Warlord (17 page)

"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.

But what was Heath doing here? Were Anna and Othur alright? I bit my lower lip, and worried it with my teeth. Heath wasn't really a supporter of Keir. Maybe they would let me see him, to get news of home. I flushed a bit, with a guilty sense that I hadn't given home much thought since leaving Xy. There was more at stake here than just Keir and me. My people would benefit as much as if not more than the Plains would if I was confirmed.

There was a slight cough, and I shoved the bar under my skirt. "Enter."

Amyu appeared, and inclined her head. "The hot water, as you requested."

"Thank you." I watched as she placed the bucket off to the side, along with some clean cloths. I'd have to be careful not to make too much of a mess. I yawned, as once again my tiredness swept over me.

"Is it true? That your people bathe under the bells?" Amyu asked, giving me an odd look under her lashes as she fussed with the placement of the cloths.

"Yes." I arched an eyebrow at her. "My Warlord was able to arrange for me to bathe under the bells at all times, when I was with him. Xyians are very private about their bodies."

She frowned. "But Simus of the Hawk was naked."

"Healers have to see their patients' bodies in order to heal them. It is an exception to the rule."

"I will see what can be done, about the bathing." I could see that she was still puzzled, but she gave me another glance. "It is said that you will 'heal' any that ask."

I nodded. "I will."

She looked at me intently, then abruptly left.

I narrowed my eyes, and almost went after her, to push the issue. But I didn't. I couldn't force people to accept my healing ways. I'd learned that lesson with Iften. Sooner or later, I'd learn Amyu's problem.

For now, I had hot water and soap. After that, sleep in a comfortable bed. The morning would be here, soon enough.

And, maybe, a glimpse of Keir.

* * *

I awoke at some point close to dawn. My eyes were heavy, the bed warm and soft beneath my body. I reached out for him, half-awake as my hand moved, fingers searching for the familiar skin.

Keir wasn't there.

That brought me awake, and I blinked in the darkness. I'd blown out my fat little lamp earlier, and all that was left was the glow from the braziers that heated the tent. That was the light I was used to, in Keir's tent.

The loneliness caught me by surprise. The deep longing had settled in my chest before I even really knew what was happening, and I had to stifle a sob. I didn't want Amyu and the guards to know of my weakness.

I sat up in the bed, tucking the soft blankets under my arms. The noises that I had grown used to, the sounds of an army around me, were gone as well. There were still noises, but it was mostly of pennants flying in the breeze, and the occasional footstep outside.

I ran my fingers through my hair and sighed. There was little chance that I'd sleep now. I could hear the accusations of Antas in my head, his shouts loud and clear.

Iften would testify, Joden would testify. How did Keir think that I'd be confirmed, with that kind of opposition? Especially when Antas clearly agreed with Iften? Would our truths be enough to sway the Council?

All the fear and tension of the last few days swept through me. What was I doing here, alone in the tents of the Firelanders? Who could be trusted? What was going to happen?

My head hurt. I rubbed my temples, and tried not to weep. But the weight of my thoughts bore down on me, alone, in the darkness.

Amyu had left some kavage by the braziers. I slid out of bed, into the cool of the darkness. I shivered, and padded over for a drink. I also found some tapers there, and put one against the coals of the brazier. A lick of flame popped up. I carefully carried it over, and re-lit my little lamp. The flame seemed to leap and chortle within its depths, as if happy to be there.

I slid back into the warmth of the bed, covering myself with the blankets. I pulled one of the pillows close. The fabric was smooth against my cheek as I hugged it, staring at the little flame. The light danced on the tent walls.

I closed my eyes and thought of Keir.

The way he'd looked on the practice grounds when I'd first realized that he'd claimed me in honor, not in shame. That afternoon meal by the pool, when we'd loved under the alders. Gently, the memories soothed me.

I opened my eyes to watch the light from the lamp as it sputtered slightly. A soft smile curved over my lips, and my body relaxed.

It had been my choice to allow Keekai to bring me here. I wouldn't let the fear stop me. Stop us. I'd trust Keir, as he trusted me. As we'd learned to trust each other.

I shifted slightly on the bed, and let my hand linger over my stomach. Still no sign of my courses. I'd no indications either way, but it was possible that I was carrying our child. Another memory flashed over my eyes, of Keir playing with Meara, making her giggle.

My child would be my heir, and would take the throne upon my death. How could I make these people understand that? Would they understand? Or would they insist that my babe be raised in the tradition of the Plains?

But from everything I'd seen of the Plains, their children were treasured and loved. They might not follow the traditions of Xy, but even the toughest warriors played and cared for their children.

