Litha stood, hair billowing about her, watching the Bronzes below. It had taken them all by surprise, the Zeri's rising. All of the Bronzes in the Labyrinth were below, roaring at one another. A large group of the bronzeriders had gathered near Litha. But none would come too close. This was the Zeri rising after all, and he whose Bronze caught her would be named Berraswen. Litha knew as soon as the Queen's eyes opened that this would be a Quest to remember. The Queen's blood was boiling like liquid flames. She let loose a terrifying roar and lit out of the Labyrinth. She took off, bellowing a challenge which the Bronzes accepted readily. Litha and Kedeawen became one as they flew, soaring way up high, as high as they could. The Bronzes followed, a herd of sparkling hide and hurling wings. Kedeawen flew, her golden hide bright as the summer sun. She roared the whole way, daring them to try and catch her. They were behind her, the stronger ones more to the front than the younger, less experienced. And to Kedeawen's confident glee, she saw the weaker ones drop out one by one, and the riders walking away. She roared, and flapped harder and faster as the others gained on her. One was nearly on her, but she made a sudden change of direction, and he overshot. She started to rise back up through the clouds, and then roared, defeated but proud as a body lowered from above, entwining his neck and tail about her. She fought to free herself, but was unseccessful- and decided she really didn't want to anyway. St've walked over to Litha as her connection with Kedeawen broke, and she felt one arm encircling her waist, and the other stroking her long red hair. She pulled him down to her, and found herself deep in a rush of exhileration. Bosath had caught Kedeawen again, and St've would keep his position as Berraswen.

Back to the Labyrinth