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Chapter Nine

DARON FELT SIAN shift and leaned back to her. 'Did you want to sit in the front? That way you can see better and I'll point out places if you like.' Absurdly pleased by her nod, he let Nesha know.

Nesha sent him a mocking look, 'Take it nice and slow, you don't want to drop her.'

SIAN SAT UP and let go of Daron's back when he turned to her then unexpectedly gathered her up in his arms and moved to the back seat of the saddle, placing her in front. She blinked in surprise at the sudden change of view and felt a flush of pleasure when he wrapped his arms round her waist and leaned to her ear.

'If you look to our left you'll see the end of the Orlan forest, you were at the beginning when we found you. Over to the right is part of the main river in Elion, the Wegrive.'

His pleasantly deep voice and the lips that gently brushed past her ear now and then allowed Sian's thoughts to drift to a rather agreeable place before her rational voice butted in, reminding her to pay attention. She made an effort to focus on what he pointed out and felt delighted when he indicated to Lothost. Sian twisted in her seat a little so she sat sideways to Daron. 'That was where we went when we arrived. Can we fly a little lower?'

DARON STARED INTO Sian's sky blue eyes for a moment before he registered her question.

'Yes.' He smiled at her, eyes fastening for an instant on the soft lips temptingly close to his. 'Of course.'

ON THE GROUND the women watched Nesha's take-off in awe. Kassandra and Laura both questioned the men closely about the griffons and flying. Alek smiled at their obvious enthusiasm. Then he noticed Catherine who sat and listened, but with a pale face and her lips pressed flat together.

KASSIE GLANCED UP and noticed Alek's confused look at Cat's expression. They watched when she stood and called for Audrey then walked off toward the river.

'Is something wrong?' Alek asked.

'Not exactly,' Kassie hesitated a moment, knowing Cat wouldn't really like her weakness exposed. 'You see, Cat's... well... Catherine's really scared of heights. Actually, terrified is probably a better description.'

Alek looked astonished then concerned. 'Do you think she'll manage?'

'Oh yes,' Kassie assured him earnestly while mentally crossing her fingers. 'But she'll need to psych herself up for it. Which is probably why she wandered off.'

Alek glanced at her. 'Are you or Laura scared of heights?' He smiled wryly. 'I can see Sian isn't.'

Loi, who listened to the conversation, gave a little laugh. 'No, Kassie and I can handle heights fine. Actually, its insects that tend to creep us out more, Cat deals with those for us.' Then Sabyn caught her attention again and she turned away.

ALEK DIDN'T LIKE the thought of Catherine being uneasy with flying, especially with a week of it ahead of them. If it turned out they were who Elena hoped them to be, then they'd often ride with the Guard. I really hope Kassandra's right, Alek thought somberly.

I SAT BESIDE the river and stripped my boots off, dipping my feet in the wonderfully cool water. I could see why Alek went for a swim; the sun shone directly over the deep and meandering river, making it a very pleasant place to relax. Audi climbed onto the bank beside me, dripping wet after enthusiastically chugging around in circles in the water. I gently stroked her head and focused on calming myself. I know I will be safe. I'm very sure I will be safe. Pretty sure...

I lay back on the grassy bank and sighed, of all the stupid fears, mine had to be heights. Hearing the crunch of footsteps I sat up and shaded my eyes. Alek smiled down on me and I flushed, his gorgeous smile causing my breath to catch. Maybe it won't be so hard to handle the heights, I thought, subtly studying his muscular form. There certainly were worse ways to travel.