03 Sky Knight Read Free Page B

the village square, men, women, and children of all ages came rushing out to greet them, despite the late hour.
    ‘People of Landmark,’ Nimbus shouted, trying to think of the words his father might have used in this situation. ‘Listen carefully. We’re in great danger.’
    The villagers murmured and glanced at each other nervously.
    ‘An army is approaching. More spider–soldiers, like the ones that attacked us before.’
    ‘Are they coming here?’ someone asked.
    ‘Their numbers are great enough that no town or village will be spared.’ His gaze was drawn to the West, and the red glow of the burning fort. Hot tears filled his eyes.
    ‘What do we do?’ one of the villagers cried, clutching her baby tightly.
    Nimbus wiped his eyes and grabbed Venom’s hilt for reassurance. ‘We must leave this place immediately. Leave behind anything that isn’t important.’
    There was a commotion in the crowd as the mayor of Landmark pushed through to the front. ‘Now look here,’ he said, waving his finger in an authoritative manner, ‘you’re talking about leaving our homes. Some people have lived here their whole lives.’
    ‘I’m sorry, Mr Mayor,’ Nimbus said. ‘It is absolutely necessary we get everyone to a safer location.’
    ‘You are the Wing Warrior. It is your responsibility to protect us. Are you incapable of doing so?’
    Cumulo growled deep in his throat, and his eyes narrowed to blue slits. Nimbus patted the dragon’s neck. ‘It’s okay,’ he whispered. ‘He’s just scared. He doesn’t intend to offend you, or even me.’ To the mayor, he said, ‘I am sorry, Mr Mayor. There are too many soldiers. Had all of the Wing Warriors been alive to defend us, we could not hope to win this fight.’
    ‘And what of your sister, the witch?’
    ‘My sister is not a witch.’
    ‘She was able to stop these creatures before. Can we expect her help?’
    ‘My sister is not here. We cannot rely on her support.’ He hesitated, realising that the more questions he answered, the more scared the villagers were becoming. He spotted Sky in the crowd, and her wide eyes told him everything he needed to know about how terrified she truly was. ‘Neither can we rely on reinforcements from Crystal Shine,’ he added, reluctantly.
    ‘Then we are alone?’ the mayor said.
    ‘The army is a few days march from here,’ Nimbus went on. ‘We need to move up into the mountains right away. Take what few things you will need for the journey. Food and water. Leave the rest behind.’
    ‘Now, just wait,’ the mayor said, but he was silenced when Captain Obsidian emerged from the crowd and put a firm hand on his arm.
    ‘Mr Mayor, we are leaving,’ the captain said, sternly. He raised his voice to address the crowd. ‘Everybody. The Wing Warrior has spoken. Now the choice is yours. Stay if you wish, but he will not be able to protect you here. Those of you who want to live, pack quickly.’
    The crowd dispersed, until only Sky, Obsidian, and the soldiers of the Landmark garrison remained in the square. Of them all, only Obsidian was able to mask his fear.
    ‘Thanks for supporting me,’ Nimbus said, climbing down from Cumulo’s back.
    ‘The mayor does not always think things through properly. You are doing the right thing,’ Obsidian said.
    ‘I hope so. I’m not happy about abandoning both Flint Lock and Landmark in a single night.’
    ‘It is a time when hard choices must be made. You make them well.’
    ‘It doesn’t feel that way. It feels like I’m letting everyone down.’
    Obsidian moved nearer, so close that only Nimbus could hear his growled words. ‘One more remark like that, and I’ll clip you round the ear myself. You are the Wing Warrior. People need you to lead them, so lead them.’
    Nimbus laughed openly. ‘You know, with you around, my dad never seems that far away.’
    For a moment Obsidian seemed taken aback, caught off guard by such a grand comparison. He rallied quickly, putting on his best