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

force would dwarf this one. There was no air of joy for their slim victory, no celebration. The war-weary Fae lowered their weapons but could not lower their guard.
For this reason, Minx was committed to involving the dragons. They had helped once—and she hoped she could convince them to help again. Only with a strong ally could they stomp out this foe once and for all. It would be difficult to appeal to the dragons, with the Talon Range being so far from Pandling Grounds, but Minx would ask her father for a brief leave of absence and—possibly—return with aid. It was a gambit, but the payoff was huge. They'll have to do without me for a little while, but it's better than standing around and waiting for an invasion we can't repel, she thought to herself.
Minx laid into the stragglers, sniping a handful of Krah and Plurn as they began pulling back from the Trading Center grounds. Finally, the order came from down below. Her father, having consulted with sentries positioned around the area, declared an end to the battle. “They have been repelled!” announced Valdar, his face long and grave as the wounded were carted by. “Those assigned to the evening watch, return to your positions. To those who came as reinforcements, we thank you.”
The Fae huntress slowly climbed down from her perch, rejoining Mau near the edge of the gate. I need to speak to my father. We're going to the Talon Range, Mau. It's time to bring the dragons back into the fold.
The Faelyr whimpered, having little faith in the plan, but knew better than to interject as Minx strode purposefully toward her father.
“Father, this force was much larger than we expected.” Minx motioned through the gate, at the far-off shapes of retreating warriors in the gloom. “We can't keep doing this. They're going to wear us down before too long. I have a request.”
Valdar, aged in recent weeks by constant anxiety, wrapped an arm around Minx's shoulder and brought her close. “You fought marvelously, my dear, but it is true. At this rate we will be overrun. It appears we have underestimated the size of this remnant force. They exist in greater numbers than we dared believe, and when Torrent and Valry get back on their feet, their ranks will swell even further.” He cleared his throat, speaking quietly. “Now... this request of yours. I don't suppose you mean to—”
“I want to alert the dragons,” she blurted. “I want to take a few days to travel to the Talon Range. The dragons helped us just a short while ago, and I believe they'll help us again—if we make a solid appeal.” Her father looked poised to deny her on the spot, but she pressed on. “Their aid during the great battle turned the tide in our favor. We don't need an enormous force here, necessarily, just a handful of dragons to participate in patrols and scouting missions. Imagine how much more ground we could cover, how much more we could learn about the size of the enemy force, if we had a few dragons flying reconnaissance for us.”
Her father considered it briefly, his shoulders slumping. “They would be a great asset,” he conceded. “But even so, Minx, they have made it clear that they do not intend to assist us any further. Their cooperation during the great battle was a gift, but we cannot count on the dragons to save us. The Fae must pull together, must call on other allies—”
“Who?” demanded Minx, turning toward him. “Who, father? Our ranks are being steadily depleted. Every battle leads to a handful of deaths or grave injuries. Soon, we'll have to build another medical tent. In a few weeks, we'll have no one left to fight on our side with the way things are going. If forces of this size turn up again and again, we will eventually fall to them. Mau and I can only take on so many before we, too, will be overwhelmed. Please allow us to travel to the Talon Range, father. I will plead with the dragons and ask them to help us. Surely Kaleb, at least, will hear us out.”
He smiled a little, shook his head. “Is that what this is about? Kaleb? You're still thinking about that young shifter, are you?”
She didn't meet his gaze, her cheeks reddening. “He's a powerful ally, father. And he was instrumental in bringing the dragons here the first time. I think he'll be willing to help us. Our people need assistance. I don't see any other way through this...”
“The Talon Range is far. Going there by foot will take a few days, even if you travel at a great clip. You won't be carried there by dragons this time around. It would be risky to allow you and Mau to venture so far when we're in need of strong warriors. Especially... when there's no guarantee of your success.” Valdar sighed. “But then, I know you, Minx. You won't let this go until I've given you permission. I suppose, under the circumstances... it may be worthwhile.” He leaned toward her, adding, “But you must be careful, and travel quickly. According to our scouts, the lands beyond our territory have been ravaged by the dark forces. The Krah, Plurn and Wuff are a scourge, and will threaten our local forests if they are not stopped. The path to the Talon Range is sure to be fraught with dangers. Are you sure that the two of you can make the trip safely?”
Minx nodded firmly. “The two of us can move quickly and quietly. Without a large force bogging us down, we should be able to slip past remnants of the dark army undetected. But if this is going to be effective, we need to leave immediately.”
“Immediately...” Her father echoed the word with a frown, as though it possessed a foul taste. “All right, then. Pack your things, Minx. You and Mau may travel to the Talon Range.