Page 105 of Swift Wings Shadowed Heart
The last time we lost a dragon was a year ago. His name was Golemnar, a metal elemental. He and his rider got separated from the group and surrounded by a horde of Screechclaws, who singled him out. It’s a common technique they use on Skyforges and their mounts. Willing to die, the monsters divest themselves from all metal weapons and attack en masse. Without any metal to manipulate, the pair is helpless once their projectile reserve is exhausted, just the reason Skyforges are to stay close to other Skyriders.
“Fucking bitches!” I mutter, anger making me restless. Setting my jaw, I march away from the group.
“Where are you going?” Phoebe catches up with me.
“To find somewhere to practice.” I don’t know if I’ll be sent to Hearthdale to investigate—I hope I am—but the faster I master Wind Spear and Wind Dagger the better.
“I’m coming.” The same determination I feel transforms her features.
“Hey, wait!” Nate jogs in our direction and stops in front of us. “I was wondering… are you coming to the tavern tonight?” He smiles at Phoebe.
“No,” she bites back, crossing her arms.
Nate blinks, taken aback. “Is… is something wrong?”
I let out a sigh, the idea of being mad over Silas’s stupid behavior seeming juvenile in the face of the real danger we face. I open my mouth to say nothing’s wrong, but Phoebe preempts me.
“Did you tell Silas about Rhea’s challenges during training?”
“What? No.” He sounds as adamant as Adelaide. “I would never do that. You know I can’t stand that bastard, Rhea. Right?”
Phoebe narrows her eyes at him.
“I swear.” He puts a hand on his heart.
I shake my head. “It doesn’t matter, Nate. We have bigger things to worry about.”
“But you believe me, right?” His gaze holds a heartfelt plea.
Phoebe looks up at me expectantly. I can tell that if I say I believe Nate, she’ll believe him, too. I don’t know what happened. Adelaide and Nate are the only ones who could have told Silas, but maybe something else is going on. All I know is that this is a petty fight of no importance. I do have challenges to overcome, and the only way to shut Silas up is to erase them.
“I believe you, Nate,” I say.
Both Phoebe and Nate seem relieved.
“Now, if you excuse me, I have some work to do, and I’d like to do it alone.”
* * *
I practice until nightfall.I’m the only one in the training arena, for which I’m glad. Zephyros keeps me company, if only inside my mind. He even gives me pointers and sends encouraging waves rolling off me, but nothing works.
Frustrated, I collapse on a stone ledge and wipe my brow. Gray clouds streak above, obscuring the full moon.
—What could be the reason you are unable to perform such easy maneuvers?he asks.
—Easy, huh? Thank you. That really helps my self-esteem.
He ignores my comment and thinks for a moment.
—Rhealyn…
—What?
—Let me in. I might be able to help you.
I swallow hard. My heart begins to race once more, even though I’m not hurling feeble Wind Spears at the untouched targets propped against the wall. I can’t ignore the fear his words inspire in me. The only reason I would react this way is if he’s correct, if I am, somehow, blocking myself.
The thought of letting him in terrifies me. I can’t deny it, which means I have to let him do what he says. The possibility that he can help me master all my abilities outweighs any concerns. If I’m to make a difference in this war, I have to be the best I can be.
