Zshurii's Song (Snippet 15-2)

A story fragment from the Eastsong Cycle

(Read Zshurii’s Song, Snippet 15-1)

Cactus loosed a fierce, impatient snort, but he was so pleased to have Zshurii back, he didn’t otherwise complain that she kept him to a trot. In a loose formation with the rest of the company—her company—they fast approached the same creek they had followed to the river-plain early that morning. When they’d set out, there had been half again as many soldiers and horses.

Just ahead of their company, the Prophet-King rode alone on his black charger. The rest of their half-strength battalion lagged behind Zshurii’s mounted skirmishers, but Cuur goaded them onward at a double-quick march. A breeze brought snatches of the acting commander’s colorful exhortations to Zshurii’s ears and billowed the two banners fixed to her back.