“We didn’t. They drove us to the ground. We tried to shoot at them but they scattered as soon as they saw us take our bows, as if they understood what they were for.” The speaker paused. “We walked for a time, then those of us who could fly did so, keeping low and among the treetops in the hopes that we could land and fight if another attack came.”

There was a sigh. “We do not need another danger to add to those we already face.”

“I have never heard of these birds before. Most likely they are an invading species. We should eliminate them, before they breed into numbers that threaten us all.”

“I agree. We need to warn all tribes and—”

“There is something else,” the third man interrupted. “My brother here believes I was imagining things, but I am sure I saw a landwalker.”

“A landwalker?”

“Yes. I saw her as we left. She was watching us, and the birds were gathered around her.”

“I understand why your brother doubts. Landwalkers have never ventured that far into the mountains before. What did this woman look like?”

“Dark skin. Black clothing. That is all I can tell you. I only caught a glimpse of her.”

“This is strange. I must consider what you have told me. Is there anything else I should know?”

“No.”

“Then I will see you back to your tribe.”

The distorted shadows shifted to one side of the bower, then three figures stepped outside. Tryss watched them stride away, his heart pounding.

“I don’t think we were supposed to hear that,” he whispered.

“No,” Drilli replied. “At least they didn’t see us.”

“No.”

“We should go back.”

But he was suddenly conscious of how close she was. He did not want to move away, and she was making no move to do so either. He could feel the warmth radiating from her skin, and smell her sweat mingled with a distinctly female scent.

She shifted closer.

“Tryss?”

Her voice was tentative and questioning, and somehow he knew no question would follow. His name was the question.

“Drilli?” he murmured.

He could barely see her in the darkness—just her jaw outlined by starlight. Slowly, he leaned forward.

Her lips brushed his. He felt a shock of exhilaration, then her mouth closed over his and he felt heat rush through his blood. Two thoughts flashed through his mind.

She wants me.

My cousins are going to be furious!

He didn’t care about his cousins. She wanted him. There was no mistaking that. This was no chaste kiss of a friend. Her hands gripped his shoulders. He slipped his arms under her wing membranes and caught her waist. She drew back slightly.

“Promise me something,” she breathed.

All he could see were stars reflected in her eyes. “Anything.”

“Promise me you’ll show the Speakers your harness at the next Gathering.”

He hesitated at the sudden change of subject. “My harness…?”