I should probably cut this mess off."
Keir stepped forward, and eased his hands under my hair, pulling it free for me. "Don't." Hishands were warm and I shivered as he brushed my neck. I tilted my head up and he lowered hisand kissed me. There was a sense of desperation, almost fear in him, and I brought my arms upto hold him close. He wrapped an arm around me as well and deepened the kiss until I ran outof breath.
He raised his head, and we stood in each others arms for a moment, until the sounds beyondthe alders reminded us of the world around us. He stepped back with reluctance. I straightenedmy clothing, and he waited until I finished, but stopped me when I reached for the blankets.
"Leave that." He turned, and started through the thick branches, again keeping the branchesoff my face as I followed. The birds protested again as we emerged from our haven to find Yersstanding there, holding his and Keir's horses. Prest, Rafe, Isdra and Epor were coming upbehind him.
Yers handed Keir his reins. "There's a large willow at the top of a crest down the road. I'vecalled the senel to meet there, and have summoned the scouts."
I stood there, breathing hard, trying to braid up my hair. "What has happened?"
Yers shrugged, his crooked nose twitching. "All I know so far is that the scouts were attackedby Xyians."
"Injuries?" Keir asked.
"Unknown." Yers responded.
"Send word to Ortis that I want the scouts involved at the senel." Keir mounted, the leathercreaking as he pulled himself into the saddle. "We'll go on ahead." He turned to speak to Prestand Rafe as Yers mounted his own horse. "Gather up the Warprize and her things, and bringher along. All four of you with her at all times. If they are offering challenge to me, they maywell target her."
Epor nodded. "Marcus has gone ahead to prepare. Something about 'doing things right byHisself."
Keir gave a grim smile. "Marcus would serve drink in the midst of battle, if he could."
"Keir," I stepped forward, but he cut me off.
"Lara, there's no point discussing this until we know more."
"Keir, I—"
Keir shook his head, and his horse jumped forward. Yers was quick to follow, leaving mestanding there in the dust. I put my hands on my hips, glared at their backs and called out tothem as loud as I could. "The least you could do is let me ride my own horse?"
Yers had described it perfectly. The willow was old and bent, its long branches trailing on theground, moving slightly in the breeze. I could make out people moving within its shade, andthere was a smell of kavage in the air. As we rode up, Iften and Yers emerged from behind thebranches, and Iften's voice was raised in complaint. "—wasting time, neglecting his duties, allhe thinks about is plants and illness. Pah."
Yers responded mildly. "You'd not think it a waste, were it to your benefit."
They turned to look at us as we brought the horses to a stop. Iften had the usual sullen lookthat he carried whenever he saw me. I was riding behind Rafe. And saw him turn his head tolook at Prest. Then they both seemed to glance at Epor, who nodded. The silent communicationsomehow also included Isdra, who rode up next to us and dismounted. Epor and Prestdismounted as well. Prest led off their horses, and Epor stepped to my side. "May I assist you,Warprize?"
I was about to protest the need for help, but something in his eyes stopped me. I accepted hisassistance, and he lowered me carefully, keeping his body between me and Iften. Rafe movedoff, and Isdra stepped up behind me.
"What is this?" Iften growled. "You have no place at senel, Epor."
Epor nodded, calmly accepting Iften's challenge. "True, Warleader. But the Warlord hastrusted us with the safety of the Warprize, and commanded two of us at her side at all times."
He said nothing more, merely adopting a neutral look. I took my cue from Epor, and remainedsilent. A quick glance behind me showed that Isdra was also keeping her face bland, lookingalmost bored.
"It's an insult." Iften spat, his cheeks flushing red under his beard. I wasn't sure, but I had theimpression that Epor had managed to offend him somehow.
"It's a precaution, and a wise one." Yers countered.
"It's the Warlord's command." As if that was the end of the discussion, Epor inclined his headto the two leaders, and moved forward. They gave ground, moving with us under the branches.
Iften's face was still red and angry, but Epor's remained bland, offering no offense.
There was a warrior there, holding a pitcher and a cloth. As I washed my hands, thanking theGoddess under my breath, I realized what the silent exchange had been about. Rafe and Presthad known that Iften would be difficult. Epor, older and with higher standing, had stepped in tohandle the problem. Status was a critical part of Firelander Me, although I had yet to reallyunderstand it.
Marcus had set two folded blankets at the base of the tree, and had arranged others in apattern fanning out. He was waiting for me there, his cloak off, and frowning. "Sit here,Warprize. Ravage? Gurt? How are your feet?"
I sat, folding my legs under me. "Just kavage, Marcus, please. And they're fine."
