Eva gave a glad cry at the sight of her, sliding off Sebastian and racing for the mare.
She'd been losing hope of ever seeing Caia again.
From what the Kyren had told her, they'd left one of their own to watch over Caia only for the mare to vanish. Even the search parties Caden sent out couldn't find any sign of her.
Eva flung her arms around Caia's neck. "I thought you were gone, you dumb horse."
Caia pressed her chin against Eva’s back, hugging the woman to her chest. Eva's tears wet Caia's coat as she clung to the mare. She'd been so afraid she'd lost Caia forever.
When her tears were exhausted, Eva drew back, scanning the mare to make sure she was okay. Wounds that had scabbed over dotted the mare's sides. Thankfully, they were mostly minor. The kind she would have gotten trying to bully her way through a small opening.
Phillip's face was sour as he watched the mare. "There's something seriously off about that horse. I'm almost certain she understands what I say."
Eva's laugh sounded soggy as she ran her hands along Caia's forelegs, checking for heat that might indicate injury. "I've heard that a lot."
Phillip acknowledged Caden as he slid off Polaris. "Commander."
The two clasped forearms.
"I see you made it safely," Caden said.
Phillip grunted. "The entire affair was far stranger than is my taste. Next time Fallon offers me an assignment, remind me to refuse."
Caden chuckled. "I'll do that."
The two's exchange was interrupted when Jason landed a few feet away on Talia.
"There's a large force heading in this direction," he said, reaching down to pat Talia's shoulder in gratitude.
"Show me," Caden ordered, starting for Polaris.
To Eva's surprise, the Kyren had offered to allow Caden to ride him on the trip to the herd lands. Even more interesting, the Kyren didn't protest as Caden mounted.
Eva hurried toward Sebastian, lifting herself into the saddle as Caden shot her a look.
"I'm going with you," Eva informed him.
She might not be able to fight, but she could carry messages to those who were still vulnerable outside the herd lands.
Caden expression was unhappy, but he didn't argue. Smart man.
Eva leaned forward on Sebastian, her body telling him she was ready to move. "Besides, the Kyren will want me to translate."
With that, she and Sebastian galloped forward, shooting into the sky seconds later as Caden chose those who would be traveling with them.
She and Jason circled as they waited.
A short time later, Caden and those he'd chosen led the way as they flew into the mist. They exited over a mountain range Eva recognized as being close to the battle where they'd fought the Whisperer's army. Only about a day's ride south and east.
Sebastian dipped low as they spotted the force Jason had warned them about. It covered the land, extending far behind them.
Caden let out a whoop from where Polaris flew a few feet away.
Seconds later, Eva saw why as the banners at the front of the army came into focus. It was a hawk on a blue background.
"Fallon," Eva whispered to herself.
Caden signaled as he and Polaris circled, heading for the vanguard of the army. Eva and Sebastian followed, setting down next to them.
