Warcry

fight,” Heath said shortly. “I’m not sure who—”
    “I did not see.” Browdus was behind them, against the wall. “But it must have been the Warlord.”
    “Not I,” Keir said from behind Heath. He stood over the Archbishop and studied the wounds. “I did not see his attacker. There was only one rush at us, but they did not pass our line. Nor did they live.”
    “And,” Eln said pointedly, “those are dagger wounds, not sword wounds.”
    “My dagger is here, and unblooded,” Keir said.
    There was a bloody dagger in the far corner. Heath could see it from where he stood. Plain, with a wire-wrapped hilt.
    Browdus just stood by the wall, looking at them mildly.
    “There is nothing you can do?” Iain had the man’s hand, and was appealing to Eln.
    The Archbishop stirred, opening his eyes.
    Iain leaned closer. “Devoted One, who did this?”
    The man blinked up at him, then struggled to sit up. The acolytes tried to raise him higher. Drizin drew a breath as blood frothed around his mouth. “Witness . . .”
    “What?” Iain asked.
    The Archbishop pressed his bloody hand to Iain’s chest. “Need. Wit—”
    Browdus stepped forward. “He must name a successor. I am here, Devoted One.”
    The Archbishop shook his head, fighting to speak.
    “Witness,” Iain said. “The succession must be witnessed. We need—” He went to stand, but the Archbishop had a tight grip on his arm. Iain looked around. “The acolytes for the church, two guardsmen for the common man.” He looked at the guards that had brought him. “Lord Heath, Lord Keir, please stand back.” Iain twisted around. “One of the lords—”
    Heath scanned the room. Lord Sarrensan was helping his weeping wife to stand. “Lord Sarrensan, the Archbishop needs you.”
    Sarrensan approached, his arm around his lady. His eyes widened as he took in the sight of the Archbishop. Iain explained quickly.
    Heath took a step back, making room. Keir had already returned to Lara.
    “Devoted One.” Browdus stood at the Archbishop’s feet. “The witnesses are here.” Browdus knelt. “I am here, and ready to take on this task.”
    The Archbishop’s eyes fluttered, and Heath could have sworn he was scowling at Browdus. The man tightened his grip on Iain’s arm. “You. I name you.” The words were emphatic and clear.
    “What?” Iain squeaked. He reared back, but the man’s fingers were dug into the flesh of his arm. “Devoted One, I am not—”
    “Drizin,” Browdus objected hurriedly. “He is confused,” he assured the others.
    “ No .” The Archbishop’s body shook as he pointed at Browdus. The arm then moved to point at Iain. “Him. Him . Successor.”
    “No,” Browdus said. “That can’t—”
    “So witnessed,” Lord Sarrensan said, looking at Browdus with distaste.
    “So witnessed,” echoed his lady and the others.
    The Archbishop convulsed, sagging as his body shook.
    “Not long,” murmured Eln.
    Iain nodded and started the litany. “Gracious SunGod, lord of the sun, now is the hour of his death.”
    The others bowed their heads and recited with the young priest as the Achbishop breathed his last breath.
    Heath didn’t join them. He watched Browdus, watched the red crawl up his neck, and saw the man’s eyes flicker to the dagger in the corner.
    Detros was standing back, half an eye on the room, the other half on Heath. Heath caught his attention and lifted his chin toward Iain.
    Detros nodded.
    Heath relaxed slightly. Iain would be in good hands. He looked about, wondering where Atira was.
    Iain completed the litany and stood, his hands folded into his sleeves. He was trembling, but he at least appeared composed. “Your Majesty.” He nodded to Lara. “The Archbishop is dead.”
    “Devoted One,” Lara said.
    Iain winced slightly before he cast a glance at the room. “Was the marriage ceremony completed?”
    “No.” Lara’s voice was cold as steel. “We have much to do. But we will do it in the open air, under the stars.” She gathered up the hem of her blood-splattered dress. “Heath. Have the prisoners brought to the courtyard. Amyu, pick up that hilt for me. Anna, please . . . I need you.”
    Anna stood. “Aye. I’ll come and see this done.”
    Lara nodded grimly. “If you will come with us, Devoted One.”
    “Your Majesty.” Iain bowed his head.
    Lara reached out for Keir’s arm, and they strode across the floor to the door. Their guards scrambled to keep up. Iain followed after, with Detros