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

'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

THE ROOM WAS BEAUTIFULLY QUIET. Ada stayed there against the door and breathed in the cool silence, relishing the taste in comparison to yet another uncomfortable dinner. If only they'd arrive home, she thought yearning; then those horrid nobles would be put in their places. Though, watching them stand prompt to attention now when Elena entered caused a malicious grin of delight amongst those at the service table. The arrogance of House Lhr'yne irritated everyone, not a day went by without more extravagant demands.Letting the niggling thoughts go she pushed away from the door and headed for her bedroom niche. The heavy wood panelling made the wall look as if it contained a built-in wardrobe but it concealed a set of wide bunks. The hand holds must have been built for a man as they swamped Ada's hands but she could still manage it. Getting a good grip, she hauled back and the well-oiled hinges let the beds out with ease. The top bunk came out whether you wanted it or not, Ada only eve

IT TOOK LITTLE TIME TO finish getting ready. Elena dressed in the garments specially created for this particular ritual. The long wide sleeves of the fitted ankle length navy tunic had certain crystals melded within the fabric to aid the rite; even the silk pants she wore beneath the tunic had crystals. It added unexpected weight to the garments.Drying her wet hair with a thought, Elena bound her hair back with a length of black silk, tying it down so not a single strand escaped. She called for Aldeern to enter. The solemn expression Aldeern always wore didn't flicker at her appearance, nor at the items she asked him to carry. He picked the blanketed mirror up as though it weighed nothing and slung the sack of wrapped crystals over his shoulder. They left the room, walking to the closest turret and made their way down the stairs to the ground floor. The long corridors were dim and soldiers stood at every entrance way, making sure no one wandered about. Leading the way to the library,

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