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.
“Kayla had just started to fuss,” Keir was telling Lara as they walked. “Keirson is with the wet nurse.”
“We can eat and talk in our chambers,” Lara said. She glanced back at Joden. “Privately. Joden has much to tell us.”
And no words to tell you with,Joden thought.
Marcus waited forthem in the chambers. He allowed Keir and Lara to pass, and Joden. Amyu was not surprised when he blocked her way. “We will talk later about the pain you have caused Herself,” he growled.
Amyu nodded.
Marcus huffed, allowed her in, then blocked Rafe and Prest. “Herself is about, feeding,” he announced. “Go about your own work.”
The Warprize may have adopted many of the ways of the Plains, but she was still of Xy.
