(TWO WEEKS LATER)
(Kael)
I wake to darkness. The sun hasn't risen yet. The air is cold and still.
Thunder is already alert in my mind. 'Something's coming.'
'I feel it too.'
I get out of bed and move to the armor stand in the corner. I pull on my combat gear. Reinforced leather vest. Arm guards. Belt with one of the specialized silver blades. Backup knife.
I'm strapping on my boots when the mind link opens. One of the northern patrol warriors. Bryant.
'Alpha! Rogues attacking the northern border! A lot of them! They're hitting hard and fast!'
I'm moving before he finishes. Grab my weapons. Out of my quarters. Down the stairs. Thunder pushing forward, ready for battle.
'How many warriors do we have there?' I ask through the link.
'Twenty on patrol. Moonridge and Clearwater mixed.
