- 6/12/2025
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00:00:00Bert and Varish should be reassigned from an active wing until further notice.
00:00:04Missile from Lieutenant Colonel Degency, Samara Routpost, General M.E.L.G.R.E.N.
00:00:09Chapter 5. R.
00:00:11I'd this party as hard as we fight, and we fight pretty damned hard.
00:00:15The gathering hall is more raucous than I've ever seen it by the time the sun begins to set that evening.
00:00:19Pirates gather around, or in second wing's case, on top of,
00:00:22tables overflowing with food and pitchers of sweet wine, frothy air,
00:00:25and a lavender lemonade that clearly has its fair share of distilled liquor.
00:00:28Only the day's table is empty.
00:00:30For this one moment, there are no wing leaders, no section leaders, not even a squad leader inside.
00:00:34Other than the stars on the fronts of our shoulders that denote our ears at best while, we are all equal tonight.
00:00:39Even the newly anointed lieutenants who wander in to say their goodbyes and in our chain of command.
00:00:43There's a pleasant buzz in my head, courtesy of the lemonade and the two silver stars on my shoulder.
00:00:48Chantara, Rhiannon asks, leaning forward to look past me and lifting her brows at the door, who is seated on my other side.
00:00:54Out of every privilege that comes with being a second-year, that's what you are looking forward to.
00:00:58It's only a rumour.
00:01:00The village that supplies Beskyath has always been open to second-years from the Healer Quadrant, Stripe Quadrant, and Infantry Quadrant, but not ours.
00:01:08We've been banned for nearly a decade after a fight led to a local bar burning down.
00:01:12I'm just saying I heard they might lift a ban finally, and we've been stuck with this dating pool for the last year, Red Rock states, using his pop to motion around the hall, which is mostly behind us.
00:01:21So even the possibility of getting leave to spend a few hours in Chantara every week is definitely what I am looking forward to the most.
00:01:27Nadine grins, her eye is sparkling as she gathers the hair she dyed purple this evening in one hand so it doesn't fall into the picture, and leans over the table to clink her glass against Red Rock's pop.
00:01:35Here, here, it is getting a little, she wrinkles her button nose, glancing past Sawyer at the other squads in our wing. Familiar around here, I bet by third year it will feel downright incestuous.
00:01:44We all laugh, none of us stating the obvious. Statistically speaking, a third of our class won't survive to see our third years, but we are this year's iron squad, having lost the fewest bullets between parapet and bonflet, so I am choosing to think positively tonight and every night of the next five days, during which our only duty will be to prepare for the arrival of the first years.
00:02:01Riannon pulls one of her braids under her nose and furrows her brow like Pinchik as she mock lectures, you do know the trips to Chantara for worship only, cadet.
00:02:08Hey, I never said I wouldn't stop by the temple of Zinal to pay the god reflect my respects. Red Rock puts his hand over his heart.
00:02:15And not because you are praying to get a little lucky while the other cadets are in town, Sawyer commends, wiping the foam from his ale of his freckled upper lip.
00:02:22I am changing my answer, Red Rock says. Being able to fraternize with other quadrants anywhere in our downtime is what I am looking forward to.
00:02:29What is this downtime you speak of? I joke, we might have a few more empty hours here in there compared to first years, but there's a slew of harder courses headed for us.
00:02:37We have weekends now, and I'll take whatever time we get. His grin turns mischievous.
00:02:42Riannon leans forward when her elbows and winks at me, like you'll be using every second you can get with a certain lifted entry lesson.
00:02:48My little flushed cheeks heat even more. I'm not, a resounding boo sounds around the table.
00:02:52Pretty much everyone saw you show up to formation in his flight jacket before war games, Nadine says.
00:02:57And after this morning's display. Please, she rose her eyes. Right, the display after he told me that he'd always keep secrets from me.
00:03:04Personally, I'm looking forward to letters, Riannon says, yearly jumping in to say a mare's image in and Quinn arrive, sliding in next to Nadine.
00:03:11It's been way too long since I've been able to talk to my family.
00:03:14We share a small smile, neither of us mentioning that we slept out of Montserrat to see her family a few months ago.
00:03:19Note your beauty, Sawyer adds, I will never scrub another breakfast dish again. I'll never push another library cart with Liam.
00:03:26I'm going with his answer, Nadine agrees, sliding the pictures of alcohol toward Imogen and Quinn.
00:03:31A couple of months ago, Nadine wouldn't even acknowledge Imogen's presence because of her rebellion rally.
00:03:36It gives me hope that the new lieutenants who bear the same mark might not face discrimination at their new duty stations,
00:03:41but I saw first-handed Montserrat how the wings look at Mark once, like they were the officers who perpetuated the rebellion, not their parents.
00:03:47Then again, given what I know now, everyone is right not to trust them. Not to trust me.
00:03:52Second year is the best, Quinn says, pouring air from the pitcher into a cuter mug. All the privileges and only some of the responsibility of the third years.
00:03:59But fraternizing between quadrants is definitely the best perk, Imogen adds, forcing a smile and wincing before touching her finger to the split in her lip.
00:04:06That's what I said, Redog fist pumps the air.
00:04:09Did your lip get split while you guys, Nadine asks Imogen, her voice failing off as the table goes quiet.
00:04:14I lower my eyes to my lemonade. The alcohol doesn't numb the ache of guilt that sits heavily on my shoulders.
00:04:19Maybe Zedan's right. If I can't write to my friends, maybe I should start keeping my distance so I don't take them kills.
00:04:25Yeah, Imogen says, glancing my way, but I don't look up. I still can't believe you guys saw action, Redog says, all tearfulness dying.
00:04:32Not war games, which were already scary as shit with their toes tucking the inferiors in, but real, actual Griffins.
00:04:38I grip my glass tighter. How am I supposed to sit here and act like I am the same person when what happened in wrestling has changed every single thing about what I believe?
00:04:45What was it like? Nadine inquires softly, if you guys don't mind us asking. Yes, I fucking mind.
00:04:52I always knew Griffins talents were sharp, but to take down a dragon, so his voice trips off.
00:04:57My neck is whiten and parsim is beneath my skin as I remember the angry red veins beside that dark wheeled his eyes as she came for me on tear's back, gluten limbs when he realized tear wasn't going to make it.
00:05:06It's natural to wonder, tear reminds me, especially when your experience could prepare them for battle in their eyes.
00:05:12They should mind their own business, and in our counters, her voice rough as though settling into sleep.
00:05:17They're all better off not knowing.
00:05:19Guys, maybe now isn't, Rhiannon starts.
00:05:22It fucking suck, Imogen says before throwing back her drink and slamming her glass on the table.
00:05:26You want the truth, if it wasn't for...
00:05:29Ria Sin and Soren Gale, we'd all be dead. My gaze jerks to hers.
00:05:32It's the closest thing to a compliment she's ever given me.
00:05:35There's no pity in her pale green eyes as she stares back, but there's no defensive snark, either.
00:05:40Just respect, her pink hair falls away from her cheek as she turns her head at me.
00:05:44And as much as I wish none of it had happened, at least those of us who were there truly know the horror of what we're up against.
00:05:49My throat tightens.
00:05:51Tillium, Imogen says, lifting her glass and defying the unwritten rule that we don't speak of the dead threats after their name is read from the roll.
00:05:57Tillium, I lift mine, and everyone at the table does the same, drinking to him.
00:06:01It's not enough, but it has to be.
00:06:03Can I offer a word of advice going into your second year?
00:06:06Quinn says after a quiet moment.
00:06:08Don't get too close to the first years, especially not until threshing tells you how many of them might actually be worth getting to know.
00:06:13She grimaces, just trust me.
00:06:15Well, that's sobering.
00:06:17The shimmering shadow of my connection with Zayden strengthens, curling around my mind like a second shield, and I glance over my shoulder to see him across the hall, leaning against the wall next to the door, his hands in the pockets of his slight leathers.
00:06:28Garak is talking to him, but his eyes are locked on mine.
00:06:31Having fun, he asks, pushing through my shields with annoying ease.
00:06:34A sugar of awareness rushes over my skin.
00:06:36Mixing alcohol and Zayden is definitely not a good idea.
00:06:39Or is it the best idea?
00:06:41Whatever is going through that beautiful mind, I'm here for it.
00:06:44Even from this distance, I can see his gaze ducking.
00:06:47Wait, he's in flight leathers, dressed to leave.
00:06:49My heart slumps, taking a little of my buzz with it.
00:06:52He nods toward the door.
00:06:54I'll be right back, I say, setting my cup on the table and wobbling a little as I stand.
00:06:58No more lemonade for me.
00:07:00I certainly hope not, the dog matters.
00:07:02Or you'll destroy all my fantasies when it comes to that one.
00:07:05I roll my eyes at him, then make my way across the chaotic room to Zayden.
00:07:09Violet, his gaze rakes over my face, lingering on my cheeks.
00:07:13I love the way he says my name.
00:07:15Sure, it's the alcohol overruling my logic, but I want to hear him say it again.
00:07:19Lieutenant Clearson, there's a silver line at his collar showing his new rank, but no other markings that could give away his identity in case he falls behind enemy lines.
00:07:26No unit designation, no signet patches, he could be any lieutenant in any wing if not for the relic that marks his neck.
00:07:32Hey, Sorenge, Garak says, but I can't peel my eyes from Zayden long enough to glance his way.
00:07:37Good job today.
00:07:38Thanks, Garak.
00:07:39I respond, moving closer to Zayden.
00:07:42He'll change his mind and let me all the way in.
00:07:44He has to.
00:07:45Gods, ya too, Garak shakes his head.
00:07:47Do us all a favor and figure your shit out.
00:07:49I'll meet you at the flight field.
00:07:50He smacks Zayden's shoulder and walks off.
00:07:53Ya look, I sigh, because it's not like I've ever been successful lying to him, and fuzziness in my head isn't helping.
00:07:58Good in officer flight leathers.
00:08:00They're almost exactly like the dead ones.
00:08:02A corner of his mouth lifts, but it's not quite a smile.
00:08:05Didn't say you didn't look good in those, too.
00:08:08Ya, he tews his head at me.
00:08:10Drunk, aren't you?
00:08:11I'm pleasantly fiddled but not entirely sloshed.
00:08:13That makes exactly no sense, but it's accurate.
00:08:16Yet, but the night is young, and I'm not sure if you heard, but we have nothing to do for the next five days except prepare for the first years and party.
00:08:22I wish I could stay to see what you do with all that time.
00:08:25He looks me over lazily, his gaze heating as though he's remembering what I look like.
00:08:29Naked, and my purse leaps.
00:08:32Walk out with me.
00:08:33I nod, then follow him into commons, where he grabs his rucksack from beside the wall and slings it over his shoulder sexually, as if there aren't two swords hanging from the back of it.
00:08:41A group of cadets hovers around the announcements board like the newly bishop list is going to appear at any second and they might be erased from it if someone discovers they're not watching.
00:08:48Yep, there's Dan in the center of them.
00:08:51You aren't waiting for tomorrow morning to leave.
00:08:53I ask Saiden, keeping my voice low as the crossed stone floor of the expansive space.
00:08:57They prefer wingletters to vacate their rooms first, since the new guys like to move in quickly.
00:09:01He glances at the crowd around the announcement board.
00:09:03And since I'm guessing you're not offering a place in your bed.
00:09:07I'm not nearly drunk enough to make the lapse in judgment.
00:09:10I show him as he opens the door to the rotunda.
00:09:12I told you, I don't sleep with men I don't trust, and if you're not offering full disclosure.
00:09:16I shake my head and immediately regret it, nearly losing my balance.
00:09:19I learn your trust as soon as you realize you don't need full disclosure.
00:09:23You only have to have the guts to start asking the questions you actually want answers to.
00:09:27Don't worry about the bed, we'll get back there, the anticipation is good for us.
00:09:31He smiles, really fucking smiles, and it almost makes me rethink my decision.
00:09:35I tell you we're not too widow because you won't give me the one thing I need, honesty, and you can't do it, it's good for us.
00:09:41I scoff and walk downstairs and pass two of the marble pillars in rotunda.
00:09:44The arrogance.
00:09:45The arrogance.
00:09:46Confidence is not arrogance, I don't lose the fights I pick, and we're both allowed to have boundaries.
00:09:51You're not the only one who gets to set the rules in this relationship.
