Page 14 of Galadon
She couldn’t find the last two that they didn’t injure anywhere in sight. Unlike those who belonged to clans, these beasts weren’t very loyal to their brethren and behaved more like rogues. She was willing to bet they flew off and wouldn’t return anytime soon.
They’d missed their chance. On the bright side, the ones that escaped would be unlikely to come this way for a long time, making them less of a threat to Taugud territory. All the slayers got a kill, too, thankfully. That gave them about a week before they’d absolutely have to hunt again or become a threat to any dragon near them.
James returned from killing his beast, wiping the blood from his face with a cloth. The gash that had run from his head to his cheek was already closing. Rayna was relieved that none of them were seriously wounded.
“Well, that was a clusterfuck,” Conrad said as they walked back to the horses.
She glanced over at him. “It could have gone worse.”
Despite the surprise attack, no one was seriously injured or killed. They’d lost so many good people—slayers, humans, and even dragons on their side—during the war because of being outnumbered. Those who survived had become even better at fighting. They’d proved that today by reacting quickly and forming a strategy on the move.
James studied her, knitting his brows. “I don’t know how you live out here full-time and risk running into that many.”
She shrugged. “I pick my battles carefully. The Kandoran rarely roam in groups as large as this one, and I can handle two or three at a time—if I plan it right. Anytime I think there’s more than I can handle, I avoid them.”
Conrad snickered. “Havin’ a bloodthirsty horse helps if you gotta face more than one. He’s weird, but I wouldn’t mind havin’ a stallion like him if he had my back.”
“Ha!” Maya snorted. “As if any smart horse would put up with you. Even your girl’s mule hardly lets you ride him.”
He lifted his chin. “If the right stallion came along, I bet it would.”
James remained silent, but the corner of his mouth twitched as he held back a smile.
“I thought you still held a grudge against Onyx for that prank last year,” she said, giving Conrad a pointed look. “Or are you finally over that?”
He gave her an alarmed look, probably hoping she wouldn’t tell the other slayers about him being tied to her horse’s back, only wearing thin boxer shorts, and trotted all over a town in Tennessee. Rayna had supplied the horse, but Bailey and her friends had wanted revenge against him for something he’d done. It did give her a good laugh to hear him screaming when he woke up and realized what was happening.
“Oh, well, that wasn’t really Onyx’s fault.” Conrad cleared his throat. “We’re good now.”
They reached their mounts—still under the trees—and headed back for the fortress. It took a little over an hour, and Rayna was starving by the time they settled the horses in their stalls. She made sure Onyx had some fresh hay and oats, along with water, and gave him a quick rub down.
She exited the stable to find Titan and Kade—Aidan’s uncle—waiting for her.
“Hey,” she greeted them. “What’s going on?”
“We’ll leave directly after the noon meal tomorrow. I’ve taken care of everything, so I can be away for a couple of days to fly you,” Titan said, giving her a reassuring smile.
Kade was an older shifter whose black hair was half-covered in silver, and lines creased his brows. Their kind didn’t start to age until sometime in their ninth century or so. He still appeared healthy, with some muscle defining his shoulders and arms, but he moved slower than others younger than him. The most notable thing about him, though, was that he also had sorcerer powers. His primary ability being to see the future.
Rayna braced herself for whatever reason he’d have for coming out here to see her. “Kade, how are you?”
“I’m well. Thank you.” He dipped his chin in greeting. “I came to inform you that you must go directly to Galadon’s territory tomorrow before you visit the Faegud jakhal.”
She stiffened. “What? Why?”
“I sense he’ll be in danger and unable to handle the problem alone.”
Titan frowned at him. “From what?”
“I do not know the specifics, but I believe the Takaran will be involved.”
While such a pronouncement worried her, Rayna still found it hard to believe. “Galadon has been protecting his land for six centuries, all alone. Why would he need our help now?”
“Not always alone.” Kade shook his head. “Others have been guided to assist him during his greatest times of need, and now, it’s your turn.”
She wondered what he meant by that. “You know he hates me and has no desire to see me.”
The older shifter studied her. “You have unresolved feelings for him. I think this would be an excellent time to talk to him and attempt to work through those. Even if you fail, it will help you down your path.”
