WarDance (Chronicles of the Warlands #5)(66)

“I am Essa, Eldest Elder Singer of the Plains,” Essa called out into the night. “Draw close and heed my words.”

The Singers about them repeated his greeting, and the horns sounded again. Simus was amused at the ‘draw close’. With all of the armies gathered there was little space left to ‘draw close’. But Singers obediently repeated his words, echoing them so that all could hear.

“May the elements be with us this night,” Essa called out again He turned to face in all directions as he spoke. “Warriors of the Plains,” Essa said. “The raiding season comes, when we take what we need for our People. Are your swords ready?”

“HEYLA,” was the cry that rose from the mass of warriors. A thrill went down Simus’s spine as the voices rolled over the grasses, seeming to go on and on to the very edges of the sky.

“I hereby summon the Elders of each Tribe to the Spring Council,” Essa commanded. “To confirm the Warlords for this season, and release them to battle.”

The crowd stirred with excitement.

Simus shared a glance with Yers. Every warrior had known this was coming, but now it was set. Simus felt his own heart speed up at the thought.

“The Trials will end at sunset tomorrow,” Essa continued. “The Council tent will then be raised, and the contenders will present themselves before us for confirmation.”

Simus kept a smile on his face, but frowned within. The Trials alone were not the only part of this; Joden had warned him that he would face opposition before the Council even if he defeated all of his challengers. Thinking on Joden...

Simus narrowed his gaze, focused on the Singers all around him, but he did not see his friend.

“Tomorrow at dawn raise your challenge banners to the winds, for at sunset the banners will be lowered for the final time,” Essa said. “But for now, we rejoice and thank the elements for their gifts. May the skies take pleasure in our dancing!” Essa moved off to the side of the large stone where a stool awaited him. As he sat he called a command. “Drummers!”

With a large BOOM, the drummers started a wild, fast rhythm. Cheers rose from all the warriors, and dancers flooded onto the Heart, swirling into a complicated pattern dance.

Simus craned his neck to look around.

Yers leaned over. “What do you seek?” he asked.

“Joden,” Simus said. “I do not see him.”

Snowfall craned her neck around, looking behind him. “It’s possible that he is on the other side of the crowd.”

“Do you think he was forbidden to attend?” Yers asked.

“I don’t know,” Simus said. He thought for a moment, watching the dancers as he considered his options. “It’s possible as a Singer-to-be he is on the outer edges.” He looked around again. “Send the question back. Does anyone see Joden?”

“Is that wise?” Yers asked quietly. “It might raise more doubts.”

“I’ll risk it. Better to know,” Simus said.

Yers turned to Tsor and sent the question out through Simus’s warriors. A gentle murmur rose and fell behind them, fading off as the question passed through the warriors.

The dancers swirled together, hands lifted to the skies, as the drums continued to beat.

The murmur returned through the crowd behind him and Yers reported. “No.”

“Perhaps he is not here at all,” Snowfall said, earning a scowl from Yers.

“I intend to find out,” Simus rose to his feet. “Stay here,” he commanded, and started to walk forward, skirting the edge of the crowd, toward where Essa was seated.

The warriors watching the dancing were laughing and talking. A few called out a greeting to Simus. He gave each a smile and a wave but continued on his way, intent on his target.

Essa was seated on a stool at the edge of the Heart, four warriors guarding him. He looked like he was watching the dancing, but a flicker told Simus that he had been seen. Simus strode up onto the stone, determined to get answers. But before he could get close, Essa raised a hand.

The drums stopped.

The dancers froze, and then ran back off into the crowds.

“Simus of the Hawk,” Essa called out. To Simus’s shock Essa’s greeting echoed through the crowds around them, repeated by his Singers.

Simus froze, wary now. To confront a Singer privately was one thing, but to do so publicly risked being made a fool. Simus drew a deep breath as he faced Essa. “Eldest Elder Singer,” Simus bowed his head, giving proper deference, stiffening when his own words were echoed by the Singers. The warriors of the Plains were to be privy to this conversation, then.

“You have spent time among the city-dwellers in the north,” Essa said.

“I have.” Simus gave him a wide smile. “I was very popular with the ladies of Xy.” He assumed a modest look, covering his heart with his hand. “They fancied me.”

Laughter arose from the crowd as his own words were echoed.

“More like you fancied them,” Ultie bellowed out, but his words were not repeated so Simus ignored him. He kept his gaze on Essa.

“What else have you learned from those fat city-dwellers?” Essa asked, looking nothing more than curious.

What was that cagey old buzzard after, Simus wondered. This seemed dangerous ground to traverse at a...

Simus spread his arms and gave Essa his widest grin. “Why, to dance, of course!” Simus laughed even as his words echoed out.