Warlord

winds had brought us word of you, but Antas listens only to the worst." She tapped the table with her finger. "Although it surprised me that he acted so. I'd have expected it from Wild Winds before Antas."
    Once again, she dipped her finger in the kavage. "Those who would speak to the Council are placed be tween the fire pits." She drew the rest of the tent in for me. "Those who would observe, or wait their turn, stand on the other side of the pits, along the edges of the tent. Those who provide for the Council, they are behind the tiers."
    I dipped some fresh bread into the meat dish with the red flakes, taking only a little with a large piece of bread. Warned this time, I nibbled at it carefully. It stung my mouth, but the taste wasn't bad, just different. Keekai chuckled as I ate. "You will become of the Plains before you realize it, Lara." I took a deep breath as the spices filled my nose. "Has there been any word from Keir?" Keekai shook her head. "It's too soon." She looked at me with sympathy. "I'm sure he'll be here as fast as he can, Lara. But even if he arrived today, they would keep you apart." I nodded, staring down at the food. "I understand."
    "Now, of the Elders present—" Keekai broke off, looking over my shoulder. "What is it?" I turned on my stool to see a warrior at the tent flap. "A messenger from the Council, Elder." The woman smiled at me. "For the Warprize."
    "Ah." Keekai arched an eyebrow. "Send them in."
    I hastily chewed and swallowed my last bite, wiping my face with my hands. A young girl walked into the area, obviously conscious of the importance of her mission. She faced us, tall, slim, and confident. "Greetings. I am Jilla of the Bear. I carry a message for Xylara, Daughter of Xy, from the Council of Elders of the Plains."
    Keekai deferred to me with a gesture. I cleared my throat. "I am Xylara." Jilla gave me a nod. "Daughter of Xy, the Council bids me ask if you would be able to attend a Council senel this afternoon."
    I glanced over at Keekai, but she deferred to me again. "As you will, Warprize."
    "Please tell the Council that I will attend," I responded.
    Jilla gave me another nod. "The Council wishes you to know that every courtesy will be offered to you. An escort will be sent, once the Council is met."
    I nodded at that, and she slipped between the tent flaps and vanished.
    "As close to an apology as we are likely to get," Keekai offered. I turned back to the table, and reached for my kavage. Keekai continued on. "They may honor you with your own tent, Lara. And appoint new guards for you. This is an honor, but it also serves to separate us, something that will please Antas." She hesitated then. "We could delay them, if you wish. Claim that you are too tired to appear."
    "No." I shook my head. "I want this over with. Now, please, help me remember Antas's accusations. And tell me more about the Council members."
    "Welcome to the Heart of the Plains, Xylara, Daughter of Xy."
    I nodded my head slightly, giving them no more, or less, than their due. This time, Eldest Singer Essa greeted me as I walked into the tent. He was standing in the center, between Antas and Wild Winds. Antas was in full armor, an impressive sight to be sure. Even more impressive was the expression on his face, dark and forbidding.
    Wild Winds had a neutral look, as if I was no more than another warrior that appeared before them. He was seated, his arms folded over his tattooed chest. I took note of the tattoo over his left eye, determined that I would know him in the future.
    I stood before them all, in the flame-red dress and matching slippers. I'd put on the bracelets, dotted a bit of my precious vanilla oil between my breasts, and braided my hair down my back. I also had my satchel slung on my hip, and while the strap may have marred the cut of the dress, I'd carried it anyway. In my own way, I was armed for combat, although they might not recognize the dress or satchel as such. Still, there had been a stir when I'd entered the pavilion, and it had given me a bit more confidence. I would take every morsel I could find.
    Essa continued. "We offer you the warmth of our fire, and a seat before us." The tent we were under was huge, and it covered a stone floor that seemed perfectly circular. I was standing between two fire pits, where coals smoldered, providing heat. There were also other braziers scattered around, and a few torches as well, for light.
    The three Eldest were before me on a low wooden