“But we didn't,” I said firmly. “We arrived just in time. There's fate in that, Tae, and I have to believe that's a good sign.”
Taeven nodded. “Sit down, my love. Dinner will be here soon, and we'll need our rest. After flying all day, we won't be at our best for battle.”
“Perhaps we should stay on the ground?”
“No, I need to supervise from the air.”
I started to speak, but he cut me off.
“And don't say that you can stay grounded without me. By my side, remember? That was our agreement.”
“What if I can't fly?”
Tae grimaced. “Then we'll fight on the ground. But we will be strongest in falcon form.”
“Falcon Lord, dinner has arrived,” Nelos announced as he swept in, followed by several soldiers bearing food; one of them was Vanessa.
“Van!” I took the platter she was carrying, shoved it on the table, and hugged her.
“Shane!” She hugged me back. “Welcome home.”
“Thanks.” I glanced at the food. “And thanks for dinner. Oh, and I've got presents for everyone, but they're gonna have to wait.”
“Yeah, I heard about the Farungal.” She went grim.
Meanwhile, Tae spoke to Nelos, “Summon the rest of the Guard. Tonight, we'll dine together. The Generals and Commander Varcir will be joining us.”
Nelos looked surprised, but nodded and hurried out.
“You may join us too, Corporal,” Tae said to Vanessa.
Vanessa gaped at him, then stuttered, “Oh, thank you, my lord, but I've already eaten.”
“Then get what rest you can,” he said gently. “It will be an early morning and, I fear, a rough one.”
Vanessa grinned. “That's every morning for us, my lord.” Then she turned to me. “I'll let the others know that you've returned safely.”
“Thanks.” After she left, I turned to grin at Tae. “And thank you for inviting my friend to dinner.”
“We'll have them all for a meal after the battle,” Tae offered. “I want to meet them.”
Could I get any happier? Doubtful.
“Falcon Lord?” a deep voice preceded a massive man into the tent. A Red Cap to be precise.
“Commander Varcir, please, come in. Join us.” Tae waved a hand at the table even as his knights settled into seats. “Have you eaten?”
“I have, but I never refuse food.” He grinned and took the seat beside mine.
I tried not to stare at his damp, red cap, soaked in Farungal blood and kept fresh with a preservation spell. It was kinda their thing—soaking their caps in the blood of their enemies—and it had earned them their name. But technically, they were a type of Goblin. Which made the Commander the perfect choice to speak to about Goblins.
“Commander, we had an unusual incident in Varalorre,” Tae started filling his plate as he spoke. “The Goddess led us to a book about the Unsidhe. In particular, she drew our attention to Goblins.”
Varcir blinked his ivy-green eyes and leaned forward on bulky brown arms. His head cocked as he asked, “The Goddess wanted you to learn about Goblins?”
“Yes. We were hoping you might have some insight,” Tae said as the Generals and his knights came into the tent. He waved them into seats before refocusing on Varcir.
Varcir grunted and heaped food on his plate. “I've got neither out nor insight. Can't imagine why the Goddess would bring Goblins to your attention.” He frowned and paused. “Come to think of it, we suffered a huge Goblin loss in the last battle.”
