My attention drifted to the dragons waiting outside the circle—eight magnificent creatures, each different in color and bearing. One of them, a dark blue male, matched my tea-induced visions so perfectly that for a moment, I couldn't tell if it was real or another hallucination.
"We will need to make three trips," Saphir said. "Decide among yourselves the order of your transport." He motioned forus to move toward the dragons. "I will address you again once you get settled in the academy."
He gave me a slight nod as I passed by him, and I returned the gesture with a respectful dip of my head. I was dismissed, but the shaman let me know that he wasn't done with me.
I fell into step with Codric but then lengthened my strides to catch up to Kailin, who walked ahead of us with Shovia, her posture rigid with what might have been excitement or fear.
"Are you okay?" I asked.
She nodded and turned to me with a weak smile. "My brother is here. I hope to ride behind him."
The blue dragon I'd noticed earlier swung its head toward us, eyes gleaming with intelligence.
"Who goes first?" called one of the riders.
I expected Kailin to step forward because her brother was there to take her, but she hung back, letting others go ahead of her. Seeing the first group try to climb up the dragons, I was glad that I'd decided to stay with Kailin.
Watching them struggle, I could figure out what they were doing wrong and save myself embarrassment when it was my turn.
When the first two dragons launched into the air with earth-shaking power, their wings created windstorms that buffeted those of us waiting below. And as they wheeled away into the aurora-lit sky, I watched with exhilaration and envy the two new cadets riding for the first time, imagining I could be like them, but the weight of my unmasking kept the elation at bay.
44
KAILIN
"First flight, first light."
—Dragon Rider's Verse
Irecognized my brother's dragonia before I saw him. Unlike most dragons whose eyes were gold or amber, Jagura's were a striking shade of sapphire that matched her scales. She remembered me. I could feel it in the way she regarded me with what seemed like fond recognition.
Dylon must have sensed something through their bond because he turned to look in my direction, and when he saw me, his face broke into the same boyish grin that I remembered so well.
"Kailin!" He abandoned all pretense of dignity, sliding down Jagura's side and crossing the distance between us in severallong strides. His bear hug knocked the breath out of me. "I knew you'd make it. I told everyone my little sister would be chosen, but in my wildest dreams I couldn't have imagined that Shovia would get selected as well."
"It's a miracle." I laughed into his shoulder, breathing in the familiar scent of leather and dragon that had clung to him ever since he'd become a rider.
He set me down but kept his hands on my shoulders, studying my face. Seven months had passed since his last visit home, and his grin was as bright and as infectious as ever. He pulled back, holding me at arm's length to look me over. "You look terrible."
"Three days without food will do that." I punched his arm lightly. "Have you forgotten your own pilgrimage already? I'm sure you didn't look any better."
His expression sobered. "The pilgrimage is as much about the journey as the destination. But now..." His eyes sparkled with excitement. "Now you get to experience what it's really all about. Want to fly with me?"
The offer made my stomach clench.
Even knowing this moment would come, even after everything we'd been through on the mountain, the thought of being that high up with nothing but air beneath me...
Dylon saw the fear in my eyes. "Next round," he said quickly. "It will give you time to prepare."
I nodded gratefully. "Thanks. I'd rather not embarrass myself by throwing up on your dragonia."
"As if she'd let you," he grinned. "Jagura is quite particular about keeping her scales pristine." He glanced up as another dragon landed nearby. "I need to help get this first group delivered to the Citadel. But I'll be back for you."
"Take Shovia," I suggested.
"Sure thing." He turned to my friend, who still seemed in a state of shock over being chosen. "Come." He offered her his hand. "It's going to be fun."
She nodded, then looked at me with unsure eyes that lacked her usual confidence.
