“Agreed,” Essa said.
They emerged, blinking in the sun to find a gathering of warriors awaiting news. Destal was standing there, arms crossed over her chest, her young warriors clustered behind her.
Simus’s heart caught in his throat. Snowfall stood with them.
He walked over as the others emerged from the lodge and organized themselves along Essa’s wishes. Other warriors, attracted by the sight, started to gather, leading saddled horses.
“Wyverns?” he asked Destal.
“They’ve settled since the nooning—the horns have not sounded for some time,” she said. “But I wouldn’t linger.”
Simus repeated her words for Essa, then turned back to Destal. Simus lowered his voice. “My thanks,” he said.
“It will be instructive for my charges to watch the Council administer the oaths,” Destal said. “Nothing more.”
Simus grinned at Snowfall.
Snowfall puffed out a breath from behind Destal. “Well?” she demanded, showing cracks in her reserve. “What happened?”
Simus opened his mouth to answer her, but Essa’s voice cut him off. “Simus of the Hawk,” the Eldest Elder Singer called. “Come and be the first to be sworn as Warlord.”
Snowfall’s smile was blinding and quick, for his eyes only.
Simus laughed, turned, and strode to where the four Eldest Elders stood, surrounded by the Elders and other Warlord candidates, and all the other warriors gathered to watch.
He stood before them, tall and proud, trying to take it all in.
“Kneel, Simus, and offer your sword.”
He pulled his sword, and knelt, offering his blade between his two hands.
Essa spoke loudly, his voice carrying over the crowd. “Simus of the Hawk, Warrior of the Plains. You come before us as a candidate for Warlord. Do you wish to serve the Plains?”
“I do,” Simus said.
“Name your Second,” Essa said.
“Tsor of the Bear,” Simus said. Tsor stepped forward and rested his right hand on Simus’s left shoulder.
“Name your Token-bearer,” Essa said.
“Elois of the Horse,” Simus said. Elois stepped forward and rested her left hand on Simus’s right shoulder.
“Have they passed through their Trials?” Essa asked.
“They have,” Simus said. “I am witness to this truth.”
“Do any deny this truth?” Essa asked the crowd. There was no response.
“Tsor of the Bear. Elois of the Horse. Has Simus of the Hawk passed through his Trials?”
“He has,” Tsor said. “I am witness to this truth.”
“He has,” Elois said. “I am witness to this truth.”
“Do any deny this truth?” Essa asked. There was no response.
“Simus of the Hawk, we of the Council entrust you with the lives of the Warriors of the Plains. Will you take responsibility for these lives and hold them dear?”
