Zshurii's Song (Snippet 11)

A story fragment from the Eastsong Cycle

(Read Zshurii’s Song, Snippet 10)

At a canter, Zshurii’s world narrowed. Though Arawah and Sunset, with their seven’s standard, held the center of her mind, Zshurii was acutely aware of Cactus and her bow. Beyond Rhecah and Tumbleweed to her left, and the rest of the seven on the periphery of her vision, nothing existed.

Charging gave the seven space to loosen their knot formation. Zshurii helped Cactus keep room enough between him and the other horses that on every side, another rider could have passed by without incident. It was important not to get too close, in case someone stumbled, especially if the armies began to fling—