"The honor of the entire Council depends on your safety." Simus looked grim. "Amyu is a child and will obey her elders. Your guards will protect you. But they will report if you try to see Keir, you understand?"
I nodded.
"Watch for Iften, and Gathering Storm. There is a warrior-priest not to be trusted."
"Gathering Storm? Which one is that?" I asked.
Simus grinned. "The one you doused with that stink, remember?" He turned his face slightly and spoke loudly for the listeners, switching languages easily. "You worked a marvel, Warprize. My leg is as new."
"Is there any pain when you walk?" I asked, following his example. I smeared the ointment on the scar, to soften the tissue.
"None." Simus gave me a genuine smile. "You saved my leg and my life as a warrior, Little Healer. May the elements allow me to return the favor some day."
I smiled at him, but looked away, and spoke in Xyian. "If you have spoken with Joden, then you know how he feels about me now. After the plague, he no longer supports us."
"Pah." Simus gave a snort. "The man is merely confused. I will set him straight." He leaned in closer. "The telling of truths begins tomorrow. It is not likely that you will be allowed to listen. But do not fear, Lara. All will be—"
Wild Winds strode into the tent, with my guards and Amyu just behind.
Simus looked over casually. "Ah, Warrior-Priest. Come to see the work of the Warprize? A Master Healer."
Wild Winds arched an eyebrow, then took another step to stare down at Simus's leg. He looked closely.
"A deep wound."
"To the bone," Simus replied proudly. He stretched out his leg for everyone to see. Everyone stared at it, even Amyu, with particular fascination.
"What is the purpose of that?" Wild Winds gestured to the jar in my hands. I stood and offered it to him. "An ointment that aids the healing. It will help the scar to fade."
"What?" Simus protested. "Why fade an honorable wound, honorably earned?" Wild Winds raised an eyebrow. "Regardless, the Daughter of Xy is not to have contact with Keir of the Cat, or those—"
"We spoke of healing matters." Simus stood, and pulled on his trous with great dignity.
"They spoke in the tongue of city-dwellers," one of the guards piped up. Simus let his eyebrows raise. "You do not know the tongue? I didn't realize that." He turned then, and gave me a bow, reaching for my hand to kiss it. "My thanks again, Xylara, Daughter of Xy." I gave him a curtsey, and he smiled, and turned back to face Wild Winds. "After you, Warrior-priest." He herded them out, all but Amyu, who gave me an odd look as she tied the tent flap closed. I ignored her, and returned to the sleeping area and sat on the bed. I opened my hand and stared at the small bar of vanilla soap that Simus had pressed into my hand. I could hear him arguing with the warrior-priest, his voice fading in the distance.
I smiled at the little square, even as my eyes filled with tears. Keir was here, and close. Where else could Simus have gotten it? Keir had bought up every bar that the herb merchant in Water's Fall had for sale. I held it up to my nose and drew in the scent. It made me feel better, knowing that he was close. I just wished that he was here, with me, and could share my tent and my bed this night. Atira was here. They'd summoned her, to hear her truths. But when had I lied to her? I sat there, trying to remember, but I couldn't. Of course, the first time I'd met her, I'd kicked her awake. I flushed at the memory.
But what was Heath doing here? Were Anna and Othur alright? I bit my lower lip, and worried it with my teeth. Heath wasn't really a supporter of Keir. Maybe they would let me see him, to get news of home. I flushed a bit, with a guilty sense that I hadn't given home much thought since leaving Xy. There was more at stake here than just Keir and me. My people would benefit as much as if not more than the Plains would if I was confirmed.
There was a slight cough, and I shoved the bar under my skirt. "Enter." Amyu appeared, and inclined her head. "The hot water, as you requested."
"Thank you." I watched as she placed the bucket off to the side, along with some clean cloths. I'd have to be careful not to make too much of a mess. I yawned, as once again my tiredness swept over me.
"Is it true? That your people bathe under the bells?" Amyu asked, giving me an odd look under her lashes as she fussed with the placement of the cloths.
"Yes." I arched an eyebrow at her. "My Warlord was able to arrange for me to bathe under the bells at all times, when I was with him. Xyians are very private about their bodies." She frowned. "But Simus of the Hawk was naked."
"Healers have to see their patients' bodies in order to heal them. It is an exception to the rule."
"I will see what can be done, about the bathing." I could see that she was still puzzled, but she gave me another glance. "It is said that you will 'heal' any that ask." I nodded. "I will."
She looked at me intently, then abruptly left.
I narrowed my eyes, and almost went after her, to push the issue. But I didn't. I couldn't force people to accept my healing ways. I'd learned that lesson with Iften. Sooner or later, I'd learn Amyu's problem. For now, I had hot water and soap. After that, sleep in a comfortable bed. The morning would be here, soon enough.
And, maybe, a glimpse of Keir.
* * *
