brought me here one year. I'm really looking forward to taking part again. Since there's no work to be had we can have lots of fun and get fat on the guild food without being accused of shirking."
        Although lodging at the guildhall was nominally free, Tevi was familiar with the guild rules requiring its members to take whatever work offered to them, regardless of festivals. Tevi frowned - not at the thought of work, but at the feeling Cayell was using the midwinter festival as a diversion, and that her friend had been about to say something else. Of course, with the state she was in, it was easy to get confused. The flashing lights had gone but the throbbing in her head was keeping pace with her pulse.
        "I'm not sure how much fun I can stand." Tevi said with feeling.
        "You could stick to drinking milk - though I'm not sure what it'll do to the reputation of mercenaries."
        "I could threaten to thump anyone who laughed."
        "Now that would be more in keeping with the way a warrior is supposed to behave."
        "How long do you think the guild will let us stay here, without working?" Tevi asked after a while.
        "Probably 'till early spring, when things start moving again."
        Cayell shut the lid of the chest and sat on the edge of the bed by Tevi. "What do you say that we try and get on the same contract? Some large caravan going north to the wild-lands, maybe. They can be pretty rough - it would be nice to have at least one good-looking face around. I'd be doing you a favour."
        Tevi smiled and punched her friend gently. "You flatter yourself."
        "It's good for my ego. But you'd be pleased if we were together?"
        "Of course."
        "I'd like... having you around." Cayell's voice was quieter, the joking tone gone.
        "Even when I'm hung-over?"
        "Maybe you're not at your best right now, but..." Cayell paused, as if bracing herself to say something. "I like you... a lot." Cayell carefully raised her hand to stroke the side of Tevi's face, pushing the wet hair back from her cheek.
        "What do you mean?" Alarm flared in Tevi's gut. Her heartbeat leapt.
        Cayell was watching intently. Her lips twisted in a half smile. "I mean that I think you're really nice, and I'm hoping that you feel the same about me. And you're great to have as a friend, but I'd like to be more than that. And I know you probably won't feel like it at the moment... with your hangover, but I'm desperately wondering whether I can talk you into keeping me company tonight."
        The memory of the hay barn on Storenseg surged into Tevi's head. Again she could smell the stale odours of the barn, hear Brec's treacherous voice. Wild panic stopped the breath in her lungs as she sat up, and forcefully shoved Cayell away. The sudden onslaught of old nightmares sent searing bolts of pain ripping through her skull. Tevi glared around the room, her eyes screwed up in agony, searching for possible hiding places. There were none, but the partitions were thin. Anyone might be standing next door. She lurched to her feet, almost falling in her haste.
        Tevi raised her voice, loud enough for any eavesdropper to hear. "If I want that sort of company I'll find a man."
        Cayell had landed on the floor beside the chest. Too overcome by surprise to speak, she stared wordlessly at Tevi. She had still made no attempt to move by the time Tevi had wrenched the door open and run away, down the corridor.

* * * * * *

        Tevi raced wildly through the guildhall, paying no attention to where her footsteps led her. She finally stumbled to a halt in the covered walkway surrounding a paved quadrangle. Several wide stone benches were positioned in spaces between the pillars. Tevi picked one at random, sat down and watched the rain. A small round pond lay at the centre of the flagstones. The surface of the water was laced with rings of ripples.
        Tevi pulled her heels onto the seat and rested her forehead on her knees. Her skull felt as if it was about to explode. Ideas scrambled through her head, fighting their way between the stabs of pain. The words of the assessor came back to her. "In our judgement you will not do anything to bring the guild into disrepute." Tevi's face twisted into a tortured scowl as she tried to remember all the guild rules and regulations. Nothing specifically had been said or hinted at, but she guessed it was covered by the catch-all clause of 'dishonourable conduct'.
        Why had Cayell done it? Or had she? Tevi groaned. With her head in its current state she could not be certain of anything much. Perhaps she had misunderstood, and should go and apologise, though there was no explanation that was not, in itself, a confession of guilt. Then Tevi remembered the look on Cayell's face. She was suddenly quite certain she had not been mistaken.
        Was Cayell's overture genuine, or a trap set by the guild? The latter option made no sense. They should have made all their tests before accepting her as a member, not after. Yet, surely Cayell would not be so reckless in risking both their futures? What if they had been overheard? Tevi raised her head and settled her chin onto her knees. Her chaotic thoughts would not settle into any sensible order. The hangover made the process of thinking as profitable as fighting with fog. The agony of her headache left her incapable of tackling anything else.
        Still the rain fell in sheets, drowning out all other sounds, including that of soft footsteps approaching.
        "Ah, Tevi. I was looking for you." An elderly voice said behind her.
        Tevi was caught completely by surprise. She jerked around so violently she almost fell. One of the guild-masters was standing at her shoulder.
        "Sir?" Her heart thumped in her breast. Her mouth was dry.
        "I've been told that you have experience with driving a wagon. Is that true?" the guild-master asked.
        The question was so unexpected that Tevi was unable to make sense of it. She could only stare blankly at the guild-master.
        He tried again. "You know, a wagon. Wheels underneath and some horses in front to pull. You know how to drive one?"
        "Er... yes. A wagon. Yes."
        The guild-master chuckled at her confusion. "I'd heard you had quite a good time last night." He smiled indulgently at Tevi. "We've just had a request from someone who wants to hire a mercenary. He intends to go north, to spend winter with his daughter at Treviston. The route is straight through the heart of the Protectorate and all he really needs is a wagon driver - which is what we told him. However, he seems convinced that everyone outside Lyremouth is a psychopathic barbarian and he wants protection. I said we'd try and find someone." The guild-master paused for a second. "Normally the guild insists junior members accept any contract they're qualified for. However this is not quite how the guild expects to see its warriors employed, and I imagine that you would much rather stay here with your friends. So the guild will let you refuse the contract this time - as a one off concession, you realise."
        "I'll go."
        The speed of Tevi's reply clearly surprised the guild-master. "You're sure?"
        "Yes sir."
        "Well... It's good to see such enthusiasm for work."
        "When does he want to leave?" Tevi asked quickly.
        "I told him if we found someone we'd send them over tomorrow morning." The guild-master stared at her, clearly baffled by her willingness to accept the petty assignment. "If you're certain you want the job I'd recommend you spend the afternoon buying yourself warm clothes. Treviston is some way north and high up in the mountains. Don't worry about the cost; your new employer is paying well. After you've bought what you need, you can call over at the pursers and pick up the contract. I'll arrange to have it ready."
        After a final, puzzled look at Tevi the guild-master nodded and left. Tevi followed his departure with her eyes, until he disappeared around a corner, then she swivelled back and sat for a long while, watching the rain falling steadily in the courtyard.

Continued in Chapter 8

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