WarDance (Chronicles of the Warlands #5)(6)

“To the dancing, more like,” Joden said, laughing. “And will you be teaching others the Xyian dances that you learned?”

“Maybe I will,” Simus crowed. “Wouldn’t that raise hackles and ruffle feathers.” He laughed.

“And the sharing after?” Eloix asked, her eyes dancing with mirth. “Or will you follow Keir’s ways in that as well?”

Simus heaved a dramatic sigh. “Once my tent is raised, I will not share bodies during the Trials,” he announced. “And while I know that all the women warriors will be deprived of my gifts—” He swept his hand down his body for emphasis. Laughter and protests arose from the group. Simus held up his hands. “Sharing during the Trials makes things...complicated.”

“So you won’t be adding foalsbane to your kavage in the mornings?” Yers taunted.

“Wouldn’t taste right without it,” Simus called back. “Besides, who knows? Like Keir, I might find my Warprize.” He waggled his eyebrows. “And the need might arise, yes?”

Laughter again, and Simus settled back, well pleased with his warriors, with the night, and with what was to come. “So,” he said to his warriors, “who intends to challenge for what positions?”

Yers jumped to his feet. “I, Yers of the Cat, will contest for Second!” With much laughter, the warriors pulled him back down.

Simus grinned his pleasure. Yers had served under Keir and Simus before, and he was a loyal and excellent warrior. So loyal, in fact, that it had been he who had given Lara’s apprentice mercy when he had fallen ill of the plague. Yers had felt it best that he take her wrath, rather than Keir or Marcus. The Warprize had forgiven, in her own time.

If he met the challenges, he’d be a strong Second, not afraid to express his truths. Nothing was more valuable to a Warlord.

Many others called out to also contest for Second as well as Third. Eloix and Destal both declared for Token-bearer, and proceeded to glare at one another. Simus was pleased to see an interest in all positions. It spoke well for the Trials.

“No challenges for me,” Oxna said loudly. One of his older warriors, she’d served with him under Keir. The flames made her amber skin glow, and gave her slanted eyes a wicked glint. “Not if you’ll have me as Tenth, Warlord.”

“That I will, Oxna,” Simus said. “And pleased to have you. The Tenths are the strength of my army, being our warleaders. We need more in that same position.”

Oxna lifted her mug in response.

“I’ll take the scouts, if you will have me, Warlord,” Cimor spoke up. The older man was grizzled, but his skill was in his cunning. “I’ve served as such under—”

Simus held up his hand with a laugh. “No need to list your campaigns, old friend. I accept.”

They spent some time under the night sky as the braziers burned down, talking of the Trials to come and the positions that were normally appointed, not contested for.

“I’ll ask for supply master,” Sal said. “That is, if no other is interested.”

“No one has spoken for it,” Simus said. “And I’d be grateful if you’d take on the task.”

“Consider it done,” Sal said with clear satisfaction, but Simus was even more pleased. She’d served Keir in the same role, and understood the Xyian use of coin for trade.

“For those that would contest for Token-bearer, I have a caution,” Simus said. “We have all served under Keir, and have all known Marcus, his Token-bearer.”

Some of the older warriors were nodding now, anticipating his words.

“But Marcus is not a traditional Token-bearer,” said Simus, “due to his afflictions. Any who would contest for Token-bearer should be aware of this, for mine will fill all the traditional roles of one that speaks for the Warlord and is his voice and message-bearer.”

He could see thoughtful looks and nodding heads.

“One last thought,” he said. “Antas of the Boar shattered his oaths when he attacked the Council of Elders and called for the death of the Warprize in Council last season. There is no truth, no honor in him. I do not think he will appear for the challenges, but he is bold.”

“I had not thought of that.” Yers looked thoughtful. “Would he be considered a candidate?”

“That is for the Elders and Eldest Elders to decide,” Simus said. “But I ask that you all keep careful watch over yourselves and any that pledge themselves to us. Attacks may not just come in the challenge circles.”

Thoughtful looks all around, now. Simus was glad to see they were considering that warning seriously.

“For now,” he said, turning the conversation to happier things, “I thank you for the gifts of your truths and declare this senel closed.”

The warriors stood and stretched, and went to seek their tents, or to post the watches. Some started to gather gurtle pads and mugs, and stir the braziers to settle the coals.

“That was well done,” Joden said.

“It was, wasn’t it?” Simus said, well content with the day. He glanced off toward the Heart. “Now there’s just the worry of what they are doing.”

Joden shook his head. “Don’t think on it,” he said, then gave Simus a sly smile. “Didn’t Eloix offer to distract you?”