Total pages in book: 295
Estimated words: 282090 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1410(@200wpm)___ 1128(@250wpm)___ 940(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 282090 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1410(@200wpm)___ 1128(@250wpm)___ 940(@300wpm)
I’m up and running, grabbing for my clothes before he can even finish. Of course I’m going with him.
“I’m guessing that’s a no to options one and two?” he says with a disappointed sigh.
Though gryphon riders are not capable of producing signets, they are not powerless. In fact, some would argue that they’ve honed lesser magic, especially mindwork, into the deadliest weapon of all. Underestimating them is an error.
—GRYPHONS OF POROMIEL, A STUDY IN COMBAT BY MAJOR GARION SAVOY
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
The thing about being two riders in an assumed relationship who happen to be bonded to a mated pair of dragons is that no one thinks twice about a midnight flight to get away, and there is no better view of the stars on the Continent than from Tairn’s back.
“I still do not approve,” Tairn lectures as we cross the barrier of the wards a little after midnight.
“And yet, we’re still flying,” I counter, shaking off the feeling of wrongness that sinks further into my bones with every wingbeat. From experience, I know it’ll pass once we’ve been out beyond the wards long enough for my senses to adjust.
“Only because I vowed to let you make your own choices after Resson, not because I agree with you.” He follows the slope of the peak, banking left to skim the landscape. Tonight’s full moon means keeping a low profile. “This is an unnecessary risk.”
“One Xaden and Sgaeyl take all the time.” I stop fighting the wind and lean forward as he dives, grinning into the wind.
“The shadow wielder is not my concern.”
“Sgaeyl is.” The saddle’s straps dig into my thighs, a constant reminder that I can’t keep my seat without it.
“Sgaeyl would never be taken down by something as puny as a gryphon.”
He scoffs. “And as for losing the shadow wielder, she would be emotionally inconvenienced, that is true.”
I scoff at his bluster. “An emotional inconvenience? Is that what I am to you?” If so, then we don’t need to worry that my death would cause Tairn’s, or Sgaeyl’s and Xaden’s.
“You’re currently a prize annoyance.”
The wind steals my laughter, and I brace as we approach what looks to be a forested valley. The edge of the nearest ridgeline glows with the light from a Poromish village, but I’m not sure which one.
Tairn flares his wings, and gravity catches up with us, forcing me deeper into the saddle in the instant before he lands at the edge of a dark lake, jostling every bone in my body. Before I can get my bearings, he swings, leaving me grasping for the pommel as he puts his back to the water, facing the open meadow.
“That was abrupt.” Good thing I’m still strapped in.
“Next time, you fly and I’ll ride.” His head sweeps from left to right as Sgaeyl lands next to us, Xaden on her back.
“He’s still pissed that I came along,” I tell Xaden, reaching for the buckle.
“You’ve gotten strong enough to handle Aetos,” Xaden says, already moving for Sgaeyl’s shoulder. Moonlight catches on his swords as he dismounts.
“I’m more worried about the company the lieutenant keeps than Aetos,” Tairn growls. “And don’t even think of dismounting, Silver One.”
“I’m sorry?” I pull the leather through the first loop.
“Undo that strap and I’ll launch.” His head swivels, eerily snakelike, to glare at me over his shoulder.
My jaw drops. “You can’t be serious,” I whisper in a hiss.
“Try me.” His golden eyes narrow into slits. “I agreed to come to the drop-off. I did not agree to endanger your life when we are easily within a wyvern’s flight from Zolya. I, too, remember what happens to dismounted riders.”
“You’re being an overprotective ass.” Not that he doesn’t have a point. Maybe I’m not the only one with bad dreams.
“I am a credit to my line.” He swings his head forward, completely dismissing me.
“Don’t worry, you’ll be able to hear everything from up there.” Xaden’s voice carries from where he stands just ahead of Tairn and Sgaeyl.
“Says the guy whose dragon isn’t putting him in the corner,” I grumble.
“I could have refused the rendezvous. This is a compromise.” Tairn chuffs. “They’re approaching.”
It’s on my tongue to fire back, but I close my mouth when I hear the wingbeats of gryphons. The sound is softer than those of dragons, less enunciated. Like a gale wind instead of a drumbeat.
Seven gryphons—a full drift—land in the clearing ahead and walk forward, their formidable heads darting left and right as they glance between Tairn and Sgaeyl. The gryphons are about a foot taller than Xaden, and though I can’t make out colors well in the moonlight, I can see their razor-sharp beaks just fine from here.
“Please tell me you recognize them,” I say to Xaden, my heart pounding. Power rises under my skin and charges the air around me.
“I do. You will in a minute, too,” he replies as if we’re meeting friends at the local tavern.