17. Changing of the GuardAt the sight of Marsaili and Niamh waiting for her in the trees, Erin gave a cry of delight. She ran ahead of Falkor and the Eagle Riders and within seconds was enveloped in their embrace.
“You did it!” said Niamh.
“You’re not dead,” said Marsaili.
Erin felt tears wet her eyes as they danced around her. The whole journey back she had been so careful about keeping her emotions locked up inside. Now, with Marsaili and Niamh here, she knew it would only be a matter of time before they all came pouring out.
Her bodyguards pulled away, giving her air to breathe once more. Marsaili frowned at the tears on Erin’s face. She came close and put both hands to Erin’s cheeks, wiping her tears away in a motherly fashion. “Now’s not the time for tears,” she said with a smile.
