The Dragon's Rider: Kaylyn's Story, #2

By Kristin Stecklein

It's been nearly three years since Kaylyn was given Nightfire to raise. Now she and Nightfire have a new challenge; to help raise not only a baby dragon, but train a new Dragonrider. The Silons are preparing for war, and it's only a matter of time before the fighting starts. Meanwhile, Kaylyn's already embroiled in a political battle, fighting for peace between humans and dragons, and fighting for those in power to accept the Dragonriders as people worth more than their fighting skills. But time is running out, and things are changing. Once, Kaylyn swore to never fall in love again, but she's finding out there's someone worth loving, someone waiting for her to love him back, and the battle with the Silons is about to begin and threaten everything she has.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kristin Stecklein
• Release date: Jun 6, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386919025

Kristin Stecklein

I started writing in High School, inspired by the novel, The Moon Is Down. From there, inspiration brought dozens of other ideas, most of them centering on fantasy fiction themes with strong female characters. I am not a damsel in distress, and I don't write characters who are, generally. In my fairy tales, the damsel locked away in a tower already has an escape plan and typically a weapon or two. I currently teach music in Oklahoma and live with two cats who provides plenty of entertainment. I like Disney, and action movies, superheroes, adventure, magic, royalty, and books that combine these elements. As that is what comprises 95% of my bookshelves, that is what I tend to write. I want to write books that all ages are able to read and help them to enjoy getting lost in a book the way I do. More, I want my readers to see my characters learning, making honorable choices. Of course, not every character can be noble and self-sacrificing, or there wouldn't be much conflict, but the majority of my characters are trying to be good people, just like I imagine most people are trying to be. While I do not intend to write romance novels, it has a habit of creeping in there, as most of the world is searching for love, and I like happy endings. I also seem to have an unrealized fascination for the military, as most of my ideas involve military and fighting in some form or another, as well as adventure. Because isn't adventure all about self-discovery and bettering yourself? 

Book preview

Chapter 1

My family had always said I went and sought ways to rebel. Most of the time, it had been true. Studying shouldn’t have been a mark of rebellion and yet, even here I had found a way to anger and annoy those who decided they stood in proper society. Settled outside Nightfire’s little cave-like house, I studied the paper in front of me, trying to commit the knowledge printed on it to memory. I’d stopped most of my formal learning once I’d completed the required six years of learning everyone got. Then I’d run away, Nightfire had hatched, and I’d had other responsibilities than attending a traditional finishing school. But since I was considered part of the military school, and I was on military grounds, I was struggling to learn three years of education the School had decided was important for the general knowledge exam. I had been informed that, as a Dragonrider, I needed to be at least as proficient in knowledge as any of the recruits.

Of course, being proficient was one thing; I’d taken it a step further. Those who enrolled here had the opportunity of graduating by passing the graduate’s test. By passing they could achieve higher ranks, be put in positions of authority, and have the status of being named a graduate. There were plenty who enrolled in the School for Officers and Gentlemen, even in the officer side, and never attempted to take the final test. I wasn’t expected to take it either. But I was determined to not only take it, but pass it, to prove I deserved to be military and someone that could be respected. Since almost nobody thought I could pass it, I was all the more determined to prove them wrong.

How’s it going? Dillon asked taking a seat in the other chair.

Why does anyone care about the probability of ten balls in a basket? I asked. If I pull out one, I have nine left. If I pull out two, I have eight. I don’t care whether or not I get a green one, or a blue one, or one that’s shaped like my head.

He laughed. It’s logic, Kaylyn.

Yeah, well, this logic is useless. I tossed the paper into the air.

Don’t say that in front of the baby, Dillon said in mock reproof. Babies need tranquility.

Your own wife doesn’t believe that.

I’m not sure my wife has ever found tranquility. I’m not sure she ever will. You, on the other hand, advocated it.

I only did that so everyone would leave Nightfire and me alone. If I’d thought they would have believed it, I’d have said lightning would shoot from the egg and kill them when I squinted my eyes.

He laughed again as he reached over to snag the paper that was skidding its way towards freedom in the courtyard where it could sail over the wall and out of sight. How’s the rest of the schoolwork coming?

Nightfire knows it better than I do. He loves the geography, but he says some of it is wrong.

