Warlord (26 page)

Essa stood before all, watching as everyone settled down. As far as I could see, the tiers were full, almost crowded. Those that stood on the edges were clearly warriors of stature. Keir had taken his position as close to me as he could, on the other side of the fire pit. Liam and Simus stood with him, with other familiar faces just behind. I drew a deep breath, tried to relax my shoulders, and turned back to face the Elders.

"I call this senel to order," Essa announced in a strong voice. Everyone quieted magically. Essa turned to me. "Daughter of Xy, welcome to our tent. May we offer you kavage?"

"No, thank you," I answered.

"Daughter of Xy, we have now heard the truths of those that we have called before us, all but Joden of the Hawk. We delayed his truths, because Iften of the Boar and Eldest Warrior Antas, also of the Boar, have asked that his words be given the weight of a Singer, although Joden cannot yet claim that status."

So Antas was a pig, too. I wasn't surprised.

Essa folded his arms over his chest. "We have kept you out of these meetings, for you are not of the Plains. But now, a decision must be made, and we have decided that you should be heard on this matter."

"First, she must prove that she knows what truth is!" Antas jumped to his feet. "I say that she has lied to a warrior of the Plains."

"I deny that," I responded calmly, as my heart beat in my chest.

"Atira of the Bear," Antas called out. Atira stepped forward to stand before them, moving well. She crossed her arms over her chest and glared at Antas as if she wished to slaughter him with the sharpest weapon she could find.

"Tell us again, how the Xyian lied to you," Antas demanded.

"You are the only one that calls it a 'lie', Eldest Warrior." Atira's words were polite, but her voice dripped with contempt. "I say that the Warprize saved my leg and my life."

"Tell it!" Antas thundered.

Atira scowled, then turned to face me. She gave me a full nod. "Warprize."

"Atira." I greeted her with a smile. "How does your leg?"

Essa cleared his throat.

Atira winked at me, but turned back to face him. I was pleased to see her standing so tall and proud, her blonde hair gleaming in the lights of the fire. "As I spoke my truth before, so now I speak the truth again. I was practicing mounting a running horse from a standing position when I fell and broke my leg ..." Atira retold the story of her fall, and how I insisted that she let me heal her leg. I was amazed at the detail that she could recall, right down to the words that I'd spoken.

". .. she reached over and handed me a piece of willow bark to put between my teeth. 'All right, Atira. Ten deep breaths, then we begin.'" Atira shook her head. "I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Then another. Then, as I drew the third breath, she grabbed my ankle and my world exploded into pain."

"Thus I am proven," Antas said with satisfaction. "She lied."

A murmur washed through the crowd.

Chapter 14

There was an outburst from Keir's direction, but I just gaped at Antas, caught off guard. "You can't possibly be that stupid."

It was Antas's turn to gawk at me. I pressed the point, speaking loudly enough to be heard by all. "That is not a lie. That is a skill. A trick of the trade. If you wait until the tenth breath, the patient tenses up, and the muscles fight against the healer." I crossed my arms over my chest. "Is it a lie to hide in wait for an animal while hunting?"

Antas scowled. "A warrior is no animal, to be—"

"Enough." Wild Winds stood. "The snows come. Do not waste time on this. The Xyian knows what truth is."

"Agreed?" Essa turned to the Elders. They were all seated, and no one moved. But Essa turned back, as if the matter was resolved. He looked at Antas. Antas glared, but sat back down. Essa then turned his attention to me. "Then, we will proceed. Daughter of Xy, Joden of the Hawk has been in training to become a Singer of the Plains. You know this?"

"I do."

"All listen well to the words and truths of a Singer of the Plains. They hold our ways and our knowledge. You understand?"

"Yes, Eldest Singer."

"Now, there are those who would have Joden of the Hawk named Singer now, without the normal contests, ceremonies, and celebrations."

Contests? I glanced over at Joden but he was studying the floor. Essa continued. "This has been done in the past, but under dire circumstances." He glanced over at Joden. "There are those that oppose this, because Joden of the Hawk has not held to our ways."

"Because of Simus?" I looked over to where Simus stood next to Keir, tall, proud and healthy. "But if Joden hadn't stayed his hand—"

Essa raised an eyebrow at my interruption, but he nodded in agreement. "Yes. Because of his failure to grant Simus of the Hawk mercy."

"For which I am deeply grateful," Simus chimed in, a large smile on his face. There was a stir of amusement amidst the Elders.

"No doubt," Essa spoke dryly, but there was a hint of a smile on his lips. "If I may continue?"

Simus grinned then, and inclined his head, as if giving permission.

Essa gave him a telling look, then turned back to me. "But only the Singers can allow this, and the Singers will not. I have consulted my brethren and we will not rush to allow Joden of the Hawk within our ranks. That is the end of that, for that is not something within the authority of the Council of Elders."

"I don't understand, Eldest Singer." I shifted a bit on my stool. "If you will not let him become a Singer, what is to be discussed?"

"The weight that his truth will be given." Essa answered plainly. "Joden of the Hawk is well respected. He has witnessed many of these events. Antas argues that his words should be given the weight of a Singer's, even if he does not yet have that status. The Council is free to determine the value and weight of his truth." Essa sighed, glancing back at the tiers of Elders behind him. "There has been much talk about this." He faced forward and grimaced slightly. "Too much talk."

