Alarm filled the expressions of those behind him.
Caden sent them a firm nod. "I've got him."
The Anateri settled, not arguing with their commander.
Fallon settled himself on the chestnut before the Kyren launched themselves skyward. It wasn’t long before they were flying over the rim of the bowl.
As they passed into the herd lands, Eva looked back to see Fallon's reaction. She wasn't disappointed. Once the Warlord had gotten over the feel of flying, he experienced the same awe she'd felt on her trip here. He looked around him with amazement, taking in the steep cliffs, the towering columns of rock and the peace of the meadow.
Their group veered, picking a landing spot near the base of the cliff where Phillip had greeted them earlier. To their surprise, the Trateri they'd brought earlier weren't the only ones waiting there.
Shea stood off to the side, looking slightly haggard. Reece was beside her, his stance as relaxed as ever.
The Battle Queen's tiredness fell away as she grinned at Fallon. "You found your way."
There was exasperation in Fallon's eyes as he took in Shea. "And you managed to find this place on your own."
Shea's smile was crooked as she looked around. "It wasn't hard."
Reece blew a raspberry.
Shea elbowed his side. "Some of us have skills."
Reece rolled his eyes. "That's not what you were saying when you were at the bottom of that hill earlier. I believe there were a lot of curses coming from you then. We’re lucky we found that short cut through a cave or I’m pretty sure you would have tried to murder me."
Shea narrowed her eyes on her cousin as she bared her teeth. "You give birth to a child and then run up and down these hills and let me see how well you fare."
Reece was wise enough to keep any response to himself as Shea's attention moved back to the others.
There was an apology in her eyes as she nodded at Eva and Caden. "I'm a little out of shape. Otherwise, we would have been here weeks ago."
Eva knew how rugged the terrain was between here and Wayfarer's Keep. Even if the other two set out hours after Eva and Caden left for the herd lands—which would have been impressive on its own since Shea had given birth only days prior—it would still have been a long journey.
And she considered this out of shape? If that was the case, Eva didn't think anyone could ever be truly considered in shape.
Seeing Eva's expression, Shea's smile was wicked. "The horses helped shorten our journey, and my family has always been rather fast healers."
Reece nodded. "Legend says her mother led an expedition the day after Shea's birth."
"Where is Rowan?" Eva asked.
"She's being watched by her grandparents at our base camp, where we've been keeping watch on the situation for the last few weeks," Shea answered.
Surprise lifted Eva's eyebrows.
Seeing her response, Shea gave her a tired smile. "The Trateri are nomadic. Their children travel with the clan—even when the situation is potentially dangerous."
Shea gave Fallon a wry look as if to say he had refused to part with the little one.
"Besides, my parents will keep Rowan safe in camp. With them protecting her, she has nothing to fear from the Highlands."
One corner of Reece's lips lifted. "Your child will get a decent amount of wanderlust from both sides. You're going to have an even more difficult time than Aunt Lainie did protecting you."
Shea pulled a face. "Don't remind me."
Reece turned serious as he examined the bowl. "This place isn't on any of our maps. They'll need to be updated."
"You can't," Eva said in alarm. "This place cannot be revealed to others."
Shea held up a hand when Reece looked like he was going to argue. "We can make it so only a few have access to those maps." Seeing Orion's approach, she addressed him. "As long as that meets with your approval."
Eva held her breath. It was obvious how little the Kyren trusted humans. Now Shea was asking for the biggest show of faith yet.
You worry too much, Caller. Tell her that is acceptable, Orion said, focusing on Fallon as Eva relayed his message. I'd also like to extend an invitation for a permanent camp to be established here.
Eva paused and looked at Orion, translating his message from what felt like a distance.
Fallon took the offer in stride as he bowed his head. "It would be our honor."
Orion lifted his gaze to where Talia and Jason wheeled and dove, playing with the other Kyren youths. In the past we held ourselves separate from your kind. Perhaps that was a mistake.
Talia and Jason landed a short distance away, the young man's face flushed with excitement.
Fallon's gaze didn't miss the familiarity between Kyren and human, his stare moving to Eva as his lips turned up in the corner. "I'm looking forward to what the future will bring."
Shea moved up beside Eva as she dismounted, and Fallon drifted away with Orion to explore the herd lands.
The pathfinder's stare held the excitement of a little girl as she studied the valley.
Eva supposed that was to be expected for someone who had spent their life searching out new places. To find a place not on any map, where few humans had ever visited, must feel like uncovering precious treasure to a woman like Shea.
"You found your way after all," Shea said, looking over at Eva.
"I guess so."
Shea's grin flashed. "I knew you would."
The pathfinder moved off to join her Warlord as Caden moved toward Eva.
"Happy?" he asked her.
She patted Sebastian's shoulder before stepping into Caden's embrace. "A little."
"Then maybe this will make you a little happier. I spoke with Fallon; I've officially withdrawn as the commander of the Anateri," Caden informed Eva as her gaze landed on him in surprise.
She shook her head. "You can't. Being his Anateri means everything to you."
Caden cupped her neck as he lifted her chin so his eyes met hers. "I can and I did. Part of a warrior's path is recognizing when you need to walk a new one. You are my future."
Eva reached up to cradle his jaw, her gaze searching. "Are you sure about this?"
His eyes answered her. There was no trace of doubt or hesitation. No matter what she said, he'd chosen this course and wouldn't stray.
"No man can serve two masters." Caden's grin was slow and wicked. "Besides, I think being your protector will be more than enough excitement for any man."
A warm glow lit Eva as she studied his face as a realization came over her. He was all hers. Now and in the future.
A breeze ruffled the fire fox's fur as he squinted into the distance. It had been a long time since he'd stood in these lands. The Kyren always were a little selfish when it came to this place. It was why he'd had to go to such lengths to sneak in.
Holding perfectly still, the fire fox stared at a spot not far away.
Waiting.
His patience paid off as a splotch of inky darkness, the light of a single star trapped within, oozed out of the ground.
The fire fox stood in one slow, careful movement. Just a little further. A little more.
There.
The fire fox exploded forward in a powerful pounce, landing on the blob just as the last of it left its hiding spot. He scooped it into his mouth and swallowed.