Warprize

horses toward the gate and left the castle. So it was that Simus and I were on the rise that overlooked the road when Keir’s army began to move. The road stretched for long miles down the valley to eventually reach the plains. A well-worn path, it was trampled dirt for miles and miles. The day was clear and crisp, with a slight breeze. It would be cold when the sun sank behind the mountains.
    With distant cries, the army began to pass in front of us, with the leaders in the forefront. I spotted Iften and Joden, but my eyes locked on Keir. He was astride his horse, dressed in black, hard to miss with his scarlet cape. He rode at the lead, eyes to the front. Joden had obviously seen us, he surged forward and spoke to Keir. But Keir passed without turning his head, without a glance. Simus chuckled. “He’s showing off.”
    “How so?”
    “Moving out at a trot. Normally the army moves at a walk.”
    ‘To save the horses.“
    Simus laughed. “No, to save our asses. Trotting’s hard on the rider. He’s trying to impress. They’ll slow once they are out of sight.”
    It took some time for the entire army to pass by, but at last the stream of soldiers and equipment ended. While we couldn’t see them, Simus had assured me that the rear guard had stayed behind. They’d wait for about an hour, then spread out, checking for pursuit, reporting back to Keir on a regular basis. I was counting on that last part.
    When the last man passed the fork in the road, I dismounted, and removed my cloak and shoes.
    “This is dangerous, Lara.” Simus frowned. “You’ll be alone on the road, with no protection. At least let me follow at a distance to watch over you.”
    “No, Simus, I forbid it.” I shivered in the white shift and crammed the cloak and shoes into the saddlebags. “Your people love a grand gesture, and this certainly qualifies.” I handed Simus the reins. “
    The Warlord has claimed me. I will take nothing except from his hands. I just wish I knew how he will take this.” After all, I had his heart, he’d said so himself.
    “Would that I could offer you assurances, but all I know for certain is that he will be furious.” Simus sighed, then flashed a grin. “So will Joden. Tell him I will send my words. Be well, Warprize.”
    “Be well, Simus.” I turned and walked away, down the road, following the army. We were still within sight of the city walls, and I could hear a faint cheer as I started down the road. Word had spread of my intentions, and there was a crowd along the walls, watching me go. Othur, Warren, and Simus would take good care of the kingdom, of that I was sure. I was not sure how this grand gesture of mine would be received.
    I could see the army moving away up ahead, the cloud of dust still visible. The road was pounded dirt and cool beneath my feet. I walked carefully, trying to avoid the sharper stones and keeping my pace deliberate, not hurried. I had a long way to go before I caught up, and would need my strength. The breeze picked up, cut through my white sheath and blew my hair around my head. I’d left it down, deliberately trying to look as I had looked that night.
    I tried to keep my thoughts still and quiet, but I had little success. With every step I imagined Keir’s anger when he realized what I had done. My head was filled with mental images of being whipped at a post, or just trampled under the hoofs of his horse. I bit my lip as a stray stone cut into my foot. Best I start watching where I walked, instead of thinking about what might happen. I tried to stay in the clear parts of the road, avoiding horse dung. Perhaps going barefoot had not been the wisest choice. The sky was a vibrant orange when I finally heard the thunder of hooves behind me. I didn’t turn, just continued to walk at a steady pace. For a brief moment, I feared that Simus or Othur had sent troops after me. But instead, as Simus had predicted, the first of the rear scouts moved past me at a gallop, their horses veering around me. One looked back, and let out a yelp of surprise. He pulled on the reins so hard his horse reared, legs splayed in its effort to stop. The other scout, hearing the noise, pulled his sword, and turned off the road, arcing back to me.
    I ignored them and kept walking.
    The first scout came up on horseback. “Warprize?” he asked, looking horrified. I looked up to see Tant, the warrior that had been whipped for falling asleep on watch.
    The other scout came up, scanning for