Kingdom of Ash

“Elide—”
But Elide slammed her heels into the
horse’s sides.
Slammed her heels into the dark flank and
screamed, “FLY, FARASHA.” She cracked the
reins. “FLY, FLY, FLY!”
And gods help her, that horse did.
As if the god that had crafted her filled the
mare’s lungs with his own breath, Farasha
gave a surge of speed.
Faster than the wind. Faster than death.
Farasha cleared the first of the fleeing
Darghan cavalry. Passed desperate horses and
riders at an all-out gallop for the gates.
Her mighty heart did not falter, even when
Lorcan knew it was raging to the point of
bursting.
Less than a mile stood between them and
the keep.
But a thunderous, groaning crack cleaved