hooked slightly at the bridge. The hand that came up to beckon to the men behind him was ringed on each finger.
«Have water brought,” he ordered, his eyes still on the Valeman. His expression did not change. «Who are you, young friend, and what is your destination?»
«My name is Wil Ohmsford,” the Valeman replied. «This is my sister, Amberle. We’re on our way to Arborlon.»
The tall man repeated the name thoughtfully. «Well, you’re Elves, of course — in part, at least. Any fool can see that. But now, you say that you lost your horse. Would you not have been wiser to stay along the Mermidon in your travels, rather than coming straight west as you did?»
Wil smiled some more. «Oh, yes, we thought about that; but you see, it’s important that we reach Arborlon as soon as possible, and walking would take much too long. Of course, we saw you camped across the river from us last night and we saw, too, that you seemed to have a number of very fine horses. We thought that if we could manage to catch up with you by nightfall, we might trade something of value for one of your horses.»
«Something of value?» The big man shrugged. «Possibly. We would have to see what it is that you propose to trade, of course.»
Wil nodded. «Of course.»
An old woman appeared, carrying a pitcher of water and a single wooden cup. She handed these to Wil, who accepted them wordlessly. With the Rovers looking on, he poured some of the water into the cup. He did not offer it to Amberle, who looked at him in surprise as he ignored her completely and drank the water down. Then he poured a second cup and drank it as well. When he was finished, he handed her the empty cup and pitcher without comment.
«You know something of the Way,” the tall man remarked, interest showing in his dark eyes. «You know also that we’re Rovers, then.»
«I have treated Rovers before,” Wil said. «I’m a Healer.»
A quick murmur went through the assemblage, which had grown considerably since the conversation had begun and now consisted of almost the entire camp, some thirty men, women, and children, all dressed colorfully in bright silks with woven ribbons and scarves.
«A Healer? This is unexpected.» The tall man stepped forward, removed his hat with a flourish, and bowed low. Straightening once more, he extended his hand in greeting. «My name is Cephelo. I am Leader of this Family.»
Wil accepted the hand and shook it firmly. Cephelo smiled.
«Well, you mustn’t stand out here while the night grows cold about you. Come with me. Your sister is welcome, too. You both look as if you could do with a bath and something to eat.»
He led the way through the crowd of Rovers into the circle of the wagons. An immense fire burned at the center of the camp, a tripod and iron kettle suspended above it. The glow of the fire reflected off the gaily painted wagons, mixing the rainbow of colors with shadows of the night. Wooden benches sat beneath the wagons, intricately carved and polished, their broad seats cushioned by feather pillows. Brass–handled windows stood open to the light, laced with curtains and strings of beads. On a long table to one side, lay an assortment of wicked– looking pikes, swords, and knives, all carefully arranged. Two small boys were diligently oiling the metal blades.
They reached the cooking fire and Cephelo turned abruptly.
«Well now, which shall it be first a meal or a bath?»
Wil did not even glance at Amberle. «A bath, I think my sister, as well, if you can spare the water.»
«We can spare it.» Cephelo nodded, then turned. «Eretria!»
There was a whisper of silk, and Wil found himself face to face with the most stunning girl he had ever seen. She was small and delicate, in the manner of Amberle, but without the childlike innocence that marked the Elven girl. Thick, black hair tumbled in ringlets to her shoulders, framing eyes that were dark and secretive. Her face was beautiful, her features perfectly formed and immediately unforgettable. She was wearing high leather boots, dressed in pants and tunic of scarlet silk that failed to hide anything of the woman beneath. Bands of silver flashed on her wrists and neck.
Wil looked at her in astonishment and could not look away.
«My daughter.» Cephelo sounded bored. He motioned toward Amberle. «Take the Elven girl and let her bathe herself.»
Eretria smiled wickedly. «It would be much more interesting to bathe him,” she offered, nodding toward Wil.
«Just do as you’re told,” her father ordered sharply.
Eretria kept her eyes on the Valeman. «Come along, girl,” she invited. She turned and was gone. Amberle followed after, looking none too happy.
Cephelo led Wil to the far side of the encampment where a series of blankets hung across a small area between two of the wagons. Within stood a tub of water. Stepping behind the blankets, Wil stripped off his clothing and laid it neatly on the ground beside him. He was well aware that the Rover was watching everything he removed, looking to see if he possessed anything of value, and he was careful to see to it that the pouch containing the Elfstones did not fall loose from its pocket within his tunic. He began to pour water over himself with a ladle, washing away the dirt and sweat of the day’s travel.
«It is not often that we encounter a Healer who will treat Rovers,” Cephelo said after a moment. «We usually must care for our own.»
«I was trained by the Stors,” Wil answered him. «Their help is given free.»
«The Stors?» Cephelo was surprised all over again. «But the Stors are all Gnomes.»
The Valeman nodded. «I was an exception.»
«You appear an exception in many, ways,” the tall man declared. He seated himself on a nearby bench and watched the Valeman towel dry and begin rinsing his clothes. «We have work for you that will enable you to pay for your food and rest, Healer. There are some among us who have need of your skills.»
«I will be happy to do what I can,” Wil replied.
«Good.» The other man nodded in satisfaction. «I’ll find you some dry clothing to use.»
He rose and walked away. Instantly Wil slipped the Elfstones from his tunic pocket into his boot, then quickly resumed washing out his clothing. Cephelo was back almost at once; carrying Rover silks for Wil to wear. The Valeman accepted the clothes and dressed himself. Despite the uncomfortable knot at the toe of his right boot, he pulled it on firmly, then the left boot. Cephelo summoned the old woman who had brought the water earlier to take Wil’s damp clothing. The Valeman handed the clothes over without comment, knowing they would be thoroughly searched and nothing found for the effort.
Then they returned to the fire at the center of the encampment, where Amberle joined them, washed clean and dressed in clothing similar to Wils. Each was given a plate of steaming food and a cup of wine. They sat next to the fire and ate silently while the Rovers settled about them, watching curiously. Cephelo took up a position across from them, sitting cross–legged on a wide, goldtasseled cushion, his dark face expressionless. There was no sign of Eretria.
When the meal was finished, the Rover Leader assembled the members of his Family who needed Wil’s attention. Without comment, the Valeman examined them one by one, treating a series of infections, internal disorders, skin irritations, and minor fevers. Although she was not asked to do so, Amberle worked next to him, providing bandages and hot water, aiding in the application of simple herb medicines and salves. It took the better part of an hour for Wil to complete his work. When he was finished, Cephelo stepped up to him.
«You have done your work well, Healer.» He smiled a bit too pleasantly. «Now we must see what we can do for you in return. Walk with me a bit this way.» He put one long arm about the Valeman’s shoulders and steered him away from the fire, leaving Amberle by herself to clean up after their work. They walked toward the far side of the Rover camp.
«You say that you lost your horse last night near where we camped on the Mermidon.» Cephelo’s voice was thoughtful. «What did this animal look like?»
Wil’s face remained expressionless. He knew the game that was being played.
«A stallion, all black.»
«Well, now.» Cephelo appeared even more thoughtful. «We found a horse such as you have described, a very