00:09:54I
00:09:55bristle at the implication that I am the problem here, and you are picking a fight with me.
00:09:59The world dips lightly when I look up at him.
00:10:01Picking a fight for you, there's a difference, his expression hardens as his gaze jerks left, toward the approach of Colonel Atozan Rider.
00:10:08Wearing the rank of Major.
00:10:10Rearson, Sorengeil.
00:10:11The Colonel's mouth quarks into a sarcastic smile.
00:10:13So lovely to see you both tonight.
00:10:15Leaving for the Southern Wing so soon.
00:10:17The front will be lucky to have such a capable rider.
00:10:19My chest tightens.
00:10:20Zeran isn't going to a mid-guard wing like most leftenans.
00:10:23He's being sent to the front.
00:10:25I'd say I'll be back before you can miss me, Zeran replies.
00:10:28His hands loose at his sides, but word has it you pissed off General Sorengeil and if to be reassigned to a coastal outpost.
00:10:33The Colonel says blotches, I might not be here, but you won't be as often, either.
00:10:37Only once every fortnight, according to your new orders.
00:10:40What?
00:10:41My stomach pitches, and it takes every ounce of control I have not to reach out and steady myself.
00:10:45The Major slides his hand into the breast pocket of his perfectly pressed dress uniform and pulls out two folded missives.
00:10:50His black hair is perfectly combed, his boots perfectly shine, his smile perfectly cruel.
00:10:54Power rises within me, responding to the threat.
00:10:57Where are my manners?
00:10:59Colonel Atoll says, Violet, this is in you Vice Commandant, Major Varish.
00:11:02He is here to tighten the ship, as they say.
00:11:04We seem to have gotten a little lax with what we allow around here.
00:11:07Naturally the quadrant's current executive commandant will still see to operations, but Varish's new position only answers to pincheck.
00:11:13Cadet Sorengeil, I correct the Colonel.
00:11:16Vice Commandant, fucking brave, the General's daughter, Varish responds, looking me over in clear appraisal, his attention snagging on every dagger I have within reach.
00:11:23Fascinating, I'd heard you were too fragile to survive a year in the quadrant.
00:11:27My presence would suggest advice.
00:11:29What a dick.
00:11:30Zayden takes both missives, careful not to touch Varish's hands, then gives me the one that has my name's broad across the front.
00:11:36We crack Milgrin's personal vaccines at the same moment, then unfold the official orders.
00:11:41Cadet Violet Sorengeil is hereby given two days of leave once every 14 days to be used only to fly with Te'en directly to and from S.G.A.Y.L., as current beauty station or location.
00:11:49Any other absence from classes will be considered a punishable offense.
00:11:52I grit my teeth to keep from giving the Colonel the reaction he so obvious he wants and carefully fold the orders, slipping them into the pocket of my hip.
00:12:00My guess is Zayden say the same, and rotating the leaves puts us at every 7 days.
00:12:04Ten and S.G.A.Y.L. are never part for more than 3 days.
00:12:07A week, they'll be in a near constant state of pain.
00:12:10Ten, I reach out for him.
00:12:12He roars so loudly it rattles my brain.
00:12:14Dragons give their own orders, Zayden says firmly, pocketing his papers.
00:12:18Guess who you see, Colonel Eto's nods, then turns his gaze to mine.
00:12:22You know, I was worried about our earlier conversation until I remembered something.
00:12:26Heat churning in my stomach has nothing to do with lemonade.
00:12:28I'm pretty sure Colonel Eto's just insinuated heat killers.
00:12:32Good thing we are not keeping secrets, Zayden retorts.
00:12:34Eto's smile shifts to the softer one I've seen all my life, and the transformation is eerie.
00:12:39Do be careful who you share your war stories with, Violet.
00:12:42I'd hate to see your mother lose either of her daughters.
00:12:44What the fuck, energy crackles in my fingertips.
00:12:46He stares at me for a moment, making sure I get his point, then turns and walks into comments without another word, Varish following.
00:12:54He just threatened your life, Zayden growls, shadows whipping out from behind the pillars.
00:12:58And Myriss, if I tell anyone what really happened, he'll target her, too.
00:13:02Message delivered, power burns through my veins, seeking an outlet.
00:13:05Anger only fuse the energy that swiftly surges to an overwhelming wave, threatening to rip me apart.
00:13:10Let's get you outside before you bring the place down, Zayden says, reaching for my hand.
00:13:15I give it to him, focusing on keeping the lightning at bay as we walk into the courtyard.
00:13:19But the harder I fight to tame it, the hotter it becomes.
00:13:22And once we are in the darkness of the courtyard, I rip my hand from Zayden's thought tears from me, squalling every nerve on the way out.
00:13:28Lightning illuminates the night sky, striking the courtyard about 40 feet away.
00:13:32Gravel flies. Shit.
00:13:34Zayden throws up a shield of shadow, catching the rocks before they can hit any of the nearby cadets.
00:13:38Guess alcohol doesn't dampen your signet, he says slowly.
00:13:41Good news is it's all stone out here.
00:13:43Sorry, I call out to the others as they scatter, grimacing admire to the embarrassing lack of control.
00:13:48Forget protecting me, the quadrant needs protection from me.
00:13:51Taking a deep breath, I turn to face Zayden.
00:13:53Southern Wing, is that which we chose.
00:13:55Wingletters always get their choice at duty station.
00:13:57There was no other choice by the time they hand wrote our orders.
00:14:00I'll be at Samara, I spend two day packing and shipping most of my things.
00:14:03It's the easternmost outpost of the Southern Wing, where the borders of Krola and Bravi Provence's intersect, and a day's flight away.
00:14:09They'll only have hours together every time they make the flight.
00:14:12Yeah, she's pretty pissed.
00:14:1410, 2, I reach out for Andrina in case she hasn't drifted off yet.
00:14:17You've lost all touch with reality if you think I'm getting close to him right now, she responds, her voice pretty from sleep.
00:14:23He's in a mood.
00:14:24You should be sleeping, she's supposed to be settling in for the dreamless sleep.
00:14:28I still don't know exactly what that means, nor is Tan open to questions on the parenting secrets of dragons, but he insists that sleeping away the next two months is critical to her growth and development.
00:14:36Part of me can't help wondering if it's simply a clever way to avoid a majority of the teenage years of moony dragons.
00:14:41As if on cue, Andrina replies with a yawn, and miss all the drama.
00:14:45We'll only have hours two, I whisper, looking away from Zayden's intense gaze.
00:14:49You know, to pass information, the courtyard reminds me of a ballroom about two hours after everyone reasonable has left the party, full of drunkards and bad decisions.
00:14:56How the hell are Zayden and I going to fix whatever we are without time together?
00:15:01Pretty sure that's precisely the idea.
00:15:03They'll split us up for as long and as often as possible.
00:15:05We'll have to make the most of what time we get.
00:15:07I don't hate you as much tonight, I whisper.
00:15:10It's the alcohol, don't worry, you'll despise me again tomorrow.
00:15:13He reaches out, and I don't retreat when he cradles the nape of my neck.
00:15:16Warmth spreads over every inch of my body.
00:15:19The effect he has on me is as infuriating as it is undeniable.
00:15:22Listen to me, he lowers his voice and gently texts me toward him, shooting a glance at a group of Tootsie Cadets watching nearby.
00:15:28Play along, I nod.
00:15:29I'll be back in seven days, he says to the benefit of the people passing by.
00:15:33S-T-A-E-Y-L-N-T-E won't be able to talk over the distance.
00:15:36They'll sense emotions, but that's it.
00:15:38Remember that leadership will read any missive we send.
00:15:41He leans down, making it look to everyone else like we're locked in some kind of farewell embrace, which isn't far from the truth.
00:15:46A lot can happen in seven days.
00:15:48I understand what he's telling me mentally.
00:15:50What am I supposed to do while you're born?
00:15:52Nothing that matters will change, he assures me for the benefit of onlookers.
00:15:56Don't involve yourself in anything both he and the others are doing.
00:15:59He has that look, the steal even he gets when he's sure he's right.
00:16:02You really aren't going to change, are you?
00:16:04I whisper, my chest tightening.
00:16:06This isn't about us, every eye will be on you, and you don't have a rebellion relic to hide your actions from Melbourne if you're caught alone.
00:16:12Involving yourself endangers everything we're working for.
00:16:15Another group of cadets warned disclosure, heading toward the rotunda.
00:16:18It's hard to eye you against that, especially when what I have planned requires being left to my own devices.
00:16:23I'm going to miss you.
00:16:25His hand flexes on the back of my neck as a couple of riders from third wing get a little too close.
00:16:29You can only fully trust those who were with us at recent.
00:16:32Think of all the spare time you'll have without having to constantly train me on the mat.
00:16:36I give in to the ceaseless urge to touch him, lifting my hands to his chest so I can feel the steady beat of his heart under my fingertips,
00:16:43and blame the alcohol for the utter lapse in judgment.
00:16:46I'd much rather have you under me on the mat than spare time.
00:16:49His arm wraps around my waist, tugging me closer.
00:16:51When it comes to the other muck ones, don't risk trusting them.
00:16:54Not yet, they know they can't kill you, but some of them would be happy to see you hurt given who your mother is.
00:16:59Back to that, awi.
00:17:00I try to smile, but my lower lip trembles.
00:17:02I'm not actually upset about him leaving.
00:17:04That's the lemonade talking.
00:17:05Never left it, he reminds me, keeping his voice low even though the others in the courtyard are now giving us more than enough privacy.
00:17:11Keep yourself alive, and I'll be back in seven days.
00:17:14His hand slides to the side of my neck, and his thumb raises my jawline as he lowers his mouth to only a breath above mine.
00:17:19We managed to keep each other alive today, trust me yet.
00:17:22My heart jolts, I can almost taste his kiss, and gods, I want it.
00:17:26With my life, I whisper.
00:17:28That's all, his mouth hovers above mine, I'll promise him no delivery.
00:17:31That's all, trust is earned, and he isn't even trying.
00:17:34Too bad, he whispers, lifting his head.
00:17:37But like I said, anticipation is a good thing.
00:17:40Common sense crashes through the form of lust with embarrassing ease.
00:17:43For fuck's sake, what did I almost do?
00:17:45No anticipation, I outright glare, but my words lag by.
00:17:48We aren't happening, remember?
00:17:50That's your choice.
00:17:51I have every right to walk right back into the gathering hall and pick whomever I want to warm my bed.
00:17:55Someone a little more ordinary.
00:17:57It's a bluff, maybe, or alcohol, or maybe I just want him to feel the same uncertainty I do.
00:18:01You absolutely have every right, but you won't, he gives me a slow smile.
00:18:06Because you're impossible to replace, it does not come out as a compliment.
00:18:10At least that's what I tell myself.
00:18:12Because you still love me, the certainty in his eyes picks every inch of my temper.
00:18:16Fuck off and leave, Jason.
00:18:18I would, but you've got a death grip on me, he glances between our bodies.
00:18:22I'll, I drop my hand from his waist and step back.
00:18:25Go.
00:18:26See you in seven days, violence, he backs away, moving toward the tunnel that leads to the flight field.
00:18:30Try not to burn the place down while I'm gone.
00:18:33I glare in his general direction until I know he's far beyond my sight.
00:18:36And then I stand there another couple minutes, breathing slowly until I am certain I have my emotions under some semblance of control.
00:18:42What the hell is wrong with me?
00:18:43How can I want someone who refuses to tell me his whole truth?
00:18:46Who makes a game out of it with his ridiculous ass?
00:18:48May anything act?
00:18:49Like I'd have the first clue what to ask.
00:18:51He'll be back, Rhi says, coming up behind me, holding a missive of her own, excitement shining in her eyes despite the somatone of her words.
00:18:59I shouldn't care, yet I'm still wrapping my arms around my midsection like I need to be held together.
00:19:04What is your fighting?
00:19:05A smile.
00:19:06Did something happen between you two?
00:19:07She moves the letter to her pocket.
00:19:09What's the letter?
00:19:10I counter.
00:19:11Did you get orders?
00:19:12Orders usually only mean one thing.
00:19:14I grab onto her shoulders and grin.
00:19:15Did you?
00:19:16She grimaces.
00:19:17I have good news and bad news.
00:19:19Bad news first.
00:19:20That's my new motto.
00:19:21Eto's as our new wing leader.
00:19:23My face falls.
00:19:24Should have expected that.
