Page 9 of Wind Rider

Then the girl began to move and the flame shield moved with her. Increasing her speed as she reached the ruins of the tree city, the girl and her companions jogged on as the agitated Others followed, though they had to remain well back because of the heat of the flames.

Unseen on the ridge above them, Death moved with the oblivious group, more and more mesmerized by the girl who wielded flame.

As Death passed the spot where Iron Fist waited, He whistled sharply, and His Blade rushed to join Him, eyes growing huge when he followed his God’s gaze.

“What magick is that?” Iron Fist asked, his voice hushed.

Death smiled. “One I must possess. Watch with me, my Blade, and let us see what we might learn about her.”

“Her?A woman has magick?”

Death pulled His gaze briefly from the fire girl to send his Blade an admonishing look. “Never underestimate a woman simply because she is a woman. The Goddess of Life is female, and She is the only thing in this world mightier than death.”

“Y-yes, my Lord,” Iron Fist said instantly. “I apologize. I was only surprised. Um, my Lord. The sun finally sets!” He pointed at the empty horizon.

“Wait.” Death held up His hand, stilling Iron Fist. “We will not rush down to be burned by this mysterious fire that—” And then even the God of Death’s words failed Him as He watched the ring of fire fizzle from around the girl.

Only it didn’t go out. Instead the girl—this spectacular young Warrior woman—lifted her arms as if she would embrace the dying flames. And the flames came to her! They formed a column before her. With a mighty shout of“IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN!”the girl made a throwing motion, which the flames obeyed, landing in an exploding blaze that neatly cut off her pursuers.

Then the girl, the young, bloody man, and three canines sprinted for the channel. Death’s sharp eyes saw what was happening. “She’s escaping to join her people on the channel,” the God realized. He also realized this was the perfect opportunity for Him to take the City in the Trees. Death turned to face the army of men hidden on the shadowy ridge. “Iron Fist, remain by my side.”

“Yes, my Lord. Always, my Lord.”

Then Death raised His trident over His head, shaking back His cloak so that His massive silhouette was fully visible.

“ATTACK!”he bellowed.

“Death! Hu! Hu! Death! Hu! Hu! Death! Hu! Hu!”His army beat their tridents against their shields as they repeated their war cry over and over while they poured over the edge of the ridge toward the unsuspecting Others below.

“Now, my Lord?” Iron Fist was trembling with anticipation beside Him.

“Follow me!” Death commanded. Iron Fist obeyed, following his God as Death strode along the ridge, staring down at the fire girl, who had now gotten in one of the many small boats that were spreading out along the channel and begun swiftly rowing into the distance.

You will not escape me!Death channeled power into the thought and the girl looked up, meeting the God’s gaze.Yes! Know me! See me! I am coming for you, fire girl!The God raised the huge trident and bellowed the mighty call of a rutting stag into the darkening sky.

As her boat drifted from his view, Death turned to his Blade. “Follow her. Find out where she is going. Do not return to me until you know her destination, but youmustreturn to me.”

“Always, my Lord!”

“Then, go with Death’s blessing.” He rested His hand on Iron Fist’s bowed head. “And know that what you do not only serves me, but also my consort, the Goddess of Life, who shall soon be your Lady.”

“Yes, my Lord! Thank you, my Lord! I will not disappoint you.”

“Of course you won’t, for then I would have to kill you, and I would find that most inconvenient.” Death felt His Blade tremble beneath His hand. “Now, go!”

Death watched long enough to see Iron Fist slip a small boat into the water and enter the channel, paddling after the disappearing line of boats. Then Death turned His attention to the scene of carnage below Him.

Death smiled.

Already many of the Warriors of the Others had fallen. Many more, though Death could not rightfully call them Warriors, were fleeing into the forest.I shall round them up and deal with them next,He decided. It was the small circle of Warriors who were still battling His army that He looked to.

They’d taken a stand on a wide wooden platform that had been built into an ancient pine. Though there weren’t many of them, their arrows and spears were carving a deadly swath through His Reapers. Death sighed in irritation and made His way down the ridge, but as He drewcloser to the main battle, His irritation turned to amusement when He recognized the Warrior who was obviously in charge of the group of fighters.

“Ah, Thaddeus, and so we will finally meet.”

Death waded into the carnage, forcing His way toward Thaddeus and his small group of men. His Reapers, appearing more animal than man as they fought, roared a feral cheer when He joined, and redoubled their attack—easily overwhelming the Tribe’s meager, but persistent resistance.

As Death cleaved through the weakened Tribe, He became fascinated with the canines. He could feel the bond they had with their Companions. It was much like the connection that drew Him to Thaddeus.