"My thanks, Telsi." I said, and she inclined her head with a smile. I decided to treat that as asign of support, and took strength from that.
Aret took a step forward, and inclined her head. "The herds of horses are well, Warprize, andhave plenty of feed and water. We've watched them carefully. There's been no sign that the
'illness' has touched them."
I smiled at her, but she merely inclined her head again and stepped back. I'd take that for aneutral position. I was glad to hear her report; it hadn't occurred to me to worry about thehorses but it made me feel good to know that Keir's black and my brown were safe.
Wesren stepped forward, and spoke rapidly, without looking at me. "The encampment hasbeen maintained as well as can be expected, but I fear problems if we remain for much longer."
He stepped back, and darted a glance to Iften, seeking approval.
No surprise there, he was firmly mired with Iften.
Ortis stepped forward, and inclined his head. His voice rumbled as he spoke. "My scouts arepulled in, as ordered, and we keep watch at the perimeter. There have been no problems, andno sightings of any potential enemy."
I remembered him from Meara's ceremony and hoped I didn't imagine the look of support onhis face as he stepped back.
Uzaina and Tsor stood, and they both glanced at Iften before Tsor stepped forward to speak.
"There is little to report, Warprize, since our duties involve the army on the march." Tsorlooked at Uzaina, who shrugged. "We've been helping with the sick at the shore."
I nodded to them both, and Tsor stepped back. I wasn't sure, but I had a feeling that they wereboth waiting before making a decision. Why show support for Keir if he was dying? I swallowedhard.
Yers spoke then, stepping forward and inclining his head. "The warriors are maintainingdiscipline—"
"For now." Iften interrupted.
Yers glared, but I spoke first. "Then let us continue on as we have. Keir will be well within afew days."
"And if he is not?" Iften asked smoothly.
I ignored him. "I will see to Keir, with Marcus's help. Gils will see to the rest of the sick. Cometo me with any questions, but I will give my attention to Keir."
"What a surprise, that you will ignore the others for the Warlord."
I focused on the others as Iften spoke. For the most part, it seemed I was right in my diagnosis.
Telsi, Yers and Ortis scowled at Iften's words, but Wesren, Uzaina and Tsor were clearlyconsidering their import. Aret had an odd look on her face, as if undecided.
I wanted to slap that smug look right off Iften, and make him take back every oily, ugly word.
Thank the Goddess Marcus was inside with Keir. He'd have had his daggers plunged into theman's chest. I held my temper hard, biting the inside of my cheek. "I ignore no one. He is theWarlord, and I am his Warprize. My place is at his side."
"Warprize only so long as he lives, Xyian."
All in attendance stiffened at the insult, but I ignored it. "You are Second, Iften. But I am theWarprize."
He bowed that handsome blonde head, smirk firmly in place. "As you say, Xyian. But asSecond, I shall return to my tent and keep myself from the contagion that you have broughtamong us. So that when a leader is needed, I will be ready." He turned and walked awaywithout another word.
Silence fell as he moved off. The warleaders exchanged glances, but I'd learned one thing fromKeir. I cut off any comment and dismissed them. "Thank you all for your reports. I will sendword when Keir has recovered."
There was a pause at that, and I waited a breath, but then Aret moved, returned her mug, andleft. The others followed suit, leaving Joden and Yers standing before me. Gils popped out ofthe tent, so quickly that I suspected he'd been listening.
Isdra was focused on Iften, seen disappearing into his tent. "That one dares much, with Keirunable to silence him."
Gils jutted out his jaw. "I's think he denies the Warprize, yet uses her medicines secretly."
"Yet, is it not true that we need a leader to be healthy, and stay ready to lead?" Joden asked.
