Warlord by Elizabeth Vaughan

Author:Elizabeth Vaughan
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub, azw3, pdf
Tags: Romance, Fantasy, Fiction, Paranormal, Fantasy fiction
ISBN: 9780765352668
Publisher: Tor Paranormal Romance
Published: 2007-03-06T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

When he and I were very, very young, Heath lost an argument with a porcupine in the castle gardens. Eln, who was the castle healer at that time, took control of the situation. He soothed Heath's tears, directed the castle staff, and dealt with Heath's pain calmly and carefully. It made a big impression on me as I watched him heal my friend, my own tears drying on my cheeks.

But now I looked into Heath's face and saw pain that I knew was beyond my abilities as a healer. Would that the pains of the heart could be healed like the pains of the body. I knew, of course, who it had to be. "Atira."

"Atira." Heath closed his eyes and sighed. "We started sparring when she was up and moving, at Eln's suggestion. She was so lovely, and so strong, determined to heal, to learn to read and speak Xyian. She learned our language so fast, and laughed at my attempt to learn hers. I helped her learn to read, she taught me some fighting moves, and, well. . ." He gave me a sheepish look. "One thing led to another, and..."

I gave him a gentle smile. "You don't have to explain to me, Heath." He chuckled. "I guess not." He sighed deeply then, and looked off over my shoulder, lost in thought. The boy I'd known all my life was gone. In his place was a man.

"Your parents?" I asked softly.

"Mother and Father are less than pleased. I think they had plans for a placid Xyian wife and grandbabies." He used his free hand to run his fingers through his hair. "But Atira holds my heart." I smiled.

Heath rolled his eyes. "Of course, Atira is not happy either. She wants nothing to do with 'bonding' and is displeased that I followed her. But I could do nothing else." He gave me that wry smile again. "I am of stubborn Xyian stock, and will not take 'no' for an answer."

"Heath—"

"Enough of my troubles, Lara." Heath drew himself up briskly, and helped himself to food. "The Warlord wants you to know that the truths are almost finished, and that the Council of Elders only have two things to do before the final debate and decision. First, they must determine what weight to give Joden's words. Then, they will hear your answers to their questions and accusations. The Warlord expects this to all come together within the next day or two."

I nodded, intent on his words.

"You are guarded now by warrior-priests, but he has others watching over you as well."

"I've seen them."

Heath nodded. "They did that on purpose, Lara. The Warlord says that the warrior-priests are not to be trusted. If you are in need, cry out and help will come."

I relaxed a bit at that knowledge, but Keekai's words about blind hatred came back to me as well. Heath flashed a smile at me. "Keir made me repeat this next part over and over. He does not trust my Xyian memory!"

He put down his bread on the table, and deepened his voice, as if imitating Keir.

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