Even the children knew something important was happening.
They did not run through the streets shouting about it. Veyrhold children were not raised to waste breath or draw unnecessary attention, especially during preparation for an outer expedition. But they watched from doorways and rooftops, eyes bright above their scarves, whispering to one another whenever Jorren passed with his great shield or Maerin crossed the central lane with that expression that made everyone stand a little straighter.
Rohan tried to stay out of the way.
Veyrhold refused to let him.
On the first morning after accepting the quest, Iri summoned him to the ash-house treatment room before he had finished breakfast. She found him in the watch hall, sitting between Bryan and Liora while he tried to decide whether the grey paste on his plate was meant to be eaten or used to seal cracks in walls.
"You are needed," Iri said.
Rohan looked up at her. "For healing work?"
"For carrying work."
