Page 165 of Ashborne: Defiance

‘I am sure for you, Firebird.’

I smiled and snuck a glance at Koa over my shoulder. She tossed her head and danced on the spot. She was thrilled as well. Eager for us to fly alone. I just had to pray that I remembered all the formations. I’d been working so hard to take off and land without falling, and learning all the formation commands in classes, we only started serious focus on flying the formations a few days ago.

Koa had a good memory, and enjoyed the movements. But nerves trilled in my stomach as I mentally recited the list to myself.

All my brothers and Bren said the same thing: Every Flameborne assessment was different. Different formations would be called, different maneuvers than had been used before. That way, no one could cheat and practice just the parts they would need.

So, it didn’t matter what they’d called for Bren, what movements she’d been required to know—or any of my brothers. We would rise or fall today—perhaps literally—based on what the captains had chosen for our test.

I swallowed hard as one of the men next to me shook out his arms and rolled his head on his neck.

At least I wasn’t the only nervous one.

The general stepped up to stand in front of us and called for the gathering to honor the queen. As we all bowed and saluted, I prayed that I would make her proud.

Bren stood alongside the ruler because she’d been standing next to Donavyn. Now, Bren and our brothers stood, facing us, along with the other squads. All of them preparing to fly. Because we had to demonstrate that we could fly in formation with our squads.

I blew out a breath and sent up a prayer that I wouldn’t make a stupid mistake.

I could do this. I had to do this!

One little test, and then Koa and I would be allowed to fly alone, whenever we wanted. Koa felt the surge of hope and anticipation in me and trumpeted her encouragement.

I wanted to do a little dancing of my own.

Please, God. Please…

“…This is an honorable task, undertaken by every Furyknight ever sworn to the pin and crown. Flameborne, you have been Chosen for this. Do not take this lightly. Though this is not one of your trials, it is, indeed, a test. But fear not: if you do not pass today’s assessment, your journey to Furyknight is not over. Today, and only today, you are given the chance to fail, and continue on this path. Flight assessment is an important step in proving that you’ve absorbed your training, and are ready to begin working with your team to meet the express challenge of the Furyknight trials. But today you will be tested only for your safety, and the safety of your dragon.”

The man who walked up and down in front of us was Captain Gunnar. He was the Wing Commander of the Flyers. The group of Furyknights whose primary skill was in flight. While every man here could fly their dragon in ways that stole my breath, the flyers were acrobats. Incredibly swift, and skilled in in-air combat.

I wondered if we would become one of them.

Captain Gunnar stopped at the center of our line and stared at us one by one. He was older than Donavyn, but he still stood straight, and had broad shoulders, even with his hair beginning to gray.

“Flameborne, today you prove yourselves. If you are able to mount, launch, fly, obey formation commands, and land safely, you will be cleared for solo flight. Do not underestimate the importance of this assessment.

“This is our first chance to measure your readiness to join our world, up there,” he said with a half-smile, tipping his chin to the sky. “Yet, if you’re successful today, you receive the freedom of a child, not yet an adult. You will not fly patrols, or become a functioning member of your squads until you have passed your first trial. So, while this is a gauntlet, you pass through it to be allowed to walk alone, not run.” His expression softened as he grinned, which surprised me. “Fear not, little ones.” Everyone watching chuckled. I felt my cheeks heat. “While passing today’s assessment does not make you a Furyknight, neither does failure mean you will never be. It is simply a step. Do your best to take it with pride. But if you cannot, accept defeat with humility and keep working.”

The words had the ring of a vow. The Furyknights lined up behind him nodded, as if they recognized it.

My heart swelled. I prayed one day I would stand in that line and remember this day when they’d been spoken to me. But then Captain Gunnar turned and raised his voice again.

“Since there are only four of you, we will have you fly formation together. You have one minute to determine who will fly wing, and who will fly pivot. Go.”

I turned quickly as the three men in the line huddled together, muttering to each other without hesitation.

“Beck is small, so I’ll fly pivot,” the young blonde one said. I opened my mouth but the other two nodded.

“I’ll be your wing.” That was the other, younger man. It seemed the two were friends—I suspected they’d planned this. But that left the third man who’d stood next to me in line. He had dark hair, and a thick beard. He cursed and shook his head, obviously angry at the other two for choosing each other and leaving him with me.

“You don’t need to worry,” I assured him. “Koa is very talented, and I can—”

“Your dragon is huge for a female,” the third man said flatly, interrupting me. “I’ll fly pivot. You fly wing. Follow my instructions. We’ll get you through.”

“But—”

“Do you have your positions, Flameborne?” Captain Gunnar called.