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the woods of the Gornan boasted plentiful nests where geilis created their home. The birds swift flying ability made them difficult targets. Perfect for today’s hunt.
    They were silent on the trek. Occasionally she could pick up the sound of running water from the creek that was off to the side of their caverns. A huge waterfall fed the creek and its winding path came close enough to provide fresh water for them to use all year round.
    When they entered the clearing, Shaina withdrew an arrow and notched it after confirming the blunt tip of the stunner was in place. The others followed suit until Mandok raised his hand.
    She nodded for him to speak.
    “I propose a challenge.”
    Shaina raised a brow. “Go on.”
    “Three on three. Karn, Luka and I against you, Shadae and Justan.”
    Justan stiffened. “What’s the challenge?”
    “Whichever team fells the most birds wins, of course. It’s quite simple.”
    Shaina tried to read what trickery he’d set but could not fathom. There was nothing simple about what he proposed. “Agreed.”
    Karn and Luka at least had the grace to look uncomfortable.
    Mandok pulled his quiver to the front. “We’ll notch our arrows to separate the kills.”
    “We’re only stunning today, Mandok.” Shaina wanted to make sure he understood the rules.
    “Of course.” He went to one knee and used his sword to quickly notch all of his arrows, Luka’s and Karn’s as well. When he rose to his feet he grinned in her direction. “We’ll split up. Best of luck, Your Highness.”
    The hair on her neck curled, pebbling the skin in response before Mandok loped off with Karn and Luka trailing behind.
    Justan came to stand beside her. “He’s up to something.”
    “Yes, but what, I can’t put my finger on.” Shaina sighed and turned to the challenge. “Let’s hurry. The sooner we win, the sooner we can be away from him and back home.”
    Shadae approached on silent feet. “Are we kicking Mandok’s ass?”
    The unexpected comment from the dark-haired woman had Shaina laughing. This was why she liked the young woman. “I’m all over it.”
    Justin’s smile eased and by unspoken agreement Shaina took the lead into the area thick with rounded bushes that matched her in height. Home to the geilis. She stuck her fingers between her lips and whistled high and low.
    Leaves to the right of them rustled. Justan gave her a chin lift and turned in that direction while Shadae crept to the side. Shaina pulled her bow taut and aimed in the vicinity of the noise. By accident or design, Justan’s boot came down loudly on a branch, snapping it in two.
    Reds, blues and some rare purples burst into the air in rapid succession as the plump geili birds took flight. Shaina let loose one arrow and followed it with another into the fleeing feathered animals. The thump whistle of Shadae releasing joined in as well.
    Four thuds on the ground confirmed they’d managed to hit a couple of their targets. Grinning and feeling her blood pump, Shaina kneeled to pull their arrows free and spared a moment to check that the birds were merely stunned. She held up a separate set of arrows to Shadae. “Two?”
    Shadae grinned. “When I play, I play to win.”
    Shaina chuckled and jumped to her feet. Not many could shoot two arrows at once and hit their targets. She pointed at Justin. “Make sure you keep up with us ladies.”
    Justan growled and rubbed a hard fist over the top of her head, messing up her hair. Shaina swatted at him, squealing all the while. Once she managed to get away from him, Shaina raced toward the next overgrown brush. Her blood raced from their success and thoughts of winning the challenge fueled her.
    Far off in the distance, flapping wings sounded overhead followed by Mandok’s shout. He’d better be using the stunners. “I swear, Justan.”
    He shook his head. “Let it go for now. Mandok’s looking for any excuse.”
    Shaina sighed, knowing her friend was right. Shadae waited and Shaina