00:19:25What's the good news?
00:19:26Sienna, our executive officer, move up to being executive officer of the section.
00:19:30Her smile is brighter than any mage like.
00:19:32And you are looking at our new squad leader.
00:19:34Yes, I applied squeal in absolute delight and yanker into a hug.
00:19:37Congratulations.
00:19:38You are going to be a ma-
00:19:40You already are.
00:19:41Are we celebrating?
00:19:42Sawyer asks loudly from the edge of the courtyard.
00:19:44Absolutely.
00:19:45Redock shouts.
00:19:46Ails washing over the sides of his mug as he rushes to orders.
00:19:49Squad leader Mathias.
00:19:51What's your first order?
00:19:52Squad leader.
00:19:53Sawyer asks.
00:19:54Nanine racing to catch up to his long stride.
00:19:56We never seen this room before.
00:19:57The doc says five days later, dropping into the seat next to me is the U-shaped amphitheater-style
00:20:01classroom on the third floor fills for orientation.
00:20:03We are grouped in our sections and squads within our wings, putting us in the second
00:20:07row on the right-hand side, staring across the recessed floor at first wing.
00:20:11The noise outside is growing to a steady hum as civilians arrive for conscription day
00:20:14tomorrow, but it's still quiet within the walls of the quadrant.
00:20:17We've spent this week preparing for the first year's arrival, learning our roles at
00:20:20parapet, and drinking entirely too much at night.
00:20:22It definitely makes walking the hallways in the early morning interesting.
00:20:25We've never been second years before, Rhiannon replies from my other side, her supplies
00:20:30perfectly aligned on her desk.
00:20:31Good point.
00:20:32Redog nods.
00:20:33Made it.
00:20:34Nadine slides in next to Redog, shoving air in strands of her purple hair out of her
00:20:38face with a brazed and wrapped hand.
00:20:39How have I never been in this room before?
00:20:41Rhiannon just shakes her head.
00:20:42We've never been second years before, I tell Nadine.
00:20:45Right, makes sense.
00:20:46She grabs her things out of her bag, then drops it at her feet.
00:20:49I guess none of our classes were this far down the hallway last year.
00:20:52What happened to your hand?
00:20:54Rhiannon asks.
00:20:55It's embarrassing.
00:20:56She lifts the brace so we can see it.
00:20:58I sit and sprained it on the steps last night.
00:21:00Don't worry, the healers think Nolan might have an opening for me tomorrow before parapet.
00:21:04He's been run ragged since war games.
00:21:06That man needs a break, Rhiannon says, bobbing her head.
00:21:09I wish we had a break like the other quadrants.
00:21:12Redog taps his pen on the desk.
00:21:14Even 5 or 6 days to just get away.
00:21:16I'm still recovering from the last 6 day break I had away from here, I try to joke.
00:21:20Rhys says false, and the rest of us forward quiets.
00:21:23Shit, that was not the right thing to say, but I'm exhausted.
00:21:26There's no point trying to sleep when I can't quit dreaming about Rhiannon.
00:21:29I'm around if you want to talk.
00:21:31Rhys kind smile makes me feel like I'm two inches tall for not letting her in.
00:21:35Do I want to talk?
00:21:36Absolutely, am I able to, not after Eto's made it clear not to share my worst stories.
00:21:41He's already targeting Mira, I'm not putting my best friend in that situation, too.
00:21:45Maybe Zidane is right, if I can't lie, all my friends would be safer if I kept my distance.
00:21:50Good afternoon, second years, a tall writer says, his voice booming as he strides to the
00:21:54center of the floor, quieting the room.
00:21:56I am captain, he winces, scratching the trim beard that's a shade darker than his light
00:22:00golden skin, Professor Grady.
00:22:01And, as you can tell, I'm new this year in getting used to the whole professor title,
00:22:05as well as being around 21 year old kids again.
00:22:07It's been a while since I've been in the quadrant.
00:22:09He turns toward the end of the classroom, the one section where there are no seats, and
00:22:13crooks his fingers at the heavy wooden desk there.
00:22:15Lesser magic makes its feet across the floor until Professor Grady puts his palm out.
00:22:19Then it stops, he turns toward us and leans back against the edge of the desk.
00:22:22That's better, congratulations on living through your first year.
00:22:25He turns his head slowly, his gaze raking over each and every one of us.
00:22:28There are 89 of you in this room who had the fewest number of dragons willing to bond,
00:22:32but to see how few of us there really are is disconcerting.
00:22:35Fewer dragons are bonding, I say toward 10, knowing Andrina drifted into the dreamless sleep
00:22:39a few days ago.
00:22:40Is that because the Empyrean knows about the women?
00:22:43Yes, I can almost hear the exasperated sigh in 10's voice, but we need more riders, not
00:22:47fewer, it doesn't make sense.
00:22:49The Empyrean remains divided on whether or not we should get involved, 10 grumbles.
00:22:53Humans aren't the only ones keeping secrets, but Andrina and 10 have already made their
00:22:57choice, of that, I'm sure.
00:22:59But the second year brings its own challenges, Professor Grady continues as I focus on class.
00:23:04Last year, you learned how to ride the dragons who chose you.
00:23:07This year, you'll learn what to do if you fall off.
00:23:10Welcome to Rider Survival Course, or RSC for short.
00:23:13What the hell is that?
00:23:14Redog matters.
00:23:15I don't know, I whisper, writing the letters RSC in the blank book in front of me.
00:23:19But you know everything, his eyes widen, clearly not, seems to be the team lately.
00:23:24Don't know what it is, Professor Grady asks with a grin, staring straight at Redog.
00:23:28Good, our tactics work.
00:23:30He crosses one boot in front of the other.
00:23:32RSC is kept classified for a reason, so we get your genuine reactions to the situations
00:23:35at hand.
00:23:36No one wants my genuine reactions, Redog murmurs.
00:23:39I bite back a smile and shake my head.
00:23:41RSC will teach you how to survive if you become separated from your dragon behind enemy lines.
00:23:46It's a staple of your second year, culminating in two full evaluations you must pass in order
00:23:50to continue at best life, one in a few weeks, and the other around mid-year.
00:23:54What the hell do they do with a bonded rider who doesn't pass?
00:23:57Rhiannon asks quietly.
00:23:59Every member of my squad looks at me.
00:24:01I have no clue.
00:24:02Caroline Ashton raises her hand from her seat in first wing across the room.
00:24:05A chill raises down my spine as I remember how close she'd been to Jack Barlow,
00:24:09the rider who'd been intent on killing me until I killed him instead.
00:24:12Yes, Professor Grady asks.
00:24:14What precisely does, around mid-year, mean?
00:24:17Caroline asks.
00:24:18Or, in a few weeks?
00:24:19You won't know the precise date, he answers, lifting his brows.
00:24:23She huffs, sitting back in her seat.
00:24:25And I won't tell you, no matter how many times you roll your eyes.
00:24:28No Professor will because quite simply, we won't be surprised.
00:24:31But we do want you to be prepared.
00:24:33In this room, I will instruct you in navigation, survival techniques, and how to withstand interrogation
00:24:37in case of capture.
00:24:38My stomach turns over, and my heartbeat goes double time.
00:24:41Torture.
00:24:42He's talking about being tortured.
00:24:43And now I carry information worth being tortured over.
00:24:46And you'll face trials on those at any time, Professor Grady continues.
00:24:50Taken from any case in the quadrant.
00:24:52They're going to abduct us.
00:24:53Nidin gasps, fear-lacing her tone.
00:24:55Sounds like it.
00:24:56Soyomot is in response.
00:24:57Always something around here.
00:24:59Redork adds.
00:25:00The other assesses and I will give you feedback during those trials, so by the time your full
00:25:05evaluations come around, you'll be able to withstand, he cocks his head to decide as if
00:25:08choosing his words carefully.
00:25:09Well, be able to withstand the hell we're going to could get through.
00:25:12Take it from someone who has survived it.
00:25:14As long as you don't break during the interrogation portion, you'll do just fine.
00:25:18Rhiannon puts her hand up, and Professor Grady nods at her.
00:25:21And if we break, she asks.
00:25:23All traces of amusement leave his face.
00:25:25Don't.
00:25:26W.
00:25:27It might pursue racing an hour after orientation.
00:25:29I head to the one place that used to calm my fraying nerves, the archives.
00:25:33As I walk through the doorway, I inhale the scent of parchment, ink, and the unmistakable
00:25:37tang of bookbinding grew and let out a long, calming breath.
00:25:40Row upon row of bookshelves span the massive chamber, each taller than I am now but brought
00:25:44quite up to ten, filled with countless volumes on history, mathematics, politics, which I
00:25:48trusted to be all the knowledge on the continent.
00:25:50And to think, at one point in my life, I thought climbing the ladders would be the
00:25:53scariest thing I'd ever do.
00:25:55Now, I am simply existing with the ever-present danger of wise, common and warish.
00:25:59It is a threat hanging over my head, a secret revolution that could get us all killed at any
00:26:02moment, and now imminent torture from RSC.
00:26:05Kind of miscelladders.
00:26:06After five days of watching, Jsenia's name finally appeared on the scribe's schedule posted
00:26:10outside this morning, which means it's time to get started.
00:26:13Fuck not getting involved, I am sure as hell not going to sit around and do nothing while
00:26:17my brother and Zarin risk their lives.
00:26:19Not when I am certain the answer to protecting both Aritya and Koromish civilians is right
00:26:22here at Biskai.
00:26:23The revolution might not have a scribe in its ranks, but it has me, and if there's even
00:26:27a shot that we can win this war without the weapons the revolution hasn't made a found,
00:26:30then I'm taking it.
00:26:32Or at least investigating the possibility.
00:26:34Only scribe may continue past the long oak table near the doorway, so I stand at its edge
00:26:38and trail my fingers across its familiar brain and scars as I wait.
00:26:41If training to be a scribe taught me anything, it was patience.
00:26:44Gods, I miss this place.
00:26:46I miss what I thought my life would be.
00:26:48Simple, quiet, noble, but I don't miss the woman I was, the one who didn't know her strength.
00:26:52The one who believed everything she read with unfailing confidence, as if the simple act of writing
00:26:56something on a blank page made it ghostful.
00:26:58A slight figure wearing a cream tunic, pants, and hood approaches, and for the first time
00:27:02in my life, I'm nervous to see Jay Sr.
00:27:04Good at Sorange, she signs, smiling when she reaches May and flipping back her hood.
00:27:09Her hair is longer now, the brown braid nearly reaching her waist.
00:27:12Good at Nailwa, I sign back, grinning at the sight of my friend.
00:27:16We must be alone to warrant such an enthusiastic greeting.
00:27:18Scribe this for me discouraged from showing emotion.
00:27:20After all, their job is in 10th pre-bitch record.
00:27:22We are, she signs, then leans till you pass me.
00:27:26Well, except Nysia.
00:27:28He's sleeping, I show her.
00:27:30What are you up to back there?
00:27:32Fixing a few bindings, she signs.
00:27:34Most everyone is off preparing for the new cadets coming tomorrow.
00:27:36Quiet days are my favorite.
00:27:38I remember, we'd spend nearly every quiet day at this table, preparing for the exam
00:27:42or helping Malcolm, or my father.
00:27:44I heard about, her face falls.
00:27:46I'm sorry, he was always really nice to me.
00:27:48Thank you, I really miss him.
00:27:50I squeeze my hands into fists and paws, knowing that what I say next will either lead us closer
00:27:54to the truth, or get me killed.
00:27:56What is it?
00:27:57She signs, biting her lip.
00:27:59She's first in her ear.
00:28:00That means she's probably trying for the adept part, the hardest of all degrees for scribes,
00:28:04and one every curator of the scribe quadrant has to have.
00:28:06It means not only does she spend more time with Malcolm than other scribes, but she'll
00:28:10almost never leave the archives.
00:28:12Nysia grips my stomach at the very real possibility that I can't trust her.
00:28:15Maybe there are no scribes within the movement for a reason.
00:28:17I was wondering if you heard any older books about the founding of Biskayat.
00:28:21Maybe something about why they chose this location for the wards.
00:28:24I sign.
00:28:25The wards, she signs slowly.
00:28:27I'm prepping a defense for a debate in history about why Biskayat is here, instead of being
00:28:31built in Taldir.
00:28:32And there it is, my first real lie.
00:28:34There's nothing selectively true in that statement, nor any way to take it back.
