“I’ll not believe it.” Fowyn shook her head so sharply sweat sprayed a wet arc to each side. “I’d needs see Taeg’s body lying cold and still before such a tale could be believed. Taeg dead? Ha!” She shot her companion a hard look before returning her gaze to the jumble of broken stone through which their talon sped.

With the sun’s departure behind the horizon’s jagged silhouette, Fowyn and her talonmates had rejoined the growing river of talons, fangs, and claws rushing towards Hell’s Ridge and the unexpected incursion by a large Krîll force. Even as the Aestrâgor warriors sped east rumors passed through their ranks like a windborne howl of woe. Fantastic whispers of whole legions rising out of the very ground to engulf Taeg and his talon as they ran for the Blood River and the sanctuary of fractured mountains beyond. Impossible whispers of a whole talon ambushed and decimated to the last fiana. Even to Taeg himself.

“Aye,” Rhiwallon agreed. “I’d sooner imagine a Krîll legion attacking Glass Rock Caer than what we’re hearing. But something’s happened out around Hell’s Ridge. We’re what, at least a wing in strength now, and more joining as every league we run east. By the time we reach the battle we’ll have a full clan’s strength. Now when was the last time such as that was mustered? Not in our lives.” He glanced over and met Fowyn’s hard glare.
“So Taeg dead or no, we’re being blessed with more Krîll to kill than either of us could have prayed for when we awoke two days ago. Come firstlight we’ll reach Blood River.” Rhiwallon grinned and wiped the sweat from his eyes. “Then we’ll see about tasting the sweetness of revenge. However many of our brothers and sisters we must give blood for. Even to a whole talon if needs be. They’ll be avenged in full. In full!”
* * * * *