Riv didn’t need any more encouragement. She leaped forwards, sprinting out of sight just as the first row of the White-Wings’ shield wall entered the courtyard. Slamming herself against a wall, she looked back, saw Kol give a beat of his wings and glide twenty paces towards the skulls. The White-Wings spread into the town square, scouts breaking off to search buildings, looking for any potential ambush, and other Ben-Elim dropped down from the skies.

Aphra appeared with her guard; orders were given, smaller units of tens breaking away, marching to the outskirts of the square, setting secure perimeters while Aphra, weapons drawn and prepared for battle, led her warriors past the mound of heads, their booted feet thudding on the timber steps of the feast-hall. Then she was disappearing into the shadowed doors, Riv straining her ears, heart beating heavy as a drum in her head.

Be safe, be safe, Riv pleaded, eyes flitting back to the mound of heads.

Whoever, or whatever, did this might still be here, might be waiting in the shadows of that feast-hall.

Aphra appeared in the doorway, sheathing her sword, and signalled that the building was clear. Riv released the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding.

There was the sound of more feet as the second hundred of White-Wings marched into the courtyard, led by Garidas. They split into smaller units, continuing the search of buildings and alleys around the courtyard, moving on towards the far end, and to where Riv was lurking.

Time to go.

Riv turned and ran back towards where she determined the main gates were. As she drew close she heard familiar voices, saw Jost and the other helpers moving into the town now that perimeters were set. She made her way as close as she could to them, always hugging the shadows, light and silent on her feet. As they passed her by, she stepped out and rejoined them. Jost pulled a relieved face.

‘Thank Elyon you’re back,’ he whispered. ‘There’s only so long I can tell people you’re on a latrine break.’

‘Thanks,’ she said and grinned at him.

Riv sat close to Aphra, who was engaged in deep conversation with Garidas, Lorina and Kol.

They were sitting around a fire-pit dug into the meadow that surrounded the town of Oriens.

All around the meadow fire-pits crackled, small oases of light in night’s darkness. White-Wings were sitting and taking their meals, giants and Ben-Elim spread amongst them, the Ben-Elim looking as relaxed as she had ever seen them. It reminded her of the night in her own feast-hall back in Drassil, when she had seen Adonai with Estel. Something twisted in Riv’s stomach, a sour taste in her mouth, and she pushed the memory away.

There’s enough darkness in this very day, without searching old memories to find it.