Warsworn Read Online Free PDF Page A

Isdra had bells in her horse's mane, and we were being avoided by those around us. "Warprize, I must ask for your token."
    I blinked, taken aback, but I fumbled in my pocket for a stone I had learned to carry. "Have I offended?"
    "No." Isdra took the token over her shoulder and held it in her hand. "At least, you have not offended me. Lara, I would tell you something that is known, but not discussed. Do you understand?"
    "Yes. I think so. Something that everyone knows, but it's not talked about." I groped for words. "Like the people in Xy avoid talking about my brother's death. For fear of my grief. Or anger."
    "Aye. You have it." Isdra nodded, then took a deep breath. "Lara, Marcus was bonded."
    "Really?" I jerked my head around, to spot Marcus be-hind us. His chin was on his chest, and he appeared to be sleeping in the saddle as his horse walked along. "But his ear—" I stopped myself. His left ear had been burned away in the accident that left him scarred.
    Isdra nodded again. "Aye, his ear spiral melted away with his flesh. I do not know the details, Lara. Don't ask him, even with token in hand, bells all around, and the Warlord at your side.
    Marcus is known to lash out when the topic is raised. Epor and I try to be considerate, but we know we cause him pain. I was surprised when the Warlord named us your guards, to be open to the skies."
    "Oh, Goddess. Was she killed, Isdra?"
    Isdra shook her head. "I will say no more, Lara. For lack of knowledge, and for courtesy. But if you wish to speak of bonding. I will chatter like the magpie I am." I could almost feel her grin as she handed back my token.
    "Tell me about bonding."
    "I'll say to you as I would teach a young one. Not to offend, but to inform." I could hear a rhythm in her voice, as if she were reciting it as she had been taught. She took my silence for assent, and continued. "Here is the way of the Plains. Once the required babes are birthed, and honor won through battle, one has the freedom to choose to enter a bond. Bonding binds two souls, and as with all bindings it can cause pain as well as pleasure. Where once one mind and body worked together, now so must two mesh. This is more of a challenge than the fiercest battle, for a battle lasts but hours, but the work of a bond is constant and never-ending.
    Adjusting to each other, the bond grows or withers with every breath. Rare is a bonding, but when it is found, it is priceless in the joy it bestows."
    "You can't bond until you have had children?"
    "And served the tribes as a warrior, yes."
    "So," I licked my lips. "Bonded couples don't sleep with others?"
    Isdra was silent for a moment. "I have heard that Xyians have different customs than we do.
    How do you mean, 'sleep'?"
    My face grew hot, and I was just as glad that she couldn't see me. "For a man and a woman to he together. To touch in ways that bring pleasure to both of them."
    "Ah. Then yes, bonded couples do not 'sleep' with others."
    "How does that—" I fumbled my words, unsure of what I really wanted to ask. "How does that feel?"
    Isdra seemed to understand what I was asking. "Ah, Lara, Epor is my heart's fire."
    She turned her head and my eyes followed. Epor was off to the side, riding about a horse-length in front of us. His blond braid was shining gold in the sun, and the light caught the beads and wire woven into his ear. One of the other riders said something, and Epor threw his head back and laughed. I felt Isdra sigh, as she looked ahead. "He's a fine-looking man, Isdra."
    "Oh, yes."
    "Was there a ceremony?" I asked.
    "There can be. Depends on the bonded pairs." Isdra laughed. "I walked up to Epor at a dance and announced my intention. The look on his face…"
    "Do bonded have children?"
    Isdra laughed again. "Well, this bonded will not. My moon cycles dried up long ago." Isdra tilted her head to the side. "All bonded are older, Lara. They have served then-people in the required ways, and are free to follow what paths they will." She paused.