Isdra stood before me, a silver figure in the moonlight. It was darker now, and I couldn't reallysee her face. But I could see the pitch torches in her hand as she stood over me, burningbrightly. She ran off, the flames leaving a trail of light and sparks behind her. The flames flaredfrom the buildings as she passed, throwing the torches into the building. Flames danced on theedge of my vision.
Sweat stung my eyes, and I struggled to keep them open to see her standing by Epor's pyre.
She threw back her head, warbling a cry, perhaps the cry of a hawk, or maybe just of hersorrow and threw the torch.
The pyre exploded with light, and the smoke was fragrant with herbs that she must have foundin the healer's home. I coughed as the smoke reached me, closed my eyes. Almost over. Safe,they were safe.Gracious Lady of the Moon and Stars, full of glory, embrace my soul.
"Warprize."
I found the strength to open my eyes to see Isdra kneeling next to me. Epor's dagger was inher hand. My eyes focused on the bright reflections dancing on the blade.
"I'm ready, Isdra."
She gave me a sad smile, and a nod. I closed my eyes as I felt her hand on my arm, and tiltedmy head to expose my neck.Gracious Lady of the Moon and Stars, full of glo—
CHAPTER 7
Except Isdra had other plans.
The blade sliced the binding that tied me to the windlass. She had me tossed over her shoulderand the babe's basket in her hand before I understood what she was about.
The flames were rising all around us, crackling at the dry wood, sparks jumping to the sky.
Smoke was filling the air. I was gasping from the smoke and the realization that I was still alivewhen Isdra spun on her heels and ran for the main gate.
"Isdra, NO!" I cried out, struggling against her hold, beating on her back with my bound hands.
She didn't understand the risks, she had to stop. Isdra grunted when I struck, but her pacenever faltered.
The gate must have been open, for she took me through it with ease. The light of the flameswas replaced by a cool, velvety darkness. I couldn't see for a moment, but I didn't have to.
Keir was there.
All I could see was the ground, and Isdra's legs through blurry eyes. But I sensed him, standingthere, waiting just beyond the gate. I blinked through the sweat as he took me from Isdra'sshoulder and held me in his arms. For a timeless moment I rejoiced at the feel of his body as hedrew me in close. Joy filled me at the sight of his face, but only for a brief instant before horrorfollowed in its wake. "What are you doing?" I whispered.
Keir didn't answer, just looked at me, a strange light flickering over his stone face.
"Oh no, no, Keir, beloved, why?" The sickness in my heart had nothing to do with the feverthat racked my frame.
The light came from torches that Marcus was holding, one in each hand. Isdra had put thebasket down and was dragging brush in front of the gates. Keir moved back a few steps asMarcus began to set fire to the tinder.
The babe fussed, and Isdra saw to her before she took the other torch from Marcus and movedoff to fire more brush that was off to the sides. Even in my fevered state I could see that tinderhad been set along the length of the walls.
Frantic, I struggled to get Keir to release me, but he just tightened his hold. His strong armsdidn't budge, impervious to my struggles. "No, Keir, don't do this." I tried to push at him withmy bound hands. "I wanted you safe, please, please—"
"Hush." His voice was soft, but firm. He tucked my head under his chin. I sagged against hischest, taking comfort from his strength for just a moment. But guilt and anger made me renewmy struggle. He didn't understand the danger, didn't know what he was doing.
"Hush," he repeated, his voice warm and solid in my ear. His grip tightened to hold me still.
"Save your strength, Lara. Fight the enemy, not me."
I cursed him then, using every phrase and word I could think of.
"What does she say?" Marcus's questions made me realize I was yelling in Xyian. I slumpedback, all my strength spent, struggling to catch my breath. The heat of the flames, of Keir, no,of my own body was building and I burned. I put my head back against Keir's chest, tooexhausted to even weep.
"She is displeased." Keir's voice was dry. "Isdra, report."
The voices around me continued as we moved. I wasn't strong enough to care. Everyone in thevillage had died, and now Keir had condemned himself and Marcus.
