Warlord

called.
    We both gave a guilty start.
    "Marcus?" Keir responded.
    "A messenger, for the Warprize." From the sound of his voice, Marcus was at the main entrance to the tent. Thank the Goddess.
    Keir frowned. "From?"
    There were sounds then, some talk at a distance. The discussion ended, and I heard Marcus walk across the main area. The flap opened and he stuck his head in. "From the Eldest Singer Essa." Marcus's voice betrayed his surprise, and he spoke softly. "He asks the Warprize for a healing."
     

 

     
     

Chapter 19

 

     
     

     
    The Heart of the Plains was pulsing madly as we walked to Essa's tent. People everywhere were striking tents, and packing loads on horses. I looked around in astonishment at what appeared to be chaos. Prest and Rafe were ahead of us, clearing a path. Ander and Yveni brought up the rear. Keir walked at my side, glaring at any that dared to get close.
    "What is going on?' I asked.
    "Preparations for the ceremony," Keir explained. "The area around the Council tent must be cleared."
    "Who attends the ceremony?" I asked.
    "Everyone," Keir answered.
    Everyone?
    I wanted to know more, but we were at Essa's tent. Rafe and Prest remained outside, and two warriors opened the flap and welcomed us in.
    I stepped in and blinked in surprise. The tent was filled with things, far more items than I'd ever seen in a Firelander tent before. It was a tent as large as Keir's but it was packed to the top. Weapons, armor, shields, fabrics, pillows, trunks that seemed to contain all kinds of trinkets and bowls. It reminded me of my Great Aunt Xydella, who could never throw anything away. There was barely room to move about, much less for company.
    Essa was reclining on a platform, surrounded by pillows. On a stool close by, sat Wild Winds. They both stiffened when Keir entered behind me. "I asked for the Warprize," Essa snapped.
    "You get both of us," Keir growled. "Or no one."
    Wild Winds said nothing. I stepped forward, taking my satchel strap off over my head. "I am here, Eldest Singer. How can I help you?"
    Essa and Wild Winds exchanged quick glances, then Essa licked his lips. "I would ask for a healing, Warprize. The use of your skills on an injury."
    I nodded. "Of course. I'm more than willing to help you."
    Essa cleared his throat. "I would ask for this healing under the bells." I raised an eyebrow, and exchanged a glance with Keir. He was frowning, but said nothing, so I nodded.
    "That is the Xyian way."
    "I would ask that Wild Winds watch your healing," Essa continued. Before I could answer, Keir chimed in. "You die first."
    "Keir," I broke in, trying to ease tensions, but Keir was having none of it.
    "I'm not letting you out of my sight or reach." Keir crossed his arms over his chest. Wild Winds stood, slowly. "I will protect the Warprize with my life." We both looked at him, shocked. He shook his staff so that the skulls tied there rattled. "I may not accept her ways, but she is a Warprize of the Plains, as confirmed by the Council of Elders." He leaned a bit, using the staff with both hands for support. "I will take the oaths during the ceremony, and I will see that no harm comes to her." Essa spoke then. "This does not mean he supports you. You understand? But I told him that I intended to ask for aid, and he asked to watch. I agreed." Essa shifted on the pillows. "Will you allow this, Keir of the Cat?"
    Keir's face was bland, but I could see the storm in his eyes. After a long moment, he turned to me.
    "Lara?"
    "My oaths require that I treat any that ask it of me," I responded. "You are my Warlord, Keir of the Cat. I respect that you are concerned for my safety. Please respect my oaths in return. Besides," I smiled at him, "it's a tent. If I so much as breathe hard, you will slash your way to my side." He gave me a look then, an unhappy look, to be sure. But I raised my eyebrows at him, and the corners of his eyes crinkled. "Very well. As my Warprize requests."
    Essa struggled to his feet. "Please refrain from slashing your way through my tent, Warlord." He walked toward what must be his sleeping area. "This way, Warprize."
    I picked up my satchel, and followed, with Wild Winds bringing up the rear. We went into a sleeping area that was as large as Keir's, if not larger. This area, too, was crammed with more items, odd looking drums, leather hangings, trunks with clothing spilling out. I wondered how he managed to have all these things and still wander the Plains?
    Essa sank down on to