Kingdom of Ash

beckoned the way.
Each of the bearded men rode a shaggy
mountain pony, and though their heavy furs
hid much of their bulky bodies, their weapons
were on sharp display: axes, swords, knives
all gleamed in the gray light.
Cain’s people—or they had been. Aelin
decided not to mention him during their brief
introduction. And Chaol, wisely, refrained
from admitting that he’d killed the man.
Another lifetime. Another world.
Seated atop a fine Muniqi horse Hasar had
lent her, Aelin rode at the front of the
company, as it marched from Anielle, Chaol
on Farasha to her left, Rowan on his own
Muniqi horse to her right. Their companions
were scattered behind, Lorcan healed enough
to be riding, Elide beside him.
And behind them, snaking into the
distance, the army of the khagan moved.