Keir drew a deep breath. "Our dead ride with us until the snows, but the living carry burdens ofpain and sorrow. As the day of our departure grows closer, I would call for a mourningceremony, for we have much to grieve. Joden, I would ask that you plan the ceremony, and singfor our dead."
Joden sat, hands on his knees, his head bowed. I swallowed hard at the sight.
Keir leaned forward. "This has nothing to do with what lies between us, Joden. Only withsinging the dead on their way."
We sat in silence for what seemed like forever before Joden spoke without lifting his head.
"There are many dead to sing for."
"There are." Keir's voice was quiet but firm.
There was another long silence as Joden studied his feet. I shifted on my stump. "Will there bea pattern dance?" I'd loved the patterns I'd seen danced before. But even before the words leftmy lips, I realized it was a foolish question. Pattern dances were so full of joy, they'd have noplace at a funeral.
"No, Warprize." Keir spoke softly, confirming my thoughts. "There is a special grievingceremony."
"It seems the only songs I know are laments." Joden sighed, and nodded. "I will sing. We willmourn."
"My thanks, Singer." Keir dismissed them, and stood with me as they left the tent. Joden leftas well, never once looking at Keir. I could see that he was a man torn between duty andfriendship and I wished that I could help him somehow. Keir said that he must make his owndecisions, but maybe if I talked to him privately.
I bit my lip at that thought. I'd confided in Joden, as a friend, confided all my doubts and fears.
The details of the conversation flashed through my head. Would he use that informationagainst me? A knot formed in the pit of my stomach at the idea that he would. My imaginationgave way to a delightful tune about the complaints of the city-dwelling Warprize. Unobtrusively,I slipped my hand into Keir's. He grasped it in a tight grip, his fingers warm in mine.
Yers lingered, and once the others were gone, approached us. "Warprize, I would ask for yourtoken."
Startled, I fumbled in my bag for a jar. "You hold my token, Yers. What truths would youvoice?"
Yers held the jar in both hands, rubbing his thumb over the surface. He didn't look me in theeye. "Warprize, I want to make sure that you bear me no grudge for giving Gils mercy."
My throat closed, and my eyes stung with tears.
Marcus came to stand beside me. "He would not let me do it, Lara. For fear that you wouldhate me."
Keir gripped my hand, and I drew enough comfort to speak the ritual words. "I will answer toyour truth."
Yers held the jar out to me, a gesture of trust. I took it back from him, and used the fumbling toreplace it in my bag to clear my throat and my thoughts. When I felt I could speak, I lookedhim in the eye. "Yers, you did the right thing. Once he went into convulsions, I," I had to bitemy lip and stop for a moment, "I could do nothing but wait for the end." I gave him a weaksmile. "At the time, I confess I was angry and upset. I do not give up easily. You were right toact."
Yers nodded. "I am pleased to hear it, Warprize, for I would have no ill will between us. I thankyou for your truth." He gave Keir a nod, and left the tent.
"That was well done, Warprize." Marcus started to clear the various mugs that had been used,and any remaining dishes. "I've some of that stew left, and I think I will take it to Tsor's tent.
He looks to need fattening up. While I'm about it, I'll check on Meara as well."
Keir sighed. "I should walk the tents."
I turned slightly, and shook my head. "I think not, Warlord. I have a different task for you thisnight."
Marcus snorted, and left.
Keir raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what is this task, Warprize?"
"One that requires your complete attention, my Warlord." I stepped closer, close enough tofeel the heat of his body. Close enough that he could smell the vanilla I'd put on the back of myneck. I watched, pleased, as his nostrils flared.
He arched one eyebrow, and I could see the humor lurking in his eyes. "Perhaps I can assignthis task to one of my warriors?"
"No, my Warlord." I reached out to take his hand, and entwined our fingers together. I smiled,took a step toward our sleeping area, and tugged on his hand.
"Are you certain?" Keir pulled me so that my back was pressed to his chest. His arm wrappedaround my waist and held me close. He nuzzled my neck and I titled my head so that he couldreach the tender spot on my neck, just under my ear. He chuckled softly. "Perhaps I shouldorder Prest to—"
