At the appointed time, an assembly of animals and humans met in front of Josef’s house. Josef and his fellow Zunites stared in amazement at the animals—especially the giant lions, cats, rhinos, and elephants. Larken was also there and the golden wertal watched with golden eyes as Kaira called the meeting to order.

“Thank you all for coming,” she said as all eyes turned to her. She looked at Lance and he smiled encouragingly at her. “First, Giska has reported that the manticores are two days from here. Lance and I will ride out there and see if we can convince them to join us. Second, Prince Alexander will be left in charge. He will oversee the preparations and training from the plans we make here today.”

Shal looked at Kaira in surprise. “You’re going alone?&...

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