Page 55 of Ashborne: Defiance

When we were in an area that I was sure couldn’t be more than a mile from our estate, I said a quiet prayer for my family’s continued safety and security, even without my marriage. Then, with a heavy exhale, I turned my focus to the land—and the future—we flew toward.

It was happening. It was really happening. Not just adventure, but a new life. I could barely contain my joy. Had Vane not sat so close, I would have bounced in my seat.

I remembered the ache of envy I’d felt when I listened to Bren’s stories about flying with the dragon Akhane. I hoped they were both safe. I hoped I’d see Bren again. I hoped she’d been a true friend, as I suspected. I enjoyed her a great deal.

For the first hour of that incredible flight, I could sink into my thoughts because Vane was virtually silent, unless he had an instruction to help me balance, or ride a turn. And even though I wished we could speak, wished we could find our way through this yearning, I was still grateful. He didn’t yell or curse. And though his tone was short, it was no different than my father’s when he was distracted. He offered advice on how to use the dragon’s scales to help me grip, while we ate from the bag he’d tied to Kham’s harness. Then, to my delight, he began to instruct me about the dragons, and the rules of Furyknight flight.

“The first rule of flying is, never tie yourself down. The temptation will be there. Especially early on, when you’re still building muscle strength and you get sick of falling. But you won’t develop the strength without having to do it. Plus, it’s too dangerous. The dragon’s weight and momentum is a threat on its own. If your dragon stumbles on takeoff or landing and you’re thrown off, the safety straps allow you to swing free. Your dragon will do all they can to keep you from being crushed. Give them every option available. Do not tie down.”

I nodded. “Understood,” I said firmly. It was something I’d always been told in horse riding as well, so I could see the wisdom in it. “What else?”

Vane hesitated, but then launched into an explanation of the different straps on the harness.

“…some will seem unnecessary when you’re inexperienced, but they aren’t. Accept the knowledge of those who came before you and maintain the integrity of your harness. We may need to adjust the materials on yours as Bren did for hers. But all the straps and buckles are needed and must be maintained impeccably. Cleaned and oiled weekly, and checked for damage every time you ride. Do not underestimate the importance of any piece of the harness, no matter how small.”

I nodded again. “Inexperienced riders question a horse’s cheek strap on the bridle. I know what you mean.”

He didn’t answer immediately, but I felt him lean back. When I looked over my shoulder, he stared down at me frowning.

“What’s wrong?” Had I said something wrong? Should I not compare this to the horses? I knew they weren’t the same, but the principles seemed similar.

“You accept instruction very quickly,” he said finally.

I frowned. “You don’t want me to?”

“That’s not what I said.”

“Then why are you frowning?”

“Because I can’t decide if you’re telling me what you think I want to hear, or if you’re truly that humble.”

I huffed. “Dear Lord, you men are all the same.”

“Oh? And how is that?” he asked tightly.

“So protective of your pride that you cannot trust someone who isn’t so precious.”

He didn’t respond, and I wondered if I’d overstepped. I glanced at him over my shoulder again, but even though his lips were twisted like he’d tasted something sour, his gaze was thoughtful, rather than angry.

I was relieved and relaxed a hair—only to brush his chest and feel him stiffen.

Neither of us spoke again for some time.

20. Endure

~ VOSKI ~

We’d flown for hours before Grace’s head began to nod. At first, I brushed her with a hand, or cleared my throat to wake her without seeming to do it purposefully. But soon, even those little touches didn’t work. Her eyes dragged closed, then her chin slowly dropped until it hit her chest and she sucked in, her head popping back up and her eyes open—for a few moments, before the process began again.

She was exhausted.

‘She does not have your strength, yet she has kept pace with you,’ Kham pointed out.

‘She slept while I was at the castle.’

‘Without food, and she has not complained.’

I grimaced. I had been remiss in not finding something for her to eat before I went to the castle. But it was done now. I fed her as soon as we were airborne. Which was probably why she was so sleepy now.