A nudge against Konowa’s thigh drew his attention downward. He reached out a hand to give Jir a rub between the ears, then thought better of it. For all purpose if not intent, the bengar was a large, furry, black-and-red-striped monster, not that Konowa saw him that way. The predatory beast with a stubby muzzle full of very sharp teeth and a thick mantle of fur running halfway down his back was bigger even than a tiger…with an appetite larger still. That they were friends spoke to an understanding between the two that Konowa shared with few others. With that understanding came the realization that Jir was now ready for battle, his demeanor one of quiet intensity.

In that regard he was the perfect mascot for the Iron Elves. Jir’s eyes were fixed on the dark smudge on the horizon and his nostrils were flaring. The muscles under his fur rippled back and forth like waves trapped between two cliffs. This was definitely a time when it was best to leave him be.

Konowa returned to watching the beach. Shadows moved in and out among the trees that lined the shore. Konowa focused on the power in the black acorn. That something so small could harbor so much power, and so much danger, was a thought he pushed aside for another time. If he and the regiment were cursed by the oath that had inadvertently bonded them to Her power, then he would bloody well use that power. He let his senses flow outward. It was becoming easier to manipulate the magic. A cold clarity pulsed throughout his body in anticipation of what was to come.

Scores of rakkes roamed the island.