Adneiva stepped quietly before freezing in place. She watched in fascination as the young warrior pushed Arria and her dragon backward. He coordinated his spearmen very well, and Adneiva raised an eyebrow, impressed with his battle tactics. For far too long, she hadn’t had a challenge. She smiled.
Unsheathing her sword, she ambled forward, a grin splitting her face from ear to ear. She was ready to test his skill. He fought two Ikchani, but when they saw her coming, they parted, allowing Adneiva to step between them with her blade at the ready.
“Who are you?” he asked.
Adneiva grinned. “I am their captain.”
“Why do you insist on slavery? Isn’t that the very thing you have fought to escape from?”
Adneiva clenched her jaw. “Men deserve no more than slavery.”
“I am truly sorry for whate
