Birthing the Star-caller by Peta Hawker

Author:Peta Hawker
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Peta Hawker

An hour later, they were mounted on horses, their hands bound to the saddle. If any of their horses stumbled, they’d have no way to save themselves. Perhaps it would be better that way. The horses were tied one to another, part of a small line of pack horses. Soldiers rode at the front and rear of their collection of animals. Mascerab obviously didn’t want to risk them trying something stupid. Not that crossing into Condor with an army wasn’t stupid enough.

Larka felt empty, a dried-up husk with no emotions left. She sat astride her horse like a limp doll. All around her was the incessant movement of an army preparing to depart, as if she was trapped in the centre of an ant nest. Up ahead were two Gindans wearing waist-high, thick cloaks made of mottled brown and greens that blended into the countryside. Each held a sturdy staff in one hand. They tested the line between the horses, spoke to each beast, glared at the soldiers.

They were guardians—a group of Gindans whose entire life’s work was to lead wagons and stock through the pass and into Hybra. Aside from the likelihood of getting lost, much of the path wound around a cliff’s edge, making it likely for anyone to fall to their death along the rocky coastline. The guardians of the pass would ensure the army made it into Condor with minimal deaths, though the ones near Larka didn’t seem impressed about their role.

A young woman dressed in a motley cloak tested the line connecting Larka’s horse to the one in front that Samson rode. She stroked the horse’s nose and muttered to it for a moment before peering up at Larka. Was that sympathy in her hazel eyes or pity? The moment was over before Larka had the chance to formulate an opinion, and the woman moved on to Rainer’s horse.

Up ahead, Sam’s back was rigid. Once, Larka had traced the line of his shoulders, running her hands down his back with delight. Once, Larka had found comfort and stability in his body. But now? He was a man unknown to her. Two days since they’d been captured in Bindock, and he’d spoken little to her, letting Rainer comfort her in weaker moments. Over and again, he told her to have faith, but never told her who or what she should place her faith in. Once, it had been him. She didn’t feel the same anymore, but she didn’t know who she was outside of him.

The army began to move. Larka had no idea where they were in the long, snaking line, or where Winter and Mascerab were. Intentionally left blind, she was sure. If she remembered correctly, it would take a whole day to cross through the mountains. Perhaps when they stopped for the night, she would get to see Winter. But what would happen when they arrived in Condor? If the raiders had taken Hybra, what was Mascerab’s plan? What if he was leading them

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