Really? As lieutenant, second-in-command at the School for Officers and Gentlemen, he was intrigued to learn about an error in their teaching. Which parts?

The Esperion Mountains mostly, but he says that the southern border is wrong.

He sighed. Well, that would be because we recently won that land back.

Is the land good for anything?

Not really.

"Then why do we care? We have plenty of good land. We don’t need the land nobody wants. If they want land, let them have it."

He gave a half-smile. It’s so simplistic with you, Kaylyn. It’s a point of pride.

I huffed. It’s a silly thing to be proud of. If that land doesn’t have a purpose, why fight for it?

It’s also protection. If we own that land, then the enemy has to go over that land to reach our people and our resources. Besides, if we gave the Silons that land, they’d get greedy and want more.

They’re going to want more anyway.

Yes, but there’s no sense in encouraging them to come get it. He handed the paper back. How are our hopeful Dragonriders?

Nightfire’s rooting through them.

How many do we have that have passed?

Two.

I thought we had three.

Raz said no.

Raz argued with Nightfire?

I shrugged. Nightfire gets his own read because he knows their emotions and what they think, but Raz understands people. I guess I didn’t ask the right question. I placed the paper inside the book and set it on the ground. Looks like they’re done. Here comes Raz.

Dillon sighed. And here comes another angry reject.

You’re my hero, Dillon.

He laughed as he got up and headed towards those exiting the building. "You’re just hoping I don’t pass the duty on to you."

I’m eternally grateful! I called as Dillon went to console the furious girl who was near tears.

What did she do wrong? I asked Raz.

All Nightfire said was that dragons were not accessories.

Her thoughts must have been loud.

They were, Nightfire told me as he settled on the roof of the building to watch the rejected hopefuls leave. All she thought was ‘pretty!’

I grinned. Well, you are.

Nightfire preened a little, setting me into laughter.

I don’t blame them for being disappointed, Raz said. I was disappointed myself when you said your choice had to be younger than nineteen. After living with you and Nightfire, I think I wouldn’t mind having that connection.

You are someone dragons can trust, Nightfire informed us both. That is enough. He closed his eyes. I could feel he was considering a nap.

It’s good to know somebody trusts me, he said wryly.

I trust you, I said. I never really thanked you for coming. I know I just dragged you into the middle of this, but...thank you. I’d sent a message to Raz saying I needed him. Three days later he’d arrived, setting his bags down and asking what he could do. Since then he’d been living at the School and helping me sort through the hundreds of people who thought they could trick, lie, or scheme their way into connecting with a dragon. Those who legitimately had a good reason only rarely thought being a Dragonrider was a duty, a war, or an honor. It was tiring work. If Dillon hadn’t forced the unhappy ones to leave after being rejected, I’d have long since carted the egg up the mountain and given it back. I couldn’t have made it this far without you.

Less than a week, Raz commented. We’re almost there.

That is assuming our hatchling likes one of the people we’ve picked. I glanced inside at the egg. Although it’s certainly friendlier. Nightfire did nothing but growl.

And you did nothing but scream, Raz teased, flicking his blue eyes in a glance my way. So you’re well matched.

I made a face at him. I’ve mellowed with age.

Yes, the old and wise, almost-sixteen, he said good-naturedly. Then he laughed when I stuck out my tongue at him.

Kaylyn! Kaylyn! Dillon’s wife, Lady Emma Marcell, an energetic woman in her seventh month of pregnancy, was making her way across the courtyard. She gave me a beaming smile as she stopped for a minute to breathe. Whoo! This little one’s really a burden!

Both Raz and I got to our feet and hurried to her. You aren’t supposed to be out, I told her as I took her arm, Raz taking her other.

"Well, your little one’s hatching in less than a week, so I had to come if I was going to see this egg. I couldn’t care less how poetically my husband describes it; I want to see the thing."

If Dillon catches you out, you’re going to get in trouble, I warned.

She laughed. And disturb my tranquility? He wouldn’t dare.

