"Well?"
Wild Winds's face was impassive.
"What?" I asked.
"He took a wound—"
Wild Winds cut Essa off with a gesture.
I looked down at my hands as I dried them off carefully. Essa spoke first. "She holds it as a Singer holds confidences. You're not a fool, Wild Winds." Essa crossed his arms over his chest. "Stubborn, but not a fool."
Wilds Winds stared at me.
I crossed my arms and stared right back at him.
"So," Keir said.
We were walking back to our tent, holding hands. I gave him a glance. "So?" He looked at me questioningly.
"Ah." I looked forward, and leaned against him for just a moment as we walked. "You wish to know whatwas wrong with Essa."
"I didn't think he took a wound during combat," Keir mused. "Where was he hurt?'
I sighed. "Keir, healers treat a healing as a Singer of the Plains holds words in his heart." Keir frowned "You promised to tell me—"
"Where I go to heal and why." I smiled at him. "I will tell you who I treat, but not the details. What's done under the bells is private, yes?"
Keir grunted. We walked a few steps more and he spoke again. "But Essa took a healing from you?"
"He did."
"And the Eldest Warrior-Priest watched?"
"He did."
"I am satisfied," Keir pronounced.
"I am glad." I gave him a smile. "I will show you how glad when we return to the tent." Keir grinned.
We entered the tent together, Keir pretending to drag me within, saying something about claiming his Warprize. We were brought up short by the sight of Marcus and Amyu standing there, facing us. "It is time," Marcus said.
Keir stiffened. "The ceremony is not until sunset."
Marcus glared at both of us. "Herself needs to eat and bathe. You need to prepare as well." Marcus crossed his arms over his chest. Amyu copied him. "She will be well guarded, and protected, Warlord." Keir scowled.
Marcus scowled right back.
Amyu looked nervous, her eyes darting between the two men. I waited for the inevitable. Keir huffed at Marcus. "We can eat together."
Marcus inclined his head, and he and Amyu stepped aside to reveal a table loaded down with food. "Do so," Marcus ordered. "Quickly."
"So much food, Marcus." I smiled even as I moved toward a stool. "Why—"
"LITTLE HEALER!" Simus boomed from outside.
Marcus rolled his eye, and I laughed as Simus entered the tent. "Greetings, Simus of the Hawk. Welcome to my tent." I indicated the table with a sweep of my arm. "Join us for the nooning."
"Thank you, Warprize." Simus stepped aside. "There is another that seeks your company." Joden stepped within the tent.
