Warlord

by Elizabeth Vaughan

  Two warriors, one with a small table, another with a tray, approached. I was offered water to wash my hands, and then kavage and gurt were placed within my reach.

  “I thank you for your courtesy.” I poured a mug of kavage and took a sip. While the scent of the vanilla helped, there was still a tight knot between my shoulder blades. The Council had proved that it was willing to attack me at a weak moment. The person speaking may have changed, but I wasn’t fooled. The claws were still there, merely sheathed for the time being.

  Keekai and I had gone over the members of the Council, but everything was jumbled together in my head. Without being obvious, I drew a long, deep breath and tried to calm myself.

  And I’d thought the Council of Xy, had been hard to deal with.

  “Xylara, Daughter of Xy, from the Kingdom of Xy, you have been claimed as Warprize by Keir of the Cat, Warlord of the Plains.” Essa’s words sounded familiar for some reason. “You have been brought to the Heart of the Plains, so that you may be confirmed as the Warprize.”

  He was repeating the ritual that Keekai had performed when she had taken me under her protection. I relaxed a bit, recognizing the questions.

  Essa continued. “Have you taken anything from the hands of another on this journey?”

  “No.” My voice was clear, and as strong as I could wish. “My Warlord has provided for me.”

  There was a stir at that, and Essa lifted an eyebrow. “Keir of the Cat is not yet your Warlord, Daughter of Xy.”

  “Perhaps to your way of thinking,” I responded quietly. “But not to mine.”

  Antas gave a great snort and stood, his armor rattling as he threw his arms in the air. “What cares she for our ways? She has brought nothing but death to—”

  “Enough,” Essa spoke, and Antas was instantly silenced. “We will continue the ritual, and then the questioning can begin.”

  Antas sat down heavily, scowling.

  Essa waited for quiet before he began again. “Xylara, Daughter of Xy, do you wish to return to your land, to the arms of your people, to your home?” He paused, considering me closely. “The ties of one’s own tribe are very strong. Speak, and it will be as you wish.”

  Again, it flashed before me. Home, a place of safety, with strong walls and all that was familiar and comfortable. Anna’s cooking, Othur’s warm hugs, Heath’s teasing. Kalisa in the market, with her cheese and crackers. Remn’s book shop.

  But the cost of that comfort was too high, for it meant turning my back on the man I loved. I lifted my chin. “I am here to claim my place as Warprize, and my Warlord.”

  Antas leapt to his feet. “Yet all you bring with you is chaos and death. The army entrusted to Keir of the Cat has been decimated by your hand.”

  “We do not know that.” Essa seated himself on his stool. “We have only words brought by the wind.”

  Antas turned to Wild Winds. “What say you, Warrior-Priest?”

  “I would hear her truths.” The man replied in a soft voice. It was my first chance to really look at him, when my eyes weren’t blurred with exhaustion. He was fearsome looking, even in the light of day. A tall man, he wore only trous and a long cloak. But he had the multi-colored tattoos all over his chest, and a staff with three human skulls and feathers dangling from the end on leather strips. His hair was dark, and matted in thick ropes that hung down to his waist. His dark eyes studied me, in turn, but I didn’t see any hostility there.

  I didn’t see friendship, either.

  “What does she know of truth?” Antas growled. “A foul city-dweller?”

  “City-dwellers tell the truth,” I spoke up, indignant.

  “HAH!” Antas shouted, making me jump. “You lied to a warrior of the Plains, we know of this. Do not deny that!”

  “I didn’t lie.” My temper flared, and I snapped at him, not impressed with the weapons he carried. “I may not have told the entire truth, but I didn’t—”

  “You cannot deny it. She will appear before us, and then all will know,” Antas fired back.

  She? I sat there, my mouth open. She? He wasn’t talking about Keir?

  “Your so-called healing skill. You lied to a warrior of the Plains in order to work magic on her leg.” Antas bared his teeth. “She will tell us her truths, and then we will see.”

  Was he talking about Atira? I’d set her leg when she’d broken it in a fall from her horse. But that had happened back in Xy, in Keir’s camp. I frowned, puzzled. When had I lied to Atira? I opened my mouth to deny it, then snapped it shut. Atira would tell her truths? Did that mean what I thought it meant? “Is Atira here?”

