Like the rest of the Kyren, except Sebastian, there was no saddle.
"It looks like you're finally going to join the ranks of those who've ridden on a Kyren," Caden teased.
"How lovely," Fallon said in a voice that made it seem like he thought it was anything but.
"Come now, Warlord. You're not scared, are you?"
Eva looked down, trying to hide her laugh at Caden's teasing. The last thing she wanted was for the Warlord to take offense.
Fallon narrowed his eyes at Caden. "You're enjoying this."
"Immensely."
Fallon looked like he was bracing himself as he lifted his leg and dismounted.
"Your army will need to wait here," Eva told him as he headed for the chestnut.
Alarm filled the expressions of those behind him.
Caden sent them a firm nod. "I've got him."
The Anateri settled, not arguing with their commander.
Fallon settled himself on the chestnut before the Kyren launched themselves skyward. It wasn’t long before they were flying over the rim of the bowl.
As they passed into the herd lands, Eva looked back to see Fallon's reaction. She wasn't disappointed. Once the Warlord had gotten over the feel of flying, he experienced the same awe she'd felt on her trip here. He looked around him with amazement, taking in the steep cliffs, the towering columns of rock and the peace of the meadow.
Their group veered, picking a landing spot near the base of the cliff where Phillip had greeted them earlier. To their surprise, the Trateri they'd brought earlier weren't the only ones waiting there.
Shea stood off to the side, looking slightly haggard. Reece was beside her, his stance as relaxed as ever.
The Battle Queen's tiredness fell away as she grinned at Fallon. "You found your way."
There was exasperation in Fallon's eyes as he took in Shea. "And you managed to find this place on your own."
Shea's smile was crooked as she looked around. "It wasn't hard."
Reece blew a raspberry.
Shea elbowed his side. "Some of us have skills."
Reece rolled his eyes. "That's not what you were saying when you were at the bottom of that hill earlier. I believe there were a lot of curses coming from you then. We’re lucky we found that short cut through a cave or I’m pretty sure you would have tried to murder me."
Shea narrowed her eyes on her cousin as she bared her teeth. "You give birth to a child and then run up and down these hills and let me see how well you fare."
Reece was wise enough to keep any response to himself as Shea's attention moved back to the others.
There was an apology in her eyes as she nodded at Eva and Caden. "I'm a little out of shape. Otherwise, we would have been here weeks ago."
Eva knew how rugged the terrain was between here and Wayfarer's Keep. Even if the other two set out hours after Eva and Caden left for the herd lands—which would have been impressive on its own since Shea had given birth only days prior—it would still have been a long journey.
And she considered this out of shape? If that was the case, Eva didn't think anyone could ever be truly consideredinshape.
Seeing Eva's expression, Shea's smile was wicked. "The horses helped shorten our journey, and my family has always been rather fast healers."
Reece nodded. "Legend says her mother led an expedition the day after Shea's birth."
"Where is Rowan?" Eva asked.
