Marcus chuckled. “Warprize, tell this fool to kneel.”
Xymund’s eyes swung wildly about the room as I repeated the words. “I will not kneel to a servant and a whore.” His eyes landed on mine. “I am your king, enthroned and consecrated. You cannot call for my death.”
The entire outside wall of the tent fell, revealing Keir, Simus, and his men. Lord Warren was there as well, along with some of the lords. They were all standing and staring at Xymund with hate in their eyes.
Keir’s voice came, cold and sharp. “I can.”
Marcus’s grin got sharper and the blade of the dagger moved to press a bit deeper into Xymund’s neck.
Xymund slowly lowered himself to his knees. Marcus allowed the lower dagger to trail up Xymund’s jerkin till the point rested at his heart.
“Marcus,” Keir growled. “Don’t kill him.”
Marcus snorted. “Give me a good reason, Warlord. This pig is not worthy to die on your blade and, with all due respect, the warprize couldn’t kill for her nooning if she were starving and there were fowl aplenty.” Not for one minute did Marcus relax the blades pressed against Xymund’s throat and chest.
“Marcus.” My voice cracked. “Marcus, his own people must try him, must find him guilty, must know what he has done… Marcus, they must know—otherwise everything Keir wants to achieve will be lost.
Please…”
Marcus sneered and leaned in on Xymund. “The only thing that saves you now are the words of the Warprize… she who is honored before all.” Xymund may not have understood the words, but he certainly got their meaning. His eyes blazed hot as Marcus stepped back. Epor and Isdra moved forward, ready to secure the prisoner.
As the tent filled, I turned and smiled at Keir. The stiffness in his back eased, as his eyes passed over me, assuring himself that I was safe. I moved forward, intent only on reaching him.
Unknowingly, I moved closer to Xymund, and into Marcus’s blind spot.
With a howl, Xymund jumped to his feet, swept up his dagger and lunged at me. He grabbed my shoulder and I saw his rage, felt his breath hot on my face as his dagger moved toward my stomach.
Keir was there. In one move he threw me backwards to the floor, and stepped between us, securing Xymund’s wrist in one hand. The blade was poised between them.
Xymund fought, struggling against the grip, bringing his other hand up. His face was wild and frightening, the blood oozing from his cheek, splattering Keir’s chest as he struggled Keir stood firm. “End this.
Now.”
Xymund raged, trying with all his might to free his wrist. “No, no! Death to the whore and traitor.”
Keir said nothing, merely hooded his eyes. He slowly forced the point of the dagger down and toward Xymund’s stomach. Keir’s voice grated as he spoke. “For the last time, end this now and save your life.”
Xymund shrieked and threw himself at Keir.
Keir shoved the point of the dagger into his stomach.
Xymund’s eyes bulged. He still held the hilt. Keir released him and stepped back, turning to sweep me up and away. Epor, Isdra, and Marcus moved toward Xymund. Over their shoulders, I saw Xymund start to buckle, then my view was blocked by Keir as he embraced me.
I resisted, trying to see around him. “Let me go, let me see…” Keir was running his hands over me, checking for injury and restraining me at the same time. “Keir, let me try to…”
“No.” Keir caught me up again, pressing my head to his chest. He rocked me slightly.
I heard a cough come from behind Keir. Simus spoke quietly, “He is dead. What are your instructions, Warlord?”
Keir said nothing. He pulled back and looked at me. I looked into his eyes and tried to smile. He smiled back, but with an overcast of sadness in his eyes. “Remove the body. We will take it to the city and inform the nobles and the people of what has happened.” He rubbed his thumb over my lips. “Lara, I…”
He paused, as if in pain. “Remember that you have my heart.”
“Lara!” A shriek filled the air as Anna descended on us, weeping and crying. She hugged me to her bosom. Keir stood and backed away, letting Anna and Othur close. We hugged and embraced in joyful reunion.
Lord Warren approached Keir. “Warlord, who shall now rule in Xymund’s stead?”
There was sudden hush, as the Xyians all looked to Keir.
