Warcry

insulted Lara.”
    “The man did not die,” Atira said.
    “Close enough,” Heath said. “But even the Warlord acknowledged that he had made a mistake.”
    “True,” Prest said, then started toward the camp. Heath gestured Atira on and followed behind.
    They had the Xyians’ attention the moment they emerged from the trees. Atira focused on the mounted man—about Heath’s age, was her estimate, although it was hard to tell with Xyians.
    His upper garment was padded and worked with threads that sparkled in the sun. The effect was pretty, but Atira was certain that her dagger could rip right through the fabric. His hair was short and as blond as her own. She couldn’t see his eye color from here, but she could see his glare. And it was focused on Heath.
    “Lanfer,” Heath greeted the man as they walked closer.
    “Heath.” Lanfer dismounted, handing the reins to one of his warriors. He tugged at his clothing as he gave Atira a glance, looking down his nose. “Still chasing your Plains whore?”
    Atira jerked to a stop in surprise.
    Heath took two steps past her and punched Lanfer right in the face.

CHAPTER 5
     
    HEATH ALMOST REGRETTED THE BLOW BEFORE HE swung.
    Almost. The crunch of bone under his knuckles was too satisfying to have regrets. And watching Lanfer’s eyes roll up into his head as he collapsed in a boneless heap—that was perfect. But the looks on the faces of the Plains warriors around him told Heath they’d not let him forget this for a long time to come. All his talk of restraint and patience . . . and he swung the first blow.
    More than worth it, though.
    Until Lara emerged from her tent.
    She was wrapped in Keir’s cloak, her curly brown hair floating in a cloud around her head. Keir was just behind her. Heath winced inside, anticipating her response. The old Lara would have rushed to aid Lanfer while scolding Heath up one side and down the other.
    To Heath’s relief, Lara just lifted an eyebrow, then looked around, her gaze coming to rest on him. They both must have heard the insult through the walls of the tent. Heath gave her a slight nod, accepting responsibility. Keir caught the look as well. They both kept their faces straight, watching as Lanfer’s escort picked him up off the ground.
    Keir took Lara’s elbow and escorted her the few steps to a stool nearby. His face was neutral, but Heath knew the man well enough to see the understanding twinkle in his eyes.
    Lara sat and arranged her cloak over her belly. Keir took a position behind her, crossing his arms over his chest. The man looked imposing with his armor and two swords strapped to his back.
    Lanfer’s escort had him back on his feet, and it looked like he was recovering his wits. He was holding his nose, blood dripping on his fancy doublet.
    “Marcus,” Lara said. “A cloth for the gentleman.”
    Marcus looked none too happy as he provided a rag and some water for Lanfer to use. Lanfer was none too pleased to accept it, since the cloth looked like it had seen better days. But he held it pressed up to his nose for a moment before he dabbed at his clothing.
    “You are Lord Enali’s son, I believe,” Lara said.
    Lanfer looked up at that, and his eyes widened. Heath couldn’t blame him for that. In Xy, extremely pregnant women withdrew from society in the months before the birth. It was rare to see a woman with such a belly, and Lara was huge with child.
    Lara let him stare for a moment, then she raised her eyebrow again and extended her hand with a patient air.
    Heath stifled his grin, but he had to give Lanfer credit. The man didn’t hesitate. He advanced, went to one knee before Lara, and took her hand. He bowed his head, looking every inch as if he was in the throne room. “I am, Your Majesty. I am Lanfer. Please forgive me. I did not expect such a welcome.”
    “You offered insult to a Plains warrior,” Lara said. “Consider yourself lucky that you don’t have a sword in your guts.” She withdrew her hand, and Lanfer rose with an easy grace. “I was told you have a message for me.”
    “Yes, Your Majesty. From your Council.” Lanfer stood, eyeing Keir, a faintly puzzled look on his face.
    Heath knew why. Lara had just required him to acknowledge her as Queen, but had not made an issue of Keir’s status as Overlord. Just as well. They faced enough of a challenge without forcing the Xyian nobility to bow to one of the dreaded Firelanders.
    Lara still had a patient look on her face. “May I have