“Truth,” Wild Winds said. “We all have our secrets. But these events have come at me like a violent storm across the Plains.” Wild Winds shook his head, his long, matted braids moving around his face, “It happened so fast, I’ve had no time to consider the consequences.”
Simus nodded slowly.
“I know this much,” Wild Winds said. “There is work to be done.” He gestured with his chin toward the Heart.
Simus grimaced, but nodded his agreement. “The bodies must be seen to, the camps cleared.” He frowned, considering the full mug of kavage in his hand. “Osa and Ultie are not far, with their warriors,” Simus pointed out. “Other candidates will be arriving. We will make short work of what must be done, and, if you are willing, share these truths with them as well.”
“Yes,” Wild Winds nodded. “This truth must be shared with all.”
Simus stared at him, still not quite sure he believed what he was hearing.
Wild Winds chuckled then sobered quickly. “Do you know where Eldest Elder Reness is? Or Essa?”
“Eldest Elder Reness left with Lara and Keir to aid with the birth of their child,” Simus shrugged. “I’ve heard nothing of Essa. Do you fear—”
“I do not know,” Wild Winds sighed. “But always Essa has been the first to the Heart in the Spring. I feel the need for his truths now, and Reness as well. But I am too tired to think much past that thought.” He frowned, opened his mouth as if to say more, only to be cut off by a yawn. He chuckled, and shrugged at Simus ruefully. “It seems the night and day has caught up with me.”
“With us all,” Simus agreed, suddenly feeling his own weariness.
“Have I answered your truths?” Wild Winds gestured toward the mug, completing the ritual with a slight smile.
“You have.” Simus drained the mug, and then offered it back with his own rueful grin. Snowfall advanced to claim it from his hand.
“Then let us sleep on these truths we have told each other,” Wild Winds rose, and with him all in the tent rose as well, stretching stiff limbs.
Simus nodded. His own exhaustion was creeping up on him; he needed to sleep. “Until tonight, then.”
Simus led theothers to where his tent had been pitched, greeting his warriors on watch. “The camp is set?” Simus asked.
“Aye, Warlord,” the First responded.
“Form a hunting party,” Simus ordered. “With any willing to go. The others are to grab what sleep they can, when off watch.”
“Aye, Warlord,” came the responses as he ducked into his tent. He turned to face Joden, Eloix, and Yers as they entered behind him. He lowered his voice, not bothering with bells. “You heard it all. I’ve not the wits left to talk it out now. Eloix—”
“There’s enough daylight for some hours in the saddle,” she murmured. “A few mugs of strong kavage, and I can be off.”
“Good.” Simus smiled his approval. “Tuck yourself into the hunting party. Ride for Xy once you are clear of watching eyes.”
“We should send two messengers,” Yers suggested. “By separate ways.”
“I cannot spare a warrior,” Simus said. “There are few enough here with me that I trust, and the loss of another may mean failure on our part. Little good that will do our cause.”
Yers crossed his arms over his chest, but nodded his agreement.
“Go carefully,” Simus said to Eloix. “Stop at the border and tell all to Liam of the Deer if he is there. Then make haste to Xy. Keir must be told of this.” He sighed. “I do not trust this sudden change, but for now we will take it as truth.”
“I will tell him,” Eloix said.
“Tell him this as well,” Simus stared at the wall of the tent, organizing his thoughts. Eloix waited silently.
“We’d thought that this year would be spent in preparation,” Simus said. “I would build my army; Joden would become Singer. Keir would build his strength in Xy, and then he would return next Spring to reclaim the title of Warlord, and then to WarKing. I will continue with that goal, but I think he should consider returning to the Plains now. This season. His presence could make a difference.”
“Even if Eloix rides like the winds themselves, Keir could not get here before the Trials are concluded,” Yers protested.
“Truth,” Simus said. “But Keir’s presence gives us more choices than his absence.” He focused on Eloix. “He will have to decide.”
“I will tell him,” Eloix said.
