Kindly edited by @CollinHarrison4

Shouts of the Answer's return echoed in the camp. Relief washed away the unease that had been growing in Juno. She laid down the skirt she was modifying for a woman who desired freedom of movement in woods, a growing trend.

"See," Sanlina said, working on another skirt. "He has returned to you as he always will."

Juno stood. "I never said he would not."

"Your doubts cloud your eyes," Sanlina said with a chuckle. "Now they glow like the sun." She bobbed her head in the direction of the shouting. "It is best that you go to him before you burst."

"I will not..." Juno began, then thought better of a silly argument. "I will go see about injuries." She turned and walked off.

"Wounded lips mayhap," Sanlina called. Juno smiled but did not give Sanlina the satisfaction of turning around to acknowledge it. There was truth in Sanlina's words, yet Juno would never admit it out loud. It seemed shameful to desire Kelton when there may be injured that required care.

A crowd had surrounded the returning men. Juno filtered through, finding Kelton bombarded with queries of how things had transpired and how many bows he acquired. He stood firm, yet Juno could see the pain in his eyes. Next to him was a young girl and a woman fat with child. Hillbrand's sister, Juno assumed. At least that had gone well, though the cost of it was on Kelton's face.

Juno moved closer and smiled when she caught Kelton's notice. He had been looking for her, and the strain on his face lessened when their eyes met. Hillbrand moved next to his sister with pride. His sleeve was stained with dried blood that began at his shoulder.

"You need care," Juno said to Hillbrand, her finger tracing the line of the stain. It was difficult to ignore the closeness of Kelton. All of her wanted to fold into him and forget the world, yet she knew duty when she saw it.

"It is a minor thing, my lady," Hillbrand said, moving his shoulder to prove it was not serious. "There is another who requires your aid." His eyes indicated Kelton. "You are all he talked of during our trek back." Juno nodded gratefully, then stalled as Kelton continued to be peppered with questions.

Serenity stepped forward in her commanding way, silencing men with a sway of her hips and a smile that seemed more personal than it was. "Let our men breathe." She held up her hands and spoke as if it were the only considerate action to take. "Mayhap it is best if we gather as the sun falls so the tale can be told only once." She looked at Kelton. "Is that to your liking, sire?"

"Aye," Kelton said, his body seeming to relax. "All will be told when the sun falls," he added loudly. There were grunts of unsatisfied curiosity, but the crowd began to disperse.

Juno moved to Kelton's side and wrapped his hand with hers. He smiled as she led him away from the others. It was not long before they found a quasi-secluded place, putting a large tree between them and the bulk of the camp.

"You have saved them," Juno said.

"Aye," Kelton agreed, "though it cost much. One of ours was gravely injured, mayhap perished by now. A good man wasted." Juno could feel Kelton's pain and knew it was tied to more than the one man.

"They were in you again?" Juno asked.

"Aye." Kelton looked away. "When they come, there is no mercy in me. A part of me flees and is replaced by the tribe's ideas of right. There is no in-between, only what they deem is just - though it is my thoughts that pick and choose the next to fall."

Juno pulled Kelton to the ground and forced his eyes on hers. "Did you think this could be ended with kindness?"

"Nay," Kelton said, shaking his head. "It is the loss of me that is worrying. I called them this time and...the power of it is heady."

"You called them?"

"Aye." Kelton nodded. He took both of Juno's hands in his. "I thought of all that angers me. It was your lashing that brought them to the fore."

"If my scars bring allies to keep you safe, then so be it," Juno said. She raised his hands to her lips and kissed his knuckles. "I would gladly suffer the lash again if it brings you back to me."

"I will never..." Kelton began, though Juno did not let him finish. As Sanlina said, he was wounded, and she intended to heal him. His lips were weak at first, then his smile grew beneath and the soft strength she remembered returned. Whatever demons danced in his mind were pushed aside as he rolled her onto her back.

