HUDDLED TOGETHER ON THE SETTEE in the sitting area of the Griffon Guard quarters, Citaan, Vesbel, and Ada sat silent. At their feet Audi let out a sigh, her ears perked as she listened. The heavy blows still occurred but didn't seem to shake the building any more.

Perhaps I'm just used to it now, Citaan thought to herself, rocking Rirae who fussed quietly against her shoulder. The baby wouldn't feed, too distracted by their anxiety, and wouldn't sleep either.

Perched on ...