I NODDED, WATCHING AS AL, Loi, Kass, Rumal, and Sabyn all headed back to the centaurs. When they reached them I called the energy inward. The tiny creatures uttered an array of distressed and annoyed cries, some clinging tight as I shook my arms to dislodge them.

'Ow!' One hanging from the mail covering my elbow spat, the spray just touching my chin. 'You little!' I growled while working away at unhooking its claws. 'OW! Stop it! Jeeze give me a chance.' The last little claw ...