On one side of the valley, a rearing sphinx of burning moongold floats above an empty pedestal, metal wings spread like those of a redhawk, three Faraswa people seated around it still as rock formations. On the other side of the valley, a circle of mounted Ajaha cheers as two of their comrades duel to the death. Ilapara is in motion as soon as her boots touch the ground, Jomo and the Sentinels close behind. One of the dueling rangers is bleeding from cuts on his chest and face, and now a spear pierces his abdomen even as Ilapara runs to save him. He falls to his knees, gurgling blood. She runs
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