Drill went by smoothly, and Hedda seemed to fit into the wingsecond role 
quite well.  After the drill, she got cleaned up, and was in her room 
changing into normal clothes when...

 "WHAT!!!  Lannith, I don't think I heard you correctly.  Tell me 
again."  Hedda knew that it was impossible for her not to have heard her 
dragon correctly, but it was a natural reaction to unbelievable news.

 <The King of the Landbound has refused to send the tithe, and our herds 
are already very small.  Only the smallest cattle are left.>

 "Who did you get this news from, Lannith."

 <I heard it from Pioter.>

 Hedda shook her head and continued getting dressed.  "Dear, you know 
how rumors get started."

 <I confirmed the news with several others, including Alanth, and his 
rider, M'ressan.>

 Hedda thought about that.  M'ressan did not seem the type that would 
continue a story like this without checking it out first... 

 <No.  He is not.>

 ... and he probably would have checked it with Christalla...

 <Yes.>

 ... which means it is probably true.

 <Which is what I have been trying to get you to understand.>

 Hedda told Lannith "The King is probably still angry that his son was 
picked to be Trendal's rider.  He thinks he can get him back by 
witholding the tithe.  What he has not thought about is that it was 
perfectly legal for Reolden to have been picked, while holding the tithe 
is not legal.  We will see what happens when the wraiths attack next, and 
King Jaldor has to get his staff out in the streets with torches to 
defend themselves.  I am certain Christalla has some plan on how to 
handle this.  Now, I am going to eat."

 <Ok.  I already have eaten.>

 Hedda headed down to the Dining Hall.

 Respectfully submitted,
 Hedda,
 Rider of Lannith,
 Of Keldarra Warren

 Nathan Terhune