Moira signalled to Niall who would lead the ground force. When he called for the gates to be raised, she lifted the sword of Geall high. And leading the last of the troops from Castle Geall, she shot an arc of fire into the pale morning sky.
The dragon riders arrived first to mobilize the troops. They would abandon the first base to begin the next leg of the march to the battlefield. Supplies and weapons were packed, and men were taken up on dragons, or onto horses when they arrived. Those who went on foot were flanked by riders—air and ground.
So they traveled across the land and the skies of Geall.
At the next stop they rested and watered their mounts.
“You’ll have tea, my lady.” Ceara joined Moira near a stream where dragons drank.
“What? Oh, thanks.” Moira took the cup.
“I’ve never seen such a sight.”
“No.” Moira continued to watch the dragons, and wondered if any of them would see such a sight again. “You’ll ride with your husband, Ceara.”
“I will, my lady. We’re near ready.”
“Where is the cross you won, Ceara? The one you’re wearing is copper.”
“I…” Ceara lifted her hand to the copper cross. “I left it with my mother. Majesty, I wanted my children protected if…”
“Of course you did.” She wrapped her fingers around Ceara’s wrist and squeezed. “Of course.” She turned as Blair strode toward them.
“Time to round them up. Mounts are rested and watered. Supplies and weapons are packed, except for what we’re leaving behind with the squad that’ll hold this base until tomorrow.”
“The troops behind us should arrive well before sunset.” Moira looked to the skies. “Do they have enough protection if there’s a change in the weather. Natural or otherwise?”
“Lilith may have some snipers and scouts scattered this far west, but nothing the troops can’t handle. We have to move on, Moira. Leap-frogging this way keeps soldiers from being exposed and vulnerable at night, but it takes time.”
“And we’ve a schedule to keep,” Moira agreed. “Give the order then, and we’ll move on.”
It was well past midday when the first of them arrived at their final destination. Below where she flew, men stopped and cheered. She saw Larkin come out of the house, lift his face. Then change into a dragon to fly up and join them.
And she saw the dark earth of fresh graves.
Larkin circled her with a quick, showy flourish, then paced himself to Blair’s mount. Moira lost her breath when Blair stood on her dragon’s back, then sprang off into the air. The cheers from below rose up like thunder as Blair landed on Larkin, and rode him down.
Like a festival, Moira thought, as other riders executed showy turns and dives. Perhaps they needed the show and the foolishness for these last few
hours of daylight. Night would come soon enough.
She would have seen to her own mount as she had along the way, but Larkin plucked her off her feet, gave her a whirl and a kiss.
“That doesn’t sweeten me up,” she told him. “I’ve a bone to pick with you. You were to travel, gather reports and secure. Not go out looking for trouble.”
“We do what we must when we must.” He kissed her again. “And all’s well, isn’t it?”
“Is it?”
“It is. He is. Go inside. There are plenty here to see to the mounts. You’ve had a long journey. No trouble along the way, Blair says.”
“No, none.” She let him lead her inside.
There was a pot of stew simmering over the fire, and the scent of it, of men and mud filled the air. Maps were spread over a table where she imagined a family had once gathered. Hangings over the windows were homespun and cheerful, and the walls were clean and whitewashed.
Weapons stood at every door and window.
“You’ve a chamber upstairs if you want a bit of a rest.”