“Jump to the bushes,” Cole advised. “That way there won’t be any tracks leading to our hiding spot.”
“Good thinking,” Twitch said, springing into the air, wings a shimmering blur.
Cole and Mira jumped to the bushes as well. Mira sat down, legs bent in front of her. She crossed her arms and put them on her knees, resting her head on her arms.
“I’ll keep watch,” Twitch volunteered. “The grinaldi have sharp night vision.”
“What can’t you guys do?” Cole asked.
Twitch shrugged. “My people aren’t good swimmers. We avoid deep water.”
“You exhausted?” Cole asked Mira.
“My head aches,” she replied. “Could be worse. At least no evil shapers have caught up to us.”
“You two did well back there,” Twitch said. “Those Jumping Swords are effective weapons.”
“They’re useful,” Cole said. “It stresses me out to attack with them, though. It’s kind of like having a bow with only one arrow. And you’re the arrow.”
Twitch and Mira both laughed at the description.
“Thanks, by the way,” Mira said. “You probably saved my life again. I was exposed to that monster cat.”
“Only because you helped Jace,” Cole said, trying not to show how pleased her gratitude made him. “He protected us too. No need to keep score.”
“Sorry I didn’t get more involved,” Twitch said. “I hovered through the fight. I was watching for my moment. I’m more a rescuer than an attacker.”
“I’m glad,” Cole said. “You’ve rescued me before. Jace too.”
Twitch gave a small smile. “Like you said, no need to keep score.”
Something white and gray swooped down and landed beside Mira with a flurry of feathers. Cole recoiled and raised his sword, then recognized the cockatiel Liam had given them to serve as a scout.
“Mango!” Mira exclaimed. Extending her arm, she let the semblance perch on her wrist.
“Where is the autocoach?” the cockatiel inquired.
“Didn’t you see?” Mira asked. “It crashed down into a ravine.”
“I don’t belong to the coach,” the cockatiel said. “I return to you. How far back did it crash?”
“A good ways,” Mira said. “We were ambushed.”
The cockatiel whistled. “Sorry I missed warning you.”
“It was a small force,” Mira said. “Have you seen Jace?”
“No,” Mango replied. “I spent most of my time up ahead. The road from here to Carthage looks clear. We’re not using the main route. This road is less direct and less traveled.”
“Is the city much farther?” Cole asked.
“If you hurry, you could get close by morning,” Mango said.
“Go find Jace,” Mira said. “He’s catching up to us on the road. Then report back. Watch for anybody who might be following us. They could be in dark armor with strange mounts.”
“Will do,” Mango replied, taking flight.
They watched the bird disappear into the night in the direction they had come. Cole felt relieved to have avoided the responsibility of going back for Jace.