  “The Council has summoned those whose truths will be heard. Others have asked to speak before us.” Essa spoke calmly. “But your truths come first, then our questions can begin.” He gave Antas a hard look. “Without interruption.”

  Antas sat back down with a grunt.

  “Begin, Daughter of Xy.” Wild Winds spoke this time. “Tell us your truths, from the beginning.”

  I drew a deep breath, and started to speak.

  The telling took hours. Facing those Elders, with their blank faces and unresponsive eyes, drained me of my strength. Even Antas stayed silent and still, boring a hole in me with his gaze. In the coldness of that tent, I struggled for the words that would explain my feelings for Keir.

  But whenever I looked in her direction, Keekai’s eyes were bright with support. And as I spoke, in my mind’s eye I could see the love in Keir’s eyes, the fierceness of Marcus’s protection, the other Firelanders who had become so close to me so quickly. And while my truth may not have had the strength of a Singer’s words, it was my truth. So I spoke, telling them everything, including the details of the ehat hunt.

  When I stopped, Essa stood. “Courtesy demands that we see to all our needs, and the needs of the Daughter of Xy.”

  With that, the tent flooded with warriors, carrying kavage and hot food. I was offered water for my hands, and food and hot kavage. Everyone ate and drank, and then stretched, seeing to other needs.

  The group began to settle back down when a warrior-priest entered and spoke to Wild Winds. He seemed familiar, and I stared at the tattoo over his eye, trying to place him. It took me a moment, but I recognized the warrior-priest that had come to our camp at Wellspring and befriended Iften. My heart beat a bit faster. He’d been with Keir at the camp the last I knew. Could it be? Could Keir be here?

  Wild Winds inclined his head and listened for a moment, and then gestured for the younger man to leave. He did, but only after shooting a heated glance toward me.

  Wild Winds then approached Essa, and Antas joined them. The room grew quiet, even as the three debated hotly. I seated myself and tried to prepare for the questioning that was to come. But my insides were shaking, even if my hands weren’t. I smoothed down my skirt, and then folded my hands in my lap. I risked a glance at Keekai. She caught it, and gave me a slight shrug.

  Finally, they seemed to resolve the difference. Or at least, Wild Winds and Essa seemed to agree. Antas had a permanent scowl.

  Essa turned to face the Elders. “Those who have been summoned have arrived. We will hear those truths before questioning the Daughter of Xy.”

  This seemed to surprise a number of the Elders, but by the number of heads nodding, it seemed a popular decision.

  Essa turned to me. “Xylara, Daughter of Xy. The Council has arranged a tent for your use, as well as a warrior to serve you.” He glanced at Wild Winds. “You are now under the protection of the Council of Elders. You will have a guard at all times, to insure your safety.”

  Just as Keekai had predicted. I inclined my head. “Thank you, Eldest Singer.”

  “You may go where you will, Daughter of Xy. But you will not be permitted to see Keir of the Cat. Do you understand?”

  “I understand, Eldest Singer.” I stood, and from nowhere, four young warrior-priests appeared around me. My new guards.

  “This senel is over,” Essa announced.

  The
stars were out when we emerged from the senel, and I yawned as I followed my guards to the new tent. It was close, for which I was thankful, and appeared to be just a bit smaller than Keekai’s. As long as it had a private sleeping area, it would be good enough for me.

  The flap opened as we approached and a woman stepped forth, her brown hair tied back in a braid. Her brown eyes seemed kind. “Greetings, Daughter of Xy.” She held the flap open and I ducked inside.

  I stepped into a meeting area, much like Simus’s tent, back in the camp outside of Water’s Fall. My saddlebags were there, laying off to the side.

  “I am Amyu of the Boar.” She nodded to me, and gestured for me to take a seat at the table. “I will serve you while the Council debates your status. May I provide kavage? Or something to eat?”

  I heaved a sigh, and took off my satchel. “Amyu, if it would not offend, I think I just want a wash and to sleep.”

  She nodded and stepped off to the side to open another flap. “Your sleeping chamber is within.”

