It was some time later before Tristan found himself with a moment to stand still. Most of the Feather Guard had been dismissed and the Eagles had now disappeared up to their eyries, though Catanta remained on the ground while Astrith dressed a deep cut on her foot. Jormandar too had stayed and hopped over to join the Riders around the long table where Cuinn, Falkor, and the Captains of the Palace and City Guards also sat.
Tristan and Aiden stood by the wall a short distance away silently watching and listening to the low murmur of voices drifting around the Hall. Tristan wished he could make out their words. What were they planning? The Captain of the Palace Guard was saying something heated, banging his fist on the tabletop as he spoke. Next to him Falkor sat comfortably in his charred c
