“And if they don’t leave?” Essa asked.
“Then many warriors will die trying,” Thron answered. “And their deaths will be agonizing”
Essa nodded. “My thanks, Thron.” As the man sat, Essa rose to his feet.
“At this time of year, we would normally scatter to the various armies, to support our people and bear witness to events. But this is no normal year. At some point, Keir and Antas will confront each other, and it will be at the Xyian border.”
Quartis waited as did those around him.
“We will watch, and wait.” Essa said. “And when the moment is right, we will insert ourselves into the conflict. Taking no position. Judging, as Singers have judged in the past. The Singers must be witness to what occurs.”
Essa considered them all grimly. “Neutral, but I do not trust their truths. I do not trust Antas. So only Quartis and I will go to Xy.
“Eldest Elder,” Para stood to protest. “You must take some of us to guard you.”
Essa nodded. “Four others then, of your choosing, Para. The rest of you will scatter, and shelter with various Warlords.” He rose and stood before them. “Para, you are the eldest and most experienced after myself. Most likely to be chosen Eldest Elder at my death. You will hide yourself with two others, and wait for word.”
“Eldest Elder,” Para tried to argue, but Essa cut her off.
“No,” Essa said. “Too much is at risk. Before you depart, I will share what needs be shared.” A pained look crossed his face, but then he smiled grimly. “In fact, I will share with all of you that which only the Eldest Elders have held. I will not risk my knowledge being lost.”
Hanstau noticed achange in Reness the further north they went. She seemed more distant during the day, and there was a touch of desperation in their love-making at night. He’d thought it was the stress of watching for Antas and his warriors, but when he finally worked up the courage to ask, that was not the answer he received.
“I have a fear,” Reness said, poking at the coals of their evening fire. “A fear that when you are once more in Xy, and with your people, and their walls and their ways that you… you will not—”
Hanstau reached out, and turned her to face him Her cheeks were wet with tears.
She lifted her chin away. “There, I have said it.” Reness scowled. “I feel like a foolish child before her Ascension. Tell me your truths, Hanstau.”
Hanstau sat quietly for a moment, letting his joy spread and settle in his bones. “I am no warrior,” he said. “I have not served in campaigns.”
“I know that,” Reness said, and he could swear he heard a pout in her voice.
“I have been faithful to my lady wife before she died,” Hanstau said. “I have learned my profession and raised our children, and served my Queen, so I have met my obligations to the Tribe of Xy.”
Reness jerked her head around at those words.
“So I say this truth to you, Reness, Eldest Elder Thea, Warrior of the Plains and woman I love, I am sworn to you. Forever.”
Reness stared at him, her tears forgotten. “Those are ritual bonding words,” she whispered.
“Good,” Hanstau lifted his chin. “I got them right then. Now, I believe you have something to say to me?”
“Do,” she hesitated, her eyes wide with growing delight. “Do you know what they mean?”
“Yes,” Hanstau mock frowned at her. “Well?”
Reness’s smile was a pleasure to see, and her hands trembled as she reached for his. Damp and cold, and shaky, he took them into his grip. The golden sparkles surrounded both their hands.
“Hanstau of Xy, Healer, and man that I love, I say this truth to you. I am sworn to you.” Reness leaned in, and pressed her forehead to his. “Forever.”
Hanstau kissed her until they were both out of breath.
Reness broke away, chuckling. “This means your toes are mine,” she teased.
“Yes,” Hanstau. “My toes are yours, as yours are mine. But perhaps we could keep that under the bells.” He shook his head. “I must tell you that I am not fond of that ear thing your people do.”
“Your people wear rings?” Reness asked.