There was another stir of amusement at his words, and I took a chance and glanced over at Keir. His face told me nothing, gave me no hint as to what was going on. I licked my lips, and turned back to look at Essa as he spoke. "So, Daughter of Xy, what say you? How shall we treat the truths of Joden of the Hawk?"

I looked down at my hands, clasped tight in my lap, and considered his question. The tent fell silent around me, with only the crackle of the fire to be heard. "May I have some kavage now?"

"Of course." Essa's voice was full of amusement. "And a moment to collect your thoughts, if you wish. But kavage would be welcome for all, I think."

I kept my eyes down, thinking. I could hear the sounds of people moving, and the clatter as mugs were filled. Amyu held a mug out to me in silence. I took it with whispered thanks, but she said nothing. It was hot and black, just like I liked it.

The room settled back down. I placed my mug on the floor and stood before I spoke, lifting my eyes to the tiers, trying to look confident. "Joden of the Hawk was the first to call me 'warprize' after Keir of the Cat claimed me in Xy. He was the first to help me understand what 'warprize' truly meant." I glanced over at Joden's solemn face, but his dark eyes gave nothing away. "He was also the first to come to me and explain his opposition to Keir, and to my ways."

I focused back on Essa. "I have seen what happens to a land when its leader surrounds himself with men who speak only the truth he wants to hear."

I looked pointedly at Iften, standing opposite Keir on the other side of the fire pits. "I've seen what problems it creates when opposition is not expressed openly or honorably."

Iften bridled, glaring at me and putting his hand on the hilt of his sword.

I turned back to face the Elders. "I value Joden as an honorable friend and warrior. His truths deserve to be given the highest value."

"Even if his truth is spoken against you?" Wild Winds prodded.

"Even so."

That created quite a stir. I couldn't resist looking at Joden. He was considering me gravely. I inclined my head to him, and after a brief hesitation, he did the same to me.

"Keir of the Cat has said much the same," Essa commented, drawing my attention back to him. "Thank you, Daughter of Xy."

I sat down.

"So." Essa turned, speaking to the tiers of Elders. "Enough has been said. Do we give the truths of Joden of the Hawk the weight of a Singer's?"

A few of the Elders stood up, but the majority remained seated on their stools. Was that how they indicated their position?

"Very well." Essa stretched a bit, flexing his back. "This decision made, it grows late. We have been at this since the dawn. Let us meet again in the morning, to hear the truths of Joden of the Hawk."

"No," Antas demanded, as he jumped to his feet. "Let us do this here and now. The snows come, Essa."

"I know that well, Antas," Essa snapped. He glared for a moment, then turned to Joden. "Joden of the Hawk. What say you?"

Joden shook his head. "Eldest Singer, I'd ask for the night to think on my words. The burden of this is heavy and I'd wish to—"

"NO." A shout came from Iften who stepped forward, gesturing toward Keir. "Do not allow this! Joden will be influenced by Keir, by Simus—"

"By what right do you challenge, Iften of the Boar?" Essa pulled a dagger, and advanced on Iften. "You, who hold no status within this Council?"

Iften's face was a strange mixture of rage and chagrin. He glanced at Antas, as if for support, but even Antas was offended. As Essa approached, Iften went to one knee, and bowed his head. "I beg forgiveness, Eldest Singer."

Essa placed the tip of his blade on Iften's neck. Iften flinched, but made no other move. Satisfied, Essa walked back toward his stool, sheathing his dagger.

"The warrior has a point," Antas spoke as Essa returned to his place. "Joden should speak now."

"I agree," Wild Winds said.

Essa turned. "What say the Elders? Should Joden speak now?"

Everyone remained seated.

"Very well." Essa returned to his stool. "Joden of the Hawk, you are summoned to speak your truths. Daughter of Xy, please leave the Council tent."

The last caught me off guard. I opened my mouth to protest, even as Joden spoke. "Elders and Eldest, I would ask that Xylara be permitted to stay. It is right that she hear my truth."

Essa shrugged, and nodded. I settled back down on my stool. Joden stepped forward and placed himself at the corner of the fire pit, in front of the Eldest, but not so far as to block my view.

Suddenly I was back in the throne room of the Castle of Water's Fall, seated next to Keir, and watching Joden emerge from the crowd to sing at the mourning ceremony. There'd been a light in his eyes then, a kind of peace deep within. Now he stood, a man who would be haunted forever by the events at Wellspring, where he'd sung for all the dead.

So many dead.

"Speak, Joden of the Hawk," Essa urged.

"Not before I've had my say," came a voice from behind me.

I looked over my shoulder to see Reness march into the tent. She'd caused a stir, and knew it. She strode between the fire pits to stand at my side.

"Eldest Thea." Essa was displeased. "Welcome to these discussions. Your absence was noted."

"I've better things to do than sit, swill kavage, and cluck like gurtles," Reness replied. "Days you've been at this, and still no decision? Pah." She huffed out a breath. "I'll speak my truth and be gone."

"About Joden of the Hawk?" Wild Winds asked.

Reness snorted. "No. As to Xylara, Daughter of Xy, and Warprize."

Antas sprang up. "That is not yet—"

"Fool," Reness spat.

Antas closed his mouth in a hurry.

"You wish to stop change from coming to the Plains," Reness said. "Might as well tell the winds to stop blowing." She shook back her hair. "I've spent the last few days listening and learning. Of bloodmoss and fever's foe. Of joint cream, and a game played on a board. Of the tales told by warriors newly returned, of the healing power of the Xyian woman before you."