I yawned. What would our child look like? My curls? Keir's eyes?

My eyelids grew heavy and I drifted off to sleep.

I was eating breakfast when Amyu announced Essa the Singer's arrival.

I'd just enough time to swallow my last mouthful and stand before he swept inside. He was a tall man, and very broad of shoulder. His robes were all different colors of green this morning, and his armor was hardened brown leather. He carried a sword and two daggers. But what really caught my attention was the tattoo around his right eye, of a bird's wing.

"Good morning, Eldest Singer Essa." I gestured to my small table, and the other stool. "May I offer you kavage? Have you eaten?"

He cocked an eyebrow, clearly aware of the irony, but he sat, carefully arranging his robes. "I would welcome kavage."

Amyu served us both. Essa nodded his head as he took the full mug. "My thanks, child." We sat for a moment in silence as we drank our kavage and Amyu began to clear the dishes.

"Daughter of Xy, the Council meets today to hear the truths of the Warriors that have been summoned. Your presence is not required."

"What if I want to be there?" I asked. "To hear what is said of me?"

"That would not be permitted," Essa stated firmly. "Each warrior will be heard separately."

"Who? Who will speak?"

He paused considering. "Simus, Atira, Yers, Iften. Some others, perhaps."

"Joden?"

Essa frowned at his kavage. I had the strong impression that he was upset about something other than my confirmation. "That has not yet been decided."

"Why wouldn't you hear from him?"

"It is not so much whether we hear, as to what weight his words are given."

I fussed with my mug for a moment, covering my thoughts. "Is that because he is not yet a Singer?"

Essa paused again, taking a long sip of kavage. He was stalling, probably trying to decide how much to tell me. I was fairly certain he wouldn't tell me anything, but he lowered the mug, and began to speak. "The words of a singer carry great weight. Iften of the Boar has asked that the Council treat Joden's truths as those of a Singer. He argues that this should be done because no full Singer was present." Essa shook his head. "But Joden of the Hawk has broken with our ways and there is debate as to whether this should be done."

Now it was my turn to delay, and I took a sip of kavage, uncertain how to reply. Joden was a friend, but he had made it clear that he would speak against Keir and me before the Council. "What is your position in all of this?"

Essa snorted softly. "You know that Singers hold words given to them in confidence close to their hearts?"

I nodded.

"They also keep their thoughts to themselves, as well."

I blushed at the reprimand.

Essa sat his mug down, and waved Amyu off when she would have offered more. I decided to change the topic. "If I can't listen to the truths, can I go out and walk around? I've never seen anything like the Heart of the Plains."

While his face didn't change, I could tell that he was pleased. "Of course. You may come and go as you wish. But your guards will accompany you. They have instructions as to who you may have contact with. I would ask that you obey those restrictions."

"I will follow your ways," I answered. "But may I see Heath?"

"I do not know the name. Of what tribe?"

"Of Xy." I smiled. "One of my lands, who came here with Simus of the Hawk."

Essa's blank look was replaced with one of humor. "I see no harm." He gave me an intent look. "We keep you from Keir so that—"

"So that I am free to make my own choice," I cut in. "Essa, if I was going to change my mind, I'd have done it when Antas was yelling at me that first night."

"As to that," he replied, "you must know that the Council has decided that while you are not yet confirmed, the courting should begin now. The snows approach, Daughter of Xy, and there is no time to waste."

My throat went dry. This had been explained to me, but I'd managed not to think about it. "Now?"

"The other warlords will be given a chance to court you. Each will send word, and Amyu will escort you to their tents. Each will try to convince you of their strength and skills." Essa smiled at me. "You control the courting, Xylara. If you wish it to end, you have but to say so. If you wish it to continue, indicate that as well."

I nodded, but didn't speak.

Essa looked over at Amyu, and then back at me. "Have your needs been seen to, Xylara? You have but to ask for something and it will be provided."

"A bath." I found my voice quickly enough. "With hot water."

Essa gave me a puzzled look.

"Xyians bathe under the bells," Amyu offered.

"Really?" Essa didn't seem impressed with the idea. "If that is what you wish, I will see what can be done." He rose and adjusted his robes and weapons, about to depart. "Is there anything else?"

I looked at him, tall and straight, really looked at him. He waited patiently, allowing me to study him, and that bird's wing around his eye.

"Would you sing something for me?" I blurted out.

Essa's eyebrows went all the way up. Amyu looked shocked.

I fidgeted slightly, and looked away. "I'm sorry. I heard Joden sing a few times, and he has a wonderful voice. You are a full Singer and I wanted to . . ." My voice trailed off.