WarDance (Chronicles of the Warlands #5)(105)

“I’d offer my thanks,” Simus started, but Haya shook her head.

“Don’t,” she said. “I’ve added to your burdens, Warlord. Just keep them safe. Send warriors with me, and we will meet up with you and your army.” She turned to Niles. “Come. We will talk before we go.”

They both nodded their heads to Essa and Wild Winds, and strode off together.

“I wished to express my thanks, Eldest Elder Singer,” Simus said. “That was well done.”

“No, it was not,” Essa snapped through swollen lips. “It is not supposed to be this way. There are supposed to be many voices raised in Council, talking, sharing truths, with the four Eldest Elders presiding. Not a single voice. Not a single warrior.”

“Yet, you were the lone voice,” Wild Winds said. “Just as a WarKing would do.”

A chill passed over Simus’s skin.

“It’s true that a WarKing doesn’t have to be a warrior of our people,” Essa said. “And in truth, I am not sure I trust any of you to preserve our people or our ways.” He paused, then gave Simus a very neutral look. “But I can see no way back. You and Keir have put things into motion better left alone.”

“Who’s to say?” Simus said, keeping his voice as neutral as Essa’s.

“The Fall Council,” Essa said.

Simus narrowed his eyes. This was not a challenge he had foreseen.

“But that is an issue for the Council in the Fall,” Essa said. “If we can summon one. If the armies bring back enough to keep our people alive. If the wyverns haven’t destroyed the Heart.” He shrugged. “We will see what we see when that time comes.” Essa turned to Wild Winds, and his voice grew considerably warmer. “It appears we must part, old friend. I must go, for I have work that needs doing.”

“Joden?” Simus asked.

“Not that it is any business of yours, Warlord,” Essa said, frowning. “But if you must know, I go to administer the Singer Trials to all candidates.” He focused on Wild Winds. “Come with me, at least until you are healed.”

Wild Winds started to shake his head, then winced. “No,” he said. “I must return to Lightning Strike and the young ones. They need my teaching.” He faced Simus. “I would take Hanstau, and the warrior that translates for him, with your permission. The healer should get training.”

Simus nodded. “If he agrees, and I think he will. For Lara’s sake.”

“For all our sakes,” Wild Winds said.

“You could come with us,” Simus suggested.

Wild Winds shook his head. “No. I do not yet trust that Keir wouldn’t kill us all. But maybe, in the future. Snowfall knows how to reach me, should the need arise.”

Essa’s warrior escort came up with their horses. “The elements go with you, Wild Winds.” Essa mounted and took up the reins. “I will see you in the Fall.”

“As the elements decree,” Wild Winds said.

Essa raised his hand in salute, and urged his horse on.

“I will go with you, to fetch Hanstau.” Simus said.

Wild Winds looked behind him, to where Snowfall stood waiting with Simus’s warriors.

“You know I will burn you to ash if Keir hurts her,” Wild Winds said.

“He won’t,” Simus said. “Trust me.”




Simus felt an even deeper sense of satisfaction once they’d seen Wild Winds off with Hanstau and Cadr. His warriors moved around him, their horses saddled and ready to ride.

“Haya is ready.” Tsor pulled himself into his saddle. “There’s time to gather her camp and still reach our army before sunset.”

“That’s well,” Simus started to mount his horse, but Destal came up, Snowfall following behind, leading their horses.

“Warlord.” Destal’s voice was dry. “Let’s not play this game any longer. Snowfall is a full adult warrior, with enough experience that she need not be under my command. She should be at your side, advising you and out of my hair.”

“I should earn my place,” Snowfall said firmly.

“Your dung collecting skills have been proven,” Destal snorted. “The best place for you is at our Warlord’s side.”

“If that is your judgment, Destal,” Simus said. “Snowfall will take duties under Elois.”

Elois snorted. “I can’t wait to see Keir’s face when he hears this tale.”

Tsor laughed. “I can’t wait to see Marcus’s.”

“Mount up,” Simus ordered, and pulled himself up into the saddle. His horse danced a bit, stamping its hooves, eager to be off.

“Have Cimor and his scouts been pulled away from the Heart?” Simus asked.

“Not until I warble,” Tsor said. “I wanted eyes on those monsters at all times.”

“Then let’s be about it,” Simus said.

Tsor lifted his head and warbled a cry that was echoed around them by the scouts.

“Lead the way,” Simus said.

Tsor started off, and the others followed, with Simus at the center.

Snowfall moved her horse up beside Simus, looking cool and collected and content. She favored him with a glance from under her dark lashes.