Warprize

something…
    ‘All prisoners and wounded, if there are any, will be exchanged’
    Dearest Goddess, ‘if there are any’!
    I stood suddenly, dropping the vial onto the bed. Xymund had no intention of exchanging prisoners. He would obey the letter of the agreement but not the spirit. I swallowed hard, glancing out the window to the rising sun. It might already be too late.
    I was up and moving without another thought. I flew out of the room, reaching the circular back stair, throwing myself down them as fast as my feet could go. I burst through the kitchen door, and bless the Goddess, Othur was still there with Anna. They looked up, staring at me as if I had taken leave of my senses.
    I hurried over, talking as fast as my breath would let me.
    “Slow down, Lara, slow down.” He frowned. “Xymund wouldn’t. He’s too afraid of that demon to…”
    Anna wiped her face, her expression grim. “He would, damn him. A sop to his pride. What can we do?”
    “I think I can get them safe to the castle gates, but be-yond?” I trembled at the thought of a slaughter, of its effect on the peace.
    Othur rubbed his chin. “Let me worry about that. Go to the tents, Lara. Maybe we’re wrong, but go anyway.”
    I nodded, ran to the still room, and grabbed up my satchel. Without further thought I exploded out of the kitchen and down the garden path, running for all I was worth, praying that I was wrong. I stopped at the briar patch, just out of sight of the first sentry post, and tried to catch my breath. No point in giving myself away. I dropped the satchel, bent over, hands on knees, and concentrated on breathing.
    Once I had it under control, I picked up the bag and started walking down the path at my normal pace. I had to be in time, had to be…
    The first sentry appeared unconcerned, giving me a genial wave as I passed by. I returned it, and continued on. One slow step at a time. The next sentry came into view. I waved and kept my pace normal.
    The guard was a familiar one, but I could not place the name. He nodded to me. “You’re early this morn.
    ” I nodded and smiled, not trusting my voice. He lifted the flap. I took a breath and stepped inside. Everything was as it had been. I let out my breath slowly and swayed with the relief that coursed over me. Most of the prisoners were still asleep and not yet stirring. Someone was about, though, for I could smell kavage, and some of the braziers were alight. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe. I looked over to where Simus and Joden were, and headed toward them. The shadows clung in that area of the tent, where the light of the fires did not reach.
    Joden looked up first and seemed startled to see me. He rose from his knees and held out a hand, as if to ward me off. I moved past him and knelt by Simus, who exclaimed sharply as I reached over to pull back the blankets. I looked over, startled, then followed his gaze to the tent wall. There, where the darkness was deepest, I discovered something important.
    There was a man hidden in the shadows.
    I froze. Joden had moved behind me, blocking the guards view. Simus was struggling to sit up, and I assisted him almost unconsciously, my eyes never leaving the blue eyes that gleamed from the shadows above us.
    Kier.
    Joden was speaking softly and it took me a minute to remember his language. “… please. Don’t betray him, Lara. I beg you.”
    “I won’t.” I answered, keeping my own voice low. I glared into those blue eyes, so bright in the darkness. “Is this some kind of foolhardy rescue plan?”
    White teeth gleamed in the shadows.
    I tore my gaze away and concentrated on Simus’s leg. My hands trembled as I opened the bandage to inspect the wound. First Xymund threatens the peace and then this fool. My mouth tightened as a wave of anger passed over me. Was I the only one who cared?
    Simus lay back down. “Something has happened.” He looked back and forth between me and the silent man in the shadows.
    “There is to be peace, and a prisoner exchange.” I worked quickly, trying to see the wound in what light I had.
    Simus stared at me. “Peace?” He shot a glance at Kier. “Under what terms?”
    I didn’t look at him. “Fealty, taxes, land. A prisoner exchange. Tribute.” The shakiness in my voice surprised me.
    Joden’s voice came over my shoulder. “Tribute?”
    I didn’t know the word in their tongue, so I used my own. “A slave.” I was digging through my satchel, hiding my face. “Me. I am to be given to