“I’ll take the scouts, if you will have me, Warlord,” Cimor spoke up. The older man was grizzled, but his skill was in his cunning. “I’ve served as such under—”
Simus held up his hand with a laugh. “No need to list your campaigns, old friend. I accept.”
They spent some time under the night sky as the braziers burned down, talking of the Trials to come and the positions that were normally appointed, not contested for.
“I’ll ask for supply master,” Sal said. “That is, if no other is interested.”
“No one has spoken for it,” Simus said. “And I’d be grateful if you’d take on the task.”
“Consider it done,” Sal said with clear satisfaction, but Simus was even more pleased. She’d served Keir in the same role, and understood the Xyian use of coin for trade.
“For those that would contest for Token-bearer, I have a caution,” Simus said. “We have all served under Keir, and have all known Marcus, his Token-bearer.”
Some of the older warriors were nodding now, anticipating his words.
“But Marcus is not a traditional Token-bearer,” said Simus, “due to his afflictions. Any who would contest for Token-bearer should be aware of this, for mine will fill all the traditional roles of one that speaks for the Warlord and is his voice and message-bearer.”
He could see thoughtful looks and nodding heads.
“One last thought,” he said. “Antas of the Boar shattered his oaths when he attacked the Council of Elders and called for the death of the Warprize in Council last season. There is no truth, no honor in him. I do not think he will appear for the challenges, but he is bold.”
“I had not thought of that.” Yers looked thoughtful. “Would he be considered a candidate?”
“That is for the Elders and Eldest Elders to decide,” Simus said. “But I ask that you all keep careful watch over yourselves and any that pledge themselves to us. Attacks may not just come in the challenge circles.”
Thoughtful looks all around, now. Simus was glad to see they were considering that warning seriously.
“For now,” he said, turning the conversation to happier things, “I thank you for the gifts of your truths and declare this senel closed.”
The warriors stood and stretched, and went to seek their tents, or to post the watches. Some started to gather gurtle pads and mugs, and stir the braziers to settle the coals.
“That was well done,” Joden said.
“It was, wasn’t it?” Simus said, well content with the day. He glanced off toward the Heart. “Now there’s just the worry of what they are doing.”
Joden shook his head. “Don’t think on it,” he said, then gave Simus a sly smile. “Didn’t Eloix offer to distract you?”
“So she did,” Simus said, catching Eloix’s gaze across the camp.
Her answering smile matched his.
Chapter Three
They walked away from the tents, but stayed within the circle of guards he’d set. Eloix was ahead of him, carrying a blanket, her sword bouncing gently against her swaying hip. Simus enjoyed the sight as he followed, feeling a warm curl of anticipation. They stopped just far enough from the camp to be out from underfoot as the warriors and horses settled for the night.
Eloix spread the blanket over the grasses and disrobed, placing her weapons close at hand, piling her armor neatly beside them.
“Your skin reflects the starlight,” Simus murmured as he admired the silver shine on her skin. Even her golden hair seemed to mirror the stars. He moved closer to help her slide her trous off, down her long legs.
“Such words. Are you sure you are not a Singer in training?” she whispered back, then laughed, reaching to stroke his jaw, and run her fingers over his close-cropped hair.
“Just a humble warrior,” Simus said into her ear as his dark hands wandered over her pale breasts. “With a desire to please.”
“Oh, you please—” Eloix drew a long breath as he ran his thumbs over her taut nipples. She pushed him back slightly and reached for the clasps of his leathers. “But humble? I think not, warrior.”
“Oh, yes,” Simus said. “Humbled by your loveliness.” He ran his hands up over her collarbones and felt her shiver under his touch even as she laughed again. He traced a path down her back, pulled her close and caught her lips with his.
Eloix leaned into him, moaning into his mouth, her hands moving faster to strip his armor and weapons and set them aside. They collapsed together to the blanket, lost in the pleasure of skin on skin. The air was filled with the scent of crushed grasses and the warm, musky scent of their bodies as they reached for one another, the heat growing between them.
