Bastion

daughter. Bandits want a profit, an’ they ain’t gonna profit if they have to make a fight of it. You think they’re gonna tell you when they’re gonna come? They hit you when you ain’t expectin’ it. Their way is get in, get out, get gone. By the time you all come from your work and run to the rescue, they’re gone and you’re robbed. And maybe someone’s dead, too.”
    “But while we are on the subject of bandits and robbers, let’s just talk about the road again,” Jakyr went on. “Let’s just say that you’re lucky, and no big bandit group decides to set up around here and prey on you. Let’s say you actually can manage to fend off most of the scum that would come attack your town. The Guard not only keeps the road clear and mended, and keeps your bridges from falling to pieces, the Guard guards the road. You’ve got a fine inn there, a fine, big inn. How many travelers do you think it will see when robbers discover there is no one guarding the road, and they can swoop down on anyone any time they like? How many peddlers and traders will take that chance, do you think? It doesn’t take a whole horde of robbers to shut down a road, you know. All it takes is one.”
    “And no Bards or other entertainers will take the chance, I can tell you that, for certain sure,” Lita put in. “That’s one of the things the Bardic Circle makes sure that all entertainers are kept apprised of, what roads are safe and what aren’t. In fact, I’ll make a point of sending a message back to Bardic Collegium as soon as I can get to a Guardpost, warning them that Therian is no longer safe to travel to, nor is the road that Therian is on safe to use. From there, it will travel to every corner of the Kingdom, and in six months there won’t be an entertainer out there who will take the chance on coming here.”
    “Nor Healers,” said Bear, causing just about everyone to gasp. He shrugged, not looking at all regretful. “Sorry, but that’s how it is. Simple fact, we can’t Heal anybody if we’re risking our own lives. You’ll just have to make do with your horse doctor there.”
    The Headman went red, then white, then red again. Two more of his supporters backed away. “We’ll appeal to Lord—”
    Jakyr cut him off with a rude gesture. “You’re daft if you think he’ll listen to you without you being willing to live on a quarter of what you do now. Lord Halloran doesn’t think you’re worth his time and money,” he said cruelly. “He’d lose money protecting you and tending to you. You think the taxes you pay to the Crown are terrible? You should see what you’d have to pay Lord Halloran before he would be willing to send his men out here to keep you safe. Twice the Crown tax, at a minimum, and I’d not be surprised to find it three times as much. Not to mention that he’d expect an additional tithe of every harvest on top of the taxes.”
    “But you’re independent!” Mags said, in a mocking voice. “You’ll be free! No one will tell you what to do! That’s what you wanted! Remember how they say be careful what you wish for? You wished. You weren’t careful. Enjoy your freedom!” He looked at Jakyr. “Let’s head back to the Guardpost and start sendin’ our messages.”
    Jakyr nodded. “I think they might even cheer when they realize how much road clearing they won’t be faced with this winter. It certainly will make their jobs ever so much easier.” He chuckled, then turned to Lita and Bear. “Lady Bard, Master Healer, would you care to accompany us? I’d like to register your formal witness, and I really don’t think this town is safe for you anymore.”
    “Oh, I agree,” said Lita, and turned to Lena. “Child, go get our things. We’re leaving.”
    “Yes, Master Bard,” Lena said obediently. She headed for the inn.
    “Us too,” said Bear. “Amily, get the kit, would you? I’ll go saddle up the horse so we don’t keep the Heralds waiting. That’d be right rude.”
    “Wait!” One of the villagers ran to Bear and clutched at his sleeve. “You can’t do this! What about your oaths? You take an oath to Heal the sick and the injured, you take an oath!”
    “My oaths don’t cover stupidly putting myself at risk,” said Bear, bluntly. “It’s what they call the lifesaver’s choice—if I drown trying to save you, what about all the other people I could have saved? Sorry. You’ll have to make do with your horse doctor.”
    “They’ll have to make do on