Moonlight flooded the room, washing into a pool at her feet. Drafts lifted her hair, their chill a marked contrast to the feverish thoughts that kept her from sleep. The world below lay in savage beauty. She recalled the pastoral setting she’d once imagined surrounded Torindan and smiled. The rain had ceased, taking with it the clouds. Jagged peaks stood in relief, and the full moon, glaring white against a pewter sky, made spider’s webs of weaving shadows. Silver edged the eastern horizon like a whispered promise. When she could tolerate the cold no longer, she reached for the shutters but paused and scanned the horizon. Had she seen…? Yes, there—darker shapes against the sky resolved into two wingabeasts with riders. They approached from the west and landed within the outer bailey, passing from view. A wave of energy hit Shae with such force it brought her to her knees. Anger, excitement, and triumph rushed headlong through her. Another soul clung to hers like a parasite. As she fought to breathe, Freaer’s words came in memory.
