Mercedes Lackey - Foundation

Nor did what the killer had screamed when he first saw Mags. “ Not YOU ?” Mags couldn’t shake the impression that the man had recognized him. And that was just as disturbing as everything else.

And they still didn’t know why it had been Bear that had been used as bait in that trap. Had it just been opportunity? Had they really wanted him for his Healing skills? Had it been something else entirely?

“I shouldn’t have gone to the Archives alone,” Bear sighed “I should have told you. But ... I didn’t want you to know I was looking for—” He flushed. “I thought I remembered some pretty nasty rumors about that girl’s family. I thought if I could confirm them with Guard reports, my parents would give over the idea of marrying us.” His face turned a deeper red. “That’s a pretty underhanded way of trying to get out of it.”

Mags shrugged. “Whatever works,” he replied. “You don’ got to answer to us.”

“Yes, I do,” Bear said softly. “You’re my friends.”

Mags shrugged again, but he felt warm inside. Friends. That wasn’t at all bad. Maybe he didn’t need to know about his family. Not when he had friends like this.

And right now, all those other questions could wait, too. He was hardly the one best qualified to puzzle out the answers, after all. He was only one Heraldic Trainee in his first year.

:Only?: Dallen seemed amused.

:Quiet, you.:

“Well, then ye answer t’ me in a couple a days,” he replied, and chuckled. “’Cause right now ... I be on holiday. And so be you!”