Heron Lake Plateau tiny foldable cities

Wildfire's lips parted to answer when Sequoia drifted nearer and offered reassurances. Bat didn't follow some of what she said, though she found the other youth's tones soothing to her raw nerves. She disagreed that nobody was out to get her (Artaax had made that pretty clear) but agreed with this Wraen lady (how could her own brother threaten to kill her over something like this?). She found herself laughing weakly at Sequoia's closing declaration.

"Seq's friend makes a good point: it's silly to hate someone just for finding their own way, isn't it?" Wildfire piped up with a tight smile. "To answer your question bluntly, there are some in Drageda who feel very intensely about loyalty. Artaax is one of them. He's always been particularly loyal to Heda, you might say to a fault." Her lips pursed before she continued. "They don't look kindly on those who leave. But if Artaax or anyone else tries to come here and hurt you"—she looked at both girls, to make sure to include Sequoia—"or your sister, I'll be here to protect you, as will the entire might of the Redhawks.

I don't want you too worry too much, Bat," Wildfire continued after a ponderous moment, "but you should be careful about leaving the plateau by yourself. You're close to Tegan, right? You should ask him to go with you. Seq is also a scout in training. Maybe you could take Kiwi too?" She drew in a breath, held it, then let it out, biting her lip as she added, "I'd be happy to go with you too..."

Bat just shook her head. She hated to admit it but she was scared enough that she wouldn't be leaving the plateau again, at least for a little while. "I'm gonna stay here for now," she said quietly, glad she didn't have to reject her mother or explain Kiwi's hatred outright. The mention of Tegan made her want to seek him out badly. He was such a comfort blanket to her. Yet another part of Bat wanted to press Wildfire for more explanation about the whole defection thing.

But instead of doing either of those things, her silver eyes shifted to her cousin and Bat asked, "You're a scout too?"