  I stepped forward to look inside. The bed looked familiar, with red and gold pillows. But what gave it away was the fat, happy lamp on the table. The flame danced a welcome.

  “Is this bed from Keekai’s tent?” I asked.

  Amyu nodded. “She offered, and the Elders agreed. All these items have been donated for your use, Daughter of Xy.”

  “Amyu, please call me ‘Lara’.” I held up a hand to silence her protest. “At least within the confines of the tent.” I stepped within and put my satchel on the bed.

  “As you wish.” Amyu looked at the brazier that burned in the corner. “The lake is not far, if you wish to bathe.”

  I sighed. “No, I don’t think so. Maybe just a bucket of warm water and a few cloths?”

  She looked at me, puzzled. “As you wish.” She bowed and left before I could explain, which was fine with me. I knew from experience that the people of the Plains had no understanding of basic Xyian modesty.

  I tucked my satchel in by the bed, and removed my slippers to rub my feet. I was still feeling the effects of our wild ride, and yawned again. But while my body was tired, my mind was still whirling. Was Keir here? In camp?

  Oh, I hoped so. I wanted this over, so that I could be in his arms again. I drew a deep breath, but the scent of this tent was different from Keir’s. Only the faint aroma of vanilla was present, and that came from my own body.

  A noise from outside brought me out of my thoughts.

  “Out of my way! My healer is within, and I must see her!”

  Voices rose in protest, and I lifted the flap just in time to see a large, black man force his way into the main tent. My smile had already started when his eyes met mine, and his white teeth flashed against his coal black skin.

  “LITTLE HEALER!”

  9

  “Simus!” I ran over and he swept me up in a bear hug, laughing loudly. The sound made my heart dance, and I laughed with him as he twirled me around and then set me gently on my feet.

  We were surrounded by my four guards and Amyu and everyone was talking at once, but that never dimmed the gleam in Simus’s eyes. He put his hands on my shoulders and looked down into my eyes. “Are you well?”

  “As well as I can be.” I smiled at him. “I am so glad to see you.”

  His eyebrows danced and he turned to face our foes. “SILENCE!”

  Everyone obeyed.

  “The Warprize is my healer,” he said, using the Xyian word. “She must see the wound that she tended. Out, all of you! This is done under the bells!”

  They all looked at one another, and one of the youngest looking warrior-priests shifted his weight from foot to foot. Amyu spoke first. “Our orders are that she not have contact with Keir of the Cat, or his supporters.”

  “Pah.” Simus walked over to one of the stools and sat. “You may listen, if you wish. I will not use the bells. But outside. NOW!”

  They scattered.

  Simus looked at me and grinned. I couldn’t help grinning back at him, even as I shook my head. “That was rude, Simus of the Hawk.”

  “They should not have sent girls to do woman’s work.” He replied in perfect Xyian. “They don’t know how to deal with me. But they will have sent word to someone who does. So let us speak, eh?” He stood, and started to unbuckle his belt. “Let me show you the scar, Warprize. It is a wonder.” He spoke in the language of the Plains, loud enough that anyone could hear.

  “Should I get my satchel?” I tried not to laugh.

  “Yes, by all means, please get your wondrous herbs and potions,” Simus bellowed, yanked down his trous and sat back down. “Eln said to tell you that he thought it was doing very well.”

  I went and got my satchel, and returned to admire the scar along his thigh. It had healed well. “Did it give you any trouble on the way here?”

  “None,” Simus replied, then switched to Xyian. “And we rode hard. The Council sent word that they required the truths of Atira. I knew that you and your beloved would need my help. So, we are here.”

  “We?” I pulled out the scar ointment from the depths of my satchel, and started to open it. How odd it was to hear my native tongue again. I almost had to think before I spoke.

  “We,” Simus replied. “Atira, Keir, Marcus, and Joden. And one of your land, the son of the cook.”

  “How is her leg?” I asked, absently. But then my head snapped up in surprise. “Heath? Heath is here?”

