Ed's face was deathly pale. He glanced at the two behemoths in the sky about to collide, then looked back at Raylo. His lips moved, but ultimately, he said nothing to dissuade him.
He knew Raylo's mind was made up.
"Yes, my lord!"
Ed yanked hard on his reins and roared at the Knights behind him.
"Protect the Giant! Full speed ahead!"
The Griffin Knights snapped out of their stupor. Forcing their agitated mounts under control, they quickly reformed their ranks to guard the Hill Giant as it began to move again, fleeing for their lives toward the other side of the ridge.
Raylo didn't retreat with them.
He wheeled the Storm Griffin King around, directing Baofeng to climb higher. Like a circling Giant Eagle, he watched the impending battlefield with cold detachment.
His left hand rested lightly on the Soul Horn at his waist, its surface cool to the touch.