Juno sank into Kelton's passion. Tiny bolts of excitement ran under her skin, traveling from wherever he touched and finishing in her toes. The world disappeared, leaving only her and him, two souls intertwined and filling the void to overflowing. He was courage, beauty, and hope, and he was hers. Perhaps it was she who was wounded and in need of healing.

~~~~~

Kelton was surprised to hear laughter as he approached the gathered army. A large semicircle of bodies had formed amidst the trees. All were arced around Taggert and Gossamer, who were having a teller war. Gossamer spoke of a bird appearing in a window, disrupting some scene Kelton had missed. He bowed to Taggert, who had to continue the tale quickly. Taggert gave the bird a voice, a near song, that called out the foolishness of leaving meat unattended when there were bears about. He passed the tale back to Gossamer, who did not skip a beat. He presented a growl to those gathered and acted out the panic of the cabin's occupants. It was not the bear they feared for they understood its needs. It was the talking bird that caused them to brandish sticks, for words should never fly. His silly birdlike strutting brought out more laughter, which began to wane as many saw the approach of Kelton and Juno.

"We have missed much," Juno whispered.

"Aye," Kelton agreed. He smiled just for her. "A fair trade, to be sure." He should have promised to speak when the sun rose, not sank, and spent more time in her arms.

"Sire!" Taggert announced when he spotted Kelton. He and Gossamer gave a slight bow as Kelton approached. Kelton still felt odd having people defer to him, especially Gossamer.

Kelton entered the center of the arc and winced as Juno smirked and moved to the edge of the gathering. He would have preferred her at his side while he spoke, possibly sharing her thoughts before he opened his mouth. Alas, the army assembled for him, and he knew he had to face them alone. Leaders were cursed with such things.

"I regret that I have missed some tales," Kelton said, bowing his head to Gossamer and Taggert. "It is good to hear laughter in such times." That brought some smiles of agreement and murmurs of the tellers' talents.

"Many of you may be rightfully cross with me," Kelton began. Before he could continue, O'fan stood.

"Nay, sire," O'fan said. "The tale of Creegan's raid is known to all." He indicated Taggert, then pointed to Hillbrand, who sat with his sister and her family. "The why of it is well known, and none question the wisdom."

"Oh," Kelton said, relieved that the word was out and was not poorly received. He nodded and paced a few steps, reworking his half-prepared words. "I must extend my sorrows for the untruths I spoke to you all. When Hillbrand trusted me with his troubles, I had to assume others may be similarly compromised. I could not have word of our real task finding a white-robe. Nor could I allow one of ours to be the cause of his family's demise. The secret was not even told to the one I call father." Kelton bowed his head to Gossamer. "For I feared my words would be overheard. I thought it best that another organized the mission, one whose movements are not as closely observed as mine."

Kelton held out his hand to Juno, who rose and took it. "Beware this woman," Kelton said with a smile, "for she moves with purpose to reshape this land." Juno blushed as many shouted their support. Kelton found that a pinkish shade in her cheeks made her all the more charming.

"There is much the Brethren do not see," Kelton continued, this time with Juno at his side. It was amazing how much more powerful he felt with her there. "They are blinded by an arrogance built from winters upon winters of power."

"What of your next words?" Bynard asked. "Will all things be trickery now?"

"Nay," came a loud response. Rolic used the tree he had been sitting against to raise himself to his feet. He smiled, his eyes presenting newfound respect to Kelton. "They will believe no one from this point on. To be made a fool of is as a sword in the belly for them."

"Aye," Kelton agreed.

"I am gladly the fool," Rolic said, his smile growing. "My trust in you grows, my king." He bowed his head with more respect than Kelton thought he deserved. Rolic, the king of kings, no longer attempting to steer, only bolster. Perhaps when life ebbs, the mind losses its edge.

"I have heard much of the tale," Rolic continued, "though this hideaway you raided - how was it found?" Kelton turned to Juno, who in turn deferred to Hillbrand.

Hillbrand stood and brought his niece to her feet as well. "Sara showed us the way," he said with pride.

"The Brethren cannot be followed unknowingly," Rolic argued.

"Aye, and they were well disguised," Hillbrand agreed. "There are some in the city who have practice at such things." Kelton was glad he was not mentioning names, though many could guess Fingers was involved. "They could not follow a disguised Brother, but they could set many spotters about looking for a young one wearing a necklace of blooms that should only be seen in the spring. It was a simple thing to gather those sightings and define the path of travel." He shrugged. "A few queries of bakeries identified a gathering of soldiers near."

Rolic laughed. "And you sent Brethren prowling the port to clear your way." His laughter broke into a fit of coughing as his body rejected the struggle. He waved away any concern as he regained composure. "How they will hate you," he said to Kelton with a knowing smirk.

"Aye," Kelton agreed. "And I have left them a banner that will anger one most of all. It will draw them out into the open, where walls do not protect their backsides."

"But we have so few bows," a man called from the back - a truth Kelton could not deny.

"Aye," Kelton agreed. "I am hoping that will be remedied. If my missive traveled the sea, then one I would trust with my life will see our needs met."

"And if they are not met?" the man asked.

"Spears," Kelton said. A weak alternative, but one that must be considered. "We will have one chance at this. A cold winter will break our backs with starvation and scatter all back to their homes. Separated, we are fodder to the Brethren. Though we have made them feel like fools, they are not. To form again will be made difficult, with many of our strongest ripped from our grasp." He shook his head. "Nay, it is now, or our daughters may suffer another thousand winters of cursings and choosings."

"Now!" Juno did not hesitate.

"Now!" Hillbrand's sister called out as she rose, her hands cradling her full belly.

It was the women who started the calls. It incited the men to act as if they had only just remembered what was at stake. The army as a whole was in unison, their calls echoing through the trees. It emboldened Kelton. Though he knew many would die, the cause was worthy to those who would lay down their lives. He raised his hands to regain quiet.

"Floren," Kelton called.

"My Answer," Floren said as she stood. There was more respect in her as well.

"Wake the Whispering Way," Kelton said. "Tell the land the time has come. Declare the curse ended and the choosings no more. Have all those who would desire it to last beyond a moment join us here. Signal Lagneer - let him know it begins."

Kelton paused, gathering himself to tell another lie. It was a simple one that held more power in words than reality. He needed a focus that was more than himself, something to excite the mind so the body would follow. Committed, he looked up and pointed through the trees at the strange object floating in the sky.

"Tell them the Goddess is coming."

