Return to Finian Jahndra by Katy Huth Jones

Author:Katy Huth Jones [Jones, Katy Huth]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Quinlan Creek Press
Published: 2014-04-13T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

Heartrender

As I tried to think of what to say to this ferocious-looking hawk, a tight formation of other hawks, at least twenty of them, flew down to the courtyard. One of them screeched a hair-raising cry of command, and the whole lot landed precisely between the two eagles. The hawks stood immobile, at attention, and they were so fiercely proud and beautiful it was difficult not to stare at them.

I made myself return my attention to their leader. Heartrender’s gaze pierced everything around her, even while her eyes were trained on me. She blinked and turned her gaze on the king.

“Your Majesty, we have come from our home in the south of Finian Jahndra to offer our help in protecting the land from the humans across the river.”

“You have seen their camp, then?” asked Cuatro.

Heartrender blinked again. “Yes, and we saw the great eagles prevent the death of the tree as well as destroy the rope bridge.” The hawk swiveled her head to face Skydancer and Cloudwalker. She nodded gravely, and it felt as if she had just saluted them. But did she see herself as subordinate to the eagles? Heartrender’s attitude was not one of submission.

Cuatro glanced at me before he spoke to the hawk leader. “Well then, Heartrender, what is your opinion of the enemy?”

The hawk turned back to face him. Her gaze bore into his. “With all respect, the eagles are too large for reconnaissance, too great a target for the enemy’s arrows. I propose you assign that task to us hawks while you shore up your defenses and gather your armies.”

Thistle boldly stepped forward. “What armies?”

Heartrender blinked and turned her iron gaze upon Thistle. I was glad the princess didn’t flinch. After appraising her the hawk said, “What else do you have in Finian Jahndra? Birds.”

Cuatro and Thistle both looked at me. I cleared my throat. I had to be decisive in Heartrender’s presence. “Skydancer can take me to the Enchanted Forest. I know many birds living there would be willing to fight for Finian Jahndra. Windrider can help me find them.” I gestured to the other birds. “Cloudwalker can rally the eagles. Groundeater can bring the ostriches. Songcatcher can send messengers to contact all the others.”

Thistle stared at Groundeater with longing in her eyes. I gripped her shoulder. “I’m sure Groundeater would be glad for you to accompany him.”

Her eyes widened. She looked up at the ostrich. “Would you take me with you?”

Groundeater dipped his head to her. “I would be honored, Your Highness. But I cannot guarantee we will be successful.”

Thistle’s face grew as fierce as a hawk’s. “We will be successful. I will make sure of it.”

The king spoke up. “How long will it take to reach the ostriches?”

Groundeater blinked his long lashes. “A full day there, a full day back. Perhaps a full day in between to convince my fellow ostriches.”

Cuatro looked at his sister. “Gather what you need, both food and water, and be ready to leave as quickly as you can.

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