He doesn’t believe the tranquility mumbo jumbo the doctors are talking about. We walked her over to my chair and I positioned the chair in front of the door before Raz helped her to sit. She sat down with a sigh and closed her eyes, taking a moment to rewind the loose strands of brown hair into the semi-elaborate hairstyle, then opened her eyes to study the egg. It gleamed a soft, pearly white in the light. It reminded me exactly of Nightfire’s egg. It was a head shorter than I was, smooth on the outside, and had cloth wrapped around the base to cushion the egg and keep it from moving. Nightfire informed me sand was better, but since neither of us fancied sleeping on sand for two months, he conceded that cloth could be used. The cloth allowed us to place heating stones around the egg that would keep the egg warm. According to Nightfire, there was a layer inside the egg that was feeding the hatchling. The hatchling wouldn’t break out until it was all gone, and so the layer inside the egg thinned day after day. No one else could tell the difference, so we took Nightfire’s word for it.

It’s a beauty, Emma said simply.

A muffled sound came from the egg that I vaguely recognized as the happy, preening sound Nightfire sometimes made.

Emma burst into laughter. You liked that, did you? she asked it. Well, I’m sure you are a beauty, little one. It’s a pity my little one isn’t going to see you like this. She winked at me. My little Kaylyn.

I’d long ago given up arguing. You don’t know it’s a girl.

I call it Kaylyn sometimes and sometimes I call it Richard.

I heard Nightfire climb down, curious. I have never seen a human baby, he said, landing and padding towards us.

How do dragons have babies? Emma asked him.

I’d explained how human babies were created when Nightfire had asked, so he knew how we were made. It is like humans. But we form an egg around the hatchling. We carry it for four months and then the egg is birthed so that it can hatch.

And how long is this...ooh! She grimaced, rubbing her stomach. Little one, I’m not the enemy! Don’t kick so hard!

It is a boy, Nightfire said, observing Emma’s swollen belly.

We all looked at him. How can you tell? I asked.

I got the feeling of a shrug through the emotional link we shared. I just know. It is a boy.

We won’t tell your father, Emma whispered to her son. We’ll let it be a surprise. Her eyes closed as she rubbed her stomach slowly. I meant to ask how long it usually lasts until hatching.

Four months.

One month shorter than us humans. And you don’t even have to carry your babies around the entire time.

They also grow faster, eat more, and are smart enough to defy you from the day they hatch, I informed her.

She laughed. There is that. She stared longingly at the egg. I do hope that I’ll be there after it hatches. Dillon says no, of course, but I think I can persuade him differently. She waved. There he is now. Dillon! Dillon, sweetheart!

I heard Dillon’s sigh from where I was and started to giggle as I heard his mutterings about his stubborn wife and how he was going to fire Maggie.

You are supposed to be at home, he said sternly.

But, dear, I wanted to see the egg before it hatched. It’s really quite something. Our Richard will get the chance to see a dragon egg himself, hopefully, one day.

Dillon’s face gentled. So our baby’s Richard today, is he? And how is he?

Energetic. All the fresh air excites him.

"The fresh air excites you, Emma. Our baby isn’t breathing anything at the moment. He rested his hand over his wife’s and spoke to me. I came to tell you someone’s at the gate. He says he wants to become a Dragonrider, but refused to give his name. He insists he’ll only speak to you."

I was curious enough to oblige this mysterious newcomer. All right. You and Emma can watch the egg for a while. I looked up at Nightfire who had climbed back on top of the building. Are you coming?

He gave a dragon sigh. I was almost asleep, he complained.

You always say that. Come on. If he’s really awful then we’ll send him away quickly and you can return to your nap.

I cannot return to a nap if I have not had one yet. But he got up and glided down.

I wonder why he’s so secretive, Raz commented as we headed for the gate.

Let’s find out. I stepped to the gate and looked through the iron bars. There was a young man, perhaps sixteen, with strong features and lightly tanned skin. He had hair that was brown and yet distinctly red. He wore a hesitant smile that showed white teeth and he was half a head taller than me. You asked for me?

Lady Kaylyn?

That’s me. This is Raz.

The young man’s dark blue eyes were piercing as he turned his gaze on Raz for a moment before he bowed. Sir.

And that’s Nightfire. I gestured up to where Nightfire sat perched on the wall, staring down at the boy. What do you think so far? I asked silently.

He is...different. Nightfire’s tone held slight intrigue and fascination. He is like you.

I shot a quick glance to Raz, then turned my gaze back to the man in front of me. His eyes were bright. You just spoke with him, didn’t you? he asked. With your mind.

