WILHEIM SLOWLY REACHED OUT TO touch a dark bronze zip encrusted with darker bronze crystals. The pull tab was shaped to cup a teardrop crystal, smooth not faceted.'I do, Miss Ada. They are a work of art,' he directed the compliment to Ormbel, nodding at the man. The metal fabricer stiffened, blinking rapidly for a moment and returned the nod. 'Thank you.' He turned to Ada. 'After the last order you took, I thought it might be an idea to make more elaborate pieces. I've had many questions about them, it might create a fantastic side business from the armoury.'The breath-taking array of zippers would catch anyone's eye. Some shone bright gold with pretty enamelled leaves, berries, and flowers. Others silver, set with ebony in a striking chevron pattern that followed the lines of the zip. Several of the zips were plain, but the pull tabs were shaped like beautiful flowers, a glittering gem at the centre.'I feel guilty taking these,' Ada said, unable to tear her eyes from the tiny
OOOOOO, THE TREE'S VOICE SANG out in her mind again, sounding curiously of laughter. It barely registered her presence though they drew closer and closer. Close to her ear Leynorah clung to her hair making her scalp prickle as she resisted the instinctual urge to shake her head.'What's got you looking bemused, goddess?'As she turned her head to wrinkle her nose at him a sudden clawing on her leg gave her a shock. 'Leynorah!''What?'The voice by her ear made her jump, an exclamation slipping out as she swatted at the brown creature scrabbling up her leg. 'Oh, Oh!'The little brown thing squeaked, stubby tail waggling as it fell backward into the long grasses. With an excited whistle of a squeal Leynorah leaped off Loi's shoulder, dropping into the grass after the creature. Loi crouched, both hands spreading the grasses to spot the little fae. Sabyn was beside her a moment later reaching past, uncovering Leynorah.'There!'Grappling in the dirt, Leynorah clung to the hissing br
I NODDED, WATCHING AS AL, Loi, Kass, Rumal, and Sabyn all headed back to the centaurs. When they reached them I called the energy inward. The tiny creatures uttered an array of distressed and annoyed cries, some clinging tight as I shook my arms to dislodge them.'Ow!' One hanging from the mail covering my elbow spat, the spray just touching my chin. 'You little!' I growled while working away at unhooking its claws. 'OW! Stop it! Jeeze give me a chance.' The last little claw unhooked. As it dropped, I darted away, pausing to unhook another I hadn't noticed at the back of my neck.With a grumble I shook all my limbs again, spinning around to check I hadn't missed any. I heard laughter from those watching and screwed my face up as I walked back. 'Oh, very funny.''Lovely dancing, princess,' Al teased when I reached his side. 'Just three weeks to perfect those moves.''Shut up,' I said with a grin. 'Just three weeks?''Give or take, we're making good time.' He lifted me onto the cent
SPREAD LAZILY ACROSS THE WARM leather of Phroma's saddle, Gredel pushed up enough to look at the cavalry below. A steady dust cloud rose but the breeze at this height snatched it away before it reached them. The army kept a strong pace while it negotiated the narrow mountain pass. From this height they looked to spread for miles.'Glad the smell can't reach us here,' Phroma thought to Gredel.'Or the noise,' he added. Nothing breached the peace up here, not even Kerak and Sito playing ahead, ducking and darting around each other. Sian's laughter drifted back to them occasionally.'I thought Daron would be on Nesha, rather than riding,' Phroma observed.Gredel shrugged, the pointless gesture an ingrained habit. 'She needs space. He knows it.''We all know it.''Hmm.' Gredel watched the tan dragon twisting through the air, gold sparks of light reflecting off the creature's scales. 'Grief hits everyone in different ways.' They both fell silent, thoughts melancholy despite the bril
WITH THAT FIRST STEP CLEAR in her head, Citaan quickly began to think through possible weapons at her disposal. Eight years of living with Gredel allowed her to look at most objects from two viewpoints. The most vital thing, however, staying in the saddle. An inventory of options built in her mind, but nothing that would have an effect on the numbers.I need something bigger, she thought desperately then stiffened at the sound of sloshing. Without turning Citaan knew the gragnolls on the right had moved closer, hitting the ankle-deep stream that acted as the road run off. Each side of the road had a run off. Her heart beat rapidly when she realized this was the option she'd sought. The reins in her white knuckled grip jerked again, and she wrenched them hard, forcing the horse to keep its walk. The animal neighed and started to twist sideways, giving Citaan more to concentrate on while she fought for control and attempted to call the water to her cause at the same time.'Settle, sett
'ANOTHER ATTACK, MY LADY,' ALDEERN murmured as they hurried from the hastily arranged meeting with the heads of the Houses that now occupied the castle.Face calm, Elena asked quietly through still lips, 'Where?''Just beyond Gartoll.''Dead?''No. Badly injured. They're bringing the victim to you.''When?''Within the hour.'Damn. Elena paused and turned her head, regarding those that crowded the area. Many eyes met hers, expressions varying from reverence to disdain.Too many, she thought in frustration. It'll be all over the castle by nightfall.'Still nothing?' she asked and turned to Aldeern willing the man to say yes.With sympathetic eyes he gave a slight shake of the head. 'No, my lady.''Dammit.'The meeting had reassured no one. Those of House Draskel were vocal in their concerns for Alek. More like their concerns for occupying the throne, Elena thought with a grimace. House Lhr'yne echoed their words at every given opportunity. House Vaethon, and those standing i
'READY, SITO?''Ready!''Dive!'Pressing against the dragon's back-harness, long leather straps looped tight around her arms, Sian grinned. The dragon tucked his wings in, body turning, and plummeted toward the gathered centaurs at the entrance to another village. An excited scream whipped past her ears half a millisecond after it left her lips. The heavy wind drag made her squint as they drew closer. Sito's muscles shifted and Sian braced herself.Flinging his wings wide, an ear-splittingly loud CRACK rang out as the dragon caught air. The audience waiting below watched with varying expressions.Show off, Kassie thought.Sian ignored her, unhooking the harness from around her waist and using her energy to provide a smooth surface over Sito's layered scales, she slid, tipping off the dragon to Daron's waiting arms.'Oomph!' Daron caught her. 'You could have cushioned yourself, Pix.'Her feet now on the ground, Sian tiptoed to kiss his lips, meeting his unimpressed eyes with a c
BREAKING THE SILENCE ADA SAID, 'I'm glad those two finally stood for her. It felt awful to watch.'Wilheim didn't respond at first, pursing his lips. He gave a minute shake of his head. 'They didn't do it for her, if it were for her, they would have stood straight away.''Then why?' Ada asked.'To keep both sides open I should think,' Wilheim said it slowly, considering. 'Queen Ariadwen was a daughter of Tor'del, so they have a clear alliance there but that only counts if the Princess and Prince return.''But who is on the other side?' Ada asked.'House Draskel and House Lhr'yne.'Ada didn't know what to say. The thought of them not returning made her stomach churn, she didn't even want to consider Elena not being here. The weeks of waiting seemed even longer.'They have to return,' she half whispered. 'They have to.'A warm hand squeezed hers and she looked up into Wilheim's face.'I think they will,' he said, giving her hand another gentle squeeze. 'And watch those lot scram