Warsworn

Dirt and mouse droppings in every corner." She waved her hand for emphasis. "A tent you can clean, shake free and be off. How can you think to keep a 'house' clean?" Epor chuckled, but I admonished her. "Isdra, they have been sick. Maybe they haven't been able to clean."
    Isdra shrugged. "Still, Warprize."
    "Warprize, you give your dead back to the earth, yes?"
    I turned toward Epor. "Yes, we bury our dead. What is your tradition?"
    "We give ourselves back to the elements, as do all. Some by fire, earth or air. It is rare to give to the waters, but it is done. Each according to their preference."
    "Air?" I tried to imagine how that would work and failed.
    "The body is lifted on a platform, left naked to the sky. Over time, the platform decays, and falls to the ground, usu-ally pulled down by the snows." Isdra gave me a look when I tried not to show my disgust. "Cleaner than giving back to the earth. But if earth is your custom, we will follow it."
    "I suppose." I responded politely. "Epor, you and Isdra alone can't bury the bodies. From what you say, there are too many."
    "We can start. A shame we can't let the army know to dig for us. But none of the cries are designed to carry that message."
    "We can't risk exposing them."
    Epor shrugged. "We will do what must be done. We can use fire as well, if we can find a clear clean place to build a pyre. Fire is my preference. We will finish our search tomorrow, then start on the dead." Epor drained his kavage. "You will stay in here, with them?"
    "Yes." I finished mine as well. "I will tend them through the night, catch sleep when I can."
    "Then I will take first watch. Isdra—"
    "Needs a bath." Isdra stood, securing her weapons. "There is a well and buckets and I am going to bathe."
    Epor laughed softly. "As you say." He stood. "I will watch… to keep you safe." Isdra smirked at him, and reached over to scratch him under the chin, her finger rasping in the hairs of his beard. "As you say."
    Epor acted offended. "I must keep an eye out for the crazed one. What other reason would I have to watch?"
    I had to chuckle, even as Isdra rolled her eyes. She rose, with a last look at the babe, and headed for the door. But Epor did not move. I looked at him, curious.
    He sighed, and lowered his voice. "Lara, I would ask for your token." Startled, I fumbled in my pocket and pulled out a stone. He took it gravely. "I would speak a truth, Lara."
    "I will hear your truth, Epor. And answer it."
    He shook his head. "No answer is needed. This is a truth of our ways, that I would tell you, and have you consider, yes?"
    I nodded.
    He focused on me, holding my gaze with his. "Bonding is not an easy thing, Lara. It takes a lot of work for a couple to maintain a bond." I nodded again, and he continued. "One of the things you cannot do is lie to your bondmate."
    I flushed, embarrassed, and looked away. I opened my mouth to retort, but Epor touched my knee and silenced me with his words. "I do not know your ways in this, for I have learned that those of Xy bond early, and for life. Maybe this is the way of your people. But Keir is of the Plains, and for us, the bond must come first, the bondmate being due your first thoughts, eh?" I nodded, still looking down at my hands.
    "So." Epor reached over and tucked the stone back into my hands. "I ask that you think on my truths, Lara." He stood and stretched as I fidgeted with the stone. "Now I will go and watch Isdra's back, yes?"
    I nodded again. He put his mask in place, gathered up his weapons and left without another word. I waited until he left to wipe my eyes. I'd been right to stay silent. If I'd told Keir about the forty days he'd never have allowed me to enter this village, never have stopped on his way to the Plains. I plucked at a rough spot on my tunic and tried not to hear the tiny voice in the back of my head, the one that was pointing out that I'd never given Keir a chance.
    * * *
    Once I'd checked everyone and set up my pallet, I realized we'd need more water. With empty bucket in hand, I eased the door open and slipped into the main room.
    Shrines to the Goddess are designed with small, high windows to allow her light to shine within. The moon was not full, but the soft beams of light filled the room with a silver glow. The doors out to the square were open. I stepped out into the doorway, and stopped. The same silver light made the square glow, casting faint shadows. Epor was seated on the well, his club in one hand. The light made