Yers nodded, his face grave. “There is talk...”
“What talk?” Simus asked.
“It is said that Joden left because of her.” Yers jerked his head in Snowfall’s direction. “That you argued about the warrior-priestess and he left in anger.”
“Joden left with Essa to pursue his own path,” Simus said patiently. It had only been this morning, but word travels with the winds. He drew in a slow breath. “And those that say this, what else do they say?”
“Some doubt you.” Yers looked away. “Some fear her,” he added. “But so far all say better to stay to serve you and Keir then to sever their oaths.”
“Joden will be at the dancing tonight,” Simus said, hoping he was right. “He’ll tell his truths.”
Yers looked him in the eye. “I hope so, Simus.”
That night, asthe sun set and the torches and fire pits were lit, Simus settled into the grass with his warriors fanned out behind him, seating themselves before the Heart of the Plains. The other candidates did the same, so that each claimed a section around the Heart.
As the warriors gathered and sat, Singers stood scattered in their midst. They would serve as Essa’s voices, repeating his words for all to hear.
The storm had passed over and the skies had cleared, but a slight mist hung in the air. Simus was certain he’d never seen such a night sky before, black and deep with all the stars glittering above as if in approval. The air was cool and sweet; the ground around the Heart just dry enough to dance. Perfect, to his mind. He grinned, and looked over to his left.
Snowfall sat at his side, her face its usual mask of serenity. Yers sat to his right. The army—his army—sat with them, spread out behind. At least, those that were not on duty. He and Yers had left a strong guard behind. The warriors would rotate through, so that all could dance this night.
Simus craned his neck, trying to look without being too obvious. The other Warlord candidates were seated around the Heart. Some were beyond his vision; the Heart was wide enough that he couldn’t make out faces. But close by him he could see Nires and Loual, and Ultie. They and their warriors settled down, all laughing and talking. Anticipation was high, for this night.
At some secret signal, the Singers all lifted their horns and blew out a blast calling for silence. Simus focused on the man standing at the center of the Heart.
“I am Essa, Eldest Elder Singer of the Plains,” Essa called out into the night. “Draw close and heed my words.”
The Singers about them repeated his greeting, and the horns sounded again. Simus was amused at the ‘draw close’. With all of the armies gathered there was little space left to ‘draw close’. But Singers obediently repeated his words, echoing them so that all could hear.
“May the elements be with us this night,” Essa called out again He turned to face in all directions as he spoke. “Warriors of the Plains,” Essa said. “The raiding season comes, when we take what we need for our People. Are your swords ready?”
“HEYLA,” was the cry that rose from the mass of warriors. A thrill went down Simus’s spine as the voices rolled over the grasses, seeming to go on and on to the very edges of the sky.
“I hereby summon the Elders of each Tribe to the Spring Council,” Essa commanded. “To confirm the Warlords for this season, and release them to battle.”
The crowd stirred with excitement.
Simus shared a glance with Yers. Every warrior had known this was coming, but now it was set. Simus felt his own heart speed up at the thought.
“The Trials will end at sunset tomorrow,” Essa continued. “The Council tent will then be raised, and the contenders will present themselves before us for confirmation.”
Simus kept a smile on his face, but frowned within. The Trials alone were not the only part of this; Joden had warned him that he would face opposition before the Council even if he defeated all of his challengers. Thinking on Joden...
Simus narrowed his gaze, focused on the Singers all around him, but he did not see his friend.
“Tomorrow at dawn raise your challenge banners to the winds, for at sunset the banners will be lowered for the final time,” Essa said. “But for now, we rejoice and thank the elements for their gifts. May the skies take pleasure in our dancing!” Essa moved off to the side of the large stone where a stool awaited him. As he sat he called a command. “Drummers!”
With a large BOOM, the drummers started a wild, fast rhythm. Cheers rose from all the warriors, and dancers flooded onto the Heart, swirling into a complicated pattern dance.
Simus craned his neck to look around.
Yers leaned over. “What do you seek?” he asked.
“Joden,” Simus said. “I do not see him.”
Snowfall craned her neck around, looking behind him. “It’s possible that he is on the other side of the crowd.”
“Do you think he was forbidden to attend?” Yers asked.
