Spring and summer tended to bring more Trainees to all three Collegia. For the Bards and Healers, the reason was obvious; it was easier to travel then, and Spring in particular made people inclined to make new beginnings. Why there should be more Herald Trainees in Spring and Summer, however, Mags could not think— :Simple, if it’s not a screaming emergency to fetch our Chosen, we’d rather wait until good weather,: Dallen said, as he and Amily took their places at a table that had just been cleared. Mags chuckled; Amily gave him a knowing look. They had scarcely sat down when a server bustled up with mugs and a pitcher of cold, clean water and another of herb tea, followed by a second server with wooden platters, bowls, and so forth, and a third with food. As usual, the aromas were enough to make anyone’s mouth water. The Collegia never stinted on food and always made sure they had excellent cooks. The meals might not be the fancy stuff served at the Palace, but they were always perfectly made and tasty.
