“Quick, out of sight! I’ll handle them!” Reina seized Austyn’s hand, and they dashed under the wheels of the cart. The horse, still tied to a nearby tree, stomped and shook his head. Reina peeked out between the wheels, looking for a better place to hide. The grove wasn’t very big, and endless open fields spread out on all sides around them. In the distance, off to the southeast, stood the woods. Why did we wander so far from them? She longed to hide in the soft, damp moss again. Austyn trembled next to her. Six harpies, black, twisted shapes against the evening sky, swooped down toward their fire and the Gold Wizard. “Well, now,” shrilled the first harpy, circling him. “Did you think you could use the medallion and not have my master feel it? You’ve done him a favor and found the Child Warrior as well as giving away your own location. Hand over the child, and perhaps your death will come quickly.”
