Warcry

out.”
    “Lord Durst has been vocal about his opposition to the Firelanders,” Eln said.
    “The more I think, the less I like this,” Othur growled. “With Warren and Wilsa off fighting bandits, there aren’t that many Plains warriors here. If Keir no longer has an army . . .”
    “The force with him is loyal but small,” Atira said.
    “This does not bode well,” Othur said. “I think—”
    Knuckles rapped on the wooden door.
    “That’s your mother,” Othur sighed. “Let Eln get the door. Don’t want her dropping the tray.”
    “No escaping this,” Heath said. He stood and faced the door.
    “True enough,” Othur responded, standing as well. He put his hand on Heath’s shoulder. “Just remember, son. She does love you very much.”

     
    ATIRA WATCHED, PUZZLED, AS HEATH STOOD AND faced the door. From the sounds of it, both Heath and his father were about to face an enemy, yet it was his mother that was outside the door. One of his theas.
    Yet Atira remembered all too well that a thea’s disapproval could cut deep. Heath had not spoken of his mother much, but clearly all was not well.
    She moved to stand shoulder to shoulder with Heath. He gave her a grateful glance.
    Together they faced the door as Eln threw back the bolt.

CHAPTER 8
     
    HEATH CAUGHT HIS BREATH AS THE DOOR OPENED and his mother came into the room. He hadn’t realized how much he’d missed her until she stood there, tray in hand, with an apron over her dress.
    “I’ve brought more broth, Master Healer,” Anna said as she entered. She hadn’t seen Heath yet. “How does my lord husband?”
    Eln shut the door swiftly behind her.
    “They followed me,” Anna said in an offended whisper. “One of Lord Durst’s men, up from the kitchens, if you can believe.”
    Eln took the tray. “Anna—”
    “Standing around my kitchen, eating my food, disrupting my staff,” Anna growled. “I’ll see to it that their bellies—”
    “Anna,” Othur said. “Anna, look who’s—”
    “Mama?” Heath said softly.
    His mother’s head turned, and her eyes went wide, her mouth falling open. Her lips moved, but no sound came out. She just held open her arms in a longing plea.
    Heath walked into them and swept her into a hug as she clasped him tight. He felt her body start to shake as she began to weep—great sobs that shook her entire body.
    “Mama, mama, it’s all right.” Heath’s voice cracked. “I’m here, I’m here.”
    “My baby, my baby.” Anna lifted her tear-stained face to look at him. “Goddess, Lady of the Moon and Stars, thank you, thank you. Oh, my son, I thought I’d never see you again.”
    “I’m home, Mama,” Heath whispered. “And Lara will be here tomorrow.” He hugged her tight, then eased up, letting her get her breath. “Healthy, happy, and as big as a cow.”
    “Heath!” Anna stepped back, wiping her eyes. “You best not have said that to her!”
    “No.” Heath grinned at his mother. “But you’ll agree.”
    “No, no.” Anna shook her head. “You never say that to a pregnant lady. The very idea—”
    She stopped in mid-sentence and stiffened, her eyes going over Heath’s shoulder. “What’s she doing here?”

    OTHUR GAVE ATIRA QUITE A BIT OF CREDIT. SHE only snarled and put her hand on her dagger hilt. Far better than he expected.
    “You have a lot of nerve, showing your face here after luring my son off, chasing after you like a dog chases after a bitch—”
    Othur moved, then, to take his wife by the shoulders. “Anna, that’s enough. You must return to the kitchens. The man that followed you here will leave with you. That will clear the way for Heath to return to Lara with our warning.”
    Anna’s glare was hot, but Othur had years of experience dealing with it. He just turned her toward the door. “Come, my love. Heath will be here officially tomorrow. That’s time enough for this conversation.”
    “I’ll go with Anna,” Eln said. “Escort her to the kitchen, get some more medicines.”
    “And no doubt eat your own meal,” Othur grumbled.
    “A Master Healer needs to keep up his strength,” Eln agreed. “Come, Anna.”
    “Very well,” Anna sniffed.
    Eln and Anna slipped through the door together—Anna still weeping, Eln offering quiet reassurances as to Othur’s health.
    Othur pulled Heath and Atira over to the hearth and lowered his voice. “Time for you both to go. Make sure that Lara makes a big impression during her entrance tomorrow.”
    “I think