Warcry

Well, there’s a nice thing, to introduce me in such state.”
    “No choice,” Heath whispered.
    “Aye to that, lad,” Detros said sadly. “’Tis a terrible thing, what with your da taking ill and all.”
    “What can you tell me?” Heath said.
    “Not much. I wasn’t in the throne room when the ruckus started during the Justice.”
    “When my father collapsed?”
    “Nay, the ruckus before that one,” Detros explained. “The room full of angry nobles and Plains warriors—we could hear the shouting going on something fierce. Then your da up and sprawls on the floor. I know Eln was called, but most of the Guard has been pulled from the castle. We’re on the walls and doing patrols.”
    Atira felt Heath go rigid against her. “What?” Heath asked. “When did that happen? Did Lord Warren—”
    “Warren left the city about five days ago, taking a small force. Seems bandits have been hitting some of the villages, and he and that Plains warrior Lord Simus left here to ride out and track ’em,” Detros said.
    “So? How does that—”
    “After your da collapsed, the Council started throwing its weight around, ordering their own men into the castle and us to the outside,” Detros growled. “I’ve no word of what’s happening within.”
    “I have to get in there,” Heath said. “Who is on the garden gate duty?”
    The door of the tavern opened, with the light pouring out. “Detros, get a move on. I need to piss,” came a voice.
    “Piss up a rope,” Detros shouted back. “I’m sittin’ for a time.”
    The voice muttered a curse, and the door slammed shut.
    “Dustin and Tec are on the garden gate,” Detros continued. “But don’t be going to see your ma. They’re watchin’ her.”
    Heath cursed.
    “There’s a rumor about, that Lara’s about to return, and she’s bearing. Any truth to that?” Detros asked.
    Heath frowned, glancing at Atira. “Tomorrow, Detros. She will be at the gates tomorrow, as pregnant as any could hope.” He paused. “There’s been no announcement?”
    “Well, that’s fine,” Detros said. “There’s been no word, only wonderin’. I’ll be placing a few wagers before this night’s done.” Something rumbled within the privy. “You might be wantin’ to get a move on, lad.”
    “Aye to that,” Heath said. “For fear of dying here and now.”
    “At my age, the pleasures are few, boy,” Detros said as he let loose with more gas. “Have some respect.”

    “HALT! WHO GOES THERE?” CAME THE CHALLENGE.
    Heath stepped into the light, throwing back his hood.
    “Heath!” Tec lowered his spear. “Praise the gods.”
    “Have you come to step in for your father, Heath?” Dustin asked eagerly. “Sure could use your skills now.”
    “Someone needs to,” Tec said. “Someone besides the Council and a few lords I could name. They’s up to no good.”
    “Come to check on my father,” Heath said quietly. “On the quiet for now.”
    “And the Queen?” Tec asked.
    Heath gave him a narrow look. “You’ve had no word?”
    “None,” Dustin said, holding open the gate for him and Atira. “Rumors, but not much more than that.”
    “Xylara will be at the gates tomorrow, returning with her Warlord and pregnant with an heir. Spread the word.” Heath paused. “Do me a favor, eh? Have a contingent ready at the gates. She’ll need an escort.”
    “And a cart,” Tec said. “My Bessa swelled up before she popped with our babe. A cart with a nice cushion. Maybe some ribbons, what with her being Queen and all.”
    “Well,” Heath flashed a grin at Atira. “It can’t hurt to have one ready.”
    Atira rolled her eyes.
    “I’m for the backstairs, then?” Heath asked softly as Tec secured the gate.
    “Aye, keep to the servants ways and none of the Council will see ya,” Dustin snorted. “But keep clear of the kitchen. Their men always seem to be in there, drinking the kavage and keeping an eye on your ma. The food’s not been right for a week.”
    Heath gave him a nod. “Thanks, Dustin. I’ll use my old way in, then.”
    Dustin chuckled. “We’ll be on duty until third watch. We’ll pass the word that you’ll need out if you’re later than that.”
    Heath took Atira’s hand and drew her down a dark path. Once out of the light of the gate torches, the night was thick within the garden. “Follow me,” Heath whispered.
    He led her down the paths around the rose briar and through the wide lawns. He knew these paths by heart, every turn