Page 32 of Heart of a Dire Wolf
Nic frowned. “Probably sixty or seventy left. We disabled their shock troops and retreated to here, behind the defensive perimeter.” He frowned. “I don’t know what good it will do, if it let you in. No offense intended, but you’re strangers.”
“We don’t know who’s in the armies,” said Skyla. “I think the wizards used golem spells on the hyena shifters I took out. Nic’s were too far away to see before the undines took them away.”
“I can help.” Moira pulled a framed mirror out of the large chest pocket of her outer shell. Magic flared. “Here’s the view south, with magic highlighted.” She showed Chance, then turned the mirror to Nic and Skyla. Human mercenaries with glowing armor rode snowmobiles, and human wizards that glowed all over rode six big, treaded snow tractors that pulled treaded trailers.
The mirror flashed and the view changed. “This is east.” Human wizards driving two more snow tractors, and marching lizards instead of mercenaries. Now that she had a closer view, Skyla recognized the species.
Skyla pointed to the tiny image. “Those tusked lizard creatures have armor-thick skin, and the one we knew used fireball magic.”
Nic blew out a noisy breath. “My claws can do damage, but I’d rather not get that close. Those fireballs hurt.”
Moira turned the mirror to look. A strong wave of magic, and the mirror flashed bright enough to illuminate her strong features. “They call themselves ‘kreshicks,’ which in their language means refugees or exiles. They are all females. They fight because a wizard pays them.”
Skyla smiled at Moira. “I like your truth-seeing gift. I bet it’s very handy.” Nic felt inexplicable sadness come from his mate. Unfortunately, minutes before an impending attack was the wrong time to ask her about it.
Moira smiled crookedly. “Thanks. It’s a new thing with me.”
Flickering and eerie keening rose from the center of the conifers. Chance stepped closer to Moira, protectiveness written on his face.
Skyla waved soothingly. “It’s okay. It’s just the dead. I’ll be right back.”
