For a moment, Ravel's expression remained neutral, and then I saw a spark of excitement in his eyes. "Onyx confirmed that was what Veridia said to you."
Another shadow passed overhead, this one larger, the dragon's scales a deep emerald green that glinted in the sunlight.
"Human," a gruff, almost grudging voice acknowledged in my head. "Hmph. Small. Smaller than I expected."
I swallowed. "He's not impressed with me. Says I'm smaller than expected."
Ravel's lips twitched. "That's Tharion. He doesn't like anyone."
Two more dragons flew overhead, speaking to me as they passed over the balcony, and I repeated what I'd heard to Ravel, watching as his expression grew increasingly intense.
"This is remarkable," he said. "You must be a shaman."
The words hit me like a kick to the gut. Staring at him, I tried to process the significance of what he was saying. "There hasn't been any shaman other than Saphir since the return."
"I know." Ravel rubbed a hand over the back of his neck. "Saphir can also communicate with any dragon, not just Nyxath."
I didn't want to be a shaman. I couldn't be.
"We need to test your gift further and see how far it goes. Saphir can only communicate with other dragons when they are close because he needs to direct his thoughts at them. Only bonded dragons and riders can talk to each other over distances."
I was so confused. "Perhaps it would be best for me to talk to Saphir. He can sort it out, right?"
Commander Ravel nodded. "He's still sorting out the fates of the other pilgrims. He'll arrive at the Citadel tomorrow afternoon. I'll try to get you an audience with him."
"Thank you." My throat was so dry that I could barely talk.
I couldn't be a shaman. There hadn't been any other than Saphir for over a thousand years.
"Don't tell anyone about your ability," Ravel said. "We don't yet understand the full implications of your gift, but it's incredibly valuable, and that makes you a target for Elucia's enemies."
A chill ran down my spine at his words. "The Shedun will want to kill me."
Ravel nodded. "That is why I must ask you to tell no one about this. Not your instructors, your friends, or even your brother."
"But surely the instructors should know?" I protested. "What about Captain Odinah?"
"For now, don't talk about it with anyone. The Dragon Force commander will decide who needs to know." He placed a hand on my shoulder, the weight of it both reassuring and commanding. "I need your word, Kailin."
I hesitated, thinking of Alar and the secrets already growing between us. Of Shovia, who was my best friend and confidante. Of my brother.
Not that I had a choice in the matter. The only ones who could override Ravel's command were his superiors and Saphir, and I didn't have access to them. Besides, I didn't want a target painted on my back that would potentially endanger everyone around me.
"You have my word, Commander," I said, the weight of my vow settling on my shoulders like a boulder.
Ravel nodded. "Good. You can go and finish your breakfast now."
"Thank you, Commander. Have a lovely rest of your day." The words tumbled out automatically, and it was only after I'd said them that I wondered if it was appropriate to talk like that in a military setting.
When he smiled, I was relieved and turned to leave, feeling lightheaded and dizzy from the weight of what the future might hold for me.
A shaman? That couldn't be.
"Kailin," Ravel called, causing me to pause and look back. "This gift is a blessing from Elu. It's a good thing."
I nodded again, not because I was sure that he was right but because I didn't want to open a new discussion. I just wanted toreturn to the mess hall, finish my breakfast, and forget about the burden of secrets I was forced to keep and Elu's gifts that I didn't want but had no choice but to accept.
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