Warcry

be tired and hurting. Let’s get you into the castle. I’ve willowbark tea brewing, and by now it’s probably strong enough to—”
    “These men,” Atira nodded all around. “They are as tentmates to you, yes? Like family?”
    “Yes,” Heath said slowly. “Why?” He frowned as Atira drew nearer. “You smell like the forge. Where have you been?”
    “To see Dunstan and Ismari,” Atira said absently. She looked around at all the intent faces, and decided on her course of action.
    She faced Heath and went down on one knee.

     
    HEATH THOUGHT SHE’D COLLAPSED. HE REACHED to catch her, then caught himself when he realized that she’d knelt down deliberately. “Atira, what are you—”
    “Heath of Xy, Son of Othur and Anna, Warrior and Seneschal,” Atira said loudly enough for all to hear. She placed her good hand on her chest and bowed her head.
    Heath just stared at her.
    “I, Atira of the Bear, Warrior of the Plains, kneel before you with a humble heart and ask for your hand in marriage according to the traditions and laws of Xy, and the traditions of the Plains.” Atira raised her head. “I offer you my hand, my heart, and my sword for all of our lives and beyond.”
    Heath’s throat was closed. All he could do was shake his head no. “What are you doing, Atira?”
    She looked about the gathered crowd. “I am asking you to marry me before your friends and tentmates.” She gazed up at Heath with a faint frown. “I would ask permission of your mother, but she would deny me.”
    “You don’t want to stay here,” Heath said. “And I cannot leave.”
    “I think I know my own mind and heart,” Atira said tartly. She fumbled in her belt pouch. “Else I would not offer you this as well.”
    A ring lay in her palm—a ring made from a flattened nail. Her nail, Heath knew in an instant. “You made that?” Heath asked as he took the ring in his hand.
    “Yes.” Atira grimaced and shifted her weight. “And one for me. Do I have to stay down here until you make up your mind?”
    There was a rumble of laughter from the gathered guards.
    “Sun God.” Heath pulled her up with her good hand. “You can’t mean this. You denied me for so long.”
    “I know,” Atira sighed. “But I have come to see that you mean more to me than a place ever could. I want to see what all I can learn from your people. But more than that, I want to see what you and I can accomplish together. I want you in my life, from now until we seek the snows. If that means that Xy is also in my life, so be it.” Atira smiled at him. “After all, the Plains is now in yours.”
    “That it is.” Heath’s smile was wide and growing.
    “We will be of both worlds,” Atira said.
    “Until the snows, then?” Heath pulled her close.
    “Until the snows and beyond,” Atira said.
    Heath leaned in and brushed his lips against hers. Atira flinched slightly, but then kissed him back, increasing the pressure.
    The guards cheered as they parted. “But lad, ya haven’t answered her yet!” Detros called out.
    “I will marry thee, Atira of the Bear, Warrior of the Plains,” Heath announced, his voice echoing from the walls. “I will accept your offer and offer my own in return, for all our lives and beyond.”
    Atira snuggled in beneath his arm as the guards cheered. “Good,” she whispered. “Now, how about that willowbark tea?”
    “As you command, my lady,” Heath whispered in her ear as he wrapped his arm around her waist. He felt her lean into his strength with a sigh, and they slowly walked into the castle together.

CHAPTER 36
     
    THE DAY OF THEIR BONDING WAS BRIGHT, CLEAR, and perfect. Atira felt that the very elements approved their bonding. She and Heath stood together in the center of the castle courtyard, where all could gather to witness, waiting for sunset, and all the skies could see.
    Beneath the deepening blue sky, and with the breeze playing with her hair, Atira faced Heath before Archbishop Iain, surrounded by the crowd of well-wishers. Her heart fluttered with excitement as they waited, and she looked about to try to calm her nerves.
    Archbishop Iain looked both proud enough to burst and yet somehow embarrassed by his new finery. Certainly he gleamed brightly in the sun in his new robes.
    Heath had asked Keir and Detros to stand with him. Atira had asked Amyu, Yveni, and, of course, Lara to stand with her. They were just behind her, and she was proud to have them at her side.
    Anna stood close by,