Warsworn

inclining his head. "The warriors are maintaining discipline—"
    "For now." Iften interrupted.
    Yers glared, but I spoke first. "Then let us continue on as we have. Keir will be well within a few days."
    "And if he is not?" Iften asked smoothly.
    I ignored him. "I will see to Keir, with Marcus's help. Gils will see to the rest of the sick. Come to me with any questions, but I will give my attention to Keir."
    "What a surprise, that you will ignore the others for the Warlord." I focused on the others as Iften spoke. For the most part, it seemed I was right in my diagnosis. Telsi, Yers and Ortis scowled at Iften's words, but Wesren, Uzaina and Tsor were clearly considering their import. Aret had an odd look on her face, as if undecided. I wanted to slap that smug look right off Iften, and make him take back every oily, ugly word. Thank the Goddess Marcus was inside with Keir. He'd have had his daggers plunged into the man's chest. I held my temper hard, biting the inside of my cheek. "I ignore no one. He is the Warlord, and I am his Warprize. My place is at his side."
    "Warprize only so long as he lives, Xyian."
    All in attendance stiffened at the insult, but I ignored it. "You are Second, Iften. But I am the Warprize."
    He bowed that handsome blonde head, smirk firmly in place. "As you say, Xyian. But as Second, I shall return to my tent and keep myself from the contagion that you have brought among us. So that when a leader is needed, I will be ready." He turned and walked away without another word.
    Silence fell as he moved off. The warleaders exchanged glances, but I'd learned one thing from Keir. I cut off any comment and dismissed them. "Thank you all for your reports. I will send word when Keir has recovered."
    There was a pause at that, and I waited a breath, but then Aret moved, returned her mug, and left. The others followed suit, leaving Joden and Yers standing before me. Gils popped out of the tent, so quickly that I suspected he'd been listening.
    Isdra was focused on Iften, seen disappearing into his tent. "That one dares much, with Keir unable to silence him."
    Gils jutted out his jaw. "I's think he denies the Warprize, yet uses her medicines secretly."
    "Yet, is it not true that we need a leader to be healthy, and stay ready to lead?" Joden asked.
    "If Keir dies, we will need someone to lead this army."
    Yers gave him a searching look. "You side with Iften?"
    Joden sighed deeply. "I have no love of Iften. But don't let your bias against him blind you to his actions. Perhaps what he is doing is a wise precaution, given the way things are." The way things are. From where we stood, I had a clear view of the lake shore. People being immersed in the water in a desperate attempt to bring down their fevers. I watched for a moment, then asked a question I didn't really want an answer to.
    "How goes it?" I asked, turning my head to focus on Gils.
    Gils shifted his weight nervously, adjusting the strap of Ms satchel, looking everywhere but at me.
    "The truth, Gils." I said.
    'Tell her." Yers said.
    Gils sighed. "The deaths continue. About one dead for every ten sick." I lifted my eyes in the direction of the village, where black smoke rose into the sky. One for every ten, in an army of thousands.
    "But, Warprize, I's thinking that there are fewer new sick in the last few hours." Gils spoke quickly, trying to offer reassurance.
    Yers nodded. "I agree. And the warriors are all cooperating to aid the sick. We will fight on, Warprize."
    "Joden," I turned to the large man, his broad face grim and unsmiling. "Would you continue Keir's work with the army? Keeping their spirits and minds focused as he did?" Joden was silent for a moment, staring at the shoreline. He spoke, but would not meet my eyes.
    "I would decline, Warprize. My place is to assist with the dead."
    "I will take up that task, Warprize." Yers covered an awkward silence with his words. "It should be mine anyway, since I am now Keir's Third."
    I nodded, then watched as they both walked off. Not once did Joden look at me.
    "I's never thought I'd witness anything like this." Gils's voice brought me back.
    "It only happens once in a lifetime." I responded.
    "Once in a lifetime will be enough, Warprize." Gils heaved a deep sigh, then adjusted the strap of his satchel. He looked me up and down with concern. "See that you eat and rest, Warprize." Prest snorted and I laughed out loud at the gangly lad with his red curls, freckles and oh-so-serious face who stood