For the Onizards, life outside the Sandleyr is unthinkable. Their greatest punishment is banishment from the Sandleyr, since they believe that they need each other to survive. There are stories of the Onizards who rejected Senbralni being "killed by the human tribes", which raises an interesting question. Where are these humans that are capable of killing an Onizard? Clearly they are a wealthy and bored class of people that are far separated from humans like Jena and Bryn.
In "The Speed of Wind", we finally find out what it is like past the training grounds and into the wilderness. Bryn and his Bond Xoltorble are on a mission to rescue three hostages, and their guide is a ten-year-old girl named Delma who has a very personal score to settle with the "dragon".
Delma is an interesting character; she was part of a group of humans who were never slaves, and she has spent her life in the woods. Culture clash is inevitable, but she keeps an open mind. I had fun writing her.
The wilderness is full of fascinating things like trees with blue flowers and unicorns. Yes, unicorns. Trust me, these unicorns aren't like Amalthea.
The downside is that there are plenty of glades and caves for the former Fire Queen to hide from the rain, and she has the head start as well as six years of practice living in the woods. Her scenes were a challenge to write, but the reviewer who commented "I would have liked to find out more about what made her the evil she is now" should be quite pleased.
"The Speed of Wind" will take everyone outside the Sandleyr and force them to face some demons. I hope you all will enjoy the journey.
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