Audria and Roake nodded. And for the first time in all of their training, Fordham moved into the natural leader position. Despite the fact that he’d always shown this aptitude, he usually fell back and let Audria take the lead. She was precocious and well-liked. She was the one that the Society wanted to be the leader. But what they wanted and what was reality were two different things. The head of their troop had given them orders. No one argued as they burst into activity to meet his demand.

Luckily, Kerrigan’s room had been left untouched. Within minutes, she had everything she needed in her saddlebag. Then, she met Fordham in the armory. She strapped a sword to her belt and a staff to her back. Armor went in a second bag. She hoisted them both up, nearly toppling over at the weight of it. Her magic was refueling but slowly. She needed to eat and drink and sleep for another day. But she didn’t have the luxury.

Fordham went to help her with the burden, but she stepped back. “I have it.”

He nodded and went to help Audria.

With the few minutes alone, she dropped gracefully into the spirit world and called Tieran to her. “Come back to the mountain. The walls fell in the House of Shadows, and we’re being called to battle.”

Are you certain? We were just removed from service, he said when he appeared.

“I don’t have time to explain, but I’ll tell you on the way. Meet me in the western aerie.”

We’re still not bonded.

Kerrigan smiled. “I have good news. We don’t have to be.”

What do you mean?

“I figured out a way around it.”

This sounds like trouble.

Kerrigan laughed. “Might be.”

Tieran looked intrigued but just nodded and promised to meet her. She was back in her body when Audria and Roake were finished. Then, the four of them left the training quarters behind forever.

55

The Crux

Tieran waited for Kerrigan in the aerie when they arrived.

She threw her arms around him. “It is so good to see you. We have so much to talk about.”

Indeed, we do. I came at your behest. I will fly into battle with you, Kerrigan, but I thought this was the end for us.

Tieran anxiously looked around the aerie. Luckily, with the upcoming battle, no one paid a lick of attention to which dragons were and weren’t present.

“It’ll be okay. Helly said that she is going to appeal the decision on our behalf. Nothing is set in stone.”

He huffed. Then, why did they detain me?

“Things changed quickly. I am sorry. You didn’t deserve what happened. Can I explain the rest in the air?”

Tieran nodded, and she climbed onto his back. Helly appeared next to her, astride her dragon, Tavry.

“Ready?” she asked.