Ronen rubbed his chin. “I worry that her nerves around men will interfere with her judgment. I’ve seen her flinch more than once when one of us moves in her peripheral vision. She steps back when I approach. And she has that hunted look in her eyes. The one we’ve spoken about.”
I nodded. It was an aspect of assessing and training new Flameborne. Many came to us from poverty, abuse, or neglect. We had to identify those whose pasts might hamper their clarity in times of stress.
“So, she’s got the warning flags? I’m not surprised. I noticed her tension in my interactions with her as well. But she had the spirit and strength to stand up to you all at once?”
He nodded. “She was afraid, and she fought at first. In fact, she fought several times. Her determination is remarkable when she’s cornered. She almost fell face-first off the net. She definitely struggled physically. She vomited when she got her feet on solid ground.”
I huffed. “She’s not uncommon there.”
“No, but I’m still not sure she can do this, Sir—I mean, Donavyn,” Ronen sighed. “Yet, the fire is there. And Akhane’s clearly thriving in the bond. They seem very connected already. Both of them. Not just the dragon.”
I nodded, thoughtful. That was an important point. The dragon’s strength and supernatural nature was an asset to those of us who bonded them. Somehow in ways only the Creator knew, once the bond was embedded, the dragons’ magic ran in our veins. It healed our bodies and aided our hearts. And the deeper the bond, the more they made us bolder, both mentally and physically. If she was deeply connected to Akhane already, she’d strengthen quickly.
“That’s a good sign,” I said. “So, why do you look like you’re reluctant to think what you’re thinking?”
Ronen’s frown deepened and he shrugged. “I can’t put my finger on it. Is it just because she’s a woman? I don’t know. There’s a humility in her that will help her—she’s not going to fight me on petty chores, or that sort of thing. But can any person who truly sees themselves as… I don’t know how to say it, Donavyn, but she’s a kicked puppy. She’s strong and fast for her size, and there’s a spine at her back. But shecringes.”
I nodded, remembering her pale face and flustered apologies—the certainty that I disapproved and blamed her for what had happened.
“I’d say you have your work cut out for you then,” I said solemnly. “She has many obstacles to overcome. Her path will be unique.”
Ronen snorted.“Allof our paths are unique now that she’s a part of them.”
“How did the others take it?”
“They surprised me,” he said genuinely. “They encouraged her as they do each other. They haven’t started hazing her yet. I made it clear to them that she’s not a target for anything dangerous. But they need to bond with her. I don’t know how that’s going to go. Especially if she passes the first trial.”
I sighed and rubbed my temples. “Yes, that’s a challenge. If she were a man, how would you assess her? Take her gender out of it—if a male her size and age and acting as she acts was bonded, what would your assessment be at this point?”
Ronen’s expression grew thoughtful. “I think if she could retain that fire in her belly, but learn when and how to apply it and develop the discipline to keep herself in check until she’s sure. If she could hold onto the humility, but not allow it to lower her assessment of herself… If she were a man, I’d see a great deal of potential in her,” he said, nodding to himself. “And a great many reasons for concern.”
I took a deep breath. “Then I’d say we were in agreement on that. So, tell me your focus for these first few weeks?”
He met my eyes then and the calm confidence I’d always admired in him and that marked him as a leader, came to the fore. “She needs discipline, but also encouragement. She’s not one who would be motivated by shame. She needs to be believed in.”
I nodded, but Ronen wasn’t done.
“And she needs to build her body. That’s going to be her greatest barrier, I think. She’s just purely not strong enough. The safety strap on the net almost defeated her.”
I winced. “She’s going to struggle to keep up if that was tough.”
Ronen nodded, but didn’t comment. There was no need. We were in agreement.
“I want weekly updates. Every evening on Firstday, here, at this time, or tell me the time that will suit if you have a patrol conflict. We need to watch this one closely.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“And stop calling me, Sir, Ronen. I’m sorry to admit, this is going to slow your promotion, but make no mistake, you’ve been brought to Council for a reason. As long as you keep yourself and your squad alive, you’ll take your seat at that table. Sir is appropriate in front of the men—we lead by example. But when we’re alone, I’m Donavyn. And if I’m getting it wrong, you have my permission to tell me. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Sir—Donavyn,”he said grimacing. But I huffed, remembering how difficult that jump had been for me in my day, also.
A moment later he was out of his chair, bidding me farewell as he marched towards the door—but I called him back and he turned, a question in his eyes.
“I don’t think I need to remind you, but I will: we’re being exceedingly careful with this one, ensuring none of the men develop anything deeper than a brotherly affection for her, yes? She’ll needbrothers to make it safely through the next few years. And you all know the men. You know who she needs to avoid, probably better than I do.”
Ronen’s face grew serious. “I was very clear with them, even before the Acknowledgement. They understand. And they’re a good squad, Donavyn. She’s a sister to them. And a sister she’ll remain.”
“See that she does.”
