Warcry

was another ring of light coming, golden and flowing up the valley.
    Even as she watched, she rubbed her bindings against the stone, trying to free her hands.

    “YOUR WHORE LIES BROKEN,” LANFER TAUNTED, moving well away from the open trapdoor. “And I broke her.”
    Heath followed, watching his footing. The taunt meant nothing. What mattered was the location of his enemy’s blades. Prest’s voice seemed to echo in his head as Heath waited for his chance.
    Lanfer moved in, his sword raised for a blow to Heath’s head. But the sky turned gold, and Heath caught the glitter of Lanfer’s dagger snaking around, trying for Heath’s side.
    Heath twisted to take the blow on his shoulder, letting the blade slide down his armor, and swung for Lanfer’s wrist. Heath felt the blade cut to the bone.
    Lanfer cried out, dropping his dagger.
    Heath rammed his dagger into Lanfer’s stomach and turned the blade.
    Lanfer fell to his knees, then forward, driving the blade in deep.
    Heath stood, breathing hard, his sword in hand, waiting as the pool of Lanfer’s blood grew larger.
    “I’m pretty sure he’s dead,” came a whisper.
    Heath stepped back, still eyeing the man’s body. “Atira, are you—”
    Atira choked back a sob. “I think he broke my shoulder. Oh, Heath, last time, last time, it took forty days to heal. Forty days. I—”
    Heath started to laugh weakly. He kicked Lanfer’s body over, watching for any sign of life. There was none.
    “Eln will make me drink that elements-cursed tea,” Atira moaned. “Maybe you should just grant me mercy.” She had slid down the stone and knelt there, her hair falling around her, her dress ruined and bloodied.
    “The tea is bad.” Heath choked out a laugh, then moved to her side. “But you’ll be alive to drink it.” He knelt, setting his weapons to one side. He was afraid to touch her. Every inch of her was bruised and scraped, her one shoulder oddly hunched forward.
    “I’m going to have to drink buckets.” She eyed him through her hair. “You should clean those weapons, you know.” She lisped slightly; her lip was still bleeding and swollen.
    Heath snorted a strangled laugh, reached out, and gently brushed her hair out of her eyes. “I will, I will. But let’s get you to the healers first.” He looked behind her. “You almost wore through those bindings.” Her poor wrists were bloodied.
    “Almost,” she muttered. “You got to kill him.”
    Heath picked up a dagger. “I’m going to cut you loose.” He paused. “It’s going to hurt.”
    Atira rolled her eyes. “It can’t be any worse than—”
    Heath slit the cloth bindings.
    Atira screamed as her hands parted and her shoulder shifted its position. “Oh, yes it can,” she shrieked. “Yes it can! Skies above!”
    Heath leaned back as she panted through the pain. “Now where is my stoic Plains warrior, eh?”
    She glared at him, then used her good hand to brace the other. “I am never wearing a dress again. Ever. He’d never have broken my shoulder if I hadn’t been wearing that foolish piece of nothing.”
    “Never?” Heath asked plaintively.
    “Never,” Atira said, moaning as she gripped her bad arm with the good one. “I’d rather be naked.”
    “You are so beautiful,” Heath said, letting his hands hover over her, looking for a safe place to offer comfort.
    She eyed him through her hair. “I am covered in sweat, blood, and vomit.”
    “I know,” Heath said, weak with relief. “And more precious than anything in this world or the next.” He leaned over and kissed her, thanking every power that ever was that she was safe.
    Her lips moved over his for just a moment, returning the kiss. But then she spoke against his mouth. “Ow.”
    “I need to get you to a healer,” Heath said, leaning back. “I can carry—”
    “Don’t you dare,” Atira growled.
    Footsteps, running up from below. Heath went for his sword, but relaxed when Tec popped his head up. “Captain, you’re wanted, sir,” Tec said, scrambling out as Dustin followed close behind.
    “Ya got him.” Dustin was looking at Lanfer’s body. “Good on ya, Captain.”
    “Who wants me?” Heath asked.
    “The Warlord. The chamber’s been searched and he won’t let them seal the doors until you’re there. Seems the babe is coming fast,” Tec said cheerfully. But then his eyes popped. “Sun God, she’s naked!”
    Atira muttered something under her breath.
    Heath choked off a laugh. “Get me a cloak,