Not the most comfortable way to travel. Also not the quickest since the beasts will be weighed down. But it’s a tried-and-true method used for centuries during Orean battles.
Thirty-six riders on thirty-six timberwings—that’s eighteen pairs. Per pair, that’s five elite soldiers carried in the war panniers. That’s one hundred twenty-six soldiers we can fly in with us to try to ready Ranhold for invasion.
One hundred twenty-six. Against thousands of fae.
But our plan is to head straight for Ranhold, to ready Fifth Kingdom’s army, and for me to strike the fae with my magic. Meanwhile, our Elites and King Thold’s will do everything possible to stop them from advancing.
Give Orea a chance, my brother begged me. So that’s what I’m doing.
I reach Ryatt, and when he sees me, he dismisses the soldiers he was talking to.
“How much longer?” I ask as soon as we’re alone, very aware of the impatience tingeing my tone.
Ryatt is in full commander leathers, his expression stoic and professional. “I’m still waiting on six more Elites, and the smith should be bringing up the weapons within the next hour. The kitchens are readying the ration packs as well, and King Thold is also preparing—”
A growl scrapes up my throat. “This is taking too long.”
He gives me a look of exasperation. “I’m going as fast as I can. I’m trying to get everyone ready for you to leave at first light, but preparation takes time.”
“I don’t have time,” I say, harsher than I mean to. I know my brother is working his ass off to get us everything we need, but even their quickest is too damn slow.
With an impatient glance around the courtyard again, I see how far off we still are from leaving. Some timberwings haven’t even been fitted with their saddles yet.
go go go go go
I can’t resist this push anymore.
“I’m going ahead.”
Ryatt’s brows lift in surprise, just as Lu and Judd walk up to join us.
“You’re leaving right now?” Lu asks as she stops beside me. There’s no missing the tired circles under her eyes.
“I can’t wait. I need to move. I can’t stand still a fucking second longer.”
“I’ll go with you,” she immediately offers, but I shake my head. She might be too stubborn to admit it, but she needs a few hours of rest before she gets back on a timberwing again. It’sbeen barely five hours since she got here and told us about the fae attacking Highbell.
“No,” I tell her. “Go get a few hours of sleep and then leave with the rest of the contingent.”
“But—”
“That’s an order, Talula.”
She scowls at me. “Don’t pull that shit with me.” Her tone is sharp, but I don’t miss the flash of relief in her eyes. She really does need some fucking sleep.
When she looks over and sees that Judd’s grinning, she slams her forearm into his stomach, making anoofescape him.
“Hey!” he complains. “I wasn’t the one to call you by your whole name! Why’d you hit me?”
“Because of that dumb smile on your face.”
“My smile’s not dumb,” he defends as he rubs his stomach.
Rolling her eyes, she looks back to me. “One of us should go with you.”
“You’d only slow me down,” I reply. “Argo is the fastest timberwing. If I can travel on my own, I can get to Ranhold quickly without having to wait on anyone. Since Ryatt is staying behind to command the army here, that means I’ll need you and Judd to lead the Elites and help King Thold with his group too. They haven’t traveled through Fifth often. You two know the quickest path and how to handle the elements. So does Digby.” When she still looks dubious, I add, “Besides, you’ll only be half a day behind me.”
“And once you reach Ranhold?” she asks.
