Episode Fifty-Four Journey Home

T hallose

Silently, we made our way back to last night's camp where we left the saddle and other supplies. I assume we were all consumed with emotion from what we just saw because none of us felt the need to talk. Every time I glanced at Eldar and Zoron, they were holding hands, giving each other comfort. Their mate bond is strong.

Pictures of Kasseda being buried in a mass grave alternate in my mind with her being so emaciated her collar bones protrude from her dull black coat. I shake my head as if that will empty my mind of the nightmarish images. It doesn't help at all.

Nadira's grip is tight on my hand. It's as if she's hanging on to me like a lifeline to clear her mind of her own ghoulish thoughts.

Back at camp, we make plans in swift, curt sentences as we gather our supplies. We just want to finish our business and move on.

It's agreed my mate and I will fly back to our village and begin plans for the invasion.

"We can bring you centaurs," Zoron says. "I don't know how many, but after I describe the conditions at the Works, I would guess at least a hundred."

"And elves," Eldar says. "I'm hoping we'll accumulate some elves for the army along the way. Elf-centaur teams are a powerful force. Both can shoot bows and arrows or the centaur can use a shield while his rider attacks."

Zoron and Eldar will ride off, detouring west to collect the centaur herd and see if any other species want to aid our fight. If they haven't arrived at our village in ten days, I'll send a few small avians to lead them back.

They've collected their things and could ride off, but hang back. Are they going to demand something in exchange for what they bring to the table? As I did before, I wonder if they'll ask for a share of orc gold, though I don't even know if it exists.

"Zoron and I want to have the status of generals. We want to be at the head of one of the attacking columns," Eldar says, his gaze flicking between Nadira and me. His expression is serious, his mouth a straight line as he awaits our reply.

Instead of gold, these males want a bigger stake in the fight? I like them even more than I already did.

"I'm in no position to be handing out rank, but I will do everything in my power to make it so," I tell them.

"You've earned it. I'm picturing the invasion with a hundred centaurs with elves on horseback." Nadira smiles and nods. "It will be magnificent."

They ride off to the west as Nadira swings into my saddle and I take off toward the monk village.

Although we didn't sleep much last night, and today's mission was draining, I fly like the wind, wanting to return to the hut I now call home.

"No need to push yourself," Nadira has leaned forward and is speaking into my ear. I can hear her much better this way than when she shouted into the wind on the way here. "No matter how fast you fly, we won't get back until tomorrow."

Because of heavy winds, we flew far out of our way on the trip south. The return trip will be easier. We could arrive tonight if we wanted. But we'll have a lot to do upon our return. I have relationships to repair with my two male mates. I'll need my head on straight for that meeting. Convincing them of my true feelings about Nadira won't be easy.

On the trip south, I could feel Nadira's stiff muscles and complete disdain as the scenery passed below us. Now, my mate's muscles are looser and her fingers have twined in my mane.

Occasionally, she leans forward and makes a comment about how pretty a tree is, or that a rock formation looks like a face. Almost every time she does this, she inhales deeply of my scent or nuzzles my cheek and pets a shoulder. That we've mended things between us is an answer to my prayers.