8
My fury rose at the Elder’s words. I lashed out, lifting my chin in scorn. “This is not the Council of the Elders,” I spat. “Am I offered cool water to ease my throat? Where is a seat for my weary body, or food for my belly? Not even water to bathe my hands and thank whatever power I choose for a safe journey?” I let my eyes rake over them, making my contempt clear. “Here I stand, in the Heart of the Plains, supposedly before the Council of Elders, and yet where is the courtesy of the Plains that I have come to know and respect? Nowhere that I can see.”
I was trembling, in exhaustion and anger, and knew that in a moment I’d collapse as weak as an hour-old colt. But not here. I turned on my heel and left the tent.
Our horses were gone, there was no one to stop me. Without really seeing, I plunged into a chaos of people and tents, striding as fast as I could, away from the hatred within that tent.
With new strength born of anger, I strode off. Thankfully, there were wide ways between the various tents. I chose the widest, lost in my fury. Every word spoken by that Elder had been false, or an exaggeration. How dare he say that of me? Of Keir?
I drew a ragged breath, choking and laughing at the same time. Father had always despaired of my temper. Fierce and hot, it would rise to the surface in an instant, unleashing my tongue with an angry retort, only to fade almost as quickly. He tried every way he could think to get me to control it. “Take a deep breath,” he’d urge. “Mind that tongue of yours, and think before you speak.”
Advice I’d never been able to follow.
My feet propelled me down the course at a fast pace, and it was only the laughter of children that brought me back to the world around me.
Off to the side, there was a large tent with a cooking fire in front of it. A few men and women were trying to get a group of small children to settle down before eating, with no success. The children, of all ages, were laughing and giggling in some game only they understood. A young man, no older than Gils had been, was trying to pour water over small grubby hands and getting nowhere for his efforts.
An older woman emerged from the tent and looked about. Suddenly, each child was settled, all with sweet smiles of absolute innocence and hands held out for the ritual.
I had to smile, and with that, some of my anger faded. Instead I was overcome with curiosity. So this was the Heart of the Plains! The home of the dreaded Firelanders.
I strolled now, looking about me, taking it all in. Clearly everyone was preparing for the evening meal, and tents glowed with light from within. There were some outside firepits, burning with coals and surrounded by people, talking and laughing and eating.
How like home it was. And yet, how different. Here there was color everywhere, and no one seemed conscious of rank or position. Men were cooking as well as women, and there were quite a few men taking care of small children.
But it was more than that. There was the tang in the air of grilling meat and spices I didn’t recognize. There were no buildings, no mountains to block the vaulted sky filled with stars above us. The tents seemed to range from tiny shelters to large, sprawling structures cobbled together from many tents.
People were laughing and talking, and there was color everywhere, in the clothing, in the tents, in the banners that hung all over. The clothing ranged from full armor to scraps of cloth or complete lack thereof. All were at ease with their nakedness, from the smallest child to the tough, scrawny old warriors.
Naked or clothed, everyone carried weapons. Even the small children had wooden daggers at their belts.
But even as I looked about, I sensed that I was being watched as well. I knew from experience that to those of the Plains, my lack of weapons made me stand out like a sore thumb.
I sighed, suddenly very homesick: for Anna’s big kitchen, and my old bedroom, with its small bed and a window that looked down on the city. My feet began to drag, as my newfound strength faded away.
“Keep walking,” Keekai spoke softly from behind me. “I will guide you to my tent.”
I stopped, and she stepped to my side, a serene look in her eyes. I flushed a bit, suddenly very aware that I’d insulted the entire Council of Elders just a few moments before. But there was no condemnation in Keekai’s eyes.
With a sigh, I reached up and took my helmet off. My braid fell down my back, and the cool breeze touched my sweaty scalp. “Keekai …”
She gestured along the way. “Not far, Warprize.”
With that, we walked in silence, as the shadows grew and the sky filled with stars. At the end of the way, the course branched, and there sat a tent that rivaled Keir’s in size. Warriors appeared and opened the flaps for us to enter.
Keekai showed me to a small alcove off the main area. It was filled by a bed that was covered in blankets, furs and pillows, all in various patterns of reds and golds. On a small table by the bed, a tiny fat lamp sat, a small flame flickering in its depths.
“This night, you have the courtesy of my tent.” Keekai gestured me within.
I sat on the edge of the bed, and didn’t resist when Keekai took my helmet from my hands. She started on the leather jerkin then, helping me remove it. I heaved a sigh even as I toed off my boots. Keekai clapped her hands and a warrior came, with a pitcher of water and a bowl. I held out my hands for the ritual and murmured a soft prayer to the Goddess. Once that was done, a mug and a bowl of gurt were brought. I took the mug, to find it filled with a warm, sweet milk. It tasted wonderful and I drained the mug quickly.
“You did well, Warprize.” Keekai smiled at me.
I grimaced. “By insulting the entire Council and stomping away like a child?”
Her eyes twinkled. “By demanding what is due you, under our ways. Antas had mud on his face when you turned and left.”
I blinked at her. “What am I going to do, Keekai? They hate me.”
“You will sleep. In the morning, you will eat and …” she shrugged, “we will see.” She gestured, and the warriors drew closed curtains of thick cloth that blocked the alcove from view.
Keekai paused, just before she left. “But remember this, Lara. They removed you from Keir’s protection to show that you weren’t under his influence or control. And your actions have proved you are capable of standing up for yourself. So do not be so quick to count this a defeat, eh?”
She turned to go, but paused again, and looked back at me over her shoulder. “I will tell you this truth, Daughter of Xy. I do not think I could do what you have done. To leave the Plains that I have known all my life would kill me.” With that, she disappeared behind the cloth.
Oddly comforted, I yawned and stretched. Since my gear wasn’t here yet, I stripped out of my tunic and trous. I was too tired to even ask to wash. I just pulled back the wonderful bedding, sank into the depths of the bed, and pulled the covers back up over me. Whatever happened, happened. I was too tired to think beyond the next moment.
My last sight was of the little lamp, sitting on the table, all fat and clever, with its tiny flame dancing a very satisfied little dance.
It was late when I woke, and later still when I stirred from the bed. The only thing that made me move was the demands of my body, and a raging thirst.
My saddlebags were just inside the ‘walls’ of my shelter, with my satchel right on top. I sat up, clutching the blankets to me, and pondered for a moment. A sudden, wild impulse came over me, and I clapped my hands.
There was movement outside, and a woman popped her head in with a questioning look. I grinned at her. I could get used to this kind of treatment very quickly. Maybe when I returned to Water’s Fall? But the thought of Othur’s and Anna’s reaction to that idea made me reject it quickly.
Still …
Within a short time I’d water to bathe with and hot kavage to drink. I washed quickly, and yearned for Keir’s tent with its clever drain of stones and buckets of hot water. I went to the saddlebags and dug for a clean tunic and trous. As I pulled on the cloth, I caught a gleam of red. I knew
it in an instant.
The dress was bright red. Bright, bright red.
Marcus smiled at me. “There, now. That will do us proud.”
Keir walked into the tent and stopped short. His eyes widened, and his face lit up. “Fire’s blessing.” He stood, looking at me with approval.
I smiled, remembering the moment and the heat of Keir’s gaze. Curious, I pulled the heavy bundle out. The dress was as I remembered it, with a high neckline, long sleeves, and a flared split skirt. Once again I marveled as the fabric slid between my fingers like water glides over skin. It showed no sign that it had been wadded in the bottom of a saddle bag for days.
Marcus had even packed the slippers. And there, in the center of the bundle, were the two heavy silver bracelets.
I halted before the throne, and slowly sank onto the cushion. On either side, I could see two black boots broadly planted and legs encased in black fabric. I was careful to keep my eyes down.
I took a deep breath, slowly lifted my hands, palms up, and silently submitted myself to what was to come.
The room seemed to stop breathing. I felt fingers at the base of my neck, gently unraveling my hair. Strong fingers ran through it, releasing and letting it fall free. I shivered, both at the touch and the implication that disobedience would not be tolerated.
Cold metal encircled my wrists. I heard a click as they locked into place. Surprisingly, they were heavy silver bracelets, with no chains. Weren’t there supposed to be chains?
A deep male voice boomed above my head, in my language. “Thus do I claim the warprize.”
I smiled as the picture flashed before me, of kneeling on that cushion and surrendering to the dreaded Warlord. Of looking up into Keir’s blue eyes. I’d been so afraid, so terrified, yet I’d found love in Keir’s arms. We’d come through so much since then.
We would come through this too.
“You slept well?” Keekai asked as she gestured for me to sit across the table from her. This was in another part of her tent, and a private area as far as I could tell. She clapped her hands, and for a few moments the area was filled with those bringing food and drink. But just as quickly the room cleared, and we were left alone.
“I slept well, thank you. The bed was very comfortable.” I settled down, and reached for the kavage. “What time is it?”
“Well toward the nooning.” Keekai shrugged. “I saw no reason to wake you. We both needed sleep.” She flashed that grin of hers. “I suspect the Council will send us a message before the day is done.”
I reached for flat bread and an odd looking meat dish that Keekai had already helped herself to. “I can imagine what the message will be,” I said. The sauce smelled sweet, and had tiny flecks of red in it. I scooped some on my bread, and stuffed it in my mouth.
Fire exploded within my mouth and nose. My eyes went wide and filled with tears as I choked.
“Too spicy?” Keekai asked as I lunged for kavage. “It is my favorite.”
I gasped for breath. “Keekai!”
“I’m sorry, Lara.” She shook her head. “I forgot to warn you. I love my food spicy and strong. Try this instead.” She pushed over a bowl filled with a creamy, thick paste.
Carefully, I dipped more bread in, hoping that it wasn’t a soupy form of gurt. But I was pleasantly surprised to find that it had a sweet nutty taste to it. “That’s more to my liking.”
Keekai laughed. “Then eat and listen. We need to talk about the Council and its members.”
I nodded, but kept chewing.
“Now, the stupid one that spoke out last night was Antas, Eldest Warrior. You saw how we were seated?”
I frowned, trying to remember. Keekai sighed, dipped her finger in her kavage, and drew on the wood of the table. “The four closest to the floor are the Eldest Singer, Warrior, and Warrior-Priest, and Eldest Thea.”
I frowned, and swallowed my mouthful. “I thought you didn’t count years,” I pointed out. “How do you know who is Eldest?”
It was Keekai’s turn to frown. “Elder is not because one is old. Elder is because one is best, or has the support of many others.”
“So you are an Elder because of status?”
“Exactly so.” She drew four damp circles in a row. “The Eldest sit here, closest to the earth and the flame.”
She drew more circles behind the three. “Here sit the Elders whose rank is just behind. I sit among them. We are between the elements, earth and fire below, air and water above.”
She dipped her finger again. “Behind us, on the highest tier, are the newest of the Elders. They are closest to the air and the water.”
“So seating denotes status.” I studied the damp spots as they soaked into the wood.
“Just so. The Eldest are always four. One Warrior, one Warrior-Priest, one Singer, One Thea. Antas is the Warrior, and Essa is the Singer. Wild Winds is the Warrior-Priest. The Eldest Thea rarely attends.”
“I remember Antas,” I said dryly.
“He is a fool,” Keekai responded. “I told you that the winds had brought us word of you, but Antas listens only to the worst.” She tapped the table with her finger. “Although it surprised me that he acted so. I’d have expected it from Wild Winds before Antas.”
Once again, she dipped her finger in the kavage. “Those who would speak to the Council are placed between the fire pits.” She drew the rest of the tent in for me. “Those who would observe, or wait their turn, stand on the other side of the pits, along the edges of the tent. Those who provide for the Council, they are behind the tiers.”
I dipped some fresh bread into the meat dish with the red flakes, taking only a little with a large piece of bread. Warned this time, I nibbled at it carefully. It stung my mouth, but the taste wasn’t bad, just different. Keekai chuckled as I ate. “You will become of the Plains before you realize it, Lara.”
I took a deep breath as the spices filled my nose. “Has there been any word from Keir?”
Keekai shook her head. “It’s too soon.” She looked at me with sympathy. “I’m sure he’ll be here as fast as he can, Lara. But even if he arrived today, they would keep you apart.”
I nodded, staring down at the food. “I understand.”
“Now, of the Elders present—” Keekai broke off, looking over my shoulder. “What is it?”
I turned on my stool to see a warrior at the tent flap. “A messenger from the Council, Elder.” The woman smiled at me. “For the Warprize.”
“Ah.” Keekai arched an eyebrow. “Send them in.”
I hastily chewed and swallowed my last bite, wiping my face with my hands.
A young girl walked into the area, obviously conscious of the importance of her mission. She faced us, tall, slim, and confident. “Greetings. I am Jilla of the Bear. I carry a message for Xylara, Daughter of Xy, from the Council of Elders of the Plains.”
Keekai deferred to me with a gesture. I cleared my throat. “I am Xylara.”
Jilla gave me a nod. “Daughter of Xy, the Council bids me ask if you would be able to attend a Council senel this afternoon.”
I glanced over at Keekai, but she deferred to me again. “As you will, Warprize.”
“Please tell the Council that I will attend,” I responded.
Jilla gave me another nod. “The Council wishes you to know that every courtesy will be offered to you. An escort will be sent, once the Council is met.”
I nodded at that, and she slipped between the tent flaps and vanished.
“As close to an apology as we are likely to get,” Keekai offered.
I turned back to the table, and reached for my kavage. Keekai continued on. “They may honor you with your own tent, Lara. And appoint new guards for you. This is an honor, but it also serves to separate us, something that will please Antas.” She hesitated then. “We could delay them, if you wish. Claim that you are too tired to appear.”
“No.” I shook my head. “I want this over with. Now, please, help me remember Antas’s accusations. And tell
me more about the Council members.”
“Welcome to the Heart of the Plains, Xylara, Daughter of Xy.”
I nodded my head slightly, giving them no more, or less, than their due.
This time, Eldest Singer Essa greeted me as I walked into the tent. He was standing in the center, between Antas and Wild Winds.
Antas was in full armor, an impressive sight to be sure. Even more impressive was the expression on his face, dark and forbidding.
Wild Winds had a neutral look, as if I was no more than another warrior that appeared before them. He was seated, his arms folded over his tattooed chest. I took note of the tattoo over his left eye, determined that I would know him in the future.
I stood before them all, in the flame-red dress and matching slippers. I’d put on the bracelets, dotted a bit of my precious vanilla oil between my breasts, and braided my hair down my back. I also had my satchel slung on my hip, and while the strap may have marred the cut of the dress, I’d carried it anyway. In my own way, I was armed for combat, although they might not recognize the dress or satchel as such. Still, there had been a stir when I’d entered the pavilion, and it had given me a bit more confidence.
I would take every morsel I could find. Essa continued. “We offer you the warmth of our fire, and a seat before us.”
The tent we were under was huge, and it covered a stone floor that seemed perfectly circular. I was standing between two fire pits, where coals smoldered, providing heat. There were also other braziers scattered around, and a few torches as well, for light.
The three Eldest were before me on a low wooden platform, their stools behind them. Behind that rose three wooden tiers, also filled with Elders on their stools. The result was that the entire Council could sit and glare down at me.
A warrior strode out and placed a small bench between the two fire pits. I took my seat, placed my satchel by my feet, and adjusted my skirts.
“We offer you food and drink, Daughter of Xy.”