00:28:38For better or worse, I'm committed now to my own cause, saving as many people as I can
00:28:42from this war.
00:28:43Sure, she smiles.
00:28:46Ten minutes later, she hands over two tomes written more candidates lose their life too.
00:28:49It feels a little like dying, too.
00:28:51Don't watch if you can help it.
00:28:53Page 84, The Book of Brennan.
00:28:56Chapter 8.
00:28:57See.
00:28:58Onscription day looks a little different on the side of it.
00:29:00I lean over the crannulations of the tower in the main bar college and take note of the
00:29:03length of the line as the bells ring the ninth hour, but I avoid noticing the features of
00:29:07the individual candidates as they file in, starting up the long, winding staircase that
00:29:10will bring them to the parapet.
00:29:12I don't need any more faces in my nightmares.
00:29:15They're starting up the stairs, I tell Rhiannon, who stands poised with the quill in the role.
00:29:19They look nervous, Nadine says, leaning recklessly far over the edge of the tower to see the candidates
00:29:24lined up stories below.
00:29:25They aren't the only ones.
00:29:27I'm four steps away from Dane and his memory stealing hands that could pack every secret
00:29:30from my head.
00:29:31I lock my shields in place just like Zayden taught me and fantasize about shoving Dane off
00:29:35the tower.
00:29:36He's made one attempt to talk to me, which I quickly shut down.
00:29:39And the look on his face.
00:29:40What the hell kind of right does he have to look, heartbroken?
00:29:43Weren't you nervous?
00:29:44Rhiannon asks Nadine.
00:29:45Personally, I wouldn't have made it across without V here.
00:29:48I should then hop onto the wall, taking a seat to the left of V.
00:29:51I only gave you a little more traction.
00:29:53You had the courage and balance to make it.
00:29:55Across.
00:29:56It's not raining like it was during a parapet.
00:29:59Nadine looks up at the cloudless July sky and wipes the sweater off her forehead with
00:30:02the back of her hand.
00:30:03Hopefully more of them make it across.
00:30:05She glances my way.
00:30:06You'd have thought your mother would have held off the storm last year.
00:30:08Considering you were crossing.
00:30:09Clearly you don't know my mother.
00:30:11She wouldn't call the storm to kill me like a coward.
00:30:14But she sure as hell wouldn't stop it to save me, either.
00:30:17Only 91 dragons have agreed to bond this year, Dain says, leaning back against the wall beside
00:30:22the entrance to the parapet.
00:30:23He's in the exact position Zayrin was in last year and has the same exact insignia on
00:30:27his shoulder, going ridder.
00:30:28The asshole gets Liam and Soleil killed and is promoted as a reward.
00:30:31Go figure.
00:30:32More candidates making it across isn't going to equal more riders.
00:30:35He glances my way but quickly averts his gaze.
00:30:37Nadine opens the wooden door at the top of the turret and glances down.
00:30:40The stairwell, they're about halfway up.
00:30:43Good, Dain pushes off the wall.
00:30:45Remember the rules, Matthias and Soren gave, your job the only to take the final roll before
00:30:49parapet.
00:30:50Don't engage.
00:30:51We know the rules, I place my hands on the wall beside my thighs and window for the tenth
00:30:54time since I woke up this morning when Zayrin will arrive today.
00:30:57Maybe then I can address the three books on the craft of weaving fabric into traditional
00:31:01traditional notes he left for me, strips of fabric included, on the desk of my new room
00:31:04on the second year floor.
00:31:06It's not like I need a hobby.
00:31:08But the notes they didn't left on the stack of books, the one that read I meant what I
00:31:11said on the parapet.
00:31:12Even when I'm not with you, there's only you, that needed no explanation.
00:31:16He's fighting.
00:31:17Fine, Dain says, drawing out the word as he stares at me.
00:31:21And Nadine.
00:31:22I don't have a job.
00:31:23Nadine shrubs and picks up the strings of her uniform where she cut the sleeves off.
00:31:26I was just bored.
00:31:27Dain frowns at Rhiannon, running a tight ship there, squad leader.
00:31:30What an ass.
00:31:31There are no regulations about four riders on the turret during parapet, she counters.
00:31:36Don't even get me started this morning, eight hours.
00:31:38She looks up from her perfect pen-numbered scroll and raises her finger.
00:31:41And if you even think about telling me to call your wingleader, I'll remind you that
00:31:44Risen did a hell of a job without needing everyone to subjugate themselves to him.
00:31:48Because he scared the shit out of everyone, then he matters.
00:31:51Well, everyone except Violet.
00:31:53I fight my smile and loses Dain tenses, clearly it a loss for words.
00:31:57Since it's only us, Rhiannon says, what do you know about the new vice commandant?
00:32:01Varish, nothing besides the fact that he's a complete hard ass who thinks the quadrant
00:32:05has gone soft in the years since he graduated, Dain answers.
00:32:08He's friends with my father, figures.
00:32:10Yeah, it's a real day view around here, Rhiannon responds sarcastically.
00:32:14After Risen, I'm starting to realize there's a purpose to pushing us to the point of breaking.
00:32:18Better to shatter in here than get your friends killed once we leave.
00:32:21Here they come, Nadine says, moving out of the way as the first candidates reach the top,
00:32:25their chests heaving from the climb.
00:32:27They look so young, I tell Tan, shifting my weight on the wall and wishing I been a little
00:32:31more careful wrapping my left knee this morning.
00:32:33Sweat has already loosened the brace, and the slipping fabric annoys the shit out of me.
00:32:37So did you, he replies with a low growl.
00:32:39He's been pissy for the past two days, and I can't blame him.
00:32:42He's torn between doing exactly what he wants, flying to S.G.A.U.I.L., and seeing me
00:32:46finished for his actions.
00:32:48The first candidate's case swings from Nadine's purple hair to the crown of mine, showing all
00:32:52its silver in my usual coronet braid.
00:32:54Name, I ask.
00:32:55Jory Buell, she says, struggling to catch her breath.
00:32:58She's tall, with good boots and butt looks to be a balanced pack, but her exertion is going
00:33:01to work against her on the parapet.
00:33:03Step up, Dain orders.
00:33:05Once you are on the other side, you'll give your name to the rule keeper.
00:33:09The girl nods as Rhiannon jots her name down in the first slot.
00:33:12All of the advice Neera gave me last year races through my mind, but I'm not allowed to give
00:33:16it.
00:33:17This is a whole other kind of challenge, to stand by and do nothing while these candidates
00:33:20risk their lives trying to become us.
00:33:22For many of them, we'll be the last faces they see.
00:33:25Good luck, that's all I'm allowed to say.
00:33:28She starts across the parapet, and the next candidate steps up to take her place.
00:33:31Rhiannon takes down his name, and Dain waits until Jory is a third of the way across the
00:33:34full letting the boys start.
00:33:36I watch the first few candidates, my heart in my throat as I remember the terror and uncertainty
00:33:40of this day last year.
00:33:41When a candidate slips at the quarter mark and falls, the ravine below swallowing the
00:33:44last of his screams, I stop watching to see if they make it to the other side.
00:33:47My heart can't take it.
00:33:49Two hours in, I'm asking their names with zero intention of remembering them, but I take note
00:33:54of the especially aggressive ones, like the bull of a guy with a deepy cleft chin who charges
00:33:58across, tossing this crony redhead candidate struggling at the midway point without hesitation.
00:34:02A little piece of me dies watching the cruelty of it, and it's a struggle to remember that
00:34:06every single candidate is here by their own choice.
00:34:08They're all volunteers, unlike the other quadrants, which take constructs who pass the entrance
00:34:12exam.
00:34:13Jack Balow Jr., Brianna knuts under her breath.
00:34:15I don't miss the way Dane flinches and looks my way.
00:34:18Blowing out a slow breath, I turn toward the next in line, trying to forget how Balow put
00:34:22me into the infirmary last year.
00:34:24I shugger the memory of the way he forced pure energy into me through his hands that day
00:34:27on the mat, rattling my bones.
00:34:29Numb, I start, but the word dies on my tongue as I stare in shock at the candidate standing
00:34:33far above me.
00:34:34He's taller than Dane but shorter than Zayden, with a muscular build and strong chin, and though
00:34:38his sandy brown hair is shorter than the last time I saw him, I'd recognize those features,
00:34:42those eyes, anywhere.
00:34:43Cam.
00:34:44What the hell is he doing here?
00:34:46His green eyes flare with surprise, then ring with recognition.
00:34:49Arak, Grey Castle.
00:34:50His middle name I recognize, but the last.
00:34:53Did you just make the duck?
00:34:54I whispered him, because it's awful.
00:34:56Arak, Grey Castle, he repeats, his jaw flexing.
00:34:59He lifts his chin with the same arrogance I've seen in every single one of his brothers and
00:35:02especially his father.
00:35:03Even if I didn't recognize him from the dozens of times our parents' lives have tossed us into
00:35:07the same room, but starting green eyes mark him the same way my hair does me.
00:35:10He's not going to fool anyone who's ever met his father or any of his brothers.
00:35:14I glance over at Dane, who openly stares at Cam.
00:35:17Arak.
00:35:18You're sure about this?
00:35:19Dane asks, and the concern in his eyes gives me a glimpse of my Dane again, but it's short-lived.
00:35:23That version of Dane, the one I could always depend on, died the day he stole my memories
00:35:27and set us on a collision course with Venen.
00:35:29You crossed the parapet, and there's no going back.
00:35:32Arak nods.
00:35:33Arak, Grey Castle, I repeat to Rhiannon, who writes it down but clearly knows something
00:35:37is up.
00:35:38Does your father know?
00:35:39Dane murmurs to Arak.
00:35:40It's none of his business, he replies, stepping up to the parapet and rolling his shoulders.
00:35:45I'm 20.
00:35:46Right, because that's going to make a difference when he realizes what you are doing, Dane retorts,
00:35:50ripping his hand through his hair.
00:35:52He'll kill us all.
00:35:53Are you going to tell him?
00:35:54Arak asks.
00:35:55Dane shakes his head and looks to me like I have an answer for any of this when he's
00:35:59the fucking wingleader.
00:36:00Good, then do me a favor and ignore me, he says to Dane.
00:36:03But not me.
00:36:04We are second squad, flame section, fourth wing, I tell Arak.
00:36:08Maybe I can convince the others to keep it to themselves if they recognize him.
00:36:11Dane opens his mouth.
00:36:13Not today, I tell him, shaking my head.
00:36:15He snaps his mouth shut.
00:36:17Arak retorts his back and starts across the parapet, and I can't bring myself to watch.
00:36:21Who was that?
00:36:22Rhiannon asks.
00:36:23Officially, Arak Grey Castle, I tell her.
00:36:26She lifts her brow, and guilt settles in my stomach.
00:36:29There are too many secrets between us already, and this is something I can give her.
00:36:33Something she deserves to know, since I just directed him to our squad.
00:36:36Between us, I whisper, and she looks over at me with an arched brow.
00:36:40King Tori's third son.
00:36:41Oh shit, she looks over her shoulder at the parapet.
00:36:44Pretty much, and I can guarantee his father doesn't know what he's doing.
00:36:47Not with how he felt after Arak's older brother died during his session three years ago.
00:36:50Should make for an easy year, Rhiannon says sarcastically, then beckons to the next person
00:36:55without missing a beat.
00:36:56Name.
00:36:57Sloane Mary.
00:36:58My head whips in her direction, and my heart jumps into my throat.
00:37:01Same blonde hair, though it's currently tangling in the breeze past her shoulders.
00:37:05Same sky blue eyes, same rebellion relic winding around her arm.
00:37:08Liam's little sister.
00:37:10Rhiannon stares.
00:37:11Dane looks like he's seen a spectre.
00:37:13Within, A.
00:37:14On the end, Sloane says, moving toward the steps and tucking her hair behind her ears nervously.
00:37:18It's going to blow right back in her face with the next gust of wind, temporarily blinding
00:37:21her on the parapet, and I can't let that happen.
00:37:24I promised Liam I'd watch out for her.
00:37:26Stop.
00:37:27I jump off the wall, then yank out the small leather band I keep in the front pocket of
00:37:31my uniform and hand it to her.
00:37:32Tie your hair back first.
00:37:33Braid is best.
00:37:34Sloane startles.
00:37:35Wee, Dane begins.
00:37:37I glare over my shoulder at him.
