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

Chapter 37

Cheerful whistles rose through the trees and towards the bright sky as five horses approached the Protectorate. The four Warriors beside her raised their heads to the high branches of the trees where Hayvani lookouts were scampering down to meet them.

"Protector!" Six scouts lined up in front of them, their eyes on her. She knew they had been watching for a while before they gave their positions away, but they obviously wanted more assurance that all was well.

"I have returned with friends," Leyla used the little Hayvani she had picked up and was pleased to see their faces relax visibly.

Nodding their heads, they moved forward to take the leads of the horses.

"What's this?" Toke frowned. Leyla knew Warriors didn't like anyone touching their horses, but it couldn't be helped.

"They are the only ones who can guide us to the wall safely," she explained. 

Toke's brows rose at the obvious meaning of her words. Changing the layout of traps after a high-ranking official left the keep was a Warrior tactic no outsiders would be aware of and one that Leyla had enforced in the Protectorate.

"It doesn't make sense," Toke muttered, but he allowed one of the Hayvani's to take the bridle of his horse and signalled for the other Warriors to do the same. Then his eyes went wide and his head turned in her direction.  

Did he figure it out? Leyla avoided his gaze and jumped off of her horse. Athiri was beside her in an instant, pushing his nose into her hand and asking to be petted.

"Alright, calm," she whispered, while handing her horses reins to a bowing Hayvani. 

Over roots and rocks, they walked the dappled path between tall trees in silence until the wall came into view. Leyla saw a glimmer of light reflecting off an arrow head and knew Anne had lined up the archers for their arrival.

"You've done a good job with defence," Toke said, his eyes on the wall. "I suppose these weapons we've brought will not go to waste either..."

"No weapon that saves a life is wasted," Leyla said. Then she raised her hand, making the sign that would get the gates to open. 

Peter stepped out, his tall frame casting a long shadow on the bright ground. Keeping his gaze on the Warrior's seated behind her, he walked forward with a group of Hayvani's behind him.

"Unload the weapons," Leyla said by way of greeting.

"Yes, Protector!" Peter nodded to his left and right and soon the Hayvani's were rushing towards the horses to do her bidding while the scouts continued to wait beside the horses.

Athiri sniffed twice, then lowered his head as Peter came to stand on the other side of her.

"Are you hurt?" He asked, his eyes taking in her blood streaked clothing.

"You worry too much" Leyla admonished. "The Warriors will need nourishment before they return."

"Malia is preparing it-"

"Protector!" The object of discussion suddenly called from the open gate. A huge smile plastered on her face, she was waving like mad. "Protector! You're finally back!"

Despite the woman's embarrassing  antics, Leyla felt a warmth in her chest. "Go get the food from her before she rushes out here unarmed."

Peter gave a short nod, then turned on his heel, moving amongst the Hayvani's who were returning to carry the last bags into the camp. It was time to see the Warriors off.

"Thank you for seeing me back," Leyla addressed Toke. The Warriors beside him were watching the Hayvani's movements intently as they handed over the final weapons. They would have judged the men's abilities with great accuracy and that information would no doubt be lodged in Warrior records within the day.