Kiera's Moon

"We've searched for you throughout the house," she said as Kiera drank.

"I was out back," Kiera responded. At the blank look, she assumed the translator didn't pick up her slang and rephrased. "I was practicing swords with the boys in the yard."

"Practicing swords? Nishani, here women are forbidden to fight," Talal said with a shake of her head.

"I needed something to do," Kiera replied. "And where I'm from, women do fight."

"There are many things to do," Talal said with a nervous giggle. "My sisters and I are to show you your new home."

"And teach me how to behave?"

"Yes, nishani," Talal said. "My brother says your home is very different, that we need to teach you everything."

"Does he?" Kiera felt her cheeks grow red. "Your brother is …"

Talal appeared apprehensive, and Kiera curbed her tongue.

"Maybe I will teach you how women behave where I'm from," Kiera said, and fell into step beside her.

"My brother doesn't believe your influence would complement us," Talal said.

"Maybe I ought to have a word with your brother," she grumbled, surprised the man could insult her without being present.

"It would not be wise. He wasn't pleased with you for missing his farewell this morn. Maybe when he returns, your behavior will please him."

Kiera didn't know where to start. There was too much wrong with the woman's words, but she dumped her confusion and wounded feelings to ask, "Where has he gone?"

"To the Council and to the Anshan battle commanders."

"Battle commanders?"

"How far is your home?" she asked, giving her a long look.

"Very, very far," Kiera responded.

"I will take you to Ne'Rin first. He may choose what to tell you about the war."

"Thank you."

At that moment, it was the only safe thing for her to say. The woman beside her was far too subservient for her comfort; if their brother expected her behavior to conform, he was in for a surprise. Maybe when he realized that, he'd send her home. The chipper thought was fleeting. There was something about the warrior that warned her he didn't lose his battles.

Talal paused in an open doorway leading to a large, green field behind the dwelling occupied by hundreds, perhaps thousands, of warriors organized into sparring groups of four and five. Talal's gaze sought out Ne'Rin before she stepped out of the house. Kiera trailed. Lines had been drawn on the grass, large squares like those used for wrestling, with a circle in the center. Two men populated each circle, sparring with each other, while the other two or three watched. The battles were silent, the swords clashing without the clang of steel she expected to hear. At her entrance, those in the nearest circle with Ne'Rin ceased their activity and bowed, then stood in a line and waited.