GAR
An hour and a half later, Gar and Rika had returned to the clearing. Gar didn't see Reece, and he prayed the male made it in time. But there was a rumbling amongst the Guards and he didn't have time to search.
He found Tarkyn at the side of the clearing, gesturing a lot as he spoke.
"What's going on?" Gar asked, interrupting Tarkyn's conversation with one of his Lieutenants.
"We don't have enough birds to take all the guards and Protectors we prepared. I had to send extra for scouting because I'm concerned about our timing before they hit the Great Plain. And three haven't returned from relaying messages—we don't know if it's a simple delay, or if the humans got them, but we can't afford to use all of them. Some have to stay here in case Elreth has issues with the other traverse. And for scouting to the South."
Gar nodded. "So send the Protectors and have the Guards shift and run."