I did, I replied. Now that you know who we are, what’s your name?

He shifted, uncomfortable. I’m...Kyle.

Kyle, I prompted, searching for a last name.

He didn’t answer, his face reddening slightly.

We are going to have to know a last name, I said. And don’t lie. Nightfire can tell.

Kyle glanced up at Nightfire. I would rather not share my last name.

It isn’t Wannabee, is it? I asked.

He shook his head.

Then you’re probably fine. Name?

He gave a soft sigh. Kyle Lamar.

In an instant, I understand his reluctance.

I do not understand, Nightfire informed me. It is not even a silly name like Wannabee. Why is he ashamed?

Because the Lamar family tried to take over the throne before the queen stepped down and left the generals in charge. They were shamed and stripped of all their lands. He’s from a line of disgraced nobles.

He was not even alive when that happened, Nightfire pointed out. Why should it matter?

Would you want to take in a Wannabee? Aloud, I said, And what have you come here looking for?

He gave a weak grin. A long shot?

A dragon?

A place to fit in, he answered firmly.

You think a dragon will help you fit in? I asked humorously.

I think this is a chance at finding someone who won’t care about my last name. Where I could be of use. I mean, someone like me, I’ll never fit in. But it at least wouldn’t be so obvious that I couldn’t find a home anywhere else.

Something clicked, like learning to fight had clicked one day. And I could tell Nightfire felt the same. I pressed on, hoping he’d give me the right answers. What do you think dragons are?

Living creatures? he asked, sounding confused.

Keep going, I said. What’s their purpose? What are they for?

What are they for? He gave a nervous laugh. Why should I know? I don’t know what their purpose is. I guess it would depend, wouldn’t it? I mean, you can’t say every boy is meant to be a metalworker.

Good answer, I thought approvingly. So dragons don’t have a purpose?

Their purpose is whatever they want. They’re smart, at least by all the stories they are. I’ve never heard that a dragon was shy about anything. If they want something, they’ll let people know.

If you were to rank dragons compared to the rest of the world, where would they be placed? I asked. Compared to nobles, servants, ect. The first time Raz had asked this question, it had taken all my willpower to not turn and give him a disbelieving look. But after hearing people say they thought dragons were our hunters who needed to be controlled and kept in line, or that dragons were kind of like really big puppy dogs, I made sure it was asked to everyone.

Well, I wouldn’t try to order him to do anything, Kyle said, pointing to Nightfire. I can’t make him obey me. And I...I’m not really much into rank. His face started to color again.

I eased past that. So dragons are your equals.

He nodded.

If the dragon picked you, would you be able to care for it?

He gave a nervous smile. Well, I heard you were thirteen when you did it, and I’ve got three years on you then, so I guess I could.

Would you want to care for it?

Sure! I’ve always taken care of kids, my whole life. It’s something I know I can really do. It’s...you know. It’s someone who needs you. He mumbled the last, dropping his eyes to the ground. It was obvious how much he wanted someone to need him.

I flashed a glance to Raz, the question in my eyes. He gave the slightest shake of his head. My eyebrows flew up. Ask Raz why he’s saying no. Nightfire hadn’t mentioned that Kyle had lied and Kyle had given all the right answers.

After a moment, Nightfire answered. He says you’ve forgotten to ask him who he came for.

Kyle, I said, drawing his gaze back to me. Does your family know you’re here?

I told my aunt. She knows.

No one else?

He shrugged. No one else really matters.

Then who did you come for?

Me, he answered, sounding surprised I hadn’t known when the answer was so obvious. Who else would I come for?

You’d be surprised, Raz said, unlocking the gate. Would you like to see the egg?

Kyle looked disbelieving. You mean...I’m in? I got it?

Maybe, I said. It’s not up to us. It’s up to the dragon. It will decide who it wants. It could pick you. It could pick one of the other two. It could pick none of you. Are you going to be able to deal with that?

He shrugged his shoulders. It’s not like disappointment’s anything new.

Dillon and Emma were still watching the egg. Who’s this? Emma asked.

Kyle Lamar, I answered. At Dillon’s questioning glance, I nodded my head.

I see, Emma said brightly. Well, here’s the egg. What do you think?

Kyle couldn’t take his eyes off of it. He seemed at a loss for words.

