Page 127 of A Dawn of Gods & Fury

“Now the hard part.” With a half-dozen warnings and assurances, Jarek and I ease in under his wing.

“One … two …” Jarek counts, and together we yank out the bottom half of the bolt.

Xiaric responds with a pained screech, but Romeria is there, her eyes glowing silver. He stretches out on his belly, allowing her close access to his injury.

“I need to reorganize our position given this new development …” My words fade. She’s not even listening to me anymore.

With a smile, I leave her to her task.

“They came in the night, closer to dawn than dusk.” The squire stands before a line of us within the shelter of the newly erected tent, shaking, his face smeared by soot and blood. He was one of the few to escape Lyndel before it was completely overrun. He raced for the rift on foot. “I do not know how they got in. One minute they were not there, and the next they were … everywhere.”

“How many?” Abarrane demands to know.

He shrugs. “Hundreds, thousands. More.”

I curse. “They must have been in the mountains, waiting.” There were too many of them to be anywhere else.

“There is a small hidden cave entrance southwest of the city. We used it often. It is close enough to move in after dark,” Radomir confirms. “And they could have evaded notice, given the few remaining eyes left in Lyndel were facing the opposite direction.”

“But this all suggests that beasts from the Nulling are capable of, what … organizing?” A pale-faced Lord Telor leans on a makeshift crutch. When he heard his city was under attack, he heaved himself out of his cot and demanded Elisaf bring his horse.

“These are not simple Nulling beasts.” I point to the corpse lying in the middle of our tent. We peeled off the armor to uncover a creature with yellow fangs and mottled flesh the color of ash, its body honed with muscle, its claws sharp enough to tear out throats. Standing on its feet, it would tower over any of us. “They are an army, and I am certain Malachi brought them here.” There is no other explanation.

The tent erupts as questions pile on top of each other.

I raise a hand for silence. “I do not know how or where they are coming in. Certainly not through the Valley of Bones.”

“I fear creatures have found other paths. The rift is long, and we have received reports of an attack on villages farther east.” Gaellar wears a new silver scar across her cheek.

“We’ve received reports of the same on the Ybarisan side,” Kienen confirms.

“How did you fare at the rift last night?” I ask.

“Busy, but nowhere near so as the first.” His brow furrows. “I’ve heard rumors amongst the casters of problems in Mordain.”

“There was a small problem, but the issue has been resolved. We have more pressing concerns to focus on.”

“But we have the Prime’s support?” he pushes. “They will not abandon us?”

I see where his worries lie. “Romeria is now Prime so, no, Mordain’s casters will remain. The Shadow leader will return soon.”

Both Kienen’s and Elisaf’s mouths are agape, earning my chuckle, despite the dour situation.

“For now, we must decide how to proceed here. It would appear they plan to hold the city.”

“With innocent people trapped inside.” Lord Telor’s teeth clench.

“Yes, it seems they are using them to keep us from destroying the city in a blaze with the dragons. For now,” I add quietly. I have never met a beast who shows kindness or mercy.

“I don’t suppose there’s much room for negotiation with them.” Theon stands with arms folded, a worried mask marring his typical calm.

“Who wishes to attempt to parley with that?” Abarrane points at the corpse.

“I will go.” Lord Telor’s jaw sets with determination. “It is my city, and these are my people. We must know what the enemy’s goal is here.”

I settle a hand on his shoulder. “And I will go with you, friend.”

“Not without me.” Romeria ducks in past the flap, her eyes red-tinged from her efforts healing the dragon. Jarek is on her heels. No one needs a reminder to bow as she passes.

---