WarDance (Chronicles of the Warlands #5)(65)

With that, the image dissolved. Tiny droplets rained down in to the bowl.

Snowfall gasped. “He severed our link.”

“Are you alright?” Simus offered her his hand, and she took it with a firm grasp, rising

gracefully to her feet.

“I am,” she said, and there was surprise in her voice. “I’m usually exhausted after such a casting. But not now.”

Thunder rumbled, but at a distance. From the sound of it, the storm was moving off.

“Excellent,” Essa pulled his cloak around himself. “Wild Winds’s presence will aid those that dither to make a decision one way or another. The Council will form. And with any luck,” he continued, “the skies will clear for the dancing tonight.” He stepped off the platform and walked toward the tent flap. “Open,” he called to his warriors outside. “We are done here.”

His warriors unlaced the bells to open the way. Essa turned with a dramatic flair. “Use this day well, Simus of the Hawk, for the Trials end at sunset tomorrow.”

With that, he was gone.





Chapter Twenty-Six


Simus spread the word to his people quickly, warning them of the coming announcement. As he walked his camp with Yers, he was pleased to see that preparations were moving along well.

They stopped for a brief time at the thea camp.

“We will see to it that the children are kept close, and our Xyian healer as well,” Haya said, her usual scowl even deeper than normal. “Or scattered farther out beyond the camp to watch the gurtle herds.” Weaponsmaster Seo nodded his agreement.

“Best to keep them out with the herds,” Simus said. “Away from the tents and the excitement.” He grinned at her. “I doubt they could resist the temptation of watching the final challenges.”

“One can only hope that they obey better than you did as a child,” Seo said pointedly.

“They will,” Haya snapped irritably.

“Of course, Eldest Elder Thea,” Seo said, a twinkle in his eye.

Haya rounded on him with a glare. Simus knew when to leave, and he took himself off with a nod of farewell.

“The Elder is unhappy,” Yers muttered as he and Simus strode off.

“She is,” Simus said under his breath. “Best to leave a raging ehat to itself, eh?”

Yers snorted his agreement.

Various warriors hailed them as they continued to walk through the camp. Simus was satisfied. It was orderly and organized, and his people looked ready. Tomorrow would be a long one for him, but at the end, after the challenges, success would be theirs.

“Join me for the nooning?” Simus asked Yers as they returned to his command tent.

Snowfall stood beside the entrance, arms crossed over her chest, watching the activity around her.

Yers glanced at her, frowning. “No,” he said shortly. “I’ve a few things to see to yet this day.”

“Well enough,” Simus said cheerfully, but then paused. “Something?”

Yers nodded, his face grave. “There is talk...”

“What talk?” Simus asked.

“It is said that Joden left because of her.” Yers jerked his head in Snowfall’s direction. “That you argued about the warrior-priestess and he left in anger.”

“Joden left with Essa to pursue his own path,” Simus said patiently. It had only been this morning, but word travels with the winds. He drew in a slow breath. “And those that say this, what else do they say?”

“Some doubt you.” Yers looked away. “Some fear her,” he added. “But so far all say better to stay to serve you and Keir then to sever their oaths.”

“Joden will be at the dancing tonight,” Simus said, hoping he was right. “He’ll tell his truths.”

Yers looked him in the eye. “I hope so, Simus.”




That night, as the sun set and the torches and fire pits were lit, Simus settled into the grass with his warriors fanned out behind him, seating themselves before the Heart of the Plains. The other candidates did the same, so that each claimed a section around the Heart.

As the warriors gathered and sat, Singers stood scattered in their midst. They would serve as Essa’s voices, repeating his words for all to hear.

The storm had passed over and the skies had cleared, but a slight mist hung in the air. Simus was certain he’d never seen such a night sky before, black and deep with all the stars glittering above as if in approval. The air was cool and sweet; the ground around the Heart just dry enough to dance. Perfect, to his mind. He grinned, and looked over to his left.

Snowfall sat at his side, her face its usual mask of serenity. Yers sat to his right. The army—his army—sat with them, spread out behind. At least, those that were not on duty. He and Yers had left a strong guard behind. The warriors would rotate through, so that all could dance this night.

Simus craned his neck, trying to look without being too obvious. The other Warlord candidates were seated around the Heart. Some were beyond his vision; the Heart was wide enough that he couldn’t make out faces. But close by him he could see Nires and Loual, and Ultie. They and their warriors settled down, all laughing and talking. Anticipation was high, for this night.

At some secret signal, the Singers all lifted their horns and blew out a blast calling for silence. Simus focused on the man standing at the center of the Heart.