Warsong (Chronicles of the Warlands, #6)(105)

Keir nodded. “Rise, all of you, and serve our people.”

“HEYLA,” Simus shouted, flashing a grin of white teeth against dark skin. “That’s that, then.” He jumped to his feet and sheathed his sword. “Is there kavage? I am dry as dust.”

A grin the likes of which Joden had never seen split Keir’s face. The WarKing reached out and hugged Simus, the two of them laughing and beating each other’s backs in welcome.

They finally broke apart, laughing and breathless.

“Come,” Liam said in a dry voice. “There is much to discuss.




Before discussions could be had, basic matters had to be seen to. Keir and Simus issued orders to their warriors, making camp both around the keep and on the Plains. Lara and Marcus settled Anna and the babes safely in a room at the top of the tower, with a strong guard around them of both Xyians and Plains warriors.

When they finally gathered in the Great Hall of the keep, they found a meal waiting for them. Joden was glad to see fresh loaves of hot bread, spiced gurtle, roasted ogden root, pots of kavage— And Eldest Elder Thea Reness and Hanstau waiting for them at the tables.

Amidst exclamations of welcome, Warren stared at both of them. “Two armies crawling all over the Plains and you snuck through them?” he asked.

“She is a thea,” Hanstau said. “Please pass the butter.”

“You could have sent word,” Keir complained as they ate.

Simus shook his head. “I didn’t feel I could risk it. The Plains crawl with scouts. Some I figured were Antas and his allies, others may be Singers watching from a distance. It felt as if the entire Plains was watching us, and I would not risk a warrior. I didn’t think it was necessary,” Simus said but then he glanced at Yers, seated at one of the other tables. “But I can understand the doubts.” Simus put his mug down and looked Keir in the eye. “Snowfall is my bonded,” he said. “And I am hers. I trust her with my life. But you must judge for yourself.”

Joden could hear the joy in Simus’s voice and see it in his eyes. But there was something more. A sense of contentment from his friend. Or perhaps completion was a better word.

Keir gave Simus a nod of agreement. “Oaths have been given,” he said. “I am satisfied.”

Simus turned his head to look Joden in the eye. “You are awfully quiet for a Singer, old friend. What say you?”

Reluctantly, Joden opened his mouth but Lara, elements bless her, interrupted. “Joden’s tale is long,” she said. “And we have more urgent things to discuss.”

Simus nodded. “Truth. Antas is not more than a few days behind us.”

“No,” Lara said firmly. “More urgent than that.”




The room the babes were housed in was not large, but everyone squeezed in. Joden watched as Anna took a stance next to the babes’ basket, guarding her charges with a suspicious eye. Lara made introductions. Anna seemed particularly unimpressed at the mention of ‘thea’.

Reness just smiled at her. “What is that scent?” She asked.

“I tucked some of the lavender into the clean nappies,” Anna said. “The scent will sooth the little ones.”

“A good idea,” Reness said, and Anna seemed to soften a bit.

“What fine warriors,” Simus exclaimed. He picked up one of the babes and cradled it in his arms. “What did the elements name this one?”

“Xykeirson,” Lara said. There was pride in her tone, but Joden could also hear her worry. “And this,” she lifted the other bundle. “This is Xykayla.”

Simus smiled as he rocked the babe in his arms. “The Tribe has grown,” he said gently and with pride. “The Tribe has flourished.”

“I need you to tell me—” Lara’s voice trembled and her eyes were tearing as she turned to Snowfall. “If they are well. If they are safe.”

Snowfall’s surprise was clear. “Forgive me, Warprize. I do not understand. Why would you think there is something wrong?”

“Kalisa,” Keir said grimly.

Joden listened as Keir explained the doubts and fears that the old Xyian woman had roused in them. Lara rocked Xykayla with a quiet desperation as Keir spoke, nodding at his words but clearly overwrought.

Snowfall listened intently, never interrupting, her lovely face expressionless. She waited until Keir finished, and gave it a moment before she spoke.

“WarKing, Warprize, please know that there is no way to tell if your children are gifted,” Snowfall said. “Not yet, at any rate. They are too young to have the will to use the gifts.” Snowfall stepped forward, and reached for Xykayla. Lara put her into her arms without hesitation.

Snowfall’s lips curved in a small smile as she looked down into the babe’s eyes. “I can tell you that I don’t see any touch of the power upon them. Both of them,” She added, looking at Keir.

“Neither do I,” Hanstau said.

“You?” Lara asked.

“Yes,” Hanstau said. “And you were right, Snowfall. I need training.”

Snowfall frowned. “But weren’t you north?”

Hanstau shook his head.

“Your Amyu, then,” Snowfall said to Simus.

Joden jerked his head up. “A-a-amyu?” It caught him off-guard to hear her name.