:How close are you? Show me what you’re seeing.

It took him a few tries before he was able to convey a clear image of his surroundings. When he did, he sent an impression of a narrow valley seen from high above. Two rivers wound down the center, one blue, one black. Then she realized that the black river was a flow of people, not water.

The Pentadrian army.

The sight of it was no surprise, yet it was a shock. Until now she had only heard of the enemy through reports and only encountered it in the form of lone black sorcerers. Seeing this endless column marching steadily toward the pass and her own country made the threat of invasion real and chilling.

:Can you get closer? Juran asked.

:I’ll circle around and drop down with the sun at my back.

Tireel directed some of the other Siyee to inspect the neighboring valleys, then instructed others to wait out of sight of the army. Any Pentadrians who happened to look up would dismiss the flying shape as that of a large predatory bird. Predatory birds were solitary, however. Several large birds would attract attention, and it would not take much speculation before someone realized they might not be birds, but humans.

Satisfied that his instructions were being carried out, Tireel began to descend. He did so in stages, copying the flying habits of predatory birds. Details of the Pentadrian army became visible. Auraya noted that the column was divided into five sections. Each was headed by a lone rider and followed by supply carts.

:Are these leaders the five sorcerers and sorceresses we’ve been told of? Juran asked.

:I’ll try to get a closer look at one, Tireel offered.

Tireel dropped lower until Auraya was able to see that one of the lead riders was a woman. On the woman’s arm perched an enormous black bird. Unlike the trained hunting birds of the Genrian nobility, this one was unhooded. Its head swivelled about, looking into the trees on either side of the road. Then it abruptly cocked its head and spread its wings. Its screech echoed through the valley.

The woman’s head snapped up. Tireel could see the oval of her face, but not judge her expression. She moved her arm. The black bird leapt into the air, its wings beating strongly.

:Get away, Auraya urged.

Tireel circled away. Looking back, he glimpsed several more birds fly up from among the Pentadrians. Fear lent him strength and Auraya registered a little of the strain he felt as he beat his wings.

:Do you think she recognized what he is? Mairae asked.

:If she is the only Pentadrian with birds then she is probably the one who entered Si, Auraya answered. So she has seen Siyee before.

:We’d best assume our hopes of surprising them have been dashed. Juran’s thought was quiet, and only heard by the other White.