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her order again and again, ankle barking with
every step down.
But she made it. Made it to the chaotic
lower level, to the open gates teeming with
soldiers. Beyond them, bodies stretched into
the horizon. Warriors and healers and those
bearing the wounded rushed toward any
stairwell they could find.
Elide managed all of five limping steps
toward the open gate before she knew it would
be impossible. To cross the field, to find him
on the endless plain, before that dam burst and
he was swept away. Before he was gone
forever.
He was not dead.
He was not dead.
I will always find you.
Elide scanned the gates, the skies for any
sign of a ruk that might carry her. But they
soared to the upper levels, crawling with