00:37:39He's the reason Liam isn't here to protect Sloane himself.
00:37:42Rage courses through my veins, heating my skin.
00:37:44Don't you dare say another word, or I'll blast you off this turret, Atoz.
00:37:48Power crackers through my hand without being caught and erupts overhead, streaking across
00:37:52the sky horizontally.
00:37:53Oops.
00:37:54He sits, muttering something about losing every fight today.
00:37:57Sloane takes the leather from me slowly, then braids her hair, simple and quick, tying
00:38:00it with the band and tying me the entire time with the 3 inches she has on me.
00:38:05Arms out for balance, I tell her, no see you're rolling through me at the risk she's
00:38:08about to take.
00:38:09Don't let the wind see your steps.
00:38:11They were Myra's words, and now they're mine.
00:38:13Keep your eyes on the stones ahead of you and don't look down.
00:38:15If the pack slips, ditch it.
00:38:17Better you lose it than your life.
00:38:19She glances up at my hair, then down at the two patches sewn onto my summer uniform
00:38:22right above my heart.
00:38:24One is the second squad patch we won during the squad battle last year and the other is a bolt
00:38:27of lightning that branches off in four different directions.
00:38:29You're Violet Sorengale, I nod, my tongue dying.
00:38:32I can't think of the right words to say about how sorry I am for her loss.
00:38:36Anything that comes to mind isn't enough.
00:38:38Her expression shifts, and something that looks a lot like hatred fills her eyes as she
00:38:42leans down, her voice quieting so that I'm the only one who hears her say, I know what
00:38:46really happened.
00:38:47You got my brother killed.
00:38:48He died for you.
00:38:49I can actually feel the blood drain from my face as I bring away the memory of Dick crashing
00:38:53into the Wyvern Hood comfort air, sending Liam flying across my saddle.
00:38:56He'd been so heavy that my shoulders had almost dislocated trying to keep him from falling.
00:39:00Yes, I can't deny it and I don't look away.
00:39:03I'm so sorry.
00:39:04Go straight to hell, she whispers.
00:39:06And I really mean that.
00:39:07I hope no one commends his soul to Malik.
00:39:09I hope he rejects it.
00:39:10Liam was worth a dozen of your kind, and I hope you spend eternity paying for what you
00:39:14cost me, what you cost all of us.
00:39:16Yep, that look in her eyes is definitely hatred.
00:39:19My heart abandons my body and lands somewhere in the vicinity of her recommendation.
00:39:23It wasn't your fault, Tan says.
00:39:26It was, and if I don't pull my shit together right now, I'll fail Liam all over again.
00:39:30Feel free to hate me, I say to Sloan, sticking aside and peering the way to the parapet.
00:39:34Just do me a favor and put your fucking arms out so you don't see Liam before I do.
00:39:38Do it for him, not me, so much for the caring, gentle mentor I'd hope to be for her.
00:39:42She jerks her gaze from mine and steps up.
00:39:45The wind kicks up and she wobbles, sending my heart rate spiking.
00:39:48What in the angry Mary was that about?
00:39:50Rhiannon asks.
00:39:51I shake my head, I just, can't.
00:39:53Then the stubborn girl finally extends her arms and starts walking.
00:39:56I don't look away, I watch every damn step she takes like my future is tied to hers.
00:40:00My breath raises when she stumbles halfway across, and my lungs don't fully expand until
00:40:04I see her reach the other side.
00:40:06She made it, I whisper to Liam, then I take the next name.
00:40:0971 candidates fall from the parapet, according to the roles.
00:40:13That's 4 more than a year.
00:40:15An hour after the numbers are calculated, the quadrant dissembles in typical formation,
00:40:183 golems per wing, and the rolekeeper calls name after name, dividing the first-years into squads.
00:40:23Our squad is nearly full and there's still no sign of Sloan.
00:40:27I looked for her in the courtyard earlier, that either she's hiding from me, or she's hiding from me.
00:40:31That's the only logical answer.
00:40:33Nadine, the dog, and I wait behind 8 first-years shifting their weight, the living embodiment of anxiety.
00:40:38Arakh stands with impossibly perfect posture but capes his head down next to a red-haired girl
00:40:42whose complexion is full on green in the row ahead.
00:40:44The fear radiating of them is palatable.
00:40:46It's in every drop of sweat sliding down the stalky guy's neck to a rose ahead,
00:40:50in every bit of nail the brunette spits out onto the gravel next to him.
00:40:52It's coming out of their paws.
00:40:54Is it me, or is this fucking weird? Red Dog asks from my right.
00:40:58Fucking weird, Nadine agrees.
00:41:00I kind of want to tell them that it's going to be okay.
00:41:02It's not polite to lie, Imogen says from behind us, where she stands with Quinn,
00:41:06who looks downright bored as she trims the ends of her blonde curls with a dagger.
00:41:10Don't get attached, they're all dragon fodder into threshing.
00:41:14The stalky-looking guy with deep humberskin looks over his shoulder,
00:41:16shooting a wide-eyed look at Imogen.
00:41:18She stares him down and makes a circle with her forefinger,
00:41:21wordlessly telling him to turn around.
00:41:23He does.
00:41:24Be nice, I whispered her.
00:41:26I'll be nice once I think they might stick around, she replies.
00:41:29I thought we said it's not polite to lie, Red Dog counters with a grin,
00:41:32shaking his head in a way that makes the collar of his uniform move, but...
00:41:36Not at all, Spikesy's somehow jerked his dark hair into today.
00:41:40I blink, then lean closer to him, staring at the side of his neck.
00:41:43What is, did you get a tattoo?
00:41:45He smiles and pulls at his collar, showing off the ink tip of a sore tail
00:41:48on the warm brown skin of his neck, ending near the base of his collar.
00:41:51It wraps to my shoulder, clear chrome's relic.
00:41:53Badass, right?
00:41:55Badass, Nadine nods in appreciation.
00:41:57Absolutely, I agree.
00:41:59Vizier Holland is called to our squad.
00:42:01Her name is oddly familiar, and when she appears,
00:42:03moving into formation two rows ahead, I remember why.
00:42:05Auburn's fast cross from her collar to her hairline,
00:42:07going along the right side of her face.
00:42:09She's a repeat, she survived angering an orange dagger tail at Threshing last year,
00:42:13but barely.
00:42:15Sloane is called to first wing.
00:42:16Shit, I'm utter, how the hell am I supposed to help her in an entirely different wing?
00:42:20I'd consider that a blessing, Nadine says quietly.
00:42:23She didn't seem to be a fan.
00:42:25Dane steps forward on the daze to talk to Aura Bainhaven, the senior wing leader,
00:42:28and the dagger she has strapped to her upper arms glimmer in the sunlight as she nods her head in response.
00:42:32He glances my way, then crosses over to the roll keeper at the edge of the daze and she pauses,
00:42:37lifting her pin to scribble something on the roll.
00:42:39Correction, she calls out over the crowd.
00:42:41Sloane married to second squad, flame section, fourth wing.
00:42:44Yes, my shoulders deep in pure relief.
00:42:46Dane walks back to his position, ignoring the reproachful stare from Vizcomandant Varish,
00:42:51and his composure sits for the second it takes for him to shoot me an indecipherable look.
00:42:54What, is Sloane supposed to be some kind of peace offering?
00:42:57The road keeper moves on, lacing the first years in the squads.
00:43:01Sloane appears a minute or two later, and my relief is short-lived when she opens her mouth.
00:43:05No, I refuse, any squad but this one.
00:43:08Ouch.
00:43:09Rhiannon moves from her place at the front of our squad and gives Sloane a look that makes me glad I'm never on Viz bad side.
00:43:14Does it look like I give a shit what you want, Mary?
00:43:17Mary, Sawyer looks back through the lines of first years that separate us, and a new patch on his shoulder makes me smile.
00:43:22He's a fantastic choice for Viz executive officer.
00:43:25Liam's sister, I tell him, his jaw seconds.
00:43:28No shit, the dog glances between Sloane and me.
00:43:31No shit, I respond.
00:43:33Oh, and if you haven't noticed, she already hates me.
00:43:36I cannot be in the same squad as her.
00:43:38Sloane glares at me with pure hate fire in her eyes, but hey, her hair is still braided, so I'm calling her to win.
00:43:43She might love me, but maybe she'll listen at least to stay alive.
00:43:46Stop disrespecting your squad leader and get information, Sloane, Imogen hisses.
00:43:50You are acting like a spoiled aristocrat.
00:43:52Imogen, Sloane startles.
00:43:54Get.
00:43:55In.
00:43:56Formation.
00:43:57Rhiannon orders.
00:43:58Im not asking, cadet.
00:43:59Sloane paves and steps into line in front of Nadine, taking her last first year slot.
00:44:03Rhiannon slides past Nadine and leans in close.
00:44:06Pretty sure that girl wants her dead, she whispers.
00:44:08Any particular reason I should know about.
00:44:10Should I see if we can trade her to another squad?
00:44:12Yeah, I got her brother killed.
00:44:13He was sworn to protect me, and he lost his dragon, and his life, keeping the promise.
00:44:18But I can't say that any more than I can tell her they are winning beyond our borders.
00:44:22My stomach misses the idea of having to lie to her.
00:44:25Selective truths.
00:44:26She blames me for Liam's death.
00:44:27I say quietly.
00:44:28Let her stay.
00:44:29At least if she is in the squad.
00:44:31Orec says she can't tell me.
00:44:32Yeah, show.
00:44:33Her brow furrows.
00:44:34I promised Liam I'd take care of her.
00:44:36She stays.
00:44:37I nod.
00:44:38Between Iraq and Sloane, you are collecting strays.
00:44:41Rhiannon warns quietly.
00:44:42We were strays once, too.
00:44:43I answer.
00:44:44Good point.
00:44:45Now look at us, alive in everything.
00:44:47A slight smile close her lips before she returns to her place in formation.
00:44:51The noon sun beats down on the courtyard, and it hits me how far back we are from the days,
00:44:56where the wingletters wait with command and pincheck.
00:44:58Tufts of his hair catch in the morning breezes he takes in the formation with white, assessing
00:45:01brown eyes.
00:45:02This is the height of enrollment this year.
00:45:04We'll start dying pretty much immediately.
00:45:06But not me, I've danced with Malik more than my fair share over this last year and told
00:45:10him to fuck right off every single time.
00:45:12Maybe Sloane is right and he doesn't want me.
00:45:14You were agitated, there's very intense tone.
00:45:17I'm fine, that's what we're all supposed to be, right?
00:45:20I'm fine, doesn't matter who dies next to us or who we till during training, or war.
00:45:23We're fine.
00:45:24The ceremony finally starts with pincheck's ominous yet pompous welcome to the first years
00:45:28and our new vice commandant, and then Laura delivers a surprisingly inspirational talk
00:45:32about the honor of defending lab people before Dane takes the lead, nearly trying to step
00:45:35into Zayden's boots.
00:45:37But he's no Zayden.
00:45:38The sound of winglets in the ghasts of first years till the air, and I breathe deeply as
00:45:42six fragments, five belonging to the wingletters and a one-eyed orange dagger tale I don't
00:45:46recognize, land on the courtyard walls behind the dais.
00:45:49That orange looks temperamental, his gaze darting over the formation as his tail switches, but
00:45:52none of them are as menacing as S-G-A-U-I-L or as terrifying as tan.
00:45:56I glance down and pick a piece of strail and off my dark uniform.
00:45:59First year shrieks echo off the stone walls as the dragon's claws flex, digging into the
00:46:02stonework.
00:46:03A heavy rock falls, missing the gaze by a mere matter of fate, and yet not a single rider
00:46:08up there flinches.
00:46:09Now I understand how Dane was so blazer about all of this last year.
00:46:12There's not a single dragon up there who would risk to enthroth by touching me.
00:46:16Are they beautiful to behold?
00:46:18Absolutely.
00:46:19Daunting.
00:46:20Sure, there's even a slight elevation in my pulse.
00:46:22And yeah, Aura said Pugdale is eyeing the cadets like lunch, but I know it's mostly to
00:46:25see if she can weed out the weed.
00:46:27The redhead directly ahead of me vomits, Duke splattering the gravel, then Narek's boots,
00:46:32as she bends at the waist and heaves, emptying the contents of her stomach.
00:46:35Gross.
00:46:36Sloane wobbles, and she shifts her stance like she's about to bolt.
