A man dismounted beside her. "Command unit. East Greshan station. We received your signal through a beacon. And your companion's magic essence was everywhere so we knew how to locate you."
He glanced at Aquila.
"Nice trick."
Aquila huffed smoke from her nostrils.
"Don't get in my way," she said.
The man grinned. "Wouldn't dream of it."
Meanwhile, Arielle was still thinking about it. It was clear she hadn't sent any beacon. Maybe one of the kids had done so before leaving? She had no idea.
More soldiers poured in. Ranged casters formed a second line. Warders began tracing new magic lines into the ground. Healers reached for Arielle but stopped when Aquila stepped between them.
"She'll move when she's ready," the griffin growled.
And she did.
Slowly. Painfully.
But Arielle stood.
One last time.
Sword in hand.
Reinforcements at her back.
"I told them we'd hold," she whispered.
And with Aquila roaring beside her, they began the counter-attack.
~~~~~
