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‘Are you ready, King of Dagome?’ he asked, and I nodded, dismounting and tying a strip of fabric over my horse’s eyes. My mount bucked, but I soothed him, and once he settled, I followed Gniev down the steep pathway.

The orc never looked down as he braced against the buffeting wind. I struggled not just against the relentless gusts, but also with my horse’s fear. He was obedient, well-trained, and fearless. His hooves had trampled biesy and undead alike, but now he was trembling, white foam coating his back.

‘Shh… trust me, my friend,’ I said, keeping a steady hand on the reins as I led him across.

The tree was more treacherous than I’d realised. Even worn down by thousands of feet and hooves, its rounded surface was a death trap, especially when wet. With a grey sky above, I prayed it wouldn’t rain.

My breath eased once I stepped onto solid ground, and I gestured for my men to start crossing.

Ivar divided the groups, sending one infantry squad first. My breath hitched as the rugged men made their way across, most bent in half, some even crawling to the other side. Three hours later, the soldiers had crossed without incident, even if humbled by the experience.

Then came the horsemen. My pride, the heavy cavalry with their winged armour, picked their way down the narrow path, leading the Erenhart warhorses.

These warriors, who caused even the strongest enemy to quake, now faced a test of their fortitude I hadn’t envisioned in my worst nightmares.

The world went silent. The only sound was the slow clop of the heavy hooves. My men guided their nervous mounts across with gentle hands and soft words. I breathed a sigh of relief when the first horse reached the path.

A sudden, sharp neigh broke the silence, startling me.

A young rider’s horse panicked, the boy clinging to its headgear after the wind whipped the fabric from his horse’s eyes.

‘They’re slipping! Fuck!’ I paced the bank, powerless to help, as the gelding reared, its large hooves barely missing the man’s face.

Both the man and his mount were a step from the edge. A chunk of fossilised wood crumbled under the horse’s hind legs, but the man refused to release his companion. His piercing scream echoed in the canyon as they fell.

‘Cinared!’ The red shadow plummeted from the sky, diving into the chasm.

For a moment, nothing happened, the silence absolute. The army watched with bated breath until, with the heavy beating of his wings, Cin emerged, holding a kicking horse and its terrified rider in his claws.

I should eat it. This bloody thing kicked me in the face, he grumbled, just as he dropped them on the soft grass and took off without landing.

I’m glad you didn’t. Thank you. I would feel so much better if you kept an eye on those crossing. Some might need your help. I walked to the trembling knight while his compatriots tended to the horse. They both looked the worse for their experience, but their injuries were superficial, and my men were already tending to them.

What else do you want me to do? Give them all a ride? Cin snarked in my mind. I didn’t answer. The silence stretched until his deep sigh came through the bond. Fine, I’ll guard your men. But only because you asked nicely.

Thank you, O mighty one, I quipped before adding, Sana would be so proud of you.

You think so? Pleasure radiated through our bond as he looped and twisted in the sky.

I smiled, knowing how he felt before answering. I know it. Sanika values life, and you just saved them. She’d likely insist on sleeping in your lair again.

Cin landed on the canyon’s edge beside the bridge and expelled a plume of smoke. Tell them to continue. I’ll keep them safe.

I gestured for my men to resume crossing while those who had already passed set up camp for our last peaceful night. The remainder of the march would be torturous. Sana should already be in Lumivitae, and the Dark Fae should be attacking that kingdom’s borders.

Time was running short, and we still had at least a two days’ march before we reached the sea.

With Cinared’s protection, we lost only one rider, because the horse was too frenzied to stop fighting the descending dragon. Eventually, the gap between the chasm walls became too narrow for Cin’s wings. He didn’t say a word to me, but after the incident, he started circling below the bridge.

The next morning, after the last men joined us, the heaviness in Cinared’s mind weighed on me.

I need to fly the higher currents. Down here, the air is too thick, he explained.

Fly free, Cin. You have my heartfelt gratitude for your efforts. We’ll be marching at speed now, so scout ahead. You’ll see any danger long before us, I answered.

He roared, shooting up into the clouds. I gestured to the sergeants, and their signal to move pealed across the camp. With no more obstacles ahead, it was time to head to the shore.

Blood, sweat, and tears had been shed, my own included. The march had taken less time than expected, but now the soldiers could rest. Most dropped to the ground still in formation, munching on hardtack or falling asleep where they sat.