Joden put his hand on Iften's back. "I'll explain once you are in your tent."
Iften's eyes were dazed, but he managed to focus on his arm. "What is this?"
"A splint." I stood, brushing off my knees. "Your arm is broken."
Iften blinked, taking in the crowd, all eyes on him. Keir in particular was watching closely.
Iften's eyes widened as his memory returned, and he snarled, swaying as he tried to get to hisfeet. Joden offered support, and Wesren moved in to help as well.
Iften shrugged them off, and took a tottering step toward me. "I want no aid of yours, Xyian."
He tore at the bindings, and ripped away the leather. "The elements will heal it. Or I will seeka warrior-priest when we reach the Plains."
It was my turn to glare. "Don't be stupid. The bone must be—"
He swayed again as he ripped the bandages off, flinging them down to the dirt. "May I wanderthe snows forever if I accept your filthy ways, Xyian."
I scowled, offended by his foolishness, and opened my mouth to argue the point. But Iften tooka few steps away from me, staggering like a man in his cups. Joden took Iften's good arm andpulled him toward his own tent, and Keir was shaking his head. So I stood, amidst the bandagesand watched the idiot walk away.
Gils was the last to take ill.
It took me the better part of two days to confirm it, but the plague claimed no new victims sincehis death. Once I told Keir we could start counting the forty days, he called for a senel. Jodenattended without being asked. He wouldn't take a seat, but he stood at Keir's side, a silentsentinel over the meeting.
The warleaders were uneasy and uncomfortable at first, but Keir made his normal inquiries andthey relaxed. Having received satisfactory answers, Keir spoke. "I feel that we have the needto purify ourselves after this war that we have fought. For make no mistake, this land of Xy haschallenged us in ways that no warrior of the Plains has had to deal with in hundreds of years, ifever. We have fought a war and our dead have fallen honorably," Keir raised a hand whenJoden opened his mouth to protest. "Although I understand that the Elders will make the finaldetermination concerning that matter."
Joden relaxed, satisfied.
"So, for a ten-day period, we will purify ourselves. Not because I believe that we bear anycurse, or the ill will of the elements. I call for purification to ease our spirits, and to balance theelements within us. However, I forbid any warrior to fast, for fear of weakening those whorecover."
That had been my condition when we had discussed the matter.
Keir continued. "After the ten days, we should all be back to our regular strength. I would offera contest then, to determine a new bodyguard for the Warprize. Epor has gone to the snows,and I would honor his memory by offering all a chance to combat for the position. I reserve theright of final approval of the winner. All combats to the first blood."
There were nods at this, and looks of approval. I bit my lip, but kept silent. I'd resisted thisstrongly, not liking the idea that Epor could be replaced. But Keir had overruled me, and whenI'd turned to Isdra for support, she'd agreed with Keir. Three guards were not enough, andsomeone had to be chosen to work with Isdra.
Keir had promised that he would consult Isdra on the final candidate, making sure that it wassomeone she could work with. He'd pointed out that the combats and eliminations would takeabout twenty days and keep the warriors well occupied as we waited. Isdra thought the idea ofthe competition was a tribute to Epor. So I'd been forced to agree. But it would seem odd tohave someone else at Isdra's side.
"Further, I propose that we have what the Warprize calls a chess tournament, to determine achampion within our ranks." Keir's grin was positively wicked. "Open to all, just as thecombat."
I tried not to roll my eyes. The game was sweeping the entire camp, and every warrior seemedto have at least one game going on in their head at all times. If Ken-thought the combats wouldbe good for morale, then I was sure that a tourney was an even better idea. Certainly, there'dbe less injuries as a result.
Iften looked sour. As far as I knew, he hadn't learned the game, which came as no surprise. Iwas also not surprised to see that he was holding his sword arm at an odd angle against hischest, as if protecting it. I narrowed my eyes, trying to see how bad the swelling had become.
Iften caught me at it, and gave me such a glare as might curl my toes if I cared for his opinion.
Keir released the senel, and all rose to mill about. Iften and Wesren were talking with Uzaina.
Others lingered to speak with Keir, and I used the opportunity to talk to Jo-den. He gave me agrave look as I moved closer, his broad face troubled.
"I wanted to thank you, Joden. For—"
He interrupted me with a gesture. "I am not so sure I did you any favors, Warprize."
"But—"
"Had Iften challenged Keir, I would not have interfered. I am not sure I was right to stop Isdra,either." He looked away. "All I've done is delay these matters until we are before the Elders."
"But Keir will be able to speak for himself. And you will support him."
