'Why—why are you talking to me?' he asked, inanely.
:Well, partly because of Altra,: Florian told him, dashing his half-formed conviction that the Firecat had only been a dream. :He's a stranger here as much as you are, and he doesn't know some of what we know. We're familiar with the entire history of Valdemar, including a lot that isn't in the books. We thought it was time you had someone around who could answer your questions about this place, the Heralds, and all. You never ask the questions that are in your mind; you keep trying to find the answers in books.: Florian snorted. :That's not always possible. People don't always write down important things.:
Well, he had been a little reticent about asking questions. He hadn't wanted to look like a complete idiot....
:You hardly need to worry about looking stupid in front of a horse now, do you?: Florian flipped his tail playfully, and Karal got the impression that he was grinning.
'Well, couldn't An'desha have told me?' he replied, feeling stubborn. He hadn't asked for this—or for Altra, for that matter! 'Or—Natoli, she's from Valdemar! And her father's a Herald, too!'
But Florian only stamped his hoof scornfully. :Your friend An'desha is just as much a stranger to this place as you are, and while young Natoli is a very nice young lady, she doesn't know anything at all about politics.:
'And you do?' he responded dubiously.
Florian snorted. :Not me alone. We do. We, the Companions as a whole. Remember, our Heralds are up to their ears in politics, and we share their thoughts. There isn't much at all about us in the books, either, nor Heralds-, the details of our partnerships aren't the kinds of things that get written down. I can tell you all about that, whatever you want to know.:
'All?' He wasn't sure he believed that, either.
:Well, if there's something I can't tell you, at least I won't lie to you, all right! I won't mislead you.: Florian's mood was as mercurial as anyone Karal had ever seen; now it seemed as if he was pleading with Karal. His ears went down a little, and his head sank a bit. :Look, we just wanted to make certain that you knew where you could find someone to help you. Altra may be your guide, but you know cats. They show up when it suits them, and not necessarily when you need them. And they love secrets. He could withhold things from you just to appear mysterious. That happens all the time.:
That did sound just like a cat, and he chuckled weakly in spite of his shock. 'Still—I mean, I'm not a Valdemaran, I'm a Karsite. What's more, I'm sworn to Vkandis. Are you really, really sure this shouldn't this be left to Altra?'
Florian snorted. :Altra doesn't know near enough about Heralds and Companions, things that you will need to know—but being a cat, he'll act as if he does, and make up what he doesn't know. Really, Karal, I'm honestly here to help you. If you'll let me, that is.:
Karal hardly knew which way to turn; he could only remember one thing. According to Ulrich, Companions were 'just like' Firecats. That made them, in effect, speakers for the Sunlord—
Or Whoever, he reminded himself.
:Well, remember what Ulrich told you,: Florian reminded him. :Does it matter who I speak for? We're both on the same side. Karal, this is important. You need to accept me. Please, trust me in this.:
Wonderful. Now something else wanted him to trust it.
On the other hand—
:You need me,: Florian repeated stubbornly.
He sighed. 'All right,' he said at last, with resignation. 'I'll trust you. But mainly because it's a lot easier coming to you for answers than it is to go look them up—or try to, anyway.'
:Good!: Florian tossed his head and pranced in place. :Excellent! I told them you'd see reason! Now—since I happen to know that your friend An'desha is still with Firesong, and I also know you have a head full of questions you haven't asked yet—: The Companion nudged him with his nose in the direction of the barn, :—you can groom me while you're asking those questions. I haven't got a Herald, and no one spends any amount of time grooming Companions who don't have Heralds. I itch.:
'I'm sure you do,' Karal sighed. 'I'm sure you do.'
He headed obediently toward the barn; after all, he might as well do the Companion that little favor in return
