The Arrival (Birthright Trilogy #1) by Nicole MacDonald

intently.
    Desperation flooded my limbs and my knees turned to water as I struggled to stay on my feet.
    Oh crap. What are we meant to do now?
    I felt the others quiver beside me.
    'Greetings, can we offer you assistance?'
    I gaped stupidly at the griffon.
    It could speak?
    About to lose it completely, I realized I could make out a shape behind the griffon's head. A man slid down the creature’s forearm. The move was fluid, the griffon inclining its leg so he landed neatly on the ground.
    Still frozen in our gathered fighting position, we tensed as he strode toward us. An imposing figure, he was tall and appeared to have dark hair. As he got closer I could make out body armor; high boots and a cloak that flared out from his shoulders.
    Yikes, I must look hideous. Realizing exactly how covered in blood and muck I was, I made a quick attempt to neaten up. Keeping a firm grip on the handle of my sword, I hurriedly wiped at the blood on my face with my free hand.
    Ouch, I winced; I could feel my tongue now. Out of the corner of my eyes I could see the others doing the same. After glancing at Kassie and Loi I realized our efforts were pointless. We looked like actors from a horror movie.
    So much for first impressions.
    The blond man leaned out to watch the reaction of the women as his leader approached them.
    ‘He wants you to join him,’ his griffon informed him.
    ‘Right,’ he thought back and swung his leg over the saddle then slipped down Tomiar’s forearm to the ground. The others moved forward with him to stand behind their leader, quietly observing the bloody and disheveled young women.
    The sudden stop from our frantic fight for survival was mind spinning. Trying to get my brain back to a civilized state proved as successful as straightening my clothes had been. As we stood, still on guard, others slid down from the griffons. I didn’t want to take my eyes off those enormous creatures so made quick glances to see who approached.
    Men—all men. My back stiffened.
    What would any sane person be doing out on a night like this?
    It must be nearly three or four in the morning. The rational voice in my head warned me to be on guard. We heard a whine and turned.
    Audi was on her belly and crept toward us through the gap between two griffons. The griffon, which the first man had slipped down from, turned its head sharply, leaned over and sniffed at her. Audi froze and flattened against the ground, her eyes petrified. A whimper escaped my throat and the others seemed to lean toward her with me. The man laughed.
    'Loushka won’t harm your dog,' he assured us. 'She is very fond of small animals.'
    Loushka gave Audi a gentle nudge with her beak. The dog yelped in surprise then bolted for us, scooting between Sian and I. Everyone froze at the sudden and unexpected movement. Loushka cocked her head at us, peering for Audi and then made a chirruping noise.
    The man smiled and stepped closer, barely an arms width away, then bowed.
    'My name is Alek; I am the head of the Griffon Guard which protects these lands.'
    He turned and indicated to the men and griffons.
    'This is Daron and his griffon Nesha, Rumal and Kerak, Gredel and Phroma, and Sabyn with Tomiar.'
    The men inclined their heads when their names were said, the griffons also.
    Daron fought the urge to roll his shoulders; the tension in the air was strong and uncomfortable.
    'Why are they so silent?’ wondered Nesha, as he studied the women who stared wide eyed at them.
    ‘I’m not sure.’ Daron thought back, ‘I think they’re a little battle stunned.’
    Nesha frowned, ‘Surely this wasn’t their first battle? They’re efficient fighters.’ He flashed an image to Daron of the women fighting when they’d first spotted them.
    ‘Maybe they haven’t faced such a large group of gragnolls before,’ suggested Daron. ‘Or ever, Elena did say they might know little of this realm.’
    There was an uncomfortable silence and I realized it was my turn. I swallowed