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

Chapter 46

The first snow fell just as dawn broke over the Protectorate. Anne and Peter were checking the weapons, but the rest of the camp still slept. A rest day was declared in celebration of Naming Day against Leyla's better judgment.

She had not been able to sleep well since the Bone Eater got away. The retaliation should have happened by now and while the Sage and her two commanders believed Alec and his men must be keeping them busy, Leyla was doubtful. Having followed Bone Eater activity for several years as a Warrior lieutenant, she knew first hand how the Kingdoms of Gaia underestimated both their will and their numbers.

The population of the No Lands, though no-one could say for sure, was estimated to be ten times the population of the Four Kingdoms combined. And while Bone Eaters killed indiscriminately, they had also been recruiting men. Before she left the Warrior Kingdom she had discovered that the second largest tribe, the Inna-Ru were now working with them and who knew how many others.

All of these changes happened after Shik took charge.

He was dangerous, and no matter how capable Alec's men might be, they were still just a few dozen Warriors against hundreds, if not thousands of Bone Eaters.

"Wrrraaaw." Athiri protested beside her, his big ears twitching as he tried to understand the reason for her tension.

"It's okay, boy," Leyla scratched the green pattern between his eyes, then turned back towards the camp. She was done inspecting the wall. Soon the camp would rise, porridge would be distributed and the first training sessions of the day would begin. It was going to be another long day, but somewhere amidst it all, she wanted to check in on Kaya and baby Ummut.

"Protector!" Peter approached, a relaxed look on his freshly shaven face. Like her, he had never shed the habit of sleeping only as much as absolutely necessary. "All swords, knives, daggers and hatchets are accounted for and in good condition."

"Aside from two broken arrows, my count is also in order," Anne joined in behind him.

Strong, sturdy and incredibly skilled, the people of the Protectorate had great respect for the couple who cast long shadows in the brightening day. Everyone in the camp had taken to calling them both 'Commander' and that was the way Leyla thought of them too.

"Understood," Leyla acknowledged, then she held out her palm to catch a smattering of snow. "The colds of Deadman Mountain have arrived."

"Indeed," Peter agreed, letting snow melt on his fingers.

"They will be serving Water Soup by now," Anne said with a snort.

Leyla smiled at the term. Water Soup was what Warriors called the herbed soup served in the lunch hall during the coldest part of the year. For all that it was a clear, water-like soup, the bitter medicinal Healer herbs made it particularly difficult to drink. Of course, it also kept the soldiers strong against the most biting of frosts.

"We should see if the Sage can make something similar for the Protectorate" Leyla said, only to find the commanders looking at her aghast. "What? It would keep everyone healthy."

"I'd rather get sick," Peter muttered.

When Leyla looked at him in surprise, Anne shrugged. "Sorry, Protector. I'm with him on this one."

For all their size and brawn, the Warriors could really act like children. Leyla was going to say as much when a single whistle pierced through the quiet camp.

An attack!

"Get your men to their places!" Leyla didn't wait around to hear the 'Yes Sir!'s as she ran towards the inner camp.

"Malia!"

The woman stumbled out of her tent at the sound of her name. "Protector?"

"Red formation, now!"

"Yes, Protector!" She stopped rubbing her eyes immediately and was turning back towards the tents when Leyla stopped her.

"Wait!" The whistling had changed. Two short blasts then one long...Leyla listened closely with her brows drawn together. Retreat? They were retreating? Turning back towards the outer walls, Leyla sent instructions over her shoulder, "Yellow formation. Wake everyone and stay alert."

"Yes, Protector," Malia called after her.

When she reached the outer wall once more the archers were in position. "Commander Anne?"

The tall blonde stepped out from the end of the row of bodies, "Archers ready, Protector!"

Leyla nodded, walking to where an anxious Tai was watching the gate with two others from the swordsmen squad.

"Protector!" They all bowed when she approached. Before she could question them, Peter came in through the small opening in the gate and the three boys locked it behind him with an audible sigh.

What in Gaia? "Report!" Leyla frowned.

Peter stepped towards her, switching to Warrior tongue so they were not understood, "Three Bone Eater riders. One shot a message at the Gate before they retreated." He handed her the message with a grim expression.

Give us the Protector or Death will Follow

So this is how they were going to play it. Leyla waited another moment for any other whistles that might come, but all was quiet.

"Change the positions of the lookouts and double their numbers," she ordered, looking up from the scribbled words.

"Yes, Protector," Peter nodded.

Then, turning towards the wall, she raised her voice: "At ease!"

A collective sigh could be heard from the gathered squads as they lowered their weapons.

"Protector," Peter's blue eyes were filled with concern as he watched her. "You are not considering heading those words, are you?"

Leyla wasn't sure what to do, but waiting was not an option.

Not when she now knew that the Bone Eaters were watching them.