“He lies to her, and to his people, and sends men to kill her.” Simus clenched his mug. “Challenge and gut him.” He was deadly serious.
“We have no proof—” I started, but Keir leapt in.
“He gave you poison.”
“In the same way you grant mercy to your wounded.”
“No,” Keir shook his head. “He knew the truth, Lara. It’s not the same.”
“What of Iften, then?” I helped myself to the bread. “That lance was full-tipped.”
“Eh?” From the looks on their faces, it was clear that Keir had not told them about the marketplace. Keir told them now, in short crisp words, and they both grew quiet, thinking of the implications. Simus sighed heavily. “Well, that changes some well laid plans.”
“What plans?” I asked.
“From the beginning, we’d hoped for conquest. The plan was to secure the city and then split the army, with Keir remaining here. I’d return to the Plains, and bring more men in the spring.” Simus picked up his mug. “Now, Keir must return to the Heart of the Plains.”
“Leaving Simus with no one to watch his back.” Keir scowled. “I’ll not leave him here with Iften.”
“I could stay.” Joden’s voice was soft.
Simus shook his head violently. Keir raised an eyebrow. “What of your plans to advance to Singer during the snows? Stay here, and it will be another year before you can—”
“He’s going.” Simus was firm. “I’ll not see that dream delayed, Joden.”
Joden looked down. “The Elders may not—”
“You’ve been punished.” Simus’s dark eyes twinkled as he changed the subject. “Speaking of that, have you started to work on the song?”
Joden nodded.
“Tell us the chorus at least, Joden.” Simus gestured with a hand, almost spilling my kavage. “Are we to wait until you perform it to hear it?”
“No.” Joden chewed on a chicken leg. “Yes.”
“No fair.” Simus turned to Keir. “You’re the Warlord. Order him to give us a hint.”
Keir snorted. “Order a singer?”
Simus leaned toward me, a wicked gleam in those dark eyes. “You’re the Warprize. You could…” He waggled his eyebrows suggestively.
“If she does,” Joden spoke calmly, “the verses will talk about a certain wounded warrior who got fat and lazy as he healed.”
Simus looked down at his third plate-full. “I need food to mend. Isn’t that right, little healer?”
I looked at him, keeping my face serious. “Simus, the entire army could heal on what you eat.”
Keir and Joden roared. Simus tried not to laugh as he objected to my statement.
“What’s the ruckus?” Marcus entered with more kavage. Keir and Joden explained over Simus’s protests of innocence. “Ah, there’s truth in what the Warprize says.” Marcus poured for all of us. “Your gut will soon over hang your belt.”
“Lara.” I looked Marcus straight in the eye. “My name is Lara.”
Keir, Simus and Joden all busied themselves with their food. Marcus ignored me.
“Marcus,” I sat up very straight, determined to win this point. “I wish to be called ‘Lara’.”
His one eye flashed at me; Marcus was not a happy man. He put the pot of kavage on the table, bowed and turned to go.
