I looked over to where Simus and Joden were, and headed toward them. The shadows clung in that area of the tent, where the light of the fires did not reach.
Joden looked up first and seemed startled to see me. He rose from his knees and held out a hand, as if to ward me off. I moved past him and knelt by Simus, who exclaimed sharply as I reached over to pull back the blankets. I looked over, startled, then followed his gaze to the tent wall. There, where the darkness was deepest, I discovered something important.
There was a man hidden in the shadows.
I froze. Joden had moved behind me, blocking the guards view. Simus was struggling to sit up, and I assisted him almost unconsciously, my eyes never leaving the blue eyes that gleamed from the shadows above us.
Kier.
Joden was speaking softly and it took me a minute to remember his language. “… please. Don’t betray him, Lara. I beg you.”
“I won’t.” I answered, keeping my own voice low. I glared into those blue eyes, so bright in the darkness. “Is this some kind of foolhardy rescue plan?”
White teeth gleamed in the shadows.
I tore my gaze away and concentrated on Simus’s leg. My hands trembled as I opened the bandage to inspect the wound. First Xymund threatens the peace and then this fool. My mouth tightened as a wave of anger passed over me. Was I the only one who cared?
Simus lay back down. “Something has happened.” He looked back and forth between me and the silent man in the shadows.
“There is to be peace, and a prisoner exchange.” I worked quickly, trying to see the wound in what light I had.
Simus stared at me. “Peace?” He shot a glance at Kier. “Under what terms?”
I didn’t look at him. “Fealty, taxes, land. A prisoner exchange. Tribute.” The shakiness in my voice surprised me.
Joden’s voice came over my shoulder. “Tribute?”
I didn’t know the word in their tongue, so I used my own. “A slave.” I was digging through my satchel, hiding my face. “Me. I am to be given to him at sunset.”
“Slave,” Joden said, puzzled. “I do not know this word.”
Kier’s soft voice floated over us, barely a whisper. “You could flee.”
“Yes,” I nodded. “There are people who would hide me and help me get away.” I faltered in my digging. “But if the Warlord is as ruthless as they say, what will he do to my people if I don’t go through with the ceremony?” I closed my eyes, actually picturing it for the first time. “If the Warlord is true to his word and it is a true peace, then any sacrifice would be worth it to save my people.” I jerked my head up and shot a glance at Simus. “Can I trust his word?”
Simus nodded. “Yes. If he has set the terms, he will not be the one to violate them.”
I looked down into the satchel and watched the jar in my shaking hands. “My father,” My voice trembled but I continued. “Father always said that the price of privilege is responsibility.” Even as I said it, I knew it to be true. Xymund may not be honorable. I could not control him. But I could act with honor. I took another deep breath and turned back to my work. As I worked, I cast a look up at Kier, hidden there in the shadows. “Xymund gave me a vial of poison.”
Kier’s face tightened. Joden sputtered behind me. Simus levered himself up onto his elbows.
“The drug would give you release.” Kier’s voice was dark and heavy as it floated through the dark. “ Your people would suffer the consequences. The Warlord would level this city, and destroy the people if you were to die.”
I looked over at him in the darkness of the tent. His eyes glittered at me from the shadows. A hysterical giggle bubbled up inside my throat. “You have listened to too many ballads. He probably wants a healer to ease the ache of sore muscles or lance his boils. I…”
Kier’s head snapped up, and he looked at the tent entrance. I stopped, listened, and heard guards, many guards approaching outside.
Dearest Goddess. I had been right.
My mouth dried in an instant. Quickly, I pulled the blankets up and over Simus. I staggered up, pulling my satchel with me. Kier was silent, wrapped in a cloak. He looked over at me, his face intent. “What is this? The exchange is to take place at sunset.”
I didn’t answer. I fumbled in my satchel and pressed my small knife into Joden’s hand. “Here. Hold this for me.” I turned and strode toward the entrance. I got there just as the captain of the guard stepped through. From his look, he was surprised to see me. As he squinted at me, he opened his mouth to say something. I didn’t give him the chance.
“Arneath. I am glad that they sent you to take charge of the exchange. I don’t quite have them ready to go yet.”
Arneath closed his mouth and shot me a look. “My men can assist them to prepare. Why don’t you wait outside?”
Oh no. He was not getting me away from them. I prudently stayed out of arms’ reach.
“Tis a joy for me to aid them, since it means the return of our men so much quicker.” I smiled and shrugged. “They are eager to leave. It will not take long.” I turned and called out in their tongue. “The trade of prisoners is to happen now. Everyone get ready.”
Eager faces turned my way, and the men started to stir themselves. I felt Arneath moving behind me, and stepped away, toward where Joden stood. While I was fairly sure that the guards had no understanding of the language, I took no chance. “No one walks alone. Everyone must aid their fellows.”
I started to make my way back to Joden, ignoring Arneath’s protest from behind me. “Some of you take up the cots of those who cannot walk.”
I reached Joden.
“Simus must go on a litter. Kier, you and Prest can carry him.”
Joden started to reach for Simus, but I got in the way. “No, Joden. Stay next to me.” He looked at me, puzzled. I leaned forward and whispered in his ear, “You may need a hostage to get through this.” His eyes widened, then hardened.
As the men gathered themselves, I waited for Arneath to order me taken from the tent. His men had the weapons. But I was gambling that his instructions were to be quiet and discrete. Hard to do that in front of the woman who was being given into slavery before the entire Court in a few hours.
We started out, surrounded by the guards. I walked beside Joden, sticking close. Arneath said nothing, but watched me carefully. If he were going to do anything, it would be in the depths of the garden, out of sight of the castle, where bodies could be buried. The path was narrow, and the men were strung out. If Arneath was to act, it would have to be there. The briar loomed before us. I breathed in the scent of the roses, and prayed to the Goddess. These men moved so slowly, even helping one another. We reached the briar and crawled passed. I bit my lip, desperate to look behind, and yet not quite daring to do so. Finally, I couldn’t help it. I looked back.
The last prisoner staggered past the briar, followed by the last of Arneath’s men. I breathed a little easier. Kier was at the foot of Simus’ litter. He blended into the group well, as if he had always been there. The only difference was the glances he darted in my direction from time to time.
When we reached the castle gates one of the gate guards approached me. “Xylara, the King has instructed that you are not to leave the castle grounds.”
Ah, Xymund. Brave enough to order the deaths of unarmed men, but afraid to face the Warlord without his little gift under his control.
Ameath looked like he had lost the battle but won the war. There were alleys, and dark places in the city. He could still carry out his mission.