Kgosi sighed and lowered his head, nudging me with his snout.‘I am,’he said, with all the solemnity of a vow.
“Do you know where she is?”
‘No. But I can teach you to find her.’
25. A Leader’s Lesson
SOUNDTRACK: Daylight by Tommee Profitt and Sam Tinnesz
~ DONAVYN ~
It had been some time since Kgosi had done more than encourage or instruct me. A long time since he’d sat with me as teacher and student. Something about it made the hair on the back of my neck bristle, but I shoved the feeling away.
My dragon was good, and right, and strong. And he wasteachingme.
I felt silly, standing there with my eyes closed and my attention turned inward—it wasn’t my way. I always trained my sensesout.But Kgosi was right. I could feel something when I concentrated.
‘That sense you have of her… your heart is a compass. Turn and breathe. Let your mind be quiet—reach out with yourheart. Pay careful attention. You will discover the direction in which she can be found.’
I knew the sensation he meant. When she was close enough to hear, or just out of range, I couldfeelher presence, especially if she was feeling anything deeply. Often, if I was in the castle, I knew whether she remained in the Keep, or not. But I’d never imagined I could sense an accurate location from a distance.
‘Close your eyes and turn, Donavyn,’Kgosi growled.
I sighed, and did as he asked, turning slowly, measuring that space in my chest that was only filled by her—yet sang with a hollow ache because I couldn’t reach her.
It took several rotations, and Kgosi’s rumbled encouragement, but finally I could identify the smallest whisper of her true direction.
North and west. The city, of course.
I opened my eyes and started for the door, but Kgosi growled and I stopped, turning to face him.
‘Remember your purpose as well, Donavyn.’
I was about to argue—I’d never forgotten my purpose. But then his nostrils flared, and I realized what he meant.
‘Taking time to stop, and sense the Creator-given path, and follow her into it… it is a skill that benefits you beyond the location of her person,’he added, then promptly turned and settled into the straw and tucked his head under his wing, while I gaped.‘And please, shut the door on your way out. My mate will be some time.’
I huffed a laugh at the dismissal, sensed the edge of humor in him, but didn’t wait. Because Iwasgoing to find Bren and make certain she was safe—just watch over her while she and Terra did… whatever it was they were doing. So, with a tight farewell, I hurried out of the stable and out of the Keep, starting along the road to the city, only stopping to close my eyes and pause, to be certain of my course.
Until, finally, halfway on the road to the city walls, I felt her come alive in my chest.
She was near. Near enough that I’d be able to reach her mind soon.
Thank God.
She was here. And safe.
Terra’s brows rose when she saw me on the road—walking, and still in my leathers. I hadn’t thought about how odd that might seem, but it was too late now. I already battled the urge to get sharp with Bren about leaving without word, but when I’d reached her mind, she’d assured me that Ronen and the squad knew where she was, and who she was with, so I was left with little room to complain.
Dammit.
When they reached me, Bren’s eyes sparkled. It was odd to see her in skirts. It reminded me of the day when she’d arrived, so vulnerable and timid, like a fledgling bird.
“Sir! It’s good to see you. Are you well?” Terra asked me, her tone a mix of bewilderment, and an edge of unease.
“I’m well—I was looking for Furyknight Kearney. I’m glad to have found you both,” I lied.
Terra glanced at Bren, who’d snapped to attention and saluted me, as any Furyknight would coming across me on the street.
