Warcry

and they spoke for a moment or two before Keir urged his horse back into place in the procession.
    The gates of the castle were wide open when they arrived. The outer courtyard was crammed with people. The cheers and cries of welcome rang against the stone walls as Heath led them in. He watched carefully, making sure that the contingent of castle guards entered with them. No one blocked their entrance, and those blue uniforms melted into the crowd without any comment that he could hear.
    Keir dismounted and then offered his hand to assist Lara down from the cart. She took his hand, smiling and waving to the crowd, and then looked to Heath.
    Heath took the lead, walking through the open doors to the throne room beyond. The halls and rooms were lined with people, with a wide path for the procession. They knelt as Lara and Keir approached and rose as they passed by.
    Kendrick, Herald of Xy, stood at the doors, waiting for them. The old man was looking a bit tottery as he leaned on his staff, but he looked determined to do his duty. He straightened and pounded his staff three times on the floor. “Lord and ladies, all hail Keir, Warlord of the Plains, Overlord of Xy, and Xylara, Queen of Xy, Warprize . . . and Master Healer.”
    Lara choked off a laugh. The Herald’s face remained impassive, but there was a twinkle in his eye.
    Heath led the way, scanning the crowd as everyone knelt. There were the regular lords and ladies, and to his relief, Plains warriors as well. But the best sight was his mother, Lady Anna, in her best court dress, with a baby in her arms.
    He heard Lara’s gasp of pleasure and smiled. The baby was Meara. Her parents had died of the Sweat, but Lara had managed to save her. Meara was babbling, her cheeks pink with excitement. The child was too young to understand the fuss, but her giggles were a joy to hear. The babe had been sent to Water’s Fall and placed in Anna’s care. Heath’s mother had been saddened by Lara’s departure, but she’d smiled when Meara had been placed in her arms.
    Keir extended his arm and Lara accepted his aid as she walked up the two steps to stand before the throne. Keir stood to one side, folding his arms over his chest, looking damned impressive.
    Heath took his position on Lara’s other side as she sat. Everyone in the crowd rose to their feet.
    “Our thanks to our people for such a welcome,” Lara began. “We rejoice to have returned to Xy after our travels.”
    Heath snorted to himself. It wasn’t clear if she was using the royal we or including Keir in her statements. Clearly the nobles weren’t sure. And Lara wasn’t about to clear their confusion.
    “We return to Xy to take up our duties and to bear our child in the Castle of Water’s Fall as time and tradition dictate.”
    “We extend our deepest gratitude to our Council and Lord Othur, for keeping our throne and people safe in our absence.” Lara frowned. “We understand that Lord Othur has taken ill recently. We miss his honest face and wise presence at our side.” Lara glanced at Heath, her eyes twinkling. He kept his face impassive, but that look usually meant she was up to something.
    “Within the next few days, we will reestablish our will and law on the land. We will reconvene the interrupted Justice to continue the work of our Warden. Any and all who have claims may bring them at that time.”
    Lara stifled a yawn that seemed to catch her by surprise. There was a murmur in the crowd as she blinked a bit sleepily at them. Heath thought it artfully done.
    “For now, we are pleased to have returned to our home. We—”
    She could not stifle the next yawn that caught her in mid-sentence. A definite chuckle ran through the crowd this time.
    Keir stood. “The Queen is weary after her journey. Lady Anna, have our chambers been prepared?”
    Heath’s mother stepped forward, beaming. “Yes, Overlord.”
    “If you would lead the way.” Keir looked at Lara, who was yawning yet again.
    Lara laughed. “I fear you are right, my Warlord.”
    Keir assisted her as she struggled up, and then held out his arm. Lara placed her hand on his wrist. They stood for a moment, a queen all in white, with her black-clad Warlord at her side. Lara looked out over the room. “One final thing. My condition, and the health of our Warden, cannot be allowed to delay the business of the Crown. Therefore, we appoint Heath, son of Othur, to serve as Seneschal until Othur’s health is restored. Look to him for