Warprize

noticed that he did not add anything to it. “And check Simus, if I may.”
    “I am calling senel at the nooning. I want you to be there.”
    I nodded and wondered what a senel was.
    Keir continued. “I am assigning two guards to be with you at all times.”
    I choked on my food.
    Marcus had come in with more bread. “Good,” he muttered, and left the room. Keir held up a hand as I tried to clear my throat. “No arguments. I would have you protected, something you can not do for yourself.”
    I sputtered. “I am not helpless.”
    His eyes strayed to my upper arm. 1 flushed at the implication and opened my mouth to argue. He cut me off with a gesture. “If it is not acceptable, you may stay here, nap and let Marcus feed you.” I heard an exclamation from the other room.
    I glowered at Keir.
    He was impervious. “I have sent for the guards. They will be here shortly.” He finished his kavage and stood. I grabbed some bread and tore at it, trying not to watch as he strapped on his weapons. Marcus came in and started to clear dishes. “It’s for the best, Warprize.” I glowered at my mug of kavage. “And yourself?”
    “Simus and I need to talk,” Keir responded.
    “The attacks on the horses.” Marcus’s tone was grim, and he muttered something under his breath.
    “Aye.” Keir caught my questioning look. “Someone is shooting at the herds, killing horses. We believe they are your people.”
    I opened my mouth to deny it, but closed it with a snap. Keir was watching me carefully, but he said nothing further. I finished my food in silence, as Keir armed himself, and Marcus fussed. Sounds at the outer entrance let me know that my guards were coming, and I quickly started to peel the bark off the stump I was sitting on. Marcus demanded to know what I was doing, as Keir moved to greet the guards. I looked up to see Prest and Rafe standing there, grinning like fools. I smiled when I saw them. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all.
    Keir led the way, with Rafe and Prest flanking me. Marcus voice called out behind us. “Mind now, be here for the senel. With time to get cleaned up!”
    Simus was not in the best of moods. “About time.” He grumped as we entered his tent. Rafe and Prest took up positions outside. “What about these attacks? Any sign it’s the damned city—”
    Keir cleared his throat as I entered.
    “Good morning, Warprize.” Joden greeted me with a twinkle in his eye. “Be warned that Simus has not yet had enough kavage to be human.”
    Simus growled, and I almost laughed out loud. Who’d think a patient in a foul mood could be such a comfort? “I could come back later.” I offered.
    “No!” Simus struggled up on his elbows, furious, then drew a deep breath when he realized I was teasing. A small smile crept over his face. “Good Morning, Warlord. Warprize.”
    “Good morning, Simus of the Hawk.” Keir sat on one of the stumps off to the side. “Can’t say that I blame you for being in a foul mood.” He gestured toward the leg. “I’d not have the patience to endure.”
    Simus glared at him. “Made all the harder when I get no word of what is happening—”
    Keir held up a hand. “Let the warprize look at your leg.”
    “You talk while she works.” Simus was pushing aside his blankets and furs, exposing his leg. Joden moved to help him, and I knelt along side.
    “There were no attacks last night. Bolts were found in the horses that were slain. We will discuss our actions at the senel that I called for this nooning.”
    Simus grunted. “Which of us uses crossbows? Even if we did, none of us would do such a thing.”
    “I’ve decided to send Iften to the Xyian King, to inform him of the attacks and to get answers.”
    “Iften?” Simus’s full attention was on Keir now. “Why Iften? Why not go yourself?”
    I looked over my shoulder, curious as to what Keir’s response would be, only to find him giving me a veiled look. “I’ll not leave camp.”
    “Ah, well. Maybe ‘tis best. Let him show his true—”
    Keir cut him off. “Let the warprize finish her work and be on her way. You and I have much to discuss. Including Joden.”
    I glanced at Joden, but his face was impassive. Simus was not so silent. “There’s nothing to talk about.”
    “No?”
    “No.” Simus looked at Joden, then gave Keir a sly look. “Joden’s not the first to deny mercy to a friend.
    ” When Keir didn’t react, Simus grinned. “Joden and I will be at the