Even with an earth magic wielder present, we should have mounted a superior defense with the outpost’s Eagle Riders. But as we scanned the skies below, we counted only ten. There should have been fifty.
Where is Captain Suna?I demanded.
Not here. This is what happens when you promote someone simply because her father was a great leader,Neo said with an air of disgust.
Skies knew I agreed with him, but this wasn’t the time to point fingers.Then let’s find Lieutenant Callum.
After a moment scanning the ground, Neo’s gaze was drawn by the golden scales of the lieutenant’s breastplate, which caught the light. The emperor insisted that each and every officer—and palace guard—dressed in full golden armor whenever on duty, which always seemed excessive at best and ridiculous at worst. My own black leather armor was rustic in comparison, consisting of only a breastplate, pauldrons, and greaves atop cotton and wool. A breeze rushed over me then, rustling the feathers that covered my pauldrons, the ones given to me by Neo himself, designating my rank as an Eagle Rider.
Neo’s great talons scraped across the dirt as he touched down at the back of the platoon. I slid from his back, landing with a solidthunkof my boots. It was a long way down—Neo was one of the biggest eagles in our aerial army. Though I was considered tall myself, I only reached the bottom of his wing.
“Commander Ramses,” Lieutenant Callum said, making his hand into a fist and placing it over his heart in deference to my rank. The squad members who flanked him did the same. “I am relieved and honored to see you, sir.”
“Neo and I were surprised to see you engaged in battle this afternoon, Lieutenant. We came straight from the palace withorders for offensive maneuvers, but it seems like you’re already on the defensive.”
“Yes, Commander. They attacked two hours ago.”
I scanned the battleground before us. “How long ago did the earth magic wielder open the fissure?”
“Forty-five minutes,” Lieutenant Callum said grimly.
My gaze shifted to the copse of trees that hid the earth magic user. “Another earthquake will be coming soon.”
The lieutenant nodded, jaw tense. He knew the Children of Earth took an average of an hour to recharge their ability and unleash another devastating earthquake that ripped apart the ground. Thankfully we didn’t seem to be dealing with a royal, who could release wave after wave of attacks before finally needing to replenish their magic.
“You’re also light on Eagle Riders.”
“Yes, Commander.”
“Where is Captain Suna?” I asked.
“Captain Suna does not inform me of the aerial cavalry’s movements,” he said stiffly, “though I understand she outranks me.”
“She is still required to keep you apprised of their movements so that you can plan accordingly.”
“I have found they don’t always follow protocol, Commander.”
Captain Suna never had respect for the army soldiers, and now it has cost lives,I said to Neo.
This wasn’t unheard of when it came to many of the Eagle Riders. The former emperor had made it clear that those who had the ability to bond with eagles were superior to those who couldn’t, and they should be treated as such. My father’s words about being an Eagle Rider drifted through my mind:There is no greater calling or responsibility than our bond to our eagles, notbecause we are better than our fellow man, but rather because we must use our strength to protect the empire.
Many Eagle Riders still felt the same as my father, but there were also those who believed they were second only to the Lord of the Skies himself and should be treated as such. Captain Suna was of the latter.
Neo puffed up the feathers of his neck, like a wolf raising its hackles.Then it’s time she answers for it.
Agreed. But first, we must win this battle.
To Lieutenant Callum I said, “I want your platoons working to flank them on the left and right. I will send for reinforcements from Chimney Rock Outpost.”
“Understood, Commander.”
He saluted me, and I gave a terse nod before turning to Neo. After pulling myself into position between his wings, I called down to the lieutenant. “I’m sorry for the loss of your soldiers. You will have the protection guaranteed by the Eagle Riders—even if I have to remove Captain Suna.”
His eyebrows rose slightly, and even his tone was taken aback. “Thank you, Commander.”
Neo spread his massive wings, and Lieutenant Callum and his squad of soldiers hurried out of the way to avoid being buffeted by the wind. Neo launched us into the sky.
Should we fly to the Chimney Rock Outpost?Neo asked.
