Free No True Way by Mercedes Lackey

Companion. “There are bandits in the area, and our presence will make them avoid us entirely.”
    â€œBandits?” Cera swallowed hard.
    â€œAye,” Helgara said, her eyes fierce and unforgiving. “Not that there’s many, but all it takes is a few. Otherwise, I would ride ahead and give the manor a bit of warning of your coming. You may have to sleep in cold beds this night.”
    â€œAs long as they aren’t moving,” Alena muttered from under her cloak.
    Cera could only agree.
    *   *   *
    â€œOpen the gates!”
    The cry stirred Cera from her stupor. Night had fallen, and every bone in her body ached.
    â€œOpen the gates for the Lady of Sandbriar,” Helgara called again, and Cera heard women exclaiming, and the grating of wood on wood. Cera’s impression was of women, guarding the gate and walls.
    The carriage rolled to a stop before a great door, and torches flared as people gathered.
    â€œHerald Helgara?” was the inquiry, but Helgara was having no delays. She threw open the door of the carriage and extended a hand to assist Cera down.
    â€œI bring you your Lady, come from Haven with her maidservant. She needs something hot and then a bed this night. Answers and introductions can wait until we’ve rested.”
    â€œI am Marga, my Lady.” An older woman stepped forward with a curtsy, then turned to Helgara. “You’ll stay the night, Herald? The Waystation is so far—”
    Cera stopped, startled, about to protest.
    â€œNay, I’ll take a bed gladly after I’ve seen to Stonas.” Helgara leaned in to Cera. “No fear. I’ll not leave you friendless this night.”
    Cera just squeezed her hand in reply. She followed the woman through the door and down a confusing maze of hallways and corridors, Alena at her side. In her exhaustion nothing made sense, except a door that opened on a cold room, with a large bed and a trundle at its foot.
    â€œI’ve mulled cider,” an older woman said softly. “We’ll light the fire as quick as we can.” Their trunks were bustled in, carried by young boys who looked half-asleep themselves. Cera moved stiffly, accepting the warm cup as she watched the fire leap to life.
    She remembered little else, other than crisp sheets, soft blankets, and the bliss of a steady surface beneath her as she slipped into slumber.
    *   *   *
    Cera awoke slowly to a room filled with light and warmth. The fire still burned on the hearth, and light spilled through the shutters. She stretched beneath the blankets, enjoying the comfort. Her fingers found the softness she’d felt the night before, and she marveled at the wool coverlet. She’d never felt wool like that, and she wondered idly what animal it was from. Or maybe they had a special weave?
    She drew another deep breath and was content for a moment more, until she truly woke. Sandbriar, she was in Sandbriar. With a rush of energy, she threw back thebedding, her bare toes descending to the woolen rug, and blinked at the room about her as she stood.
    Her door cracked open, and Alena popped her head in. “You’re finally awake,” she said softly with a smile, as she eased in with a tray. “The Herald and the Steward are in the kitchen talking, and the Cook’s putting on breakfast. I’m to bring you to the Great Hall as soon as you’re ready.”
    â€œWhat are they like?” Cera gulped tea as Alena dug into their trunks and pulled out a dress for her.
    â€œNice enough,” Alena said, but there was worry on her face. “But they’re talking more around me than to me, if you know what I mean.”
    Cera nodded, dressing quickly and seeing to her hair as best she could.
    She followed Alena through the hallways to find herself in what had to be the Great Hall, a dark and shadowed affair with a vaulted ceiling and high, shuttered windows. A small fire burned in