He laughed again, a cruel harsh sound. "Why take that action when the elements will take itfor me, eh?"
I took a step forward, my anger overruling my fear. "He is not going to die."
"But you are not sure, are you, little healer?" He mocked me. "You, who claim the power toheal all."
"I never claimed that, Iften." I stepped closer to the bed, sweeping my gaze over Keir, makingsure that he hadn't been hurt. But I didn't take my eyes off Iften for long. Oh, where wasIsdra?
Iften folded his arms over his chest. "With his last breath, your status changes,Xyian. You willbe as nothing to us. It will be my charge to return the army to the plains and report his failure.
And in the spring, when the challenges are issued and won, I will return to this valley asWarlord, and—"
"Keir will not die. Leave us." I was of half a mind to scream out, to attract attention. But whatwould they think of a Warprize cowering before him? I grit my teeth.
Iften opened his arms, as if making a peaceful gesture. "It is you that should leave. Ride outnow, return to your people. All will be as it was." His voice was smooth and sure, as if offeringthe friendliest of advice. "No need to place yourself in jeopardy. No need to face attacks, suchas in your own marketplace. No need to face the Elders or the warrior-priests."
His face changed, and I had to stop myself from taking a step back. "Go, Xyian. Prepare yourpeople for the army that will come in the spring, to ravage—"
Something broke the fear inside me. With swift steps, I moved toward him, my fist raised inanger, swearing at the top of my lungs. "I curse you,bracnect. May the skies deny youbreath!"
Iften's eyes went wide, and his breath caught. His hand went to his sword hilt.
I glared at him, took another step forward and shook my fist in his face. "May the earth sinkbelow your feet."
There was a gasp from outside, I wasn't sure who, but I didn't let it stop me. "May the firedeny you heat, and the very waters of the land dry in your hand."
Iften didn't draw his sword. His face went pale and he stepped back quickly, stumbling out intothe meeting room, heading for the main exit. As he retreated through the flap, I followed rightbehind. "May the very elements reject you and all that you are!"
Marcus and Joden were outside, their eyes wide as plates. Others within hearing distanceturned horrified faces toward us. I just kept my eyes on Iften, and took another step to jab myfinger into his chest. "May your balls rot like fruit in the sun, and your manhood wither at theroot!" I spit in the earth in front of Iften's toe.
Without another word, I stomped back into the tent.
By the time Marcus and Joden stepped into the tent, I was sitting calmly by Keir, wiping hischest down with water that I had added herbs to.
Marcus spoke first, softly. "Warprize? How did you know such a curse?"
"She overheard it?" Joden said.
"How? When? None would say it in her presence without my knowledge. And none havecursed so in this army that I have heard word of."
I responded calmly. "I didn't know it. I made it up. He was standing there, prating about theelements and bragging about what he was going to do and I just got so very angry."
"A strong curse, Warprize." Marcus's voice carried a note of pride.
"I don't care, so long as he stays away from me and Keir."
Joden's tone was dry. "No fear of that, Lara."
* * *
"MARCUS!"
I jolted up out of my pallet from a sound sleep.
Keir had broken one strap. With his free arm, he was fighting the very man he was calling for. Istumbled up and over, and placed my hand on Keir's forehead. Marcus was doing his best tosecure the loose arm, and he grunted with the effort. I raised my voice, calling out. "We needhelp!"
"Help him, you maggots! It burns, oh Skies, he burns!" Keir was screaming the words, themuscles of his neck taut with the strain.
"For sure they heard that," Marcus muttered, forcing Keir's arm down onto the bed.
