Warcry

right behind him. Browdus followed along. Everyone else in the room streamed after them, leaving a few guards behind as well as the corpses strewn around the room.
    The boom of the Herald’s staff rang out, and Heath smiled to think that the old man had survived. He could barely hear the words, but he knew that Lara was summoning all within the walls as witnesses. Everyone had left the throne room; Atira must have gone with them.
    The acolytes scrubbed at their tears as they knelt by the Archbishop’s body, keeping watch. Heath turned, but Marcus was there. “Go, lad. I’ll keep watch for you.”
    “Thank you, Marcus.” Heath trotted out, scanning the hall as he went. The guards were still on duty, and working on clearing the area. Some had bruises and cuts, but no really serious wounds. A few Plains warriors were there, as well, with no worse injuries than those of his men.
    The main doors were open, and Lara stood at the head of the stairs with Keir, facing a courtyard full of people, Xyian and Plains. Her voice echoed off the stone walls.
    “ . . . attacked during the ceremony. My Seneschal and Warden, Lord Othur, is dead, as is Archbishop Drizin.”
    The crowd buzzed, but Lara held up her hand. “Drizin named his successor, and the new Archbishop Iain stands here to complete the ceremony.”
    “The consents of Xylara and Keir have been witnessed. Lady Anna, do you consent on behalf of the House of Xy?”
    His mother’s voice rang out, loud and clear. “I do, by my own free will and hand. As did my lord husband before his death.”
    “So it has been said and declared.” Iain’s voice shook slightly as he addressed the crowd. “Are the witnesses satisfied?”
    “Aye,” rang out from the assembly.
    “Xylara, do you take Keir of the Cat as your husband under the laws of Xy?”
    “I do,” Lara said. “And as proof of my vow, I offer this ring to bind thee to me.”
    Heath started, clapping his hand to his belt. The rings were still there. He pushed his way through to Lara and handed her the rings.
    She smiled at him, then faced Keir and placed the ring upon his hand.
    “And do you, Keir of the Cat, take Xylara as your wife under the laws of Xy?”
    “I do,” Keir said. “And as proof of my vow, I offer this ring, to bind thee to me.”
    Lara started to weep as Keir placed her ring on her finger.
    “Then by the Grace of the Sun God, I pronounce thee husband and wife, and direct thee to seal thy marriage with a kiss,” Iain said.
    Keir leaned in and gently kissed Lara’s eyes and lips.
    The cheer startled them all as the courtyard exploded with joy and well-wishes.
    Lara held Keir’s hand and let the cheering go on for a moment. But then she looked over at the Herald, and he pounded for silence.
    “My thanks, my people,” Lara said. “The ceremony is complete, the future of our throne is assured.” She paused. “Now we must mourn those taken from us too soon. But before all that, there is something more that needs to be done this night. Lord Durst, come forth and submit thyself to our justice.”
    The guards dragged the man out the doors and into the center of the courtyard. Heath started down the steps as they forced Durst to his knees before the Queen. Heath looked over, and at Lara’s nod, ripped the cloth from Durst’s mouth.
    Lara took the hilt of the shattered Sword of Xy from Amyu, holding it so that the royal seal faced Durst.
    Durst spit and coughed. “See?” he bellowed. “See? The Firelander will destroy Xy as he has shattered that blade.”
    “Your treachery shattered it. Keir and I will forge it anew.” Lara lifted her chin. “I might have chosen mercy, Durst, for your state of mind. But in addition to killing Lord Othur, who offered you peace, you threatened the life of this babe, who will be heir to the throne of Xy.”
    Lara held up the hilt, and the broken shard of crystal that remained glittered in the sunlight.
    “Now I, Xylara, Daughter of Xy, by the grace of the Sun God, sworn and consecrated Queen, do hereby declare you, Lord Durst, traitor to your Queen, to Xy, and to the Xyian people. By my will and by my command, I hereby strip you of your lands, your titles, and your life.” Lara didn’t pause, she just squared her shoulders. “Heath, son of Othur,” she continued.
    Heath knelt at Lara’s feet. “My Queen.”
    “I hereby condemn Durst to death. Execute him.” Lara’s hand trembled as she lowered the hilt.
    “Now?” Iain spoke up, pushing