Warsong (Chronicles of the Warlands, #6)(64)

Lara gave them an impish smile. “I sneak down in healer’s robes and a cloak and no one is the wiser. But he’s right, I need to get back to the castle. Answers can wait. I will say my farewells to Kalisa’s family while you dress.” She slipped out the door.

“Rafe said your leather trous were torn.” Prest handed Amyu a bundle from the pile. “This is from him, he is closer to your size.”

Amyu took the bundle with a nod of thanks.

“I must keep an eye on my charge,” Prest said. “She is as slippery as a snake, and I do not trust her.”

“She is the Queen of Xy,” Master Eln said with a huff. “Her people love her.”

“I do not trust them, either,” Prest said, as he disappeared out into the hall.

“I am going to make up packets of tea to take with you,” Eln said, as he too went to leave. “Dress quickly. I need the room for people who are actually sick.”

Joden started dressing, feeling better at the touch of cloth and the weight of the chain on his shoulders.

Amyu was quicker, pulling on leathers and tightening her belt. She fussed with the buckle, not looking up. “The visions,” she said quietly. “You did not tell them.”

Joden adjusted his own sword belt, making sure both dagger and sword were secure. He shrugged, not willing to try to speak.

“You saw Eloix die?” Amyu spoke in the barest of whispers.

Joden glanced at the table, which thankfully remained empty. He nodded.

Amyu bit her lip, frowning. “The next time it happens, put a hand on my shoulder. No one needs to know until you are ready to tell them.”

“M-m-my thanks,” he managed to get out.

Amyu gave him her soft smile. “Ready?” she asked, looking around the area.

Prest stuck his head in. “Come, quickly. The Warprize is ready to leave. Rafe and the others are waiting.”




Joden felt more like himself with armor over his chest and a sword and dagger at his side. The weight of the chain and the leathers was a comfort.

Not to mention boots.

Even better was the lack of visions as he went toward the Castle of Water’s Fall.

They’d slipped through the back streets with Lara leading the way, over Prest’s protests. But even Prest had to admit that she knew the ways better than he, but that didn’t stop him from grumbling.

Once through the gates of the castle walls, Lara took them through the gardens toward the kitchen. “I’ll get Anna to feed you,” she said as they crossed the yard, past a sparring circle. “I need to check on the babes.”

A shriek split the air. Joden spun on his heel, and watched as two naked bodies tumbled off the roof and hit a small wooden structure, shattering it beneath them. Chickens squawked, and feather flew into the air.

“Joden?”

Heath rose first, moving stiffly, helping Atira to her feet. They were both laughing and shushing each other as they fled the scene, climbing the large tree and disappearing into a window above.

“Joden?”

Amyu was at his side, the others staring at him in confusion.

He gave them a weak smile, intending it to be reassuring even as he reached out and squeezed Amyu’s shoulder. But Lara’s frown deepened.

The door opened behind her, and Keir stepped out, a bundled babe in his arms. “Lara?” he asked then stopped dead. “Joden?”

Lara reached for the babe. “Kavage,” she said firmly. “Kavage and food before any questions.”

Keir’s astonishment faded from his eyes, to be replaced with concern as he took in Joden’s appearance. Keir gave a sharp nod. “Follow me.” They all followed within.

The kitchen was filled with people, noise, and wonderful smells. Joden’s stomach rumbled even as the noise overwhelmed him.

Then the room went silent and dark, the absence of light and heat almost as disorienting. The fires were unlit, except for one lone candle casting shadows about the room.

Anna, seated at a table, weeping alone with a nightshirt in her hands.

Her pain hit Joden like a blow.

Noise flooded back into his world, bringing light and sounds and scents. Anna stood before them in her glory, in her kingdom, but not happy to see them invade.

Joden stared at the contrast of the vibrant woman before him with the sorrowing one in his vision.

“Out with ya,” Anna commanded, wooden spoon in hand, her chins all wobbling as she scolded. “I’ll send up the nooning shortly.”

Joden swayed, then a warm body pressed against his side, and without thinking he reached for Amyu’s shoulder.

Amyu stood close, strong and solid. He took in her scent, her presence, more powerful than those hated teas.

She glanced up, giving him time. When he returned her look, she waited for him to take a step, and then stayed close as they followed Lara and Keir out of the kitchens and into the halls.

Joden took steadying breaths, and concentrated on moving his feet. The stones around them were grey and cool, lit by arrow slits along the way, but at night he knew— The hall went dark as the night, with no torches to light the shadows. The assassins leapt at Heath from behind.

Joden squeezed Amyu’s shoulder, feeling her leather armor under his fingers, her solid bones beneath that.

The corridor grew light again, with no blood, no blades.