Warsong (Chronicles of the Warlands, #6)(78)

“Helya, tiny warrior,

Heyla, cease your cries

Heyla, the moon is rising

Heyla, close your eyes.”



Keirson yawned, and settled into Joden’s hands, his face pushed into Joden’s chest. Joden waited a long breath, but Keirson didn’t stir.

Joden looked up in triumph, only to find everyone staring at him, their mouths open.

It took him a moment to realize…

His voice. He could sing.





Chapter Twenty-Seven


It hadn’t gone away. Joden’s words still came out broken. If he tried to talk, just talk, the words and sounds caught in his throat as bad as ever. He could substitute words sometimes, trick his tongue that way, but names were always a problem.

But to his utter joy and relief, he could sing. And if he sang the words instead of speaking them, his speech flowed.

When they had realized that he could sing, Lara and Keir had hustled him back to their chambers, summoned Master Eln and made Joden demonstrate.

Lara and Master Eln had no answers as to why. They made Joden try over and over again, for hours, until Joden dripped of sweat and his vision blurred. He’d stumbled to his room, collapsed into bed and fallen asleep immediately.

The next day as they ate the morning meal, Keir had asked him to open the senel with song.

Amyu hadn’t come to him in the night, no doubt busy with the babes and her duties. She’d hovered at the edges of the room as he’d worked with Master Eln and Lara. He’d hoped to see her before this moment, but in the flurry of getting ready there had been no time.

Now Joden stood next to the throne of Xy and tried to calm his stomach and his shaking hands. The throne room was filled to capacity, with Xyians and Plains warriors alike. The fancy

dress of the nobles blending with the armored warriors made an odd contrast, but the eagerness in all faces was clear. It seemed the two peoples were coming together, at least here and now. That was good to see.

If he could just calm his own fears. He felt the sweat gather on his scalp and the middle of his back.

The great doors swung open. Kendrick, Herald of Xy, stepped into the room. The old man was leaning on his staff a bit more, still looking as unsteady as a new colt, but he seemed determined to do his duty.

The crowd turned, and cleared a path from the doors to the throne. Joden noticed Heath, and the Castle Guards scanning the people, but there was no indication of trouble.

Kendrick lifted his staff with effort, and pounded it three times on the floor. “Lord and Ladies, all hail Keir, Warlord of the Plains, Overlord of Xy, and Xylara, Queen of Xy, Warprize… and Master Healer.”

Joden heard Lara’s chortle of delight above the wave of amusement that swept the room.

Keir was dressed in his finest armor, all black leathers and polished chain. Lara looked radiant in Xyian blue and white, the crown of Xy on her head and jewels sparkling at her throat. They both stepped into the room together, Lara’s hand on Keir’s.

Xyian and Plains warrior alike knelt as Lara and Keir approached, and rose as they passed by. When they reached the two thrones, Lara accepted Keir’s aid as she walked up the two steps to stand before her throne. Keir then took his place in front of the other one.

Joden licked his lips, knowing what was coming.

“I call this senel to order,” Keir said, his voice carrying over the crowd. “We will speak of events and announce our decisions. Know that we have considered all truths in deciding our best course.” Keir paused. “But first, in our tradition, let us thank the elements. I call on Joden of the Hawk for a song.

All eyes turned to Joden.

He stepped forward. He had practiced this.

As he had in the past, he let his gaze scan the crowd, seeking their attention. He raised his hand, palm to the sky, and opened his mouth to speak the ritual words.

The words froze on his tongue. He had no voice.

In that moment, he spotted Amyu. She was in the doorway off to the side, back behind the crowd, watching with Marcus at her side. Her eyes were bright with hope. Bright for him.

He found his voice. “May the skies hear my voice. May the people remember.”

It wasn’t perfect. His voice sounded too high to him, too sing-songy. Almost as if he mocked the ancient words. But elements above, his words flowed and the people understood him.

The response rose from the room, “We will remember.”

Joden didn’t hesitate. He drew a deep breath, and let loose with an old song, one he’d learned from the theas, praising each element in turn. His voice was strong, deep, and clear.

Relief flooded through him, and a joy so profound he almost wept. Instead, he continued with each refrain and verse, praising the fire, water, earth and air.

When he was done, when the last note hung in the air, he opened his eyes and sought for Amyu. She was still in the doorway, her face filled with tears of joy.

But why did he also see pain in her eyes?

“Our thanks, Joden of the Hawk, soon-to-be-Singer and well deserved,” Keir caught Joden’s eye, his face solemn but his gaze reflected Joden’s own joy.

Joden bowed his head and stepped back to his place beside Keir’s throne.

Lara seated herself on her throne, and Keir followed her example. “We wish to let all know that Xykeirson and Xykayla are well. They are strong and thriving.” She chuckled ruefully. “Keirson especially has very healthy lungs.”