~~~~~

King Gregory smiled his thanks to Luran as she handed him a mug of tea. He had been spending too much time alone worrying about a son who did not know he was one. The hearth's fire was his solace, the ever-changing flames dancing without a care for the troubles of men. He returned his eyes to the red coals that pulsed below. They would glow until they could not, uninterested in the fate of the wood that rose in flame above them. He had begun to think his son was the fire, and now he feared that flame would be snuffed out.

A soft hand caressed his arm. "Are you ill?" Luran whispered, her eyes scanning the door for those who would not understand her concern.

"It is nothing," Gregory lied and forced a smile. "Duty is all, nothing more." To her, their son was dead. Gregory would not raise him back to life only to crush her. He loved Luran too much to destroy her twice. Best if it only shattered him.

Luran bowed, exposing more cleavage than necessary. Her smirk told him it was purposeful. She righted herself and headed back to her duties - a welcome tease for an old man.

"Sire," Luran said, returning to the door a moment later. "Striker has returned and wishes to report."

Gregory steeled himself. "Bring him." He heard some quiet mumbling as she brought Striker forward.

"Aye, my lady. Tea would be wonderful," Striker said as he entered the room. He wore a smile, something rarely seen on the man. It somehow lessened his scent. "Sire," Striker said, bowing low as if he meant the word. The Answer lived, of that Gregory was sure.

"A successful mission?" Gregory asked, pointing at the empty chair next to his.

"Aye, sire," Striker replied as he took a seat. He watched as Luran prepared his tea. "The way is clear, of that I am sure." He took great interest in how Luran wrapped the tea in its cloth bag and tied it off. "You do that so quickly, my lady."

"It has been my duty for some time, sir," Luran replied. Her eyes found Gregory's, a look that almost made him laugh. He could tell she had begun to fear Striker's attention was an indication of desires, perhaps intimate ones. Their son had done something that had garnered Striker's respect. The man was not ogling a beauty; he was admiring the mother. Best if she left before Striker put it to words.

"We will finish that," Gregory said to Luran. "Leave us, and close the door so we may talk." Luran happily complied and moved swiftly out of the room.

"I see him in her," Striker said.

"You have seen the prince?"

"Not with my eyes," Striker replied with a chuckle. "Has she not risen above her station and stolen the heart of a king? You did not see it coming, did you?"

"Quiet," Gregory commanded. He looked at the door to verify it was closed.

"I saw fear in Magna'est," Striker continued, though he lowered his voice. "Most saw only anger, but I knew it for what it was. The Answer toys with the Brethren as if they are mere babes." He shook his head in admiration. "Your son fooled even me."

Gregory could not hide his smile. "He breached the temple?"

"Nay," Striker replied. "It was a ruse the size of the sky. He steered Brethren this way and that, then hit them where they were weakest. I know not his prize, but it was acquired, of that I am sure." He chuckled again.

"How did you learn so much?" Gregory asked.

"I was taken like an addled boy," Striker replied. "The Brethren set out a net of guards wider than even I thought reasonable, and I became entangled by it. They thought me his agent, and here I thought I was to be his savior. I was bound and imagined my end a time or two. Instead, I had a choice seat at the telling."

"He is not as naive as we have believed," Gregory said. Pride grew in him as he spoke. "He has a strong mind and gathers many to his side if word be true. Mayhap, we are the naive ones."

"Aye," Striker agreed. "He left symbols that roused Magna'est's ire to the point he struck one of his own. The Answer calls them out - a tactic I would not advise, yet now I trust his mind."

"What symbols?"

Striker rolled back his sleeve and presented his forearm. On it were poorly written characters scratched with the charred end of a stick, some misshapen by sweat. "It is from memory, so I trust it not." He traced the symbols with his finger, giving them more definition in Gregory's mind.

"It is missing something," Gregory said.

"Nay," Striker said. "The count is right. Three sets of symbols, though the shapes may be wrong."

"It is a half wording, and that symbol is backward," Gregory said, pointing at one of the characters. He pursed his lips and tried to think of words with similar symbols that could easily form a different meaning, though none came to mind. If Striker had made an error, Gregory saw it not. "And you say this angered Magna'est?"

"Aye."

"It does not make sense," Gregory said.

"What is its meaning?" Striker asked.

"It says, 'for the tribe'," Gregory replied, shaking his head. "Why would that anger anyone?"