Free Stormseer (Storms in Amethir Book 3) by Stephanie A. Cain

"But to please you, I'll turn my back." She did so and the tailors gestured again for Hawk to remove his breeches. "I know we just gave you new clothes, but with Prince Razem's greeting, I will not have you returning home looking shabby. Your uniform was burned long ago--not that it would fit you now, I suppose--but we'll at least deck you out properly."
    As Ayowir spoke, the tailors draped him in silk and linen, the trousers so thin he almost felt he had none on. He had to admit they draped nicely when tucked into his boots, but he wished they had more substance. The silk shirt was fine, but the bright blue tunic they put over it made him feel like a court dandy. Warriors in the desert wore light-colored clothing, both to serve as camouflage against the dusty landscape and to protect them from the sun's heat. Blue seemed ridiculous, and he said so.
    Ayowir turned around and put her hands on her hips. "Just wait until we're finished with you, then," she said, and Hawk flinched as the woman tailor draped a scarlet cloak around his shoulders. His reaction made Ayowir laugh again. She dismissed the tailors with quick praise and then beckoned Hawk to come over to the table.
    "Have a glass of wine. I think you'll need it for the afternoon to come." She made a face. "I could do without all this ceremony, and honestly, I share your opinion of the clothes. But I have my instructions, and I am going to give the people of Salishok the best damn show they could ask for when their war hero returns."
    "I'm no war hero," Hawk muttered. He had been a captive for six years. What kind of hero was that?
    Ayowir's eyebrows shot up. "I think you'll see differently when we get to the city." She poured a glass of wine for him and one for herself. "Drink up," she added, and followed her own instructions.
    When Hawk got to the bottom of his goblet, he saw that she had one last piece to complete his outfit. He nearly dropped the beaten copper vessel when he realized what it was.
    "I know you thought this lost on the battlefield," Ayowir said, holding the scabbard across her palms. "I couldn't let you have it, but I wouldn't let it be destroyed. Talon was almost as iconic as The Hawk, you know." She gave him a crooked smile. "I think this is all a mighty mistake, but as I said, I have my instructions. And if I have to give you back to the Tamnese, I'm damned if I give you back less than what you were."
    Talon. Hawk felt his throat tighten. He had thought his sword lost on the battlefield, and he had mourned the loss of the sword as much as the loss of his honor. Having the sword back would not make him again the man he had been, but it was the next best thing. He rested his hand on the pommel of the sword, fingers tracing every swirling detail. "I thank you," he choked out.
    Ayowir's figure was suddenly blurry as she stood back from him. Hawk blinked, hoping his tears would not spill over. But when his vision cleared, the commander's face held no judgment.
    "I know as well as you do what a sword means to a warrior," she said softly. "As I said, I won't return you to Tamnen as less a man than you were."
     
    ***
     
    They rode into Salishok with barely two-score men accompanying them. Ayowir rode at the head of the column with Hawk at her side. When he remarked on the small force, she shrugged and said it was a necessary concession. And, she pointed out, if the Tamnese intended to take her captive, they would do it regardless of how many soldiers she brought with her.
    What shocked him even more than their small party was the flourish of trumpets when the city gates opened. A crowd lined the street on either side, their voices raised in cheers and song. Hawk straightened in the saddle, his back stiff with surprise. His horse felt his unease and began prancing. Distracted, Hawk took the opportunity to gather himself as well as the reins. By the time his horse was under control, he had pushed away his emotions and stared straight ahead.
    They took a