I was wary of stepping out there, knowing so many were so close. But the black dragon made a deep, low rumble that traveled through the stones under our feet and as we stepped out the door, every body in the wide aisle outside either turned away, or slipped into one of the stables and out of sight.
The black dragon led the way, his head low and snaking back and forth. The Commander followed with me, then Akhane behind us.
I kept my eyes down as much as I could to avoid the judgmental and curious eyes we passed, watching the flagstones as we made our way up the center aisle, then to the southern wing. But the further we went, the less noise and bustle surrounded us. Finally, we reached the end of a massive wing of the stables. There was ahuge,decorative set of double doors at the end, tall enough for the black dragon to walk out with his head up. But they were closed and barred.
The light was dimmed here. All the stable doors on this wing were either empty, or closed. The black dragon stopped walking and reached with a claw to unhook a massive latch on a stable door to our left. Then he shoved it back with his nose and it slid into the wall, revealing a massive, airy space beyond.
Next to me, the Commander chuckled, a low warm sound that fluttered in my belly. I didn’t know what had made him laugh, but to my surprise, the black dragon turned in the aisle, and instead of walking into the stable first, backed up towards those massive doors, his head low.
His ears were no longer pinned back.
The Commander gestured for me to go first into that space and I took a deep breath.
It was another stable with walls of the same stone, but almost four times as big as Akhane’s. And with far more windows. They were still very high, near the rafters. But they were wider and taller. And the floor, though stone, was cushioned with a double-layer of straw that shifted under my feet as we walked.
“This is Kgosi’s stable,” the Commander said, looking down at me with a smile.
I frowned. “Keg-go-see?” I asked, confused.
His brows popped up, then he chuckled again. “My dragon. The Primarch. That black beast who just opened the door all on his own,” he said with a twinkle in his eye that I didn’t understand.
Theblack beastsnorted a fierce disapproval ofthat.But there was no smoke in it, and Akhane made a strange little chittering sound. I wasn’t sure if she was laughing, or teasing, but I felt the rise of good-natured warmth in her.
“Thank you?” I said, still confused about why we’d been brought here.
The Commander patted my shoulder. “You’re going to stay here for a time,” he said gently. “You and Akhane. Kgosi has offered to share so that you’re safe and there’s no further risk ofcrowds,”he said dryly, though I saw the flash of anger simmering under his humor.
My chest tightened.
“That’s… very generous,” I said, looking at the massive creature warily.
Then the Commander leaned down into my ear. “He looks very fierce—and he can be, no doubt about it. But when he offers himself, he’ll serve you. Don’t be afraid. I assure you, you’ve never been safer than here in this moment,” he whispered.
Kgosi lashed his tail, but he’d walked over to the trough at the end of the stable and was drinking. Akhane sidled up beside him carefully, her head low and wings drooping.
I wasn’t sure if she was tired, or submitting. But she waited for Kgosi to turn his head towards her and rumble before she joined him for a drink. Then they stood, shoulder to shoulder.
She was so much smaller than him, it was quite remarkable. She seemed huge to me. But Kgosi wasmassive.
“There’s a groom’s quarters in the back. I think, at least for now, that’ll be the smartest place for you to call home. None of the stableboys use it, and no one will dare come in here without Kgosi’s permission. You’ll be working and training during the day, so it’s only at night. But there’s a bed and drawers in there. It’s tight, but better than the barracks with the men, I think.”
He soundedrelieved.
“Thank you. But I have no clothes or things. All I need is a bed and a place to wash. And I’ll work to cover my keep. I learn quickly, and I’m strong. I’ve worked our farm since I was a child, and—”
“Bren, be at ease,” the Commander said quietly, his expression kind, but also firm. “I already told you: You’ve been Chosen. You’re Flameborne now. No one can take that from you. You and Akhane are bonded for the rest of your life. And, for better or worse, you’ll train until you’re strong enough to undertake the trials. You will rise or fall in our ranks on that basis. But no matter what, you need do nothing else toearnyour place here. It was given by the dragons, and no man will remove it from you. Do you understand?”
I nodded, though I wasn’t sure I understoodat all.
He nodded. “Good. Now, I’m sorry for that disturbance. I doubt you’ll have any more trouble. I’ll make sure the servants bring food and clothing here. We’ll give you and Akhane the day to grow accustomed to each other before we begin training tomorrow. I have to run to another meeting now, I’m afraid. But if you have any further problems, have Akhane tell Kgosi. We can link over greater distances than you and Akhane will be able to reach for now. I’ll come if he calls.”
“I… thank you,” I said lamely, overwhelmed. Certain I shouldn’t be expecting aCommanderto come to my aid, but uncertain what else to do when he gave the order.
“You’re welcome. And don’t worry, Bren. This will all become… clearer,” he said, hesitating as if he’d been about to say another word, but changed his mind.
I thanked him again as he turned to leave, but he and Kgosi shared a look as he darted out the door. The massive dragon rippled past as if he would follow, yet stopped just inside the door, lowering himself into the straw with a groan.
Moments later, Akhane flowed past me, blowing from her nose, her head low as she approached the Primarch.
