I sighed, suddenly very homesick: for Anna’s big kitchen, and my old bedroom, with its small bed and a window that looked down on the city. My feet began to drag, as my newfound strength faded away.

“Keep walking,” Keekai spoke softly from behind me. “I will guide you to my tent.”

I stopped, and she stepped to my side, a serene look in her eyes. I flushed a bit, suddenly very aware that I’d insulted the entire Council of Elders just a few moments before. But there was no condemnation in Keekai’s eyes.

With a sigh, I reached up and took my helmet off. My braid fell down my back, and the cool breeze touched my sweaty scalp. “Keekai...”

She gestured along the way. “Not far, Warprize.”

With that, we walked in silence, as the shadows grew and the sky filled with stars. At the end of the way, the course branched, and there sat a tent that rivaled Keir’s in size. Warriors appeared and opened the flaps for us to enter.

Keekai showed me to a small alcove off the main area. It was filled by a bed that was covered in blankets, furs and pillows, all in various patterns of reds and golds. On a small table by the bed, a tiny fat lamp sat, a small flame flickering in its depths.

“This night, you have the courtesy of my tent.” Keekai gestured me within.

I sat on the edge of the bed, and didn’t resist when Keekai took my helmet from my hands. She started on the leather jerkin then, helping me remove it. I heaved a sigh even as I toed off my boots. Keekai clapped her hands and a warrior came, with a pitcher of water and a bowl. I held out my hands for the ritual and murmured a soft prayer to the Goddess. Once that was done, a mug and a bowl of gurt were brought. I took the mug, to find it filled with a warm, sweet milk. It tasted wonderful and I drained the mug quickly.

“You did well, Warprize.” Keekai smiled at me.

I grimaced. “By insulting the entire Council and stomping away like a child?”

Her eyes twinkled. “By demanding what is due you, under our ways. Antas had mud on his face when you turned and left.”

I blinked at her. “What am I going to do, Keekai? They hate me.”

“You will sleep. In the morning, you will eat and ...” she shrugged, “… we will see.” She gestured, and the warriors drew closed curtains of thick cloth that blocked the alcove from view.

Keekai paused, just before she left. “But remember this, Lara. They removed you from Keir’s protection to show that you weren’t under his influence or control. And your actions have proved you are capable of standing up for yourself. So do not be so quick to count this a defeat, eh?”

She turned to go, but paused again, and looked back at me over her shoulder. “I will tell you this truth, Daughter of Xy. I do not think I could do what you have done. To leave the Plains that I have known all my life would kill me.” With that, she disappeared behind the cloth.

Oddly comforted, I yawned and stretched. Since my gear wasn’t here yet, I stripped out of my tunic and trous. I was too tired to even ask to wash. I just pulled back the wonderful bedding, sank into the depths of the bed, and pulled the covers back up over me. Whatever happened, happened. I was too tired to think beyond the next moment.

My last sight was of the little lamp, sitting on the table, all fat and clever, with its tiny flame dancing a very satisfied little dance.

It was late when I woke, and later still when I stirred from the bed. The only thing that made me move was the demands of my body, and a raging thirst.

My saddlebags were just inside the ‘walls’ of my shelter, with my satchel right on top. I sat up, clutching the blankets to me, and pondered for a moment. A sudden, wild impulse came over me, and I clapped my hands.

There was movement outside, and a woman popped her head in with a questioning look. I grinned at her. I could get used to this kind of treatment very quickly. Maybe when I returned to Water’s Fall? But the thought of Othur’s and Anna’s reaction to that idea made me reject it quickly.

Still. . .

Within a short time I’d water to bathe with and hot kavage to drink. I washed quickly, and yearned for Keir’s tent with its clever drain of stones and buckets of hot water. I went to the saddlebags and dug for a clean tunic and trous. As I pulled on the cloth, I caught a gleam of red. I knew it in an instant.

The dress was bright red. Bright, bright red.

Marcus smiled at me. “There, now. That will do us proud.”

Keir walked into the tent and stopped short. His eyes widened, and his face lit up. “Fire’s blessing.” He stood, looking at me with approval.

I smiled, remembering the moment and the heat of Keir’s gaze. Curious, I pulled the heavy bundle out. The dress was as I remembered it, with a high neckline, long sleeves, and a flared split skirt. Once again I marveled as the fabric slid between my fingers like water glides over skin. It showed no sign that it had been wadded in the bottom of a saddle bag for days.

Marcus had even packed the slippers. And there, in the center of the bundle, were the two heavy silver bracelets.

I halted before the throne, and slowly sank onto the cushion. On either side, I could see two black boots broadly planted, and legs encased in black fabric. I was careful to keep my eyes down.

I took a deep breath, slowly lifted my hands, palms up, and silently submitted myself to what was to come.

The room seemed to stop breathing. I felt fingers at the base of my neck, gently unraveling my hair. Strong fingers ran through it, releasing and letting it fall free. I shivered, both at the touch and the implication that disobedience would not be tolerated.

Cold metal encircled my wrists. I heard a click as they locked into place. Surprisingly, they were heavy silver bracelets, with no chains. Weren’t there supposed to be chains?

A deep male voice boomed above my head, in my language. “Thus do I claim the warprize.”

I smiled as the picture flashed before me, of kneeling on that cushion and surrendering to the dreaded Warlord. Of looking up into Keir’s blue eyes. I’d been so afraid, so terrified, yet I’d found love in Keir’s arms. We’d come through so much since then.

We would come through this too.

“You slept well?” Keekai asked as she gestured for me to sit across the table from her. This was in another part of her tent, and a private area as far as I could tell. She clapped her hands, and for a few moments the area was filled with those bringing food and drink. But just as quickly the room cleared, and we were left alone.

“I slept well, thank you. The bed was very comfortable.” I settled down, and reached for the kavage. “What time is it?”

“Well toward the nooning.” Keekai shrugged. “I saw no reason to wake you. We both needed sleep.” She flashed that grin of hers. “I suspect the Council will send us a message before the day is done.”

I reached for flat bread and an odd looking meat dish that Keekai had already helped herself to. “I can imagine what the message will be,” I said. The sauce smelled sweet, and had tiny flecks of red in it. I scooped some on my bread, and stuffed it in my mouth.

Fire exploded within my mouth and nose. My eyes went wide and filled with tears as I choked.

“Too spicy?” Keekai asked as I lunged for kavage. “It is my favorite.”

I gasped for breath. “Keekai!”

“I’m sorry, Lara.” She shook her head. “I forgot to warn you. I love my food spicy and strong. Try this in stead.” She pushed over a bowl filled with a creamy, thick paste.

Carefully, I dipped more bread in, hoping that it wasn’t a soupy form of gurt. But I was pleasantly surprised to find that it had a sweet nutty taste to it. “That’s more to my liking.”

Keekai laughed. “Then eat and listen. We need to talk about the Council and its members.”