She nodded uncertainly, but her eyes remained on her dragon who was now rooting around in the straw, pulling some further out into the floor, and nudging other bunches to the sides. Like most animals, dragons could rest anywhere. But given half a chance, they’d make a nest every time—especially females.
“She’s nesting,” I said.
Bren blinked. “Like a bird?”
“More like a deer—she’ll create a space that fits her body and allows her to rest curled among the straw. You’ll be allowed to touch her or get close whenever you like, but others won’t.” I gave Bren what I hoped was an encouraging smile. “Be as free with her as you wish, but show extreme caution with other dragons. Your Wing Leader will make sure you’re trained. But until we’ve sorted out where you’ll fit, keep your head down and don’t touch another dragon unless the dragon touches you first, or their rider tells you that you can.”
She nodded again, but that V appeared again between her brows.
“I know it’s been a big day. You to stay here to rest with Akhane for a time. I’ll meet with the Captains and the Wing Leaders, then send someone for you. Just be patient.”
“I will. Thank you.”
Akhane groaned, easing herself down into the straw in a posture not dissimilar from the position she’d taken at the bottom of the launch hollow when she was hiding Bren. But she was clearly more relaxed here, and as soon as she’d shifted and found her comfort, she turned her head towards Bren and gave a low groan of invitation.
“I’ll leave you two alone in a moment,” I said quickly, catching Bren’s elbow through my jacket that she still wore around her like a cloak. “But I’ll need a few questions answered so we can move ahead: First, how old are you?”
“Nineteen, almost twenty,” she said promptly, but a shadow passed behind her eyes at those words that I didn’t understand.
“And where is your family? Are they nearby? They’ll be missing you soon if they aren’t already. We can get word to them—”
“No!” she said quickly, then her eyes widened. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to—”
“It’s okay, Bren. Just tell me: Are there family or loved ones that we should inform of your Choosing? You don’t need to worry about them being angry if you’ve missed chores or other duties. It’s a great honor. And we have servants who can assist families for a time if they’re left shorthanded, or—”
“No. Truly. There’s no one looking for me,” she said quietly, her eyes drawing back to Akhane, who crooned and huffed.
I wasn’t sure I believed her, but I also doubted it was important enough to press in that moment. If she did come from poverty or abuse, there was every chance she’d been abandoned. Taking this news to her family would only open old wounds if they came looking for handouts. It was a problem our men often faced.
“Very well,” I said with a nod. “I’ll let the Quartermaster know. I’ll also have a supply officer find some clean clothing for you, I’m sure one of the maids or cooks will be your size and can help. I suspect we’ll need to have your flying leathers specially made.”
Her eyes widened again. I looked towards where Kgosi stood, filling the doorway and ensuring our privacy—though there would be no brighter beacon to let others know where we were than his presence.
“I’ll meet with the Captains and begin the process for your orientation. Rest for now. If I have need of you I’ll send a messenger—and here at the Academy, Akhane can follow anywhere you’re asked to go. If you meet with any problems, simply call for me.
“Oh, and should you need it, there’s a privy in the western stable yard. Blankets are in every tack room. And Benji’s going to bring you a cot. Set up in here with Akhane for now, but I’ll find a decent bed for you. I’ll just need some time to determine details. Don’t worry.”
I nodded to her once, then turned for the door to leave her to rest with her dragon, but Kgosi didn’t move, and before I reached him, her voice—quiet, but insistent—raised behind me.
“Commander Donavyn?”
“Yes?” I turned.
“Your jacket?” she said, so quietly it was almost a whisper, looking down at where she wore it.
I smiled to reassure her. “Don’t worry. I’m sure you’ll get it back to me when the time is right.”
She looked relieved. I raised my hand in farewell and was about to leave, but stopped suddenly, my heart pinched.
Her chin was high and her eyes clear, but the rest of her was a mess. Strands of her mahogany hair had fallen out of the drunken bun. They dangled and fluttered in the light breeze of the open stable. She had my jacket clutched at her chest to cover the place where her shirt was ripped,but the cotton hem of her blouse sagged over the waistband of her skirt where the jacket fell open below her grip. There were smears of blood dirt ground into the fabric. Her skin was grubby, tracks from wiping away her tears still evident in the grime of her cheeks.
There was so clearly astoryhere. Yet, she seemed so fragile, I worried asking right now might break her completely.
How the hell had she ended uphere,close enough to the Dragon Keep to be identified and Chosen? I didn’t know. Yet, here she was. Terrified, weary, uncertain. And so damnedsmall.
For a moment, the sheer vulnerability of her took my breath away. If Kgosi put a foot to her head, he’d flatten her like a snail.
‘SheisLittle Flame.’
