"They're defying him," Tant sputtered. "My word on it."
"Tant, I—"
"They even painted the gates with blood in their defiance," Tant rushed on angrily. "If that'snot rebellion, what is it?"
My heart froze in my chest. "Blood? On the gates?"
"Aye, and fresh, too." Tant seemed proud of himself, at his final proof.
Keir's gaze was on my face, and I looked at him, unsure how to voice my fear. He frowned.
"Lara?"
"Tant," I pushed the words through my dry throat. "Was there a pattern?"
"Pattern?"
"A design? Like a mark?"
Tant paused, thinking. "Aye."
"Show me," I demanded.
Tant shrugged, dismounted, and knelt in the dirt at our feet. He reached out and traced a 'P'
with his finger.
I sucked in my breath, my worst fear made real.
"What is it, Lara?" Keir asked softly.
"Plague."
Chapter 4
"Lara? What is 'plague'?" Keir's voice was sharp.
"Marcus," I jerked around in the saddle to look at him. "I need Gils. My supplies, where aremy supplies?" I'd need fever's foe, more than what I had at hand. Gils could make more, he'dlearned that much.
"Xylara."
That jerked my head around, my eyes wide. Keir rarely used my full name, and never with thattone before. He was sitting on his horse, looking as if his patience had gone. I swallowed hard.
"I need Gils and my supplies."
"You need to explain, Lara. I have a warforce poised, as you prattle about supplies. Tell menow, what is it about this illness that changes things in any way?"
"It's plague. An illness that kills."
"Illness kills?" Keir ran his hand through his hair, frowning.
"Yes, of course it does." It took a moment to understand the full meaning of that question. Butsurely it was because he didn't know the word. Yet, my breath caught in my throat. His eyeswere full of doubt, how could he not understand?
"There is no 'of course' in this." Keir responded in a voice that cut like a blade. "Are youtelling me there is another explanation for the village's actions? A valid one?"
Holy Goddess. He didn't understand. "Keir, the villagers were trying to protect your men. It'snot a rebellion." Keir frowned, but he listened as I continued. "Under our law, an afflictedvillage closes its gates and keeps to itself until the disease has run its course. They fill theboundary stones with vinegar as a warning, and warn off any who try to enter. It's not you theyare fighting!"
"So." Keir thought for a moment, then gestured to Iften. "We'll position the warriors, but wellback from the walls. No one is to attack except at my command. Full battle gear, I'll not haveany warrior dead of overconfidence."
