Warcry

decisions about disputes. As an elder does for the tribes.”
    Othur gave her a smile. “Yes. We were in the middle of a border dispute. One of the tenant farmers was testifying to me how the border stream had shifted, when the doors opened with a bang. The City Watch escorted in a writhing mass of Plains warriors and Xyian nobles, and dumped them in my lap to deal with.”
    “What happened?” Heath asked.
    “It took a while to sort out, let me tell you.” Othur shook his head. “A bridal party headed for the Temple of the Sun God was accosted by a group of Plains warriors. Seems one of the merchant families was marrying off a daughter to Lord Korvis’s son. The marriage sealed property and trade agreements, the usual thing,” Othur said, taking a deep breath, “except the daughter is barely of an age to marry. And Careth is at least six years older.”
    Heath raised his eyebrows, but of more interest to Othur was Atira’s reaction. Her face was filled with fury. “A forced bonding?”
    “Aye.” Othur ran his hand over his thinning hair. “Atira, please know that this is our tradition. The physical aspect of the marriage is delayed. Usually.”
    Heath shook his head. “There have been stories about Careth, Father. Spoiled. Arrogant.”
    “Aye,” Othur said. “I know, lad. But even the Crown would not interfere in a private matter.”
    “Regardless of whether it should or not,” Eln said softly.
    “Some of the female warriors of the Plains were in the street, watching the procession. The girl threw herself at them, crying for help.” Othur grimaced. “They knew just enough Xyian to understand, and they interfered—drew their swords, and dared the wedding party to take the girl back.” Othur looked at Heath. “Can you imagine Lord Korvis’s face?”
    Heath grinned back. “Wish I’d seen it.”
    “Anna will be here soon, to spoon broth into you,” Eln reminded Othur.
    “Broth again?” Othur grimaced.
    “A loss of weight is to be expected in a man that has been ill,” Eln replied.
    “Father,” Heath prompted.
    Othur nodded and hunched forward, keeping his voice down. “The Watch was summoned, and the Captain saw it for the mess it was. So they were all brought to the throne room. Crying women bedecked in flowers and ribbons, the outraged groom and his family, and the defiant girl-child standing between the Plains warriors who were bristling with blades. It was a nightmare.”
    “Who were the warriors?” Atira asked.
    “Three women, the chief of which is Elois of the Horse,” Othur said.
    “I know her,” Atira said. “She is a powerful warrior. Strong in arm and opinion.”
    “And a voice that cuts like a shard of glass. She well and truly made her thoughts known.”
    “What did you do?” Heath asked.
    “I did what any smart man would do. I clutched my chest, wheezed, and slumped in my chair.”
    Heath started to laugh weakly.
    Othur grinned. “What else could I do, lad? Lord Korvis would insist that the wedding go forward. And those Plains women were willing to gut the groom where he stood to stop it.”
    “I’ve permitted no one to see him except Anna,” Eln said. “Due to the grave nature of his illness.”
    “Anna knows the truth,” Othur said. “But we haven’t been able to get word out.”
    “Where is the girl now?” Heath asked.
    “Aurora? She is in the east tower, with the Plains women. They have locked themselves in one of the chambers there, with food and drink.”
    “I’ve checked on them,” Eln said. “They are fine, and are teaching the girl to use a dagger.”
    Othur rolled his eyes.
    “As well they should,” Atira said. “A girl who is not yet come into her courses, married to a man who would force himself on her? Who would allow—”
    “That’s what Lara is stepping into, Heath,” Othur said. “You need to warn her that they will press for her decision before she’s been in the castle an hour. Tell her to have a care, and that delay—a legitimate delay—is her best weapon.”
    “I will, Father,” Heath said. “But what of the Guard?”
    “Guard?” Othur frowned. “I’ve heard nothing.”
    Heath explained what he’d been told of the placement of the Guard. Othur listened with growing horror. “Son, this may go deeper than I thought. Embarrass Lara, force her to make decisions against the way of the Plains—yes, that I can see. But this? Is this a plan to harm her?”
    “I don’t know,” Heath said, “but I will find