Warcry

beaming. She had burst into tears at the news, then cried afresh when Heath and Atira told her they would stay in Xy. When Atira had refused to wear aught but her regular armor, Anna had decked Aurora out in a fine dress. Even now the little girl was running about in ribbons and curls, scattering some kind of grass from a basket. Atira would have to ask the meaning of that custom later.
    Heath had suggested that Atira wear the armor she’d purchased from the young smith for the ceremony, but Yveni and Amyu had joined her in glaring him into silence. When that hadn’t worked, Amyu had suggested that Atira would wear it only if he wore it as well. “Seems only fair,” she’d said. “Of course, you’d only need to wear the bottom part.”
    Heath hadn’t mentioned the armor since.
    Of course, that didn’t mean that Atira didn’t have plans for those scraps of metal. She glanced over to where their horses waited with their gear. She’d packed those scraps of armor deep in her saddlebags. Heath had suggested that they camp beneath the pines outside the walls this night. They were to leave as soon as the ceremony was done.
    Later, when her shoulder was fully healed, they’d have the ear-weaving in the manner of her people, and a pattern dance after to celebrate. But for tonight . . .
    A smile hovered on her lips. Heath gave her a puzzled look as he stepped to her side. “Anything wrong?” he whispered.
    “Oh no,” she responded. “Just making a few plans.”
    He raised an eyebrow.
    Atira just laughed. Her stomach jumped with nerves she’d never felt before, or maybe it was just her joy. She reached for Heath’s hand, and he took hers with a smile.
    The courtyard was filling rapidly. Dunstan and Ismari had come, slipping in with the crowd of guards. A few other craftmasters were about, along with many of the castle guards.
    Eln stood with Amyu, cradling the babies that slept in their arms. Anna had Meara, and the little girl was laughing with radiant happiness.
    Anna’s face reflected that joy, but there was also pain. They’d visited the crypt where Othur had been interred before they’d come down to the courtyard. Atira did not understand why, but she was willing to honor Othur.
    Still, it seemed strange to leave flowers when his spirit would travel with them until the snows, but it meant much to Anna, and that was all Atira really needed to know.
    Archbishop Iain cleared his throat, trying to get everyone’s attention. Atira faced Heath as the crowd settled, and silence spread over the courtyard.
    “Heath of Xy, Seneschal of Water’s Fall, you stand before me, the earthly representative of the Sun God, He who blesses and preserves the Kingdom of Xy. What would you have of me?”
    “Devoted One.” Heath’s nervousness had him booming his words. “I would take Atira of the Bear, Warrior of the Plains, to be my wife, to pledge my marriage vows to her before the Sun God and these witnesses. By my own free will and hand.”
    “How say you, Atira of the Bear?” the Archbishop asked.
    Atira opened her mouth, but her throat went dry. She couldn’t speak; her joy overwhelmed her. She smiled at Heath, her tears spilling out.
    Heath reached out and dried her tears. “It’s okay, my love,” he reassured her anxiously. “But you do need to say the words.”
    Atira started to laugh, and those crowded around laughed with her. “I would take Heath of Xy to be my bonded—”
    “Husband,” Iain whispered.
    “Husband,” Atira repeated, biting her lip against her emotions. “To pledge my marriage vows to him before the Sun God and these witnesses. By my own free will and hand.”
    “Who represents Atira’s family in this matter?” the Archbishop said.
    “I do, Devoted One,” Keir said. “Although she has no need of permission, at her request, and by your tradition, I consent to the marriage of Heath and Atira, before the Sun God and these witnesses. By my own free will and hand.”
    “So it has been said and declared.” The Archbishop’s voice shook slightly. “Are the witnesses satisfied?”
    “We are,” rang out around the courtyard.
    “Atira of the Bear, do you take Heath of Xy as your husband under the laws of Xy?”
    “I do,” Atira sobbed. “And as proof of my vow, I offer this ring to bind thee to me.” Her hand shook as she placed the ring she had made on Heath’s finger.
    Iain smiled. “And do you, Heath of Xy, take Atira of the Bear as your wife under the laws of