And so Joden listened to Warren and Wilsa of the Lark. He heard talk of warrior numbers, both Xyian and of the Plains. Detros was brought in with Heath, to talk of the castle and the city, how to secure the walls and withstand a siege.
Lara and Heath reviewed the costs. Joden’s head whirled at the way they talked of coin and tallied up numbers on papers. Keir also seemed overwhelmed at times, but they both learned as best they could, and trusted the Warprize’s judgment.
The hardest truths to hear were those of Yers, still suffering from the head wound, still convinced that Simus had betrayed them. Joden could see Keir struggling with that idea, but each day no word came, and each day Joden feared that Keir lost more confidence in his old tent mate.
It was then that Joden would stand and stretch and pull Keir from council rooms and down to the sparring circle. Keir would agree, thinking it was mostly for Joden’s benefit. Joden was gaining strength and muscle back quickly. But sweat and movement helped a warrior see clearer. Tired and pleased, Joden would return to the room, to find Amyu there, waiting.
There was such joy in her touch, in the scent of her skin, and his pleasure was reflected in her eyes as well. The babes were still her first duty, but they took their pleasures where they could, as often as they could. It loomed over them at times, the uncertainty of it all. But they had this now. Together. And each day, Amyu grew more important to him, to his life. Broken together.
But this morning, Keir called a halt to the talks. Instead, he and Joden had gone to the sparring circle early, and worked themselves into exhaustion. Joden knew his old friend, and could see that even as he wielded his weapons, his thoughts were elsewhere.
Which let Joden get in a few more ‘killing’ blows than he could normally score on Keir. And he took them shamelessly, when the opportunity was offered.
“Enough,” Keir finally said. They racked their weapons, and then headed to the well, stripping down to trous and splashing cold water on themselves. Joden tipped a full bucket on his head, letting the water pour over him.
The doors from the kitchen opened. Lara, Marcus and Amyu emerged with blankets and fussy, crying babies. Anna had little Meara by the hand, encouraging her to walk. Aurora, the youngest of Lara’s handmaidens ran ahead, calling for her dogs.
Lara looked frazzled. “Your son will not sleep,” she said. “I thought maybe the warm sun might—”
“Here.” Keir dried off, and then took Keirson from Marcus. He put his son on his shoulder and started to drum his back.
“Thankfully, he didn’t wake Kayla,” Lara took the girl babe from Amyu, and cooed to the sleeping child. She settled on the blanket, rocking her babe. “So,” she said tiredly. “Have you beaten each other enough to reach an answer?”
Keir shook his head, pacing with Keirson.
Aurora came pelting back, the dogs chasing her. Meara sat at Anna’s feet, and they ran up and licked the giggling child.
Joden finished drying himself, rubbing the cloth over his chest. He caught Amyu staring, and managed not to grin when she caught his eye and flushed. He loved that he could do that to her.
Keirson let out a piercing shriek. Keir looked at his son with wide eyes.
Joden laughed, and stepped forward. “L-l-let m-m-me,” he said.
Keir gave over the baby with a shake of his head. “Watch your ears,” he warned.
Joden cradled Keirson close to his chest with both hands. The babe’s face was bright red, his eyes scrunched closed, tiny fists waving in the air.
“Mmmmmm,” Joden hummed, deepening his voice.
Keirson’s tiny eyes popped open, staring into Joden’s.
Joden smiled and drew a breath, gently blowing on Keirson’s face. The babe blinked, and yawned. Pleased, the words of the old lullaby came into Joden’s mind. He gentled his voice and sang.
“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.
