Warrior's Soul (Book 3 of The Warrior Chronicles)

Chapter 26

Cheers rose as they walked through the open gates of the camp. The archers along the wall raised their bows high and cries of victory drifted over the gathered camp.

"Protector!"

"Protector!"

"They seem happy," Liam grinned.

Leyla averted her eyes from the admiring gazes, uncomfortable with the sudden attention.

"Thank you, Protector!" The man who had led the group of refugees stood in front of his kinsmen as he bowed. "We don't know how to thank you. You saved us and we have nothing to give you in return...and yet, shamelessly we ask even more of you. Please, let us stay. Please let us live in the Protectorate."

The man did not raise his head, but his voice was hoarse with emotion and Leyla could see his hands shaking at his sides. Her fingers curled into fists as dozens of heads bowed low behind him. Bone Eaters had trampled on these people's lives and their pride.

"Malia," Leyla turned to the woman who was watching from the sidelines. "Feed the new members of the camp and find them somewhere temporary to sleep until their own tents can be made."

"Yes, Protector," Malia was grinning from ear to ear as their newest members straightened, surprise and relief written across their faces. "Alright, everyone follow me and we will get you all some food first."

"Thank you, Protector!"

"Gaia bless you."

"Gaia bless you, Protector!"

"Look who's popular," Liam nudged her with his elbow, his green eyes sparkling with humour. 

"Shut up," Leyla muttered, her cheeks turning pink under her mask.

"What? I'm just speaking the truth!" Liam laughed.

"Indeed, he does." The Sage walked through the thinning crowd, Athiri bounding ahead of him.

Leyla leaned down, smiling as the Hayvan pushed its head into her arms. The sound of his purrs drained the last of the fights tension from her limbs.

"You see? Even the Sage agrees that I speak the truth," Liam's eyes were soft as he watched her.

"You speak too much," Leyla replied, giving Athiri a final pat before she stood. "Sage, please see to this fool's injury."

"Of course," the healer nodded, as calm as ever. Then he pointed towards his hut, "Please, fool, this way."

"Hey now," Liam huffed, but he still followed the nonchalant Sage.

Leyla shook her head as she watched the two men walk away; one of them complaining and the other paying no attention at all.

The camp was back to its usual bustling mode, except they were close to two-hundred people now. Once tents were made for all the new arrivals, space was going to be scarce...and there would be no area for the kids to play.

"Welcome back, Protector," Anne approached, with Peter right behind her. Just the Warriors she wanted to see.

"How did everyone do?" Leyla asked.

"My front rank archers are in good condition. There were some shakers in the second line, but I'll knock it out of them," Anne smiled. 

Leyla nodded. Nerves were common even in trained Warriors who prepared to face an enemy for the first time. "Peter?"

"The women, children and elderly were organized quickly near the rear escape with a guard of able fighters," Peter reported. "The new comers, however, were disorganised for a short period. It would be good to put a plan in place for sanctuary seekers who arrive before or during conflict."