How to Save a Fae (Heir of Dragons Book 2)

and then set her sights on the canopy, wondering if any tree-borne prey might present itself. The trees and foliage in the area looked healthy, undisturbed, but it appeared that the animals living in this stretch had recently been scared off—likely by the encroachment of the dark army.
She was just about to turn back and return to Mau when she heard a faint rustling. Minx froze in place, letting her ears sift the air so that she might pinpoint the source of the disturbance. She panned about the wall of green and discovered a patch of quaking leaves many yards away. Dropping to one knee with her bow drawn, Minx watched closely.
From behind the rustling leaves there emerged a grave threat.
Quite unbeknownst to her, the woods nearby had been host to a Krah hunting party. The band of Krah, some fifteen or twenty thick, were passing through, chattering and hissing amongst themselves. Minx tensed, dropping to the ground and watching the lizard-like warriors stomp onward. She held her breath, clutched her bow. If necessary, she would defend herself—though even with Mau in her corner, she didn't like the odds. The Krah were likely to swarm her if they caught wind of her, and so she remained silent, watching them go by. Don't do anything stupid. Stay put... I hope that Mau and Strider don't make any noise to alert them.
It wasn't until the last had faded completely from sight and hearing that Minx finally stood.
She promptly returned to the stream, where Mau was still lapping up fresh water. Just ran into a hunting party—at least fifteen Krah, maybe more. We're in the middle of enemy territory. I think we need to get moving.
The Faelyr growled. I suppose so. Did they attack you?
No, replied Minx. They didn't see me. I almost walked straight into them, though. Next time, there's no telling what might happen... Forgetting her hunger, Minx mounted the horse and began riding away from the stream at a reasonable clip. We need to hurry up. The only way we'll have any security is by making it back to the Trading Center.
The horse galloped on, covering several more miles despite her great fatigue. Stay strong for me, Strider. We'll be home before you know it, thought Minx. In a little while, we'll find somewhere to camp. Then, when you've had your rest, we can pick up the pace again.
Finally, when they had gone a fair distance without encountering another raiding party, Minx decided to stop. They paused in a hilly area, surrounded by woods. The spot felt secure, out of the way, and the topography would make it difficult for enemy warriors in heavy armor to sneak up on them. There, she gave the stallion ample time to rest. I think we need a break, and this seems as good a place as any. I haven't noticed any wanderers around here, have you?
No, it seems clear around here. And I agree—this is a great place to stop. The horse isn't the only one who needs a break, you know? Mau rolled about in the grass, enjoying the respite, while Minx climbed to the top of one of the hills to keep watch. There, she fell deep into thought, her tired mind reeling.
So, you're tired, starving and still quite far from home. The area is crawling with hostiles. You'll probably never see Kaleb again and the dragons will never work with the Fae. Why did you do this to yourself? Why did you think it would be any different? she asked herself. You would have been better off staying at home. At least then you could have helped repel the attackers. How many Fae warriors have died since you set out for the Talon Range?
She tried not to think about it. Instead, she considered setting up a camp. They would find a good, private place to rest in the vicinity and dwell there till nightfall. She doubted they'd be able to source a decent meal, but Minx was open to a bit of scavenging in the area if it meant happening upon some wild mushrooms or other edible growths—anything to silence the groaning of her stomach.
Minx's instincts were sharp. Spending as much time in the field as she did gave her almost a sixth sense when it came to anticipating threats.
At the moment the Wuff raiding party spotted her atop the hill, her mind had been sufficiently clouded with anxiety to utterly silence that special sense, though. It was only the thwack of an arrow striking the ground nearby that alerted her to the presence of the raiders, and by the time she turned to react, it was too late.
A handful of Wuff foot soldiers sprinted up the sides of the hill to meet her. She took up her bow, nocking an arrow, but a moment's indecision was all the warriors needed to overcome her. In the time it took her to decide upon a target, a sure-footed Wuff raced up behind her with a club. She felt dense wood connect with the back of her head. Her legs betrayed her and her grip on the bow faltered.
The next thing she knew, she was rolling down the hill, limp.
Then, there was only darkness.

Chapter 7
The ropes dug into her arms. Initially unable to open her eyes, Minx writhed against the ground, a sharp pain radiating through her skull and her pulse skyrocketing. It took her some moments to realize what had happened—to recall the violent blow she'd taken on the hilltop. When she did, she began reflexively to pull at her restraints, but could not loosen the knotted ropes upon her wrists.
Don't panic. Whatever you do, don't panic. Her mouth felt dry, and she struggled to swallow. She breathed through her nose, attempted to steady her pulse. Her fingers explored the edges of the rope—it was coarse stuff, very tough. Even with a blade in hand, it would have been difficult to cut. Stay calm. You're