Free The Guardian Herd: Stormbound by Jennifer Lynn Alvarez Page A

each of you because I trust you and your abilities.”
    â€œYou said we were rescuing Shadepebble,” said the sky herder Larksong, her black eyes suspicious.
    â€œWe are, but that’s not all.” Frostfire looked at each one of his steeds. “We’re also going to kidnap a River Herd filly named Morningleaf.”
    Each team member made an incredible effort not to react, except the youngest of the warriors. “Who’s Morningleaf?” he asked.
    The others ignored him, each lost in thought. Frostfire understood. The consequences of this mission were unpredictable.
    Darkleaf, the other sky-herding mare, answered the stallion’s question in a hushed tone. “Morningleaf is Star’s best friend, the filly he brought back to life.”
    â€œOhh,” he said in a long exhale.
    â€œFor what purpose are we taking her?” asked Larksong. She peered intently at Frostfire, her delicate muzzle blowing plumes of steam in the cold.
    Frostfire balked at the forwardness of her question—he was her captain after all, but he also believed he owed his team an explanation. To target a specific steed for a kidnapping was not unheard of, but this one was Star’s friend—his best friend. “Rockwing plans to takeover Sun Herd’s territory. Stealing Morningleaf will ensure the black foal doesn’t stop us.”
    One of the stallions grunted. “Stop us? He’ll kill us.”
    Darkleaf nodded. “He’s not going to like us taking her.”
    â€œExactly,” said Larksong, pinning her ears. “But we have to do it. Rockwing is correct; Mountain Herd won’t survive another season in our small territory, and the Sun Herd lands are sitting empty, for now. We’ll die if we don’t claim them.”
    Frostfire relaxed. Larksong’s support reassured the stallions, but Darkleaf did not look convinced. In fact, she was backing away from them.
    â€œWhat’s wrong with you?” snapped Frostfire.
    Her eyes were round and wild. “I can’t be part of this,” she whinnied.
    Frostfire stepped toward her, and she hunched,flattening her ears. “It’s too late to turn back,” he neighed at her.
    She trembled and said nothing.
    Frostfire swished his tail, irritated. “Rockwing will end you if you abandon this mission.”
    Darkleaf’s coiled muscles sprang, and she galloped into the sky.
    â€œNo!” Frostfire whinnied. “After her!” His team kicked off and chased Darkleaf over the tops of the trees. Frostfire gained on her easily and knocked her out of the fog with a swift, hard kick. She toppled through the branches and landed on a large boulder, squealing when her leg twisted on impact. Frostfire and his team landed next to her. “Have you gone mad?” he asked, stepping on her with one hoof so she couldn’t rise.
    The mare was breathing hard, and Frostfire could see the whites of her eyes. “I won’t kidnap Morningleaf,” she whinnied, and then she bowed her head. “I believe in Star.”
    â€œWhat? You’re a rebel?” How had Frostfire made such a mistake? He racked his brain, but he didn’t remember seeing her at any of the so-called secret gatherings. “Well, why didn’t you follow him when you had the chance?”
    â€œI was afraid to leave Rockwing,” she said. “But I’m not afraid anymore.”
    â€œYou should be.” Frostfire stomped on her wing, breaking it. Her body quivered in pain, and sweat rolled down her hide. She gritted her teeth to keep from screaming.
    Frostfire whipped around and faced his team. “Does anyone else here have a problem with kidnapping Morningleaf?” His eyes flamed with anger. “Tell me now.”
    Larksong folded her wings neatly on her back. “Quite the opposite,” she said calmly. “I’m looking forward to it.” The rest of his team nodded their