00:46:39That's a bad idea.
00:46:41Don't move in you'll be fine, Mary, I say.
00:46:43They'll touch you if you run.
00:46:45She stiffens but her hands curl into fists.
00:46:47Good, fist is better than scared right now.
00:46:49Dragons respect anger, they exterminate cards.
00:46:52Let's hope the rest aren't sympathetic Pugas, Red Oak mutters and wrinkles his nose.
00:46:57Yeah, that one isn't going to make it if she does that presentation, Imogen mispires.
00:47:01These first years would shit themselves if they ended so much as a flyby.
00:47:05He's almost twice as big as any of the dragons perched from the wall.
00:47:08Didn't feel like growing your sheer intimidation skills to this show, I asked N.
00:47:12I do not participate in pilot tricks, he responds, his direction making me smile as
00:47:16Dan prattles on about something.
00:47:18He's trying distritly for Zarin's charisma and coming up bothly short.
00:47:21What do you know about Major Varish's orange?
00:47:24He looks, unstable, and hungry.
00:47:26Solas is there, his tone sharpens.
00:47:28Is Solas a one-eyed orange dabby tale?
00:47:30Yes, he doesn't sound happy about it.
00:47:33Do not take your eyes off him.
00:47:34Weird, but alright.
00:47:36I can watch the orange-glared cadets out of his one good eye.
00:47:39A third of you will be dead by next July.
00:47:41If you want to wear rider black, then you earn it.
00:47:44Dan shouts, his voice rising with each word.
00:47:46You earn it every single day.
00:47:48Cat digs his red claws into the masonry and leans over Dan's head, swinging his sawtail
00:47:52behind him in a serpentine motion as he blows a hot breath of steam over the crowd that
00:47:55sours my stomach.
00:47:56Dan really needs to check Cat's teeth, because there has to be a bone stuck in there decaying
00:48:00or something.
00:48:01Price round in the courtyard, and a first ear to the right, tail section, breaks out of formation
00:48:05and sprints back toward the parapet, facing through the eyes between two reds.
00:48:09No, no, no.
00:48:11We have a runner, red augments.
00:48:13Shit, I cringe, my heart sinking as two others from third wing decide to follow his example,
00:48:17their arms pumping wildly as they make a break fade from first squad of the tail section.
00:48:21This isn't going to end well.
00:48:23Looks contagious, Quinn adds as their a-spy.
00:48:25Fuck, they actually think they'll make it.
00:48:27Imogen sighs, her shoulders drooping.
00:48:29The trio nearly collides directly behind the center of our wing, our section, then bolt toward
00:48:33the opening in the courtyard wall where the parapet lies.
00:48:36Eyes on Solas, Dan shouts.
00:48:39I look forward again, watching Solas narrow his one eye to a slit and swivel his head as
00:48:42he draws a full, rumbling breath.
00:48:44Leth fills my chest as I glance back over my shoulder and glimpse the runners nearing the
00:48:47parapet.
00:48:48The dragons didn't let them get that far last year.
00:48:51He's toying with them, and at his angle.
00:48:53Oh shit.
00:48:54Solas extends his neck, tilts his head horrifyingly low, and curls his tongue, fire churning up his
00:48:58throat.
00:48:59Get down, I shout, lunging for Sloan and tackling her to the ground and I'm going to
00:49:02fire blasts overhead, the flames so close that heat singes every patch of exposed skin on
00:49:06my body.
00:49:07I, to Sloan's reddit, she doesn't pry out his echo as much of her body as, can, whirling
00:49:13over her, but the soul-rending screams behind us are unmistakable.
00:49:17I open my eyes long enough to see our egg laying flat over the redhead under the endless
00:49:20stream of fire.
00:49:21Dan's roar fills my head as lava licks along my arched back.
00:49:25A scream musters at the base of my throat, but I can't breathe in this inferno, let alone
00:49:29give it voice.
00:49:30As picky as it struck, the heat dissipates, and I fill my lungs with precious oxygen,
00:49:34busting for breath before shoving off the gravel to my feet.
00:49:37I turn to face the aftermath as the other second and third ears around me rise.
00:49:40Those at the back of our section who acted when I shouted are alive.
00:49:44Those who didn't, aren't.
00:49:46Solas took out the runners, one of our first years, and at least half of third squad.
00:49:50Chaos erupts.
00:49:51Silver 1, Tern demands.
00:49:53I'm alive, I shout back to Tern, but I know he can feel the pain my adrenaline is masking.
00:49:58The smell, birds, the smell of sulfur in the burnt flesh of the dead dead dead snakes
00:50:01while rise in my throat.
00:50:03Wee, you're back, Nadine whispers, reaching for me and withdrawing her hand.
00:50:07It's touched.
00:50:08How bad is it?
00:50:09I tug at the front of my uniform, and it comes off in my hand, the fabric burnt clean through
00:50:13at my back.
00:50:14The armor beneath my uniform stays in place at least.
00:50:17Riddock runs his hands over the flattened, cinch peaks of his hair, and my gaze darts
00:50:21around, checking on everyone else next.
00:50:23I know that Queen and Imogen are safe behind us, already reaching to help third squad.
00:50:27Sawyer, Rhiannon, Riddock, Nadine, we all exchanged quick looks that asked and answered the same
00:50:32question.
00:50:33We are all intact.
00:50:34I let out a long breath, my head dizzy with relief.
00:50:37It didn't, it didn't burn through your armor, Nadine says.
00:50:40Good, thank gods for dragon scales.
00:50:42Are you heard?
00:50:43I ask Sloane as she stumbles, staring in shock at the carnage of third squad as Zarek helps
00:50:47the redhead to her feet.
00:50:48Sloane, are you heard?
00:50:49No, she isn't shaking her head as much as she is flat out trembling.
00:50:53Get back into formation, Pinchak's voice amplifies over the mayhem.
00:50:57Riders do not balk at fire.
00:50:59The fuck we don't, whoever didn't balk is dead.
00:51:01Dane's wide eyes need mine.
00:51:03He's either surprised by what happened as I am or a really good actor.
00:51:06All the wingledders must be, because they look equally stricken.
00:51:09Looking back at what remains of third squad, I see Imogen staring at a pile of cinder.
00:51:13As if she can feel me staring, she slowly drives her numb gaze to mine.
00:51:17Now, Pinchak demands.
00:51:19She stabs forward and I meet her halfway, grabbing hold of her elbows.
00:51:22Imogen.
00:51:23Karen, she whispers, Karen's dead.
00:51:26Gravity, logic, whatever it is that keeps me grounded shifts.
00:51:29There's no way that was intentional, is there, Imogen?
00:51:32Imogen.
00:51:33Don't say it, she warns, glancing around us.
00:51:36We make it back into formation as Major Garish moves to the front of the dais,
00:51:39appearing completely in phase that his dragon just took out riders who hadn't broken formation,
00:51:43some of them bonded.
00:51:45It is not only the first years who were in their lead, does it bizarre?
00:51:48He shouts, and I swear he's speaking directly to me.
00:51:50The wings are only as strong as their weakest rider.
00:51:53Rage overwhelms my senses, scolding hot and undoubtedly not mine.
00:51:57A girl with blackish-blue hair two rows ahead makes a run for it, running from our squad,
00:52:01and my heart stops when Solas leans forward again despite a snap from Kath on the right,
00:52:05the orange's mouth opening.
00:52:06Oh, gods.
00:52:07I'm considering tackling her to the ground myself when a set of wing beads is familiar as
00:52:11my own heartbeat sounds behind me.
00:52:13And the angle consuming my every breath, overruling my emotions, turns to something deadly across.
00:52:18Ten lands on the wall behind us, his wings flaring so wide one nearly touches the dormitory
00:52:22as he takes out the top row of stones next to the parapet.
00:52:25First years scream, running for their lives.
00:52:27Ten, I shout with more than a little relief, but there's no breaking through the absolute
00:52:31fury causing through him.
00:52:32My attention whips back and forth between Ten and the dragons behind the days.
00:52:36The wingletters' dragons all rear back, including Kath, with Solas holds his ground,
00:52:40his tongue curling when Ten's chest expands.
00:52:42You do not have the right to burn what is mine.
00:52:45His words consume all my mental pathways as Ten lets loose an earth-shattering roar in Solas's direction.
00:52:49Everyone slams their hands over their ears, including me, my entire body vibrating with the sound,
00:52:53hot air blasting the back of my neck.
00:52:56The wingletters' dragons take a step to the side of the wall as the roar ends,
00:52:59away from the orange dagger tail, with Solas' stands firm, his eye narrowing to a golden slit.
00:53:04Holy shit, Nadine whispers. That about sums it up.
00:53:07Ten extends his neck forward, high above our squad, then snaps his teeth to get a loud knee in Solas's direction in a clear threat.
00:53:13My heart races so fast it practically hums.
00:53:16Solas lets loose a shot, rasting snarl, then swings his head in a serpentine motion.
00:53:20His claws grip and grip the edge of the wall, and I hold my breath until he launches Clavet,
00:53:24his wings beating quickly as he retreats.
00:53:27Ten lifts his head, watching the fight before he turns his attention to the days and exhales a self-filĂŠ's thirst of steam,
00:53:32blowing Varish's thick black hair.
00:53:34I think he got the message, I say to Ten.
00:53:36If Solas comes near you again, he knows I will devour his human hole and let him rot within me while his heart still beats,
00:53:42and then I take the eye so graciously left him.
00:53:45That's graphic, I am not touching the question of their history with waves of anger still rolling.
00:53:49The warning should be effective.
00:53:51For now, he retracts, drawing back for power before he leaps from the wall,
00:53:54Zingit seeking up the gravel around us as he takes off.
00:53:57Pinchak returns to the podium, but his hand isn't exactly steady as he swipes the thinning hair on his head,
00:54:02the meddles on his chest.
00:54:03Well then, where were we?
00:54:05Varish glares at me, his hatred of patching grounds for the good of Dragonpine,
00:54:08and the wards of Nevaa were woven by the first six at which is now bizarre core college.
00:54:13United Nevaa, A Study in Survival by G.R.A.T.O. Bernal, Curator of the Scribe Quadrant.
00:54:18Chapter 9. T.
00:54:21Here next morning, I wake in a cold sweat, the sky pale with early light through my east-facing window,
00:54:25my body flooded with adrenaline from the nightmare.
00:54:27Like every morning since Sidon left, I wrap my knees tight and rest quickly,
00:54:30pulling the flexible summer uniform meant for sparring over my armor and plaiting my hair in a single, loose braids I head out of my room.
00:54:36My heart still thorns as I jog down the spiral steps,
00:54:39my brain unable to shake the nightmares that come so vividly while I sleep.
00:54:42When I sleep, I swallow back the bile rising in my throat.
00:54:45One of the women got away in resin, red veins firing away from his malevolent eyes.
00:54:49Who knows how many more they are, making their way toward our border while they rest.
00:54:53On the ground floor, first year's ferry to their newly assigned chore duties,
00:54:57with the courtyard is beastly empty, they attic with humidity yet mercifully cooler than yesterday thanks to the storm rolling in.
00:55:02I hold the heel of my boot to the back of my thigh, stretching the muscle.
00:55:06Despite copious amounts of vinifred zointment, the skin of my back is still tender from yesterday's burn,
00:55:10but it's a hundred times better than it was last night.
00:55:12Hasn't anyone told you that a perk of being a second year is the extra hour of sleep you get to have without chores?
00:55:18Imogen asks, is she? Approaches, her footstep fly down the gravel.
00:55:22Yeah, which I'm sure is great for people who can sleep.
00:55:25I stretch the other leg, what are you doing?
00:55:27Going with you, she stretches, too, rolling her neck at the same time.
00:55:31But what I can't figure out is why the hell you've been running every morning.
00:55:34My stomach hollows, how would you know that I've been running every morning?
00:55:38If Zayden thinks I need someone watching out for me this year, I shake my head, unable to finish the sentence.
00:55:42He was supposed to visit yesterday but never showed much to Tan's aggravation and memory.
00:55:47Relax, Zayden doesn't know, my room is right above yours, and let's just say I am not sleeping very well, either.
00:55:52Her gaze darts toward the rotunda as a group of cladets walks out.
00:55:56Dane, Sawyer, Rian and Bodhi, I recognize most his clothing leadership.
00:56:01Rian and Sawyer spot us immediately and head our way.
00:56:04So, why are we running, soaring Gale? Imogen asks, finishing her stretches.
00:56:08Because I generally secitate, I answer, I am good in short bursts, but anything longer than that, and I won't make it.
00:56:14Not to mention it's hell on my joints.
00:56:16Imogen's gaze snaps to mine, her eyes widening.
00:56:19Bodhi's father back and starts our way.
00:56:22His work is so similar to Zayden's pride that I almost do a double take.
00:56:25What are you doing up?
00:56:26Rian and asks, clicking a notebook into her arm as she and Sawyer reaches.
00:56:30I could ask you the same.
00:56:31I force a smile, but I am guessing it's a leadership meeting.
00:56:34Yes, concern creases her brow as she studies my face.
00:56:37Are you alright?
00:56:38Absolutely, good meeting.
00:56:40It's a pathetic attempt with normal conversation, given the scenes from recents to replaying through my head.
00:56:46From my nightmare.
00:56:47It was fine, Sawyer answers.
00:56:49They moved Bodhi therein from tail section to flame.
00:56:51We had to do some restructuring, seeing as most of third squad was thought yesterday, Rian in ads.
00:56:56Right, that makes sense.
00:56:58I glance over her shoulder and gauge I have about 5 seconds before Bodhi reaches us.
00:57:02If he knows I'm struggling, there's no doubt he'll tell Zayden, and I really don't need that conversation right now.
00:57:07Listen, I have to get going.
00:57:09Going where?
00:57:10Rian in asks, running.
00:57:11I answer truthfully.
00:57:12She draws her head back, her brow furrowing deeper.
00:57:15You never run, then it's a good time to start, I try to choke.
00:57:18She glances between Imogen and me, with Imogen.
00:57:21Yep, Imogen replies, apparently we're runners now.
00:57:24Bodhi arrives in time to hear that, his eyebrows rising.
00:57:27Together, Rian in's gaze keeps bouncing, to Imogen, me, and back again.
00:57:31I don't understand.
00:57:32If you can't lie, you keep your distance.
00:57:35Nothing to understand, we're just running, my smile is so tight I think my entire face might fracture with the effort it takes to keep it there.
00:57:41Bodhi's gaze narrows.
00:57:43But what if you don't make it in time for breakfast?
00:57:45We will, Imogen promises, if we leave right now.
00:57:48She glances at Bodhi, I've got this.
00:57:50Let them go, Bodhi says.
00:57:52But, Rian in starts, her gaze searching mine as if she can see right through me.
00:57:56Imogen's been training me since last year, but Rian knows we aren't exactly friends.
00:58:00Let them go, he repeats, and this time it's not a suggestion but an order from her section leader.
00:58:05I'll see you later, Rian asks.
00:58:08Later, I agree, unsure I mean it is I turned without another word and jog across the courtyard toward the tunnel.
00:58:13The gravel is shit for traction, making it harder, but that's fine.
00:58:16I need harder.
00:58:17Imogen catches me within a few strides.
00:58:19What do you mean you won't make it?
00:58:21What?
00:58:22We paused at the doors.
00:58:24You said you won't make it.
00:58:25Imogen gets to the handle before I do and holds the door shut.
00:58:28When I asked you why you're running, what did you mean?
00:58:30For a second, I debate not telling her, but she was dead, too.
00:58:34She's not sleeping, either.
00:58:36Soleil didn't.
00:58:37My gaze rocks with hers, but her expression doesn't change.
00:58:39Swear to the gods, nothing fazes her.
00:58:41I envy that, she was on the ground when she killed her.
00:58:44The way she channeled, it drained everything from the land.
00:58:46Everything touching the land, including Soleil and Fi.
00:58:48I watched it happen.
00:58:49I watch it happen every night when I close my eyes.
00:58:51It spread so quickly, and I know, I can't outrun it.
00:58:54Not if I'm too far from ten.
00:58:56I'm not fast enough for any considerable distance.
00:58:58I try to swallow the tightness in my throat, but do not seem to live there lately.
00:59:02Yet, Imogen says, yanking the door to the tunnel open.
00:59:05We're not fast enough yet.
00:59:07But we will be.
00:59:08Let's go.
00:59:09I.
00:59:10T is weird as hell to be all the way up here.
00:59:12Redox says from my left as we sit in the first battle brief of the academic year later the day,
00:59:16looking down at where the first tiers take up more than a third of the room.
00:59:19It's standing room only in the giant, tiered classroom for the third years behind us.
00:59:22This is the only place in the quadrant besides the gathering hall designed to hold all the writer to death,
00:59:26but it will take a few weeks of death rows before we can all sit in front of the story's tall map of the continent.
00:59:31It reminds me of the one in Brennan's briefing room in Aritya.
00:59:34He thinks we only have six months until when in challenge the wards, and yet there's not a single indication on this map.
00:59:41Viewers a little better, Nadine remarks from his other side.
00:59:44Definitely easier to see the higher portions of the map, Rhiannon agrees at my right, taking out her supplies and setting them on the desktop before her.
00:59:50Did you have a good run this morning?
00:59:52I'm not sure I'd call it good, but it was effective.
00:59:55I could buy no pooping pen on the table, wincing at the pain-shooting of my shins, and reinforce my shears.
01:00:00Keeping them up at all times is harder than I thought, and Tan loves to remind me when they slip.
01:00:04Look at all those first years with their clothes and ink, Redok remarks, leaning forward to look down at the envy classmen.
01:00:10There once was a time we didn't have lesser magic to powering pens, Nadine retorts.
01:00:14Stop acting superior.
01:00:16We are superior, he grins.
01:00:18Nadine rolls her eyes, and I can't fight my smile.
01:00:21Professor Davira walks down the narrow set of stone steps on our left that follows the tears of seeds, her favorite longsword strapped to her back.
01:00:27Her black hair is a little shorter since I saw her last, and there's a fresh, jagged wound along the rich mahogany skin of her biceps.
01:00:33I heard she spent last week with the southern wing, Rhiannon says quietly.
01:00:37My stomach denses and I wonder what, if anything, she saw.
01:00:40Welcome to your first battle brief, Professor Davira announces.
01:00:43IQ notice she gives the same speech as last year and wants the first years not to be surprised if the third years are called into service early to man the midbar posts or shadow the forward wings.
01:00:51Her gaze rakes over them before she raises her attention to the seconds, her eyes twinkling for a heartbeat as she flashes a proud smile at me before continuing upward as she explains how necessary it is for us to understand the current affairs of our borders.
01:01:02This is also the only class where you will not only answer to a writer as your professor, but a scribe, as well, she finishes, lifting her hand toward the stairs.
01:01:10Pernal Markham lifts the corner of his cream-pilled robes as he descends, heading for the recessed floor of the lecture hall.
01:01:16My muscles lock, and I fight the urge to flick one of my daggers into his traitor's back.
01:01:20He knows everything, he has to, he wrote the fucking textbook on Numerian history that all writers are taught from.
01:01:25And until last year, I was his top pupil, the one he'd handpicked to succeed in the scribe quadrant.
01:01:30You'll respect Colonel Markham as you would any other professor, Professor De Vera says.
01:01:34He is the foremost authority at Biskayak when it comes to all matters not only of our history but current events as well.
01:01:39Some of you may not know this, but information from the front is actually received at Biskayak before it's sent to the King in Caldeo, so you'll be hearing it first here.
01:01:46I glance down the tiers to where Arik sits beside Son in the row with our squad's first years, and to his credit, he doesn't flinch or even fidget in his seat.
01:01:53One good look, and Markham will know who he is, but with that haircut, if he keeps his head down, he's got a shot at blending in.
01:01:59At least until his father sound the alarm that he is missing from his gold-plated bed in Caldeo.
01:02:04First session point, Markham says when he reaches the floor of the hall, his silver egg grows knitting.
01:02:08There were not one but two attacks on our border by drifts of griffins in the past week.
01:02:12A murmur goes through the hall.
01:02:14The first, Professor Bivira says as she lifts her hand and uses lesser magic to move one of the flag markers from the side of the map to the border we share with the Breivik province of Poromil, who's near the village of Sipine, high in the Esden Mountains.
01:02:26An hour's flight from Montserrat.
01:02:28The only sound is pen and quill against parchment as we take notes.
01:02:31Here's what we can tell you, Markham says, folding his hands behind his back.
01:02:35The drift attacked two hours past midnight, when all but a few villages were asleep.
01:02:38It was unprovoked, and because Sipine is one of the villages that lies beyond the walls, the violence went undetected by the eastern wing for some matter of hours.
01:02:46My shoulder's deep, but I keep writing, pausing only to look up at the map.
01:02:50That village is at 8,000 feet, an altitude in prison for griffins.
01:02:54What were they looking for?
01:02:55Maybe I should have spent last night reading about what's in those mountains instead of 600-year-old political ramifications of establishing our war college here in Northern Calvia to the west.
01:03:03The drift was routed by three dragons on patrol from the local outpost, but by the time they arrived, most of the damage had been done.
01:03:09Supplies were stolen, homes were burned.
01:03:11The last griffin flyer was found in some of the local caves above the village, but neither he nor his griffin could tell as the motivation for attack, as they were both burned on sight.
01:03:19Hard for prisoners to talk about the villain they've been fighting if they're dead.
01:03:23That's what they get, Red Rock matters, shaking his head, going after civilians.
01:03:27But were they?
01:03:28Markham didn't mention civilian casualties, only description.
01:03:31I look up over my shoulder at where Imogen stands with Bodhi and Quinn, her arms folded over her chest.
01:03:36She glances down at me, her mouth tightening before she gives her attention back to Markham.
01:03:40Shit, I want to be standing up there with them, asking what they really think, or even Midya, who's with her third-year squad up in the corner.
01:03:46We might not be close, but at least she knows the truth.
01:03:49More than anything, I want to talk to Zayden.
01:03:51I want answers he is not willing to give me.
01:03:53As for the second, Professor Deweyra continues, moving another flag, this one to the south.
01:03:58My breakfast churns in my stomach when she puts the flag in place.
01:04:01The outpost of Atiyah Vine was attacked three days ago.
01:04:03I gasped in the pen falls from my hand, hitting the desk loudly in the quiet room.
01:04:07Are you alright? Rhiannon whispers.
01:04:10Something you have to say, good at Sorangil.
01:04:12Markham asks, poking his head and looking at me in the characteristically unreadable expression he is so fond of.
01:04:17But the challenge I've often seen when he used to try and dig a correct answer out of me is there in the simple lift of his brow.
01:04:22I know he's well aware of what is happening beyond our borders, but did Colonel Atos tell him that I know, too?
01:04:27No, sir, I answer, grabbing my pen before it can roll off my desk.
01:04:31I was startled, that's all.
01:04:33As far as I know from what he taught me in preparation for the scribe quadrant, outposts are rarely ever attacked directly.
01:04:38And, he leans back against the desk in the center of the floor, tapping a finger along the side of his bulbous nose.
01:04:43And, Monserrat was also directly attacked in the last year, so I can't help but wonder if this tactic is becoming more commonly used by our enemy.
01:04:50Interesting thought, it's something we are considering among scribes.
01:04:54The smile on his face is anything but friendly as he pushes off the desk, blasting his hands behind his robes as he nods at me.
01:05:00We usually start with first-years, Professor Davira says, putting a look at Colonel Markham.
01:05:05Finishing the details we can give you about the Athabine attack, it occurred a little before midnight, while 9 of the 12 dragons stationed there were still out on their patrols.
01:05:12The enemy totals were around 2 dozen from what we can tell, and they were defeated by the 3 present dragons, with help from the infantry.
01:05:182 Gryphon riders made it into the lower level of the outpost before being caught and killed.
01:05:22Shields, 10 grouse, and I build them back up.
01:05:25I didn't even notice they'd slipped.
01:05:27They should be like girls at this point, he lectures, snapping a little more than usual.
01:05:32I'm sorry.
01:05:33Surely you'd feel a breeze weird to forget putting them on.
01:05:36Point made.
01:05:37Isn't that where you guys were sent?
01:05:39Rhiannon asks, Athabine.
01:05:41I nod, hoping none of those liars were the ones who fought with the Zatresen.
01:05:44The first-years start when it's time for questions.
01:05:47What was the Gryphon's chosen formation for the attack on Athabine?
01:05:50A typical V.
01:05:51Are the two attacks connected?
01:05:53We have no reason to believe so.
01:05:55The questions go on and on, and none of them are getting to the heart of the matter, which makes me look at the cadets below us with a healthy dose of skepticism that they aren't the critical thinkers they need to be.
01:06:03Then again, maybe the other ears felt that way about us last year.
01:06:06Finally, Devira opens the floor to the other ears.
01:06:09Rhiannon's hand shoots up, and Devira calls on her.
01:06:12Do you think it's possible that the enemy knew the outpost had been emptied for war games and was trying to take advantage of the situation?
01:06:18She asks.
01:06:19Exactly.
01:06:20Professors Devira and Markham share a look.
01:06:22We do.
01:06:23Professor Devira finally answers.
01:06:25But the delay would show a lag in the timing of their information, correct?
01:06:28Rhiannon continues.
01:06:29The outpost was only empty for what?
01:06:31A few days.
01:06:32Five days, to be precise, Markham answers.
01:06:35And this attack occurred eight days after it was reoccupied.
01:06:37His gaze fades over mine, then lifts to the rose above.
01:06:40The Poromi trading post nearby, Rhiannon, was levered by Poromish unrest a couple of weeks ago, and we think that may be helping disrupt their communication lines about our outpost.
01:06:48Poromish unrest.
01:06:49Power rises within me so quickly that my skin heats.
01:06:52Devira glances sideways at Markham.
01:06:54We also don't usually give you the answers.
01:06:57Markham chuckles and dips his head.
01:06:59My apologies, Professor Devira.
01:07:01I must not be at my best today.
01:07:02Too little sleep in the last few days.
01:07:04Happens to the best of us.
01:07:06I raise my hand, and Devira calls on me.
01:07:08Where in the outpost where the griffin right is found?
01:07:11Near the armory.
01:07:12Shit.
01:07:13I nod.
01:07:14They were aiding the outpost for weapons.
01:07:15Our walls might not reach that far, but I bet my life a cache of daggers was moved there if leadership knew Winninba in the vicinity.
01:07:21Brennan can't supply even a fraction of the drifts.
01:07:23Of course they're going to fight to steal weaponry.
01:07:25We need to smithel them all.
01:07:27What would you do were you in command of the riot at the Etchabine outpost?
01:07:30She asks the room, then calls on Caroline Ashton when she raises her hand.
01:07:34I'd double the patrol for the next few weeks in a show of course,
01:07:37and maybe consider raising a few Peromish border villages, she suggests.
01:07:40Rhiannon scoffs quietly.
01:07:42Remind me to never get on her bad side, the dog matters.
01:07:45In retaliation, Dane interrupts.
01:07:47That's not our way.
01:07:48Read the codex about the rules of engagement, Ashton.
01:07:51Says the man who sent me to my death.
01:07:53He's right, Devira agrees.
01:07:55We defend our borders with lethal force, but we don't take water civilians.
01:07:58We just don't bother saving them, either.
01:08:00But does she know that?
01:08:01Shit, can I trust anyone around here?
01:08:03But, maybe the whole report is wrong.
01:08:05Maybe it was Y1 and Winnin attacking, not Drifons.
01:08:08Maybe this entire presentation is a well-crafted lie.
01:08:10How many writers were wounded in the Etchabine attack, given that one was killed?
01:08:14I ask.
01:08:15Four of us, Devira answers, pointing at her arm.
01:08:18Including me, this is courtesy of a rider with an excellent aim of her bow.
01:08:21So much for the not-drifon idea.
01:08:23We are excused after another half hour of current events, and I ditch my squad in the crowd, searching out Bodhi.
01:08:29He's nearly to the steps of the briefing room before I catch up to him.
01:08:32Sorengil, he asks after we make it through the bottleneck of the doors.
01:08:36I want to help, I whisper.
01:08:38Maybe I can do more than just trade.
01:08:40For fuck's sake, he takes my elbow and pulls me into an echo, towering over me with look of exasperation.
01:08:45I have direct instructions to keep you as far away from helping as possible.
01:08:48He's not even here, and he's still giving you orders.
01:08:51I add just the strap of my bag on my shoulder as most of the quadrant funnels pass.
01:08:55That tactic isn't going to work on me, because yes, he shrugs and scratches a pin into the cast on his arm.
01:09:01And I thought you were the most reasonable of the group.
01:09:03I sigh, look, if I can help, then maybe we can prevent what I'm assuming are supply runs.
01:09:08Talking in court is ridiculous, but anyone could be listening.
01:09:11Give me a job.
01:09:12Oh, I'm the most reasonable in the group.
01:09:15He flashes a grin, leaning back on his heels.
01:09:17I also don't have a death wish.
01:09:19Survive second year and strengthen your shields, Sorengil.
01:09:21That's your job.
01:09:22She trying to talk you into letting her join the shenanigans.
01:09:25Imogen asks, stopping alongside us.
01:09:27Trying, is the precise word, Bodhi says.
01:09:30Only trying, he walks off into the crowd.
01:09:32How are we expected to go back to class like nothing happened?
01:09:35I asked Imogen as we walk out into the floor of cadets headed for the main staircase of the academic wing.
01:09:39You're supposed to act like nothing happened, Imogen says quietly, waving at Quinn, who's waiting ahead with Rhiannon.
01:09:45That's the deal we all made when we came here.
01:09:47She moves her bag, twisting her wrist so her rebellion relic is front and center between us.
01:09:51And like it or not, you're one of us now.
01:09:53Well, as close as you can get without one of these.
01:09:56I shift my heavy pack on my shoulder and nod, realizing I know too little to actually help the marked ones and too much to speak frankly to my friends.
01:10:03Hey, Imogen says to Quinn, lunch.
01:10:06Absolutely, Quinn answers.
01:10:08The two walk ahead while Rhiannon falls back to keep pace with me.
01:10:11Doesn't Quinn usually eat lunch with her girlfriend?
01:10:13Ri asks.
01:10:14Yes, but she graduated.
01:10:16Right, she sighs and lowers her voice.
01:10:18I wanted to talk to you before breakfast but didn't get a chance.
01:10:21I think the school is hiding something from us.
01:10:24I nearly trip over my own boots but catch my balance before I can make a fool out of myself.
01:10:28I'm sorry.
01:10:29She can't know, she just can't.
01:10:31I barely survived losing EM, I can't fathom anything happening to her.
01:10:34I think there's something going on in the healer quadrant, she says, lowering her voice.
01:10:39I tried to take her first year to see Nolan yesterday after formation turned into a fire pit, and he looks like absolute shit.
01:10:44I mean, the man could barely stand.
01:10:46And when I went to ask him if he was alright, the new wise commandant said he had more important things to do than talk to cadets and basically escorted him to that little door in the back of the infirmary, which is now barred.
01:10:55I think they're hiding something back there.
01:10:57I open and shut my mouth a couple of times, turn between confusion and relief.
01:11:01Maybe they brought some of the injured riders from one of the outposts for mending, I offer.
01:11:05The backlog would explain why Bodhi is still in the cast.
01:11:08She shakes her head, since when do a few broken bones recommend her?
01:11:12Maybe they brought in a prisoner from Poromi.
01:11:14The dog forces his way in between us, and Nolan keeps healing them as Varish breaks them.
01:11:18I heard one of the third year say that what Varish is known for, torture.
01:11:23And you're known for leaves dropping.
01:11:25Rhi shakes her head.
01:11:26Instead of eating lunch with my friends, I make a quick excuse and take my prey to the little lavery alcove in commons to finish reading United.
01:11:33Nava, a study in survival.
01:11:35Sadly, after an hour hunched over the tome, I realize I already know most of the facts it regurgitates about the triumph of unification and the sacrifices made by both humans and dragons to establish peace.
01:11:45Disappointment sings like a paper cut.
01:11:47Naturally the secrets of ward building weren't going to be in the first book I researched, but it would have been a pleasant surprise for something to be easy.
01:11:53I contemplate asking Jason here for a volume more focused on the first six riders as I change for assessment back in my room, then head to the gym and meet my squad on the edge of the man.
01:12:01I hate assessment day, I mutter, taking the squad between me and Nadine.
01:12:05Can't blame you after the way yours went last year, the dog peases as he steps up next to Sawyer.
01:12:10The first match begins between two of our first years, and I can't help but notice re-glancing my way every few minutes.
01:12:15By the end, Vizier, the repeat, has trampled the brutish girl with shocking red girls who'd thrown up on a rock yesterday, and re's all but frowning at me.
01:12:22And she's not the only one.
01:12:24Sloane is staring like she might actually be capable of bearing me to death as she shifts her weight continuously on the left side of the mat.
01:12:30Bela Norris and Michelle Levin, Professor Amitrio, our squad's combat teacher, shouts the first years decide Sloane, then tilts his shaved head down at the clipboard in his beefy hands.
01:12:39Shit, I really didn't want to know their names.
01:12:41The stalky guy with nervous eyes faces off against a brunette who couldn't stop biting her nails yesterday.
01:12:46You alright, I asked re as the brunette somehow flipped the music he went onto his back.
01:12:50Impressive.
01:12:51Should I be asking you that?
01:12:53Re responds, lowering her voice to a whisper.
01:12:55I am mad at me.
01:12:56What?
01:12:57I rip my attention from the way the girl is handing that guy his ass to look at her.
01:13:01Why would I be mad at you?
01:13:03Between the running and not eating lunch with us, it kinda feels like you're avoiding me.
01:13:07And it's ridiculous, but all I can think is it may be your pistol that I chose soil as executive officer yesterday instead of you, and if that's the case, then let's talk about it.
01:13:15Wait, what?
01:13:16No, I shake my head, my hand holding my stomach.
01:13:19Not at all, I am the worst possible choice for executive officer, considering I have to fly off to Samara every 2 weeks or 10 to see SDI.
01:13:26Right, she nods, reliefs of seeing her brown eyes.
01:13:29That was exactly my thought.
01:13:30Sawyer is a great choice, and I have zero aspirations to leadership.
01:13:34I'm only trying to get well noticed over here, not mad in the least.
01:13:37So you are not avoiding me?
01:13:39Re asks.
01:13:40I would have made a kick ass executive officer, the dean interrupts, saving me from having to answer.
01:13:45But at least you didn't choose the dog.
01:13:47He would have seen the whole thing as a platform to crack more jokes.
01:13:50Guess we are not being as quiet as we think we are.
01:13:52Misha firmly trounces Bela, and Emetrio calls the next pair to the mat.
01:13:56Sloane marry and, he reads from his role, Arak Grey Castle.
01:13:59I want her instead, Sloane says, pointing a dagger at me.
01:14:02She has to be kidding.
01:14:04But she's not, sighing.
01:14:05I cross my arms and shake my head at Liam's little sister.
01:14:08Gods, Sloane, Imogen snorts, laughing off to the right, where she watches with Quinn.
01:14:13You really feel like dying on your first day.
01:14:15Did she compliment you?
01:14:17Riannon whispers.
01:14:18Oddly enough, I think so.
01:14:20I can take her, Sloane fires back, white-bickling her knife.
01:14:23From what your letter said last year, her joints pop right out.
01:14:26How hard can it be?
01:14:28Seriously, I shoot a reproachful look at Imogen.
01:14:30I can explain, Imogen puts her hand over her heart.
01:14:33You see, I didn't like you last year, remember?
01:14:36You were kind of an acquired taste.
01:14:37Great, I appreciate that, I could back sacristically.
01:14:40I couldn't tell us about whatever grudge you think you hold against Soren Gale, Mary.
01:14:44A material size like this year has already exhausted.
01:14:47Him, I know who trained her, and I am not unleashing her on her first year.
01:14:51He lifts a dark-brow to Imogen.
01:14:53I, too, made an error last year.
01:14:55He turns back to Sloane, the corners of his mouth slashing down.
01:14:58Now does Amon take your place against Precastle?
01:15:00Sloane hands off her weapons and faces Arek, who easily has about 5 inches in years of private combat tutoring on her.
01:15:06But she chants she'll be able to hold her own.
01:15:08Did someone say Soren Gale?
01:15:10A deep voice asks from behind us.
01:15:12A line of second years all glance over shoulders at the bullish first year who prove his crony one off the parapet.
01:15:16There's a second wing patch on his shoulder as he lumbers forward, his hands at his sides.
01:15:20Popularity.
01:15:22.
01:15:26.
01:15:30.
01:15:35.
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