WarDance (Chronicles of the Warlands #5)(93)

“No,” Snowfall said, filling their mugs even as she shook her head. “Let us stay private. Morning, with its demands, will come soon enough.”

“Truth,” Simus said, taking his mug.

Both their moods changed. Simus contemplated his kavage as he tore into the meat.

“There are matters to consider,” Snowfall said. “I would not offend, but I would speak some truths.”

“There is no need for tokens between us,” Simus said. “I welcome your truths.”

“It’s still complicated, Simus. Not between us, but with—”

“Say my name again,” Simus demanded.

“Simus.” Snowfall gave him an exasperated look. “You should name Elois your Token-bearer.”

“Not you?” Simus considered her face, open and concerned.

Snowfall shook her head. “Not me. I have thought this through. Yes, I can keep your tent and be your voice, but it’s your warriors that concern me. Elois has their trust and respect.”

“I trust you,” Simus said.

Snowfall leaned forward and fed him another piece of gurt. “But they do not and that is the critical point.”

“What of you?” Simus asked.

“I am what I am,” Snowfall said. “An advisor, a warrior in your army.” She glanced out the tent flap at the night sky. “I will need to check with my superior for my duties in the morning.”

“You are wasted collecting dung,” Simus said.

“Perhaps.” Snowfall was serious. “But those are my duties.”

“I would make no secret of what lies between us,” Simus said, matching her tone.

“You must do what is best for our people. Give me no special treatment,” Snowfall insisted. “I will report back to Destal. I will earn my place.” She held out another piece of dried meat.

Simus took it with a reluctant nod. They ate in silence as he thought. “Elois has done well,” Simus said. “Both she and Tsor, in dealing with all of this.”

“From what I have seen, Tsor is also a solid choice.”

“He is,” Simus said, nodding. “But Yers would have been better.” He paused for a moment. “I wonder—”

“I saw him,” Snowfall said. “When I was aiding with Wind Winds. He was on a sleeping pallet. But I cannot say how well he is.” She played with a strip of meat between her fingers. “Would you take him back?”

“No,” Simus said, pressing his lips together, feeling again the betrayal. “He returns to Xy and to Keir.”

Snowfall nodded her understanding.

“Wild Winds?” Simus asked.

Snowfall shrugged. “Hanstau took him under his care. He was not conscious when I left to find you. Essa was there, as were other elders.” She frowned again. “Simus, Hanstau sees the power in the land.” Her worry was clear. “I do not know how or why a city-dweller can do so, but he sees it. If he can see it, he can use it.” She took a deep breath. “He is a danger, and needs training.”

“Something to talk to Wild Winds about,” Simus said.

Snowfall looked relieved, as if she didn’t expect Simus to believe her. “Sometime, I would have you tell me more of Xy. About their stone tents, and their ways. Even maybe teach me chess.” She looked pleased when Simus gave her a nod, then let her hand rest on the scar on his thigh. “Simus, how will Keir react to us? To this? His hatred of warrior-priests is known.”

Simus smiled at her. “I do not know. But I do know that Keir set out to use the city-dwellers to his benefit, and then lost his heart to one. I would hope he would listen to our truths, Snowfall.”

Snowfall nodded. “There are other worries. I do not see how Essa hopes to summon a Council to confirm you as Warlord. Of what strength their choices will have, given their numbers.” She offered him more food, but he shook his head. “There is sure to be opposition to your confirmation,” she continued, setting aside the bowls and mugs. “Even if it is clear you are the right choice. Even if you have made the right choices for our people. I fear that—”

She continued to talk, offering her insights into the candidates from the days she had spent watching. Simus listened, nodding, but...

This was what Keir had spoken of. What Isdra and Epor had found. What Othur had tried to explain. About the difference between sharing for pleasure and bonding for life.

Here was an equal partner in his life, a strength at his side. Agreeing, disagreeing, resolving those differences. The excitement of challenging one another even as they supported on another. Building a life together. A Bond of purpose, of commitment, to each other, to the Plains, to their world.

Exactly like Lara and Keir.

That was why he loved this woman.

Simus stretched out on the bedding, and put his hands behind his head, a sense of peace, of satisfaction, of fresh strength flooding through him. He let himself grin like a fool.

Snowfall stopped, and gave him a questioning look. “What?”

“You love me,” Simus said, smiling at her.

She lifted her chin, and his heart swelled. “I have not said,” she said.

“You don’t need to,” Simus chuckled. “I hear it in your words. In your fears. In your plans, in your thoughts. You love me.”