If I had done better, would she have gone with that rider and gazed upon him like he was her be-all and end-all?
By the time we landed, I managed to get myself under control the only way I knew how—I went numb, as cold on the inside as I was on the outside. My rider must have attributed my silence and lack of enthusiasm to fear or shock over my first dragon flight, but she was gracious enough not to comment on it.
I did a decent job of dismounting the dragon, and after the rider handed me my pack, she escorted me to a large stone chamber, which was warmed by braziers and lit by electric lights and olive torches.
It was a strange mixture of ancient solemnity and modern utility.
"Cadet Alar Tekum," she introduced me. "I leave you in the capable hands of Captain Odinah." She smiled and clapped me on my back. "Good luck."
Captain Odinah was a tall and lean rider, with close-cropped silver-blond hair and sharp features, who had the aura of a no-nonsense career military officer.
"Welcome to the Citadel, Cadet Alar Tekum," she said without even a hint of a smile. "Please take your place among the other cadets."
My gaze immediately sought out Kailin, who stood with Shovia near one of the braziers, warming her hands. She gave me a small nod and even forced a smile, but then turned back to Shovia, and they continued their whispered conversation.
Was she telling her friend about the dark-eyed rider who'd brought her here? Was she singing his praises and gushing over how handsome he was?
Thankfully, he wasn't with her, so I wouldn't get thrown out of the academy for attacking a superior officer before orientation.
It seemed like he'd merely dropped her off, but that didn't mean he wouldn't return for her. The thought sent a bolt of pain and anger through my heart, cracking the ice shield I'd managed to temporarily surround it with.
"That looks cozy," Codric said next to me.
I had been so focused on Kailin that I hadn't noticed him walking in or getting introduced to Captain Odinah.
"It's not freezing, but it's far from cozy," I said, just to say something and hide the turmoil raging inside of me. "These Elucians seem immune to the cold."
Codric rubbed his gloved hands. "More than we are. That's for sure."
At least he'd had the foresight to put his gloves on.
We waited a few more minutes for the rest of the new recruits to be dropped off and introduced to the captain, and when everyone was accounted for, she lifted her hand to get our attention.
"Welcome to the Dragon Flight Academy, cadets. I'm Captain Odinah Castell, and I'll be one of your instructors. Congratulations on being selected, but let's make one thing clear—getting chosen means that you have the potential to become dragon riders. It doesn't guarantee it." Her gaze swept over us, lingering a fraction longer on me and Codric, the only Elurians in the group.
There was no approval in her gaze, only suspicion.
Codric stepped closer to me, his shoulder brushing mine in silent solidarity.
The captain continued, "The twenty-four of you will be joining the twelve cadets selected from the previous two pilgrimages of this year. You'll be sharing the same quarters, butnot all the same classes and training. Hopefully, all of you will graduate together or at least survive the training." She gave us a stern look. "Following instructions and staying alert will keep you alive. Remember that."
Next to me, Codric shifted his weight to his other foot, and I tensed, expecting him to utter some stupid remark that would get him or both of us in trouble. But thankfully he kept his mouth shut, and I let out a silent sigh of relief, refocusing on what I had learned so far.
An annual crop of thirty-six cadets was pitiful, but it was considered larger than usual, and of those chosen, some would graduate. Fortunately for the Dragon Force, riders became immortal thanks to the bond, or it wouldn't have been viable. Then again, the rumors claimed that riders didn't survive to old age, which I couldn't reconcile with the supposed size of the Dragon Force. It was either much smaller than Elucia pretended it was, or not as many riders perished as the rumors claimed.
It was one more of the mysteries that I was here to uncover, and I hoped I would get the chance to do so and not get kicked out once the shaman outed me to the commanders. I still couldn't believe that he'd found out who I was and yet permitted me to be here. The logical course of action would have been to throw me in the brig and interrogate me.
"Your schedule for the first month will be rigorous," the captain said. "Morning reveille at 0500, followed by physical conditioning from 0600 until 0700. Breakfast from 0800 to 0830, followed by orientation until 0900. Dragon Studies until 1100, then combat tactics until lunch at 1230. Afternoons will be dedicated to practical applications of what you've learned in the morning. That means actual flight practice, combat drills, and maneuvering exercises."
From behind me, Morek groaned. "Are they trying to kill us?"
"They are trying to weed out the weak," I murmured. “It's st?—"
"Cadet," Captain Odinah's voice cut me off. "Do you have something to share with the rest of us?"
I straightened, instinctively falling into a military stance. "No, Captain. Just expressing appreciation for the efficiency of the program."
She narrowed her eyes, assessing me, but then she nodded and continued. "Living arrangements are simple. You'll be paired in rooms according to gender. Each room has two beds, two desks, and two wardrobes. You're expected to keep them immaculate at all times. There will be daily inspections, and failures to keep up standards will result in additional duties."
