Warprize

right?”
    I blinked and just admired him. He looked down at me, slowly smiled, and repeated his question. “I’m fine.” I smiled at him. Marcus came into the room, and I flushed slightly, adjusting the blanket a bit higher. “My arm’s a little sore, that’s all.”
    Keir frowned, then understanding came into his eyes. “Perhaps you should stay in bed today.”
    I tilted my head and smiled wider. “Only if you stay with me.” His eyes flared, and I seemed to see some movement underneath the towel. My smile expanded.
    He mock growled and stalked off toward the privy. “Marcus! Send a runner for Gils. I want him to look at her arm.” With that, his high and mightiness entered the privy and dropped the flap behind him. Marcus looked over at me, concerned. “Is it the arm that’s hurting?”
    I busied myself with the placement of the furs. “No.”
    Marcus smiled. “Ah.” He left, whistling tunelessly as he did so.
    After I bathed, Marcus stood over me as Gils changed the bandage and administered fever’s foe. The wound was very sore, but looked well. Marcus grunted when Gils was done and whisked him out of the tent. He’d not be allowed to serve this time.
    I could hear the men gathering in the main area and tried to concentrate on putting my hair up and out of my way. Keir came up behind me and captured my hands. “Leave it down. Please?” He ran his fingers through the half-formed bun and shook it out. I sighed as he pulled me up and over to the flap. Marcus played herald for us, bearing Keir’s token, and the men rose as we made our way to our seats. Trays of food were brought out and pitchers of kavage were quickly passed around. I dug in, hungry. Keir sparked conversation, asking about the status of men, gear and supplies. I listened as I ate, noting that Keir seemed very satisfied with the responses. Simus was also asking questions and listening, but while both men seemed to concentrate on the talk, and the food, I knew their attention was also on Iften, sitting off to the far side, nursing some kavage. Iften made no move to join the conversation, but also drew no attention to himself.
    Marcus went out for a moment to speak with the guards, then returned. When he had caught Keir’s eye, he spoke. “A messenger from the castle.”
    Keir nodded. “I was hoping to hear from Warren. Bring the messenger in.”
    The flap parted, and a figure walked in. With the light behind him, I could not make out his face until he drew nearer. It was Heath. My face split into a delighted smile. “Heath.” I stood and went over to him, wrapping him in an enthusiastic hug. He returned it with gusto, then pulled back. As always, his hand came up to cup my neck and he pulled his forehead to mine.
    “Lara. Are you well?” His whisper was fierce and hard, a contrast to his smiling face. I nodded, still resting my forehead on his. “Well, very, very well.” I lifted my head and smiled at him. “
    Come, sit with me. Eat.”
    He shook his head, speaking in a low voice. “No. I’ve a message to deliver and I don’t know how it will be received. Go. Return to your seat.”
    I frowned. “Something’s wrong.” It was there in his eyes.
    Heath released me and gave me a slight push. I returned to my seat, casting a glance at Keir, who had a concerned look on his face.
    Heath advanced another step, and then sank to one knee, bowing before Keir.
    “Welcome.” Keir indicated that Heath could rise, but Heath did not do so. Keir continued, “Do you bring word from Lord Warren?”
    “Warlord, I was sent by Xymund, the King.”
    Keir gestured for him to continue.
    “Warlord, the message I was given was of treachery. Of an attack upon Xymund by Lord Warren as he rode through the city.” Keir sat up straight as Heath took a deep breath. “They are not true words, but I will repeat them if you so desire.”
    Keir and Simus tensed. The men about me stopped their idle talk and stilled, conscious of a new tension. Heath continued. “Warlord, my true mission was to kill…” His voice faltered. “… the King told me that upon entrance to the tent he was sure that Lara would approach me and greet me as she is like to do. Upon her approach, I was to strike and kill her.”
    Keir was feral still, his voice deep and soft and full of menace. “How so? I see no weapon.”
    “Like so, Warlord.” Heath extended his arm, twisted his wrist. A blade the length of a child’s hand sprang forth from under his sleeve. It