Page 29 of Flying Blind

Zara sat in a cornerof Lykon’s booth and could feel the blaze of heat coming from the forge. Lyric remained near her but chatted with the boothgoers. Again, there was a post and rigid structures against her back.

She listened to the rhythmic hammering and slowly nodded to one side, being supported by the lemon-sunshine scent Lyric had mentioned.

Zara felt a pulse of air and looked up.

Lyric sighed. “Looks like the bugger is interfering with things. I will let Lykon know that we are having guests for a week, and your delightful visit here is done, m’lady.”

“Oh. Well, I look forward to trying this again.”

Lyric offered her arm, and they moved toward the forge. “Lykon, we are heading out. Your princess needs rest.”

He murmured something, and Lyric kept Zara with her as they made their way to the front of the faire.

“Okay, he just sent a message. We are going to be in the back of the parking area. Stay close, Zara.”

“You bet, sis.”

Lyric chuckled, and they moved against the crowd until Lyric inhaled sharply, “Fuck this. Get ready to move.”

A wedge of energy pressed in front of them and parted the faire patrons. Lyric parted the sea of incoming merrymakers without hesitation. They were at the front gate in ten minutes.

The blur approached them rapidly, and Zara gasped, “Look out.”

Lyric whirled and swung her arm out, thudding it into the oncoming demon.

There was a hiss, a crunch, and a thud, and Lyric said, “Hold tight. Looks like the asshole was recruiting.”

They moved fast toward the helicopter. Folks who saw it were exclaiming about the black eagle that had descended in an effort to stay in character for the faire.

Rayd’s swirling aura was behind the controls. Lyric got Zara in her harness and settled herself. They lifted off a moment later and were on their way.

Lyric put on her headset and spoke into it. “More than one. Number two rushed us outside the gate. I guess he was too cheap to buy a ticket.”

Rayd got them to the legal height before he said something else, and Lyric put the headset in Zara’s hand.

She heard his voice clearly and knew it was Lyric’s doing. “How are you doing, Zara? Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Lyric fought him off with one hand. Literally.”

There was a chuckle from Lyric. “I will explain that later. You had the helicopter on standby?”

“Two lots over.” He growled.

“How is Emma?”

“Shaken but being brought to the vineyard. You are sure you can defend it?”

Lyric laughed. “Oh yeah. Nothing like one’s home being under threat to give a reason for defense. My wards have held off a lot. Dogs. Bunnies. Perverts. But now, I have to lower the wards and let the pervs in.”

Zara laughed, and Rayd snorted. A few minutes later, he was settling them down, and the scent of green and fruit was in the air.

Lyric got out and came around to get Zara free. She hung up the headset and worked the restraint. She helped Zara out, and after a little awkwardness, she stepped out and into Rayd’s arms.

Rayd murmured, “I have contacted our third and explained the urgency. He’ll be here tomorrow.”

“Great. Does he have a name?” Zara asked softly.

“He does, and you will know it when you are introduced. Having his name floating on the wind could bring the others to us.”

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