Zshurii's Song, Snippet 13-1

A story fragment from the Eastsong Cycle

(Read Zshurii’s Song, Snippet 12)

The defenders on the bulwarks to either side continued to hurl arrows and stingers down on them, but their aim erred high. A stiff breeze buffeted Zshurii from the side. Though the wind snagged the thin woolen banner on her back, her momentum carried her forward like a spright. But her stride was shorter than Rhecah’s or the commander’s, no matter how fast her boots pummeled the dirt. By the time they neared the midpoint over the muted roar of the river, Zshurii had slipped a few paces back.

Just before they crested the bridge, a glancing ray of sun struck Zshurii direct in the eyes. It lasted only the length of a heartbeat; her legs never stopped propelling her forward. But the sunbeam left her vision starry with the distinct yet fleeting impression of an incoming arrow volley.