Free Honor Found (The Spare Heir) by Michael Southwick

to make a real relationship.”
    Teneth was silent for a moment.   “Be the best you possible, for surely no other can.  It is an old saying among my people.  I never thought of it’s implication to those who are bound.  If one of a pair is less than whole then the pairing also is less than it could be.”
    Teneth looked curiously at Jorem, smiled and shook her head.  “You are an odd one Jorem of Grendith.  Whatever your future holds I hope the worlds are ready for it.”
    From there they talked of many things, each learning about the other and where they came from.  Their conversation was quiet and friendly.  Much to Jorem’s disappointment, however, Teneth stayed at arm’s length, though her smile was still filled with warmth.
     
    The Folk prepared to depart well before sunrise to ensure their safe transit through the portal.  Toth gifted Biorne, the innkeeper, with an amulet that would signal the inn should the Folk choose to return.  The amulet was keyed so it would only work for Biorne.  Considering the dreamy looks and contented smiles on the faces of all, Jorem figured this might turn into a regular event.
    Just before they left, a young boy staggered into the inn.  He didn’t know why he’d come; only that he’d had an inexplicable urge to come to the inn.  The boy showed no surprise at meeting the Folk.  He walked right up to Teneth, held out his hand and whispered a single word, “Yes,” then promptly passed out.
    Toth knelt down and gathered the boy into his arms.  When he stood back up, Teneth reached out and ran a hand over the boy’s forehead.  With a smile, she said, “It seems those for whom we search now seek us.”  She turned to Jorem.  “Live well, live true.”  Then she walked out the door.
    The rest of the Folk followed her out and were gone.  The only sign of their passing was the thunder of hoof beats and even those quickly faded away.
    Jorem’s energy fled, leaving him weary to the bone.  He turned to those still in the room.  Some looked as tired as he felt.  Others appeared as fresh as when the Folk had first arrived.  The servers had already begun gathering up dishes and clearing tables.  As he gazed about the room, everyone turned to him as if he had called their attention.
    “Thank you,” he said as sincerely as he could.  “Thanks to each and every one of you.  Together I believe we have bridged a chasm between the people of the two lands.  If you will spread to others the good things you learned of the Folk, this may very well be the start of an alliance that could benefit both our lands for generations to come.”
    As he headed for his quarters, he quietly thanked each person he passed with simple words, a pat on the shoulder or a handshake.  He was too tired to even blush when some of the ladies curtsied at his passing.  When he got to his room, he simply stripped off his clothes and fell into bed.

Chapter X
     
    Jorem’s breath turned to frost in the chill morning air.  The sun was beginning to show over the mountain peaks, sending shafts of light through the light, wispy clouds.  Two guards stood silent just within the closed gates of the keep.  A handful of other men waited quietly nearby.
    As the sun slowly crept over the mountain, more men approached the gate.  By the time the sun cleared the mountain, nearly three-dozen men stood grouped around the gate.  Half a mark later, their numbers had doubled.  The men ranged from beggars dressed in rags, to warriors in battle armor, to barbarians wearing fur cloaks and horned helms.
    At last the gates swung open.  A balding clerk, followed by two burly guards, came out.  They looked over the gathering of men as if seeking something and not finding it.  The clerk whispered something to one of the guards while gesturing to either side of the gate.  When the clerk stopped talking, the guard stepped forward.
    “Listen up!” the guard bellowed.  “Those that’s here to sign up for the