“You canonlytalk about Shadowfang with those who are in it,” Gil added.“Only,Bren. No exceptions. And even then, only in dire need. You don’t even speak the wordShadowfangunless yours or someone else’s life depends on it.”
That sounded ominous, but secretly I was thrilled. If this was truly so covert, that meant they believed I could help… right? It was clear that Voski and Gil carried this duty as an honor. I was determined to do the same.
“This is all very dramatic,” I mock-grumbled. But then I smiled at them both. “I should have known you two would be behind it.”
“Oh, we aren’t,” Voski said with a grim smile. “You’re going towishwe were the ones running this show,” he said.
I frowned. “What do you—?”
But then we stepped around the corner and out of the dark tunnel into a cavernous space lit only by wide-spread torches spaced along the walls. Stalagmites and stalactites pierced the nearly-circular space from floor and ceiling. A large fire had been laid at the center. As I blinked to let my eyes adjust to the light, I counted a couple dozen men sitting around it—on rocks, on cut-stump rounds, and some on their cloaks on the floor.
Every one a Furyknight. Every one older, stronger, and larger than me. Our movement caught their attention and they all turned.
For a moment, my blood went cold—but then a cheer rose to echo in the chamber.
‘Congratulations, gorgeous. Well done.’
My jaw went slack as Donavyn’s deep voice, vibrating with love, growled in my head through the bond—he couldn’t do that unless we were fairly close together. Shocked, I scanned the room and found him standing with Captains Olve and Gunnar, both Wing Commanders of the Furyknights. Olve was our leader in the Fang wing, the stealth riders. Gunnar lead the Flyers. There was another Captain, Mont, who led the Flames. They were our primary offensive attack riders. It seemed strange he wasn’t here.
But it was Donavyn who held my gaze, standing between them, clapping along with the men, stifling a beaming smile—I knew, because I could feel his pride and delight in the bond.
I couldn’t find words for a moment as the men all applauded, including Voski and Gil, who were both grinning from ear to ear.
‘How… what…?’I sent to Donavyn, trying hard not to stare at him, because none of these other men knew what existed between us.
‘You’re going to be great. Trust me. You were born for this,’he said, his tone warm and proud.
He meant the words. I could feel it. But I could feel a thread of fear in him, too.
Before I could ask, he leaned into Olve’s ear as he sent to me through the link.‘It was very hard to keep a straight face when you were sneaking out. Especially when you fell out of bed.’
‘I didn’tfall.I rolled! And why didn’t you tell me so I could have just left!’
‘Because it was a test.’For the first time, the sweet joy left his tone, and his eyes locked on mine for a second, before he turned back to his peers at his side.‘And the tests will keep coming, Bren. With or without me. This society only succeeds as long as its members truly protect it. Any orders you receive, don’t assume I know them, though I usually will. Our duties here are… almost sacred. Many lives hang in the balance. You’ll be tested over and over. But I know you can do it.’
That tiny shriek of fear was still there, but Olve stepped forward to greet me as the men stopped clapping. The Captain gave a little speech about welcoming me under the shelter of the wings of the Shadowfang.
And as I looked around and recognized many faces I’d seen, but few that I knew, I was stunned to see none of the dark looks, or sullen disapproval I often met in the dining hall, or when we flew with other squads.
These men all seemed quite content that I was here. It was surprising. But then Olve turned to face me again, and addressed me personally.
“…such important work, and so vital to protect. Each one of us has a different role to play, but there’s one that we all must embrace to our bones: Silence. Protection. Selflessness. Everything that passes here is for the good of your brothers and sisters and families.” He gestured towards those watching me. “Most of whom will likely remain ignorant that you saved their lives. And they must stay that way. So our brotherhood here is precious. Only here are we recognized for our true purpose. Only here are we safe to set down the burdens given to us by God. Now, come. It’s time for your vow.”
Vow?
The Captain beckoned to me to follow him to the other side of the fire, where my hand was clasped by Gunnar and Donavyn in turn—whose eyes sparkled when we touched, but his expression gave away nothing.
To my surprise, Donavyn was the one to swear me in. As they organized themselves and the other men looked on, I was positioned in front of him. He was flanked by Captains Olve and Gunnar, while Voski and Gil stood to either side of me.
Olve, standing closest to the fire and the other men, gave me a brief smile, but then his stern countenance returned.
“Furyknight Kearney, you have proven your skillandcommitment to the safety of this Kingdom. And so, tonight, you are sworn as a sister of the Shadow. Every man who witnesses this vow has also offered it. We stand in conclave. We stand in unity.
“This vow supersedes even your vow as Furyknight. You have named yourself willing, Brennan Kearney, and our King named you worthy. So, offer your vow with these witnesses, and receive your Wing.”
I didn’t understand what was happening, as Olve drew a massive, age-dark Dragon fang from inside his jacket. It was as long as my forearm from wrist to elbow. He clamped it in his hand, extending his arm to place it between us. Gunnar gripped it above Olve’s hand. Then Donavyn placed his hand above theirs.
“Put your hand on the top,” Voski urged quietly. My hand wasn’t large enough to do more than curve the first knuckle of each finger over the sides. I suddenly felt very, very small compared to these men. And this task.
