Free The Guardian Herd: Stormbound by Jennifer Lynn Alvarez

much more unbearable, but Frostfire saw other effects of the tradition. The Mountain Herd steeds were bursting to the very edges of their territory. They ravaged their grasslands, consumed thousands of birds’ eggs, and were often forced to eat weeds.
    This season’s foals were thin, and they would make weak warriors in the future. Rockwing had to expand their land or starve, and Sun Herd’s territory was perfect. It was currently empty, and it bordered Mountain Herd’s western end. The rest of the lands surrounding MountainHerd were either inhospitable or occupied by enemy herds.
    But did they have to fight for it? wondered Frostfire. “Sir, we don’t know for sure that Star will take the Sun Herd lands back.”
    Rockwing’s eyes glittered with malice. “Trust me, when he grows into his stallion blood, he’ll want his homeland back. And as long as we control Morningleaf, we can control him.”
    Frostfire wasn’t sure it would be that simple.
    Rockwing continued. “Shadepebble’s capture makes now the perfect time to leave. No herd will question a search party on the hunt for my filly. You will have an excuse to travel freely through Anok.”
    Frostfire nodded. “That makes sense.”
    Rockwing arched his neck, pleased. “My scouts tell me River Herd has traveled north to the Ice Lands. Choose six battle stallions and two sky herders to help you. You leave at dawn.”

10
THE REBELS
    AT DAWN, FROSTFIRE AND HIS TEAM FLEW OUT of Canyon Meadow on their mission. Frostfire had chosen six stallions he trusted, ones he’d trained with in Rockwing’s army. Rounding out their group were the two agile mares trained as sky herders: Larksong and Darkleaf. He’d chosen them for their small sizes and fierce natures.
    Frostfire knew the odds were high they would never return to Mountain Herd. He had seen the black foal up close the night Star received his power, and Frostfire was not fooled by the colt’s peaceful nature. Beneath that unflinching gentleness was a deep-burning fire. He’d seen the colt stuff it down when he chose not to execute Rockwing that night.
    Others in Mountain Herd believed the black foal was good, and Frostfire was not blind to the secret gatherings that occurred late at night. The steeds who wanted to follow Star pretended to graze while plotting their escape. When they did, Rockwing hunted them down and executed them for treason. These rebels hoped Star was the healer, but Frostfire doubted it. And stealing Morningleaf might be just the thing that sends the black foal over the edge and in the wrong direction.
    The shiny-feathered buckskin mare named Larksong flew at the head of the V formation. Frostfire and one of his stallions each took an end.
    As they traveled, Frostfire watched miles of snow-flecked pine trees and smaller areas of aspen trees pass beneath his hooves. The visible terrain was heavily trampled from grazing, and it seemed every bit of edible vegetation had been consumed. The only good thing about this mission was that food would be more plentiful once they left their territory, at least until they reached the Ice Lands.
    Frostfire hadn’t explained the details of their extra mission to his team yet. If he’d told them back home, he risked someone overhearing or one of his team members confiding in another steed. Kidnapping Morningleaf was too important and too exciting for most pegasi to keep a secret.
    But after three days of flying by day and resting at night, Frostfire decided to inform them. They landed in a clump of fir trees near a narrow creek, where they would be shaded from the afternoon sun. Frostfire waited for his special team to drink. He flared his nostrils for the scent of predators but detected nothing unusual. Finally they sensed he was waiting for them, and they gathered to listen.
    â€œIt’s time I explained our mission,” Frostfire began. “I want you to know I chose