General Konnyr laughed harshly.

Stepping over the still form of Fergal, the general ran off into the forest on the other side of the clearing with the rest of his loyal followers.

Niamh stood silent, and numb, her breath coming quick and shallow.

“Lorcan!” she called, finally able to form words.

As she kneeled by her falcon, a loud, ripping sob escaped from her shaking body.

“Fergal!” she cried. “Oh no, no… no.”

The falcon was limp, but ...