Chapter 289

I FELT IT LONG BEFORE anyone picked up the scent. The sensation of flames darting recklessly sang to my energy like an intense caffeine hit. Having been almost asleep, clinging to the saddle with my head bobbing lower and lower, I jerked upright and peered about in the dark. All I could see was the dim shapes of the cavalry at fast trot. Each soldier carried a torch in the purpose designed sheaths set to their right foreleg, but none seemed inclined to light them, instead leaving them glowing eerily in the darkness. It didn't help that the moon was barely out of new, just a pale thin sickle in an ink blue sky.

Still peering ahead, expecting to see something, I felt a curious hum from Loi and Kassie, moments before Alek's thought popped in my mind.

What's that?

I twisted, staring his way though I couldn't make out his form. I'm not sure, I can feel a fire burning. Do the farmers do burn offs?

I felt his frown.

Not usually. Not in this area.

Though faint just moments ago the smell