Warcry

curiosity.
    “There is something I would speak to you about.” Atira lowered her voice. “But I have no coin.”
    Ismari raised her eyebrows. “I am sure we can work something out, if necessary. What do you wish to discuss?”
    Atira fumbled in her belt pouch, then drew her hand out. “This.”
    She held up the nail she’d made with her own hands.

    IT TOOK LONGER THAN ATIRA EXPECTED, SO IT was dark when she emerged onto the street. Dunstan was throwing on a cloak to guide her back when two sturdy city guards came down the street. “Lady Atira?” one of them asked, carrying a torch.
    “Yes.” She looked them over suspiciously.
    “Oh, Helic, Chon, good.” Dunstan recognized the men. “I didn’t think this was your night for watch? I was going to take her back to the castle. The streets can be confusing in the dark.”
    “Truth be told,” Helic said, “the new Seneschal has every guard quietly scouring the city and castle, even them not on duty. All lookin’ for her.”
    “Ah.” Dunstan bent his head to Atira. “You didn’t leave word?”
    Atira shook her head.
    “We’ll escort her back,” Helic said.
    “Quick as we can,” Chon said. “Captain Detros says the Seneschal’s worked himself up into a bit of a lather.”
    “Well then.” Dunstan smiled at Atira. “You’d best be on your way.”
    “Thank you,” Atira called as the guards started her off.
    Chon eyed her arm. “That looks a mite painful.”
    “It hurts,” Atira admitted.
    “Then we’ll keep our pace slow,” Helic said. “But we’d best send word to the castle.”
    He whistled a few quick notes, and the sound of running feet came from two directions. More guards came up. “Helic, ya found her!”
    “More like she found us,” Helic said. “Run and tell the Watch commander, and get word that she’s fine and we’re coming, but slow.”
    Torches were handed off, and the new men took off running down the street.
    “I have caused you warriors trouble,” Atira said. “I would ask pardon.”
    “It’s no trouble, Lady,” Chon said as they walked through the empty streets. “Word is that you fought for the Queen, so you’re a good’un.”
    “Takes a while to be gettin’ used to our ways, or so I’m thinkin’,” Helic added. “Now, the Seneschal, he might have a few words to say on the matter, but he’s a good’un too.”
    “Yes,” Atira nodded. “He is, isn’t he?” But before he could answer, Atira continued on. “Tell me, what is it that you watch?”

    HEATH WAS STANDING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE courtyard when they finally arrived at the castle.
    As tired and sore as she was, Atira’s heart lifted when she saw him. His brown curls were standing straight up, as if he’d run his fingers through them a dozen times. His blue eyes flashed, and his scowl was fierce.
    The courtyard behind him was filled with torches and guards, all trying very hard not to stare. Her escort slowed even as she went forward to greet him. Helic whispered “good luck” as she kept walking.
    She stopped in front of Heath and raised her chin.
    “Are you all right?” he asked quietly.
    “Yes,” she said.
    “Good,” he said. “Then maybe you would be so kind as to tell me what in the darkest hells you were thinking?” Heath’s voice got louder with every word. “We barely survive an attack the day before, and you waltz out of here without a word? Without an escort?”
    “I’m—” Atira started an apology, but she didn’t get far.
    “Without a thought in your head, apparently.” Heath threw his hands in the air. “What if you’d run into a noble out for revenge? You can’t even lift your sword arm. Did you think of that? Did you think at all?”
    A few more guards joined the growing crowd, all men intent on seeing what was happening. Atira dropped her gaze, trying hard not to smile.
    “You think that’s amusing?” Heath was starting to pace back and forth. “I’ve had every guard this castle and this city has searching for you. I thought . . .” Heath stopped.
    “You have every right to be angry,” Atira said. “I am sorry.”
    “And I am furious with myself for being so angry,” Heath said. “But I feared that you’d left—”
    Heath caught himself and blew out a breath, running his fingers through his curls. “I’d thought you’d left without saying farewell,” he admitted. “And the idea that you would do that made me . . .” Heath took a breath and shook his head. “Never mind. You must