“Essa is the Eldest Elder Singer,” Joden said. “A candidate for Singer must pass through Trials as the Warlords do. They must let me try,” he continued. “And if I pass through the Trials, then I will face their judgement.” Joden shrugged his shoulders. “It is a challenge, and I will confront it in my time.”
Simus sighed. “Challenges are so much easier when you can swing a sword at them.”
“True enough,” Joden agreed with a heart-felt sigh. “True enough.”
Chapter Fifteen
Some nights later Simus woke when the night-watch whispered his name through the tent flaps. “Warlord, a messenger from Xy.”
Simus rolled out, pulled on trous and boots, and grabbed his sword and dagger. He went out into the main tent to find the watch standing there, a woman warrior in their midst.
“Elois, it is good to see you,” he said as one of them stoked up the coals of a brazier. “Come from Xy?”
“Aye, Warlord,” Elois went to one knee before him then rose when he gestured her up. “I bring word from Warlord Keir of the Cat and the Warprize.”
Elois had the look of one too long alone with only the herds. She stood tall and straight, but her eyes held a bright, dazed sheen. Simus knew that look all too well, as did the watch. It took time to adjust back to normal after days and days in the saddle. They softened their voices and gave her respectful space.
“When did you leave Xy?” Simus asked, trying to determine how much he could ask of her.
“The morning after the night of the pillar of light,” Elois responded.
“You made good time.” Simus was impressed.
“Once I had decent horses,” she said ruefully, swaying slightly. “But I bear truths you must hear, Warlord.”
“Should I waken Joden?” one of the watch asked.
“No, let him sleep,” Simus said. “Give me the meat of it, Elois. I’ll hear the whole tale once you’ve rested and slept.” He could not stop his own eagerness. “How does the Warprize?”
“Well,” Elois’s face lit up. “She has borne twins, and all were well and healthy when I left.”
Simus crowed a soft laugh as the other warriors slapped each other on the back. “Two,” he laughed. “Well, done, Little Healer! Keir and Reness must have burst with pride.”
Elois smiled and nodded, but then the joy drained from her face. “But there is grief as well, Warlord.”
His joy fled in a breath. “Tell me,” Simus demanded.
“Lord Othur, Seneschal and Warder of Xy was slain by one of the Xyian nobles.” Elois drew a shaky breath. “He died speaking peace, with no weapon in his hand, and they killed him for it.”
Simus felt the words like a blow to the chest. He stood for a moment, not fully understanding. “Dead?’
“Dead,” Elois said. “He died with his bonded, the Warprize, and Heath of Xy by his side.”
Simus rubbed his face with one hand.
“There is more, but that is the meat of it, Warlord.” Elois drew a deep breath but Simus cut her off with his hand.
“In the morning,” Simus repeated. “Bed down here, in one of the chambers. Do not stray from me, for I would hear all the truths you have.”
Elois nodded, her exhaustion starting to show. “I was sent to ask for word of the needle of light, but I saw Eloix on the way here, and I know you have sent word. The Warlord bid me obey you in all things, but he also freed me to take oath with you if I remained.”
Simus nodded. “My thanks, Elois.”
“Just one more thing, Warlord.” Elois yawned, then caught herself. “Forgive me, but you mentioned the Eldest Elder Thea.”
“Reness?” Simus asked. “What of her?”
“She was not present at the Warprize’s birthing.” Elois blinked at him, her tiredness clear. “She is not in Xy.”