“I had not thought it through,” Wild Winds said, folding his arms over his chest. “I will come. Alone. Look for me at sunset tomorrow.”
“Not alone,” Essa said quickly. “I was hunted. You will be, too.”
“But old friend, my power is more than my voice and my sword.” Wild Winds laughed. “Besides, I have learned—”
From behind him came shouts. Wild Winds jerked his head around. “I must go.”
With that, the image dissolved. Tiny droplets rained down in to the bowl.
Snowfall gasped. “He severed our link.”
“Are you alright?” Simus offered her his hand, and she took it with a firm grasp, rising
gracefully to her feet.
“I am,” she said, and there was surprise in her voice. “I’m usually exhausted after such a casting. But not now.”
Thunder rumbled, but at a distance. From the sound of it, the storm was moving off.
“Excellent,” Essa pulled his cloak around himself. “Wild Winds’s presence will aid those that dither to make a decision one way or another. The Council will form. And with any luck,” he continued, “the skies will clear for the dancing tonight.” He stepped off the platform and walked toward the tent flap. “Open,” he called to his warriors outside. “We are done here.”
His warriors unlaced the bells to open the way. Essa turned with a dramatic flair. “Use this day well, Simus of the Hawk, for the Trials end at sunset tomorrow.”
With that, he was gone.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Simus spread the word to his people quickly, warning them of the coming announcement. As he walked his camp with Yers, he was pleased to see that preparations were moving along well.
They stopped for a brief time at the thea camp.
“We will see to it that the children are kept close, and our Xyian healer as well,” Haya said, her usual scowl even deeper than normal. “Or scattered farther out beyond the camp to watch the gurtle herds.” Weaponsmaster Seo nodded his agreement.
“Best to keep them out with the herds,” Simus said. “Away from the tents and the excitement.” He grinned at her. “I doubt they could resist the temptation of watching the final challenges.”
“One can only hope that they obey better than you did as a child,” Seo said pointedly.
“They will,” Haya snapped irritably.
“Of course, Eldest Elder Thea,” Seo said, a twinkle in his eye.
Haya rounded on him with a glare. Simus knew when to leave, and he took himself off with a nod of farewell.
“The Elder is unhappy,” Yers muttered as he and Simus strode off.
“She is,” Simus said under his breath. “Best to leave a raging ehat to itself, eh?”
Yers snorted his agreement.
Various warriors hailed them as they continued to walk through the camp. Simus was satisfied. It was orderly and organized, and his people looked ready. Tomorrow would be a long one for him, but at the end, after the challenges, success would be theirs.
“Join me for the nooning?” Simus asked Yers as they returned to his command tent.
Snowfall stood beside the entrance, arms crossed over her chest, watching the activity around her.
Yers glanced at her, frowning. “No,” he said shortly. “I’ve a few things to see to yet this day.”
“Well enough,” Simus said cheerfully, but then paused. “Something?”