---
They moved fast and practiced, because they had to. Alka crouched and spread her wings half, angling them to make a pocket of calmer air. Azhara climbed first and then turned to pull Skyweaver behind her with a careful grip that did not jar the cut leg. Silvershadow gave Kai a look that meant I can manage, and Kai nodded and let him manage: a quick vault, a grab to the leather bindings near the wing root, a hiss when his broken hand brushed rough cordage, a set jaw and a settled seat anyway.
Kai stepped into the stirrup-line Alka offered and set Miryam sideways against his chest, one arm cinched around her, the other braced along Alka's shoulder. He set his spear in the cross-scabbard at his back and felt everything click into place, fast and simple.
"Lete go," he said.
Alka jumped. The streambed fell away, the ridge edge slid under them, and then the night opened. It was cold, thin, and wide.
