Page 21 of Flameborne: Fury
As we moved out of the shelter of the massive stable buildings, a stiff wind whipped up, howling between Akhane’s legs so that she danced, tossing her head when we reached the launch hollow and started down the sloped sides of that bowl in the earth.
I looked up, but there was nothing to see except stars and the tops of the trees whipping, though the wind was weaker once we dropped into the launch hollow.
‘Is it dangerous, Akhane? Will it affect your launch?’
‘Don’t fret, Little Flame,’she said, though her mouth was open like she tasted the wind.‘Life is dangerous. We have been called. We must answer.’
I frowned. But when we reached the floor of the launch hollow, despite her tension, Akhane stood rock-solid while I pulled myself up the mounting strap—harder to do with the large bag slung over my back—slipped into my seat, and buckled my bag and bedroll to the harness straps.
Akhane tossed her head again as I stared at the sky and wondered if this was a test. Were they waiting to see if I’d make a foolish decision and fly into a storm without question? Or, was it an ominous sign of some kind? God trying to defeat me?
But, no. Ronen had said to treat this trial like war. His voice, remembered from one of my first classroom sessions, echoed to remind me. “…when we’re at war, you can’t afford to consider the weather unless it will risk the life of yourself, other Furyknights, or their dragons. Darkness can be a shroud, and the wind will help or hinder your speed. But the only storm you avoid is lightning in the sky. Otherwise, you fly.”
I took a deep breath and reached for my dragon in the bond. While she was still agitated, she wasn’tafraid.I’d feel that.
Whatever you’re asked to do, just go. Do it.
I checked my straps one last time, clipped into the safety, then gripped the neck strap hard and took a deep breath.
“Let’s go, Akhane,” I said. “Let’s do this!” I smiled when she immediately surged into a run.
8. Who Goes There
~ DONAVYN ~
Following lunch the day after the King’s ball, I had no further excuses. Icouldn’tavoid her any longer. Despite the dread, my heart thrilled. But, the elation was short lived.
I grimaced, eyeing the darkening sky as I crossed the courtyard outside the building that housed my quarters. I knew the urge to call off her flight didn’t come from anywhere that had anything to do with being a General and Battle Commander.
I was a man. And this man didn’t want to seeBrenflying in these conditions. But unless the wind strengthened enough to blow a dragon off-course, or the rain was heavy enough to make visibility too low for safe landings, we were all taking shifts and working as usual. The dragons didn’t particularly feel the cold, and our dragonhide leathers benefited us greatly in staying dry and warm.
Flying in this weather might be miserable, but not particularly dangerous. I had to remind myself of that.
I strode on, fighting to keep my expression blank. I was already wound tight about seeing her, and Kgosi was tense too. Unusual for him. My tension must be bleeding to him.
When I walked between the buildings at dinner hour, the chaotic blend of eating and voices rumbled out of the dining hall. Knowing she might be a part of that crowd, I hesitated and almost entered. But I wanted to speak to Bren without an audience. And besides, I need to bless her. And encourage her.
At this time of day there was a good chance she’d still be at her meal, or some other duty may have taken her away from her quarters. But I’d arranged to be the one to deliver her orders. If I needed to sit with Kgosi for an hour before she returned, well, I could probably use a nap. It had been a late night the night before, and knowing what would happen today, I’d struggled to fall asleep even after I got into bed.
Nerves trilled in my chest as I hurried up the aisle towards Kgosi’s stable.
Bren was going on her final trial. If she passed, she’d be a fully pinned Furyknight.
I wanted to celebrate that fact with her. But when I thought of it, all I saw was myself embracing her, pulling her up into my chest, kissing her, and—
I ground my teeth and pushed the images away, striding into the stable—only to have my heart fall to my toes.
No Akhane. And that meant there was likely no Bren, either.
Kgosi raised his head and rumbled a greeting as I stepped inside. He was bedded down early again.
I frowned.‘What’s going on? Why are you nesting so early?’
‘A nap is hardly nesting, Donavyn.’
‘Keg, you’ve been resting alotlately. Why?’
‘Conserving my energy for when it’s needed.’