  “He is,” Simus replied in Xyian. He paused for a moment, then spoke again loudly, switching languages. “The friend of your youth, Heath of Xy, he is here with messages of your people. I will send him to speak to you, if these fools will permit.” Simus gave me a grin, switching back to Xyian. “I will send him with messages.” He stretched his leg out, to give me access. “Keir is raging like a wounded ehat, furious that he cannot see you. But Marcus and I, with Keekai’s help, are talking sense into that thick head of his.”

  I smiled. “I know what an ehat looks like now.”

  Simus laughed, and switched to his language. “You must tell me of the hunt. All the details, now!”

  I laughed, but Simus grew serious, and switched back to Xyian. “There are dangers here, Lara. Make no mistake.”

  “There was an attack—”

  “Keir and I know of it.” Simus sighed. “What we do not know is who was behind it. You are safe enough here.”

  “Am I?” I asked softly, in Xyian. “Amyu is of the Boar and the guards are all warrior-priests.”

  “The honor of the entire Council depends on your safety.” Simus looked grim. “Amyu is a child and will obey her elders. Your guards will protect you. But they will report if you try to see Keir, you understand?”

  I nodded.

  “Watch for Iften, and Gathering Storm. There is a warrior-priest not to be trusted.”

  “Gathering Storm? Which one is that?” I asked.

  Simus grinned. “The one you doused with that stink, remember?” He turned his face slightly and spoke loudly for the listeners, switching languages easily. “You worked a marvel, Warprize. My leg is as new.”

  “Is there any pain when you walk?” I asked, following his example. I smeared the ointment on the scar, to soften the tissue.

  “None.” Simus gave me a genuine smile. “You saved my leg and my life as a warrior, Little Healer. May the elements allow me to return the favor some day.”

  I smiled at him, but looked away, and spoke in Xyian. “If you have spoken with Joden, then you know how he feels about me now. After the plague, he no longer supports us.”

  “Pah.” Simus gave a snort. “The man is merely confused. I will set him straight.” He leaned in closer. “The telling of truths begins tomorrow. It is not likely that you will be allowed to listen. But do not fear, Lara. All will be—”

  Wild Winds strode into the tent, with my guards and Amyu just behind.

  Simus looked over casually. “Ah, Warrior-Priest. Come to see the work of the Warprize? A Master Hea
ler.”

  Wild Winds arched an eyebrow, then took another step to stare down at Simus’s leg. He looked closely. “A deep wound.”

  “To the bone,” Simus replied proudly. He stretched out his leg for everyone to see. Everyone stared at it, even Amyu, with particular fascination.

  “What is the purpose of that?” Wild Winds gestured to the jar in my hands.

  I stood and offered it to him. “An ointment that aids the healing. It will help the scar to fade.”

  “What?” Simus protested. “Why fade an honorable wound, honorably earned?”

  Wild Winds raised an eyebrow. “Regardless, the Daughter of Xy is not to have contact with Keir of the Cat, or those—”

  “We spoke of healing matters.” Simus stood, and pulled on his trous with great dignity.

  “They spoke in the tongue of city-dwellers,” one of the guards piped up.

  Simus let his eyebrows raise. “You do not know the tongue? I didn’t realize that.” He turned then, and gave me a bow, reaching for my hand to kiss it. “My thanks again, Xylara, Daughter of Xy.”

  I gave him a curtsey, and he smiled, and turned back to face Wild Winds. “After you, Warrior-priest.”

  He herded them out, all but Amyu, who gave me an odd look as she tied the tent flap closed. I ignored her, and returned to the sleeping area and sat on the bed. I opened my hand and stared at the small bar of vanilla soap that Simus had pressed into my hand. I could hear him arguing with the warrior-priest, his voice fading in the distance.

  I smiled at the little square, even as my eyes filled with tears. Keir was here, and close. Where else could Simus have gotten it? Keir had bought up every bar that the herb merchant in Water’s Fall had for sale. I held it up to my nose and drew in the scent. It made me feel better, knowing that he was close. I just wished that he was here, with me, and could share my tent and my bed this night.

  Atira was here. They’d summoned her, to hear her truths. But when had I lied to her? I sat there, trying to remember, but I couldn’t. Of course, the first time I’d met her, I’d kicked her awake. I flushed at the memory.