There were only four new cadets left, and the twelve more experienced ones, who would probably go up last.
Major Harlow studied his list with a slight frown, and I was sure he was determining how to distribute the remaining cadets.
As he started to announce the fifth group, a shadow fell across the roof—a single dragon, a massive obsidian black. Irecognized Onyx immediately, and my heart leaped into my throat as I realized that Commander Ravel was going to make good on his promise and be my flight instructor for today.
Ravel dismounted and walked over to Major Harlow, speaking to him in a hushed voice, and after a brief exchange, Harlow nodded and turned toward us or rather me.
"Cadet Strom," he called. "Please step forward."
I walked over to Commander Ravel on legs that felt disconnected from the rest of me, acutely aware of the other cadets' curious stares. I could only imagine the kinds of rumors that were spreading about me and the commander, but there was nothing I could do about it.
Actually, I might deploy countermeasures. Shovia was very good at spreading misleading rumors without actually lying, and she could help me deflect the gossip.
My best friend would have made a superb spy.
"Commander Ravel will be your flight instructor today," Major Harlow informed me.
I nodded and even forced a smile.
Part of me was relieved that I'd be flying with someone I knew and had flown with before, but another part was intensely aware of how unusual and potentially problematic this special treatment appeared.
At least Alar was already in the air and wouldn't witness this scene. His acceptance of my special connection with Ravel was still fragile, and this would only feed his suspicions. It pained me that I couldn't simply tell him the truth about my ability and why it needed to remain a secret until the higher-ups decided what they wanted to do with me.
"Cadet Strom," Commander Ravel greeted me formally. "I was informed that there was one extra cadet in need of instruction, and I thought it would be a great opportunity for us to continue your special training."
What was he doing? Had he forgotten that we needed to keep my talent a secret? Or was he just trying to make life easier for me by saying this in front of the remaining cadets?
"Thank you, Commander," I said, straightening my posture and trying to project more confidence than I felt.
He led me toward Onyx, whose massive head swiveled to follow our approach.
The dragon's golden eyes fixed on me."Little Warrior,"his rumbling voice greeted me in my mind."I am so pleased that we will get to spend more time together."
The familiarity of his mental voice steadied me. “Hello, Onyx,” I replied silently. “I'm looking forward to spending more time with you, too.”
"We can continue our chat,"Onyx said.
Ravel nudged my arm, making a subtle gesture toward Onyx. "Remember the protocol, cadet," he said quietly. "You must verbally request permission to mount."
I'd been so absorbed in my mental conversation with Onyx that I had forgotten that I needed to follow the etiquette and keep up appearances.
"Noble Onyx," I said aloud, bowing my head as I'd seen other cadets do, "may I have the honor of flying with you today?"
"So formal,"Onyx commented in my mind as he nodded his massive head, amusement coloring his mental voice."Yes, Little Warrior, you may join me in the sky. Perhaps today we will discover if you are truly afraid of heights or merely afraid of falling."
His observation caught me off guard. Was there a difference? I supposed there might be—one was about the position, the other about the potential consequence, and I was pretty sure that mine was more about the position than the act of flying.
"Thank you for your permission," I said aloud.
Ravel demonstrated the proper mounting technique, though I'd already studied it carefully while watching the other cadets. I pulled myself up with more confidence than I'd expected to feel, settling into the front position of the saddle without the awkwardness I'd feared. Ravel mounted behind me, and his presence felt reassuring rather than intrusive.
"Secure your harness," he instructed, his voice close to my ear.
I fastened the safety straps as we'd been shown. The harness was substantial but not restrictive, designed to prevent falls while allowing the range of motion necessary for flight control.
Commander Ravel handed me a set of goggles, and once I had them on, he asked, "Ready?"
I took a deep breath. "As ready as I'll ever be." I leaned forward, extending my legs as I'd seen other cadets do. “Please, take us up, Onyx, but be gentle if you can.”
