HERALD’S DOOM ...
Surrounded before she could even think of
calling out for aid, Talia fought with every trick she’d learned
from the weapons master, but it was hopeless. Struggling, she was
half-carried, half-dragged to the river bank, and tossed up into
the air, landing in the icy waters of the river with a shock that
drove what little breath she had from her lungs.
Unable to breathe, or to cry out for help, her
mind shrieked in incoherent fear.
Then, like a gift from the gods, a trumpeting
neigh split the air and something huge plunged in beside her.
Strong teeth seized her collar, pulling her within reach of a
broad, white back that rose beside her like magic.
“Rolan!” she gasped, trying to make her fingers
work enough to grab mane or tail. For a moment it almost seemed as
if it would work. Then Talia’s fingers loosed their grip and she
began sliding away, dragged by the strong pull of the current. And
as the water closed over her head, darkness closed over her
mind....