Warprize

that slow stride of his, with Gils in tow.
    Epor and Isdra had remained on their knees, and their presence drew Keir’s attention. “Leave.”
    Epor raised his head. “Warlord, we failed you.” Isdra nodded her agreement. Keir scooped up the bag of coins and stood looking at it for a moment, the small muscle in his jaw throbbing.
    Marcus cleared his throat. “Body guarding is far different from warrior’s work. Who knew wounded would rise to the attack?”
    Keir glared at Marcus, who returned the look, unimpressed.
    “Warlord, we feel the shame of this, Epor and I.” Isdra spoke. “We ask the chance to wipe this disgrace away.”
    I felt the need to speak. “It wasn’t their fault.”
    Keir’s glare scorched my skin. “It was. They were to protect you.” He tossed the small bag of coins onto one of the chests. I opened my mouth to respond, but a quick gesture from Marcus kept me silent. After long moments, Keir spoke. “Return to your duties. But never let this happen again.”
    “Never again.” Epor confirmed.
    “Our lives for hers.” Isdra pledged.
    At a gesture from Keir they were up and out of the tent. Marcus silently lowered the tent wall. Keir moved to the braziers and started to add coal. “Keir,” I said quietly. He did not turn. Marcus came up beside me and fussed with the furs. “Some broth? Some wine, or kavage?”
    I nodded. “Yes, Marcus, please. Broth and kavage.”
    He shot a glance at Keir’s back, then left on his errand. Keir was standing, staring into the sullen coals. “
    Keir, please. I need your help.” He turned, looking at me with haunted eyes. I started to struggle to sit up. He was there in an instant, helping me. “Privy,” I said, smiling at him. He swept me up, and carried me to the room. No smile. No response. After the business was done, he carried me back, placed me gently on the bed, and pulled the covers up tight. He sat there, staring at me, stroking my hair. I put my hand to his face. “Keir, what…”
    Marcus walked in, carrying a tray. Keir got up and resumed pacing. Marcus helped me sit up. “Soup I had simmering,” he murmured. “Drink it all.” His one eye glared at me as he set the bowl in my hands. I sipped obediently, enjoying the warmth. It tasted good. Rich, salty, with a bit of spice I didn’t recognize. The salt clung to my lips and stung slightly. I took a few more sips, relishing the flavor before I identified the aftertaste. “Marcus, you drugged this!”
    “Aye.” Marcus stood, unrepentant. “Gils and the tall one gave it to me. Will do you good. Finish the bowl.” Marcus picked up the wine jug and poured some into a cup.
    “And this for you.” He thrust the cup at Keir.
    “No.” Keir turned away.
    Marcus frowned, but turned back to me and eyed the bowl in my hands. I gave up, knowing that Eln had been right, but unwilling to take my own medicine. Besides, my neck and arm ached. I finished the bowl and handed it to Marcus.
    “Leave us,” Keir growled.
    Marcus picked up the dishes, caught my eye and nodded in Keir’s direction. I nodded back, pleased that he trusted me to take care of Keir. The tension in his face eased with understanding, and he left the room.
    Keir was still moving about, still wound up. I settled into the furs and pillows, already feeling the effects of the lotus. Keir knelt by the bed. “Are you well?”
    I smiled. “Fine. Marcus is right, sleep will help.” I yawned and shifted around, trying to get comfortable. He looked at me intensely. “You could have been killed. If I hadn’t heard the noise and headed over, he would have killed you.” Something in his face closed off. “If you had died, the peace would have broken.
    ”
    Alarmed, I tried to force my eyes open. “The peace is more important than any one person.”
    Keir took a few of the pillows, and moved them to support my arm. “Don’t fight it. Close your eyes.”
    I looked up through half lidded eyes, unable to resist the pull of the drug. He seemed so tired, so worn. He kissed me softly. “Sleep.”
    “If you will.”
    He shook his head. “No.” But he eased onto the bed, setting his sword close at hand and gathering me in with the other. “Sleep.”
    Exhaustion pulled at me, but I resisted a moment more. “Keir. Don’t do anything…” 1 couldn’t think of the word.
    “Rash?” Keir asked softly.
    “Stupid.” I yawned, and heard his chuckle as I floated off.
    I awoke to the dark tent and the sound of rhythmic