The hardest truths to hear were those of Yers, still suffering from the head wound, still convinced that Simus had betrayed them. Joden could see Keir struggling with that idea, but each day no word came, and each day Joden feared that Keir lost more confidence in his old tent mate.
It was then that Joden would stand and stretch and pull Keir from council rooms and down to the sparring circle. Keir would agree, thinking it was mostly for Joden’s benefit. Joden was gaining strength and muscle back quickly. But sweat and movement helped a warrior see clearer. Tired and pleased, Joden would return to the room, to find Amyu there, waiting.
There was such joy in her touch, in the scent of her skin, and his pleasure was reflected in her eyes as well. The babes were still her first duty, but they took their pleasures where they could, as often as they could. It loomed over them at times, the uncertainty of it all. But they had this now. Together. And each day, Amyu grew more important to him, to his life. Broken together.
But this morning, Keir called a halt to the talks. Instead, he and Joden had gone to the sparring circle early, and worked themselves into exhaustion. Joden knew his old friend, and could see that even as he wielded his weapons, his thoughts were elsewhere.
Which let Joden get in a few more ‘killing’ blows than he could normally score on Keir. And he took them shamelessly, when the opportunity was offered.
“Enough,” Keir finally said. They racked their weapons, and then headed to the well, stripping down to trous and splashing cold water on themselves. Joden tipped a full bucket on his head, letting the water pour over him.
The doors from the kitchen opened. Lara, Marcus and Amyu emerged with blankets and fussy, crying babies. Anna had little Meara by the hand, encouraging her to walk. Aurora, the youngest of Lara’s handmaidens ran ahead, calling for her dogs.
Lara looked frazzled. “Your son will not sleep,” she said. “I thought maybe the warm sun might—”
“Here.” Keir dried off, and then took Keirson from Marcus. He put his son on his shoulder and started to drum his back.
“Thankfully, he didn’t wake Kayla,” Lara took the girl babe from Amyu, and cooed to the sleeping child. She settled on the blanket, rocking her babe. “So,” she said tiredly. “Have you beaten each other enough to reach an answer?”
Keir shook his head, pacing with Keirson.
Aurora came pelting back, the dogs chasing her. Meara sat at Anna’s feet, and they ran up and licked the giggling child.
Joden finished drying himself, rubbing the cloth over his chest. He caught Amyu staring, and managed not to grin when she caught his eye and flushed. He loved that he could do that to her.
Keirson let out a piercing shriek. Keir looked at his son with wide eyes.
Joden laughed, and stepped forward. “L-l-let m-m-me,” he said.
Keir gave over the baby with a shake of his head. “Watch your ears,” he warned.
Joden cradled Keirson close to his chest with both hands. The babe’s face was bright red, his eyes scrunched closed, tiny fists waving in the air.
“Mmmmmm,” Joden hummed, deepening his voice.
Keirson’s tiny eyes popped open, staring into Joden’s.
Joden smiled and drew a breath, gently blowing on Keirson’s face. The babe blinked, and yawned. Pleased, the words of the old lullaby came into Joden’s mind. He gentled his voice and sang.
“Helya, tiny warrior,
Heyla, cease your cries
Heyla, the moon is rising
Heyla, close your eyes.”
Keirson yawned, and settled into Joden’s hands, his face pushed into Joden’s chest. Joden waited a long breath, but Keirson didn’t stir.
Joden looked up in triumph, only to find everyone staring at him, their mouths open.
It took him a moment to realize…
His voice. He could sing.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
It hadn’t gone away. Joden’s words still came out broken. If he tried to talk, just talk, the words and sounds caught in his throat as bad as ever. He could substitute words sometimes, trick his tongue that way, but names were always a problem.
But to his utter joy and relief, he could sing. And if he sang the words instead of speaking them, his speech flowed.
When they had realized that he could sing, Lara and Keir had hustled him back to their chambers, summoned Master Eln and made Joden demonstrate.
Lara and Master Eln had no answers as to why. They made Joden try over and over again, for hours, until Joden dripped of sweat and his vision blurred. He’d stumbled to his room, collapsed into bed and fallen asleep immediately.
The next day as they ate the morning meal, Keir had asked him to open the senel with song.
Amyu hadn’t come to him in the night, no doubt busy with the babes and her duties. She’d hovered at the edges of the room as he’d worked with Master Eln and Lara. He’d hoped to see her before this moment, but in the flurry of getting ready there had been no time.
Now Joden stood next to the throne of Xy and tried to calm his stomach and his shaking hands. The throne room was filled to capacity, with Xyians and Plains warriors alike. The fancy
dress of the nobles blending with the armored warriors made an odd contrast, but the eagerness in all faces was clear. It seemed the two peoples were coming together, at least here and now. That was good to see.
If he could just calm his own fears. He felt the sweat gather on his scalp and the middle of his back.
The great doors swung open. Kendrick, Herald of Xy, stepped into the room. The old man was leaning on his staff a bit more, still looking as unsteady as a new colt, but he seemed determined to do his duty.
The crowd turned, and cleared a path from the doors to the throne. Joden noticed Heath, and the Castle Guards scanning the people, but there was no indication of trouble.
Kendrick lifted his staff with effort, and pounded it three times on the floor. “Lord and Ladies, all hail Keir, Warlord of the Plains, Overlord of Xy, and Xylara, Queen of Xy, Warprize… and Master Healer.”
Joden heard Lara’s chortle of delight above the wave of amusement that swept the room.
Keir was dressed in his finest armor, all black leathers and polished chain. Lara looked radiant in Xyian blue and white, the crown of Xy on her head and jewels sparkling at her throat. They both stepped into the room together, Lara’s hand on Keir’s.
Xyian and Plains warrior alike knelt as Lara and Keir approached, and rose as they passed by. When they reached the two thrones, Lara accepted Keir’s aid as she walked up the two steps to stand before her throne. Keir then took his place in front of the other one.
Joden licked his lips, knowing what was coming.
“I call this senel to order,” Keir said, his voice carrying over the crowd. “We will speak of events and announce our decisions. Know that we have considered all truths in deciding our best course.” Keir paused. “But first, in our tradition, let us thank the elements. I call on Joden of the Hawk for a song.
All eyes turned to Joden.
He stepped forward. He had practiced this.
As he had in the past, he let his gaze scan the crowd, seeking their attention. He raised his hand, palm to the sky, and opened his mouth to speak the ritual words.
The words froze on his tongue. He had no voice.
In that moment, he spotted Amyu. She was in the doorway off to the side, back behind the crowd, watching with Marcus at her side. Her eyes were bright with hope. Bright for him.
He found his voice. “May the skies hear my voice. May the people remember.”
It wasn’t perfect. His voice sounded too high to him, too sing-songy. Almost as if he mocked the ancient words. But elements above, his words flowed and the people understood him.
The response rose from the room, “We will remember.”
Joden didn’t hesitate. He drew a deep breath, and let loose with an old song, one he’d learned from the theas, praising each element in turn. His voice was strong, deep, and clear.
Relief flooded through him, and a joy so profound he almost wept. Instead, he continued with each refrain and verse, praising the fire, water, earth and air.
When he was done, when the last note hung in the air, he opened his eyes and sought for Amyu. She was still in the doorway, her face filled with tears of joy.