That’s what I thought too, Emma said. It’s really beautiful, isn’t it?

Kyle nodded. Do you...know anything about it?

Not yet. We won’t until it hatches, I said. Instinct had me saying, Would you like to talk to it?

Kyle didn’t see the looks that Dillon and Raz both gave me. The others had gotten glimpses and that was it. But something told me Kyle would be the one.

What do I say? Kyle cautiously approached, as if the egg would suddenly explode.

You don’t have to say anything profound. I touched my fingers lightly to the egg. Tell it about yourself.

Kyle hesitated, then touched his hand to the eggshell. Hi, he said softly. I’m Kyle. I’m an only child. No brothers, no sisters. I’ve lived with my aunt for pretty much my whole life. She’s really great. She’s the one who sent me here to see if it was what I was looking for. I don’t know how she knows what I’m looking for when I don’t, but I came. And, uh, I tend to keep to myself. I’m not one that really fits in. I do pretty good on my own. Well, as alone as someone can be in a house with six kids, two parents, and me.

I heard the shifting inside the egg as he spoke, as if the dragon was turning towards the sound of his voice. When he stopped talking, there was a squawk of protest.

I laughed. I don’t think it wants you to stop.

He was fascinated. All right. Well, I like kids. I’ve raised five of my aunt’s kids. I’m really good at getting them to take a nap. I can fix things, but I’m pretty lousy at staffwork. My ten-year-old cousin beats me all the time. She’s a vicious little thing.

There was a soft sound from inside the shell, something that rippled and shimmered.

She’s going to be a beauty, Kyle said softly.

I was on alert. She? I pressed.

His eyes moved to me, startled. "I...I’m sorry. I guess I just thought...well, sensed, that it was a girl. Don’t you sense that?"

I thought back to Nightfire’s egg. We should get you set up with a place to stay until the hatching.

The dragon made a sound of protest inside the shell, but I firmly led Kyle towards the door. If you go to the library, they’ll have a list of dragon names, I told him. You have to find something that fits the theme. Dragons are named a certain way. Get set up, think about the names. In a few days, be ready for the hatching. Hey, Warren! I called.

Yeah! he shouted back.

Got another! Kyle! Set him up with a room!

You got it, sis!

Sis? Kyle turned his surprised gaze to me.

What? I asked. I have a family too.

We all watched him go, waiting until he’d gone inside.

You broke your own rule, Nightfire accused.

"It was there, I defended. He felt it! If that dragon’s not a girl, I’ll eat crow."

It’s not going to be easy for him if he does make it, Dillon predicted.

Emma nodded in agreement. "That poor boy has a history that’s going to make it hard for him. As if anybody remembered the actual treason anymore. His grandmother was probably a child if she was even alive."

They didn’t like me and I’m a girl, I said, shrugging. It can’t be worse than that.

Worse than a dishonored noble? Dillon asked.

He’s a boy, isn’t he? If he were a girl, that would be a different story.

Your view of humanity continues to astonish me, Raz said.

"It’s true."

When you become a dishonored noble, I’ll take your word for it then, Raz teased.

"I’d rather have been a dishonored noble. At least then my family or I would have done something to deserve being treated like nothing. They only respect me because I can fight better than all of them and they know it."

Send Dillon and Emma away, Nightfire warned me suddenly.

I didn’t hesitate. Emma, isn’t it time you went back inside? I asked. It’s nearly lunch.

She made a face at me. Kaylyn, I thought you were on my side here! You know I hate being confined!

Dillon has to walk you back, doesn’t he? I pointed out. Since you shouldn’t go alone.

Dillon looked amused. Are you setting me up, Kaylyn?

You want her inside and she doesn’t want to be bored. I’m avoiding the argument that’s coming. You can eat with her and then you’ll both get what you want. Do you need any help?

No. We’ll be fine. Richard’s calmed down some. I’ll bet he’s calm around dragons.

Raz and I fought a smile as Emma began her case for seeing the dragon hatch while they walked towards the south gate together.

Before Raz could ask why I’d suddenly changed the subject, I sent a scowl to the entrance. I knew why Nightfire had told me to send Dillon and Emma away. Raz recognized the scowl. Tor?

Tor, I confirmed, and watched him walk out a minute later, dressed in his lieutenant’s uniform, military