Warcry

so much ehat dung smeared in the grass,” Liam snarled. “Our love could not be extinguished by damage or injury. Only by your fear.”
    Marcus jerked around, and for a moment Heath thought for sure he’d attack the tall warlord.
    “You are a stubborn old badger,” Liam spat. “Dug into your hole so deep, your teeth bared for a fight.”
    Marcus turned on his heel and headed for the kitchens, his hands clenched into fists.
    “This is not over,” Liam called after him, trembling with rage. He took a breath, then inclined his head to Lara. “Forgive the intrusion, Warprize. I meant no offense.”
    “None taken.” Lara looked after Marcus. “I don’t know—”
    “I will never give up,” Liam said fiercely. He drew in a slow breath, then nodded to Keir. “My men and I will depart tomorrow, Warlord. We will speak again before I depart.”
    Keir returned the nod.
    Liam spun on his heel and faced Atira. “Warrior, if you wish to return to the Plains, it would please me to have you in my service.” He stalked off, fury radiating from his tight shoulders and clenched fists.
    “My, these Plains warriors take their tactics seriously, don’t they?” Anna asked.

    ATIRA ADMIRED THE WAY THE WARPRIZE DEFTLY danced around Anna’s question. Xyians had funny notions about sharing, and it didn’t seem the time or place to try to explain it to Heath’s mother.
    Thankfully, little Meara started to fuss, and Anna swept her up in her arms. “Time for a nap, little one.” Anna heaved a sigh. “Maybe for both of us, eh?”
    Aurora picked up the blanket and the ball and trotted off after Anna. “I can guard you while you sleep,” Aurora offered.
    “That would be lovely, dear,” Anna said absently. “Lara, those babes will need nursing soon.”
    Atira watched as two of the guards casually stood as Anna approached and offered to take the babe for her. Anna accepted the offer with a smile.
    Heath had watched as well, but now his attention returned to Lara and Keir. Lara had leaned up against Keir’s shoulder. “Marcus just wants to protect Liam, doesn’t he?”
    Keir brushed Xykayla’s cheek with his finger. “We all wish to protect our loved ones from pain.”
    “But part of loving is sharing,” Lara responded. “Sharing hopes and fears, pain and loss, bodies and minds. Why else love?”
    Keir kissed her forehead. “We’ll work on him,” he promised.
    Atira snorted to herself. Might as well try to get an ehat to fly. But she lifted her head and watched the leaves dance in the sunlight as she considered Lara’s words.

    HEATH DREW A DEEP BREATH AND RAN HIS HANDS through his hair. “Lara, we were discussing—”
    “The Council,” Lara said. “They will want me to choose—”
    “Father’s successor,” Heath finished for her.
    “Lara will need to choose new members for the Council as well,” Keir said. “Not to mention those vying to be in the expeditions to open the trade routes.”
    Lara tilted her head and gave Heath a concerned look. “We have lost his wisdom and his experience just when we need them the most. And there is no one that I can think of that can replace him, other than you. He trained you, Heath, whether you realize it or not, and I need those skills.”
    “I know,” Heath said.
    Lara glanced at Atira. “If you could serve for a year, even a few months, it would let me establish—”
    Heath smiled ruefully. “It will take longer than a few months, little bird.” He drew a deep breath. “I accept, Your Majesty.”
    Startled, Atira looked up at him. Heath gave her a quick glance, then forced himself to look at Lara. “I will serve for as long as you and Keir need me.”
    “Heath, I—” Lara sighed. “Thank you. I need you more than you know.”
    Heath stood up. “One of the first things I need to see to is the security. I’ll appoint Detros Captain of the Castle Guard.”
    “A good choice,” Keir said. “He knows his men, and the castle.” Keir frowned. “Although the man might need to spar a bit more often.”
    “I’ll see to it,” Heath said. “Now.”
    With that, he forced his feet to move. He’d find Detros, promote the old man, and then see to his father’s desk. There was work to be done. And maybe, just maybe, he’d lose himself in it so deep and so far that he’d forget the pain in his heart.
    “Heath?” Atira called.
    Heath stopped, then turned to look at her.
    She was looking at him, puzzled, as if she didn’t understand what he’d