He nodded once, then turned on his heel and left. I considered going back to those confusing reports, but I suddenly felt every moment of my forty years.
And yet, at the same time, it was as if I were a Flameborne myself only yesterday.
Who the hell was I to be running this show?
‘Your insistence on questioning my choice of bondsman grates, Donavyn.’Kgosi’s voice in my head was deeply disapproving.
I huffed.‘I wasn’t questioning your choice, I was—’
‘You do exactly as you instruct others not to: doubt your purpose.’
‘I doubt my ability to fulfill it, not the purpose itself. If you’re going to chastise me, do it for the right reason,’I chuckled. Kgosi huffed in my head, but didn’t speak further. He knew his point was made. And I listened. Because he was right: I also needed to lead by example. And I had been given this calling, this role. Which meant I would do my damnedest to be the best at it.
If I failed… well, there was something to be said for meeting expectations.
‘Sometimes, Donavyn, you are an ass.’
‘And you’re the pain in mine, so I guess we’re even?’
Kgosi huffed with laughter, then growled.‘Modern men have no respect for their elders. When I was a hatchling—’
‘You told me that when you were a hatchling you set your Primarch’s nest alight. Don’t talk to me about respect.’
There was a beat, then Kgosi replied sounding decidedlysnippy.
‘Over two centuries old, and today I learn that my judgment in whom to share my secrets is decidedlyoff.’
‘Now you’re just making my arguments for me.’
We both chuckled and I packed up my desk, intending to return to the stable to spend a moment with my dragon before I went to bed, but a few moments later Kgosi was in my head once more.
‘Do you truly doubt yourself, Donavyn? Have I not nurtured you to true strength, even now?’
I sighed.‘By a human’s assessment, you have polished me to a shine, Keg. Don’t let my wavering unsettle you. I feel the doubt, then I remember the Creator gave you to me. I don’t doubt you. Not in the slightest.’
‘Then, apparently your judgment is better than mine. Congratulations.’
I snorted.‘Go to sleep, old man. I’ll come scratch your eye-ridges on my way home.’
A few minutes later as I walked out of the Academy building and into the chill night, my breath made a cloud in front of me. I looked up at the clear sky to see the stars twinkling and imagined the Creator looking down with a grin on his face.
I muttered about tangled destinies and divine jokes, but in truth, I was smiling as well.
A female Flameborne? The very concept waslaughable.And yet, it was apparent that the Creator had brought us a heart with all the equipment that made a Furyknight so special.
The true question was, wouldshesee and understandherpurpose?
Only time would tell.
And I found I looked forward to finding out.
21. The Weight of Despair
~ BREN ~
Three days after that hellish, but awe-inspiring flight with the squad I stumbled away from the flight fields, my body trembling with weariness, and frustration threatening to split my skin.
This new life was incredible. Fascinating. And painful.
