Chapter 17: Stretching of Wings

The particular sound of Paona's steps woke me gradually and I slowly rolled over to question her. Before I even spoke a word, she crouched down close by my face and told me the bad news.

"Talon is gone, so are the silver knights. All of them are gone."

Poe said she knew a guard who would give us trustworthy information, so if Talon or the knights were in the castle, we would find out.

It is hard to be patient, especially when you are in pain. The morning hours pressed on, but still no word on Talon or my knights. The throbbing in my head eased by midday, but walking normally was sketchy. Poe helped me sit up and eat, but I could only manage soup. It was a good thing I ate when I did because King Valentin of Winter stood at my door shortly after the meal.

"My offer still stands," Valentin stood seductively at the foot of my bed, waiting. "You are running out of time and chances."

"What offer," I spoke through swollen lips.