60. A Different PathThe morning after Erin’s coronation, Aiden and Iolair stood side by side on the hillside outside Carn Deas. Together they gazed out over the moors towards the distant forest. Sunlight shone down on them, dappled by scudding clouds. A light wind ruffled feathers and hair alike. Perfect weather for flying.
Yet Aiden’s feet felt stuck to the ground, a weight in his stomach holding him down.
“What do you think they’re saying?” he asked Iolair, risking a glance over his shoulder.
Iolair, too, looked round. The Eagle Riders and their Sgiath, all ten of them, including Torca and Kiligrahr, were perched higher up the slopes, huddled together in deep conversation. Their meeting had one purpose: to decide Aiden and Iolair’s fate.
“What will you do if they don’t let us fly tog
