Throat of the Night by Karyn Henley

Author:Karyn Henley [Henley, Karyn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Andon Press
Published: 2013-02-18T00:00:00+00:00

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Cherrim and the Windwings circled Flauren in a wide descending spiral. Below townspeople ran into the streets, pointed to the sky, and shouted. King Kedemeth watched from his balcony, and Queen Ambria hurried down the front steps of the palace with her attendants. Almaron and the foal raced across the field outside the stables. By the time the Golden began her final descent, it looked as if the entire town had gathered at the fence.

The Golden hit the ground at a gallop. Trevin heard the other Windwings land behind her as she raced toward Almaron and the foal. They joined her as she circled the field, slowing to a walk. The other Windwings followed her lead.

Haden strode out of the stables with his stableboys. They stood at the edge of the field, admiring the Windwings. As Trevin slid off Cherrim’s back, Haden called, “I would send my boys to help the children down, but I’d not want them to spook the mounts. You’d best do the job.”

Trevin lifted down his small traveling companions. “You don’t sound surprised to see us. I thought you would be astonished, not only at seeing the Windwings but at their riders too.”

“They’re a sight, that’s sure, but Queen Ambria heard they were coming. From Windweaver, I think. She posted a lookout who spread the word as soon as you were spotted.”

The oldest children were already climbing off their mounts, but Trevin made the rounds to ensure that everyone dismounted safely. From Windwing to Windwing the children followed him. He strode back to Haden with the smallest girl in his arms and the others bunched around him.

Queen Ambria swept into the field, beaming a motherly smile. “Welcome to Flauren.”

The children turned questioning faces to Trevin, who nodded. “You’re safe here, and I’m sure you’ll find food waiting for you.”

“Honey cakes.” The queen extended her arms to the smallest girl, who only clung tighter to Trevin.

He whispered to the girl, “You must try Queen Ambria’s honey cakes. They’re the sweetest in the world. Will you save one for me?” She nodded, and he slipped her into the queen’s arms.

As Queen Ambria led the children toward the palace, Trevin asked Haden, “What happens to them now?”

“They’ll be fed and bathed and given warm beds. Kedemeth will do his best to locate their families and return the children.” Haden leaned back against the fence, watching the Windwings. “Do you think one of the horses would take me for a jaunt?”

“I wouldn’t risk it unless you’re willing to go wherever the Windwing has a mind to take you and stay as long as she wants to keep you.”

“So the Golden didn’t follow your lead?”

“Hardly.” Trevin watched Cherrim nuzzle her foal. “I’ve not yet been to the Dregmoors.”

“You expected the Golden to take you there?”

“I had hoped she would take me to Windweaver.” Trevin unlatched the gate and shoved his way out. “I’ll ride to Tabaitta Canyon first thing in the morning.” He headed for the palace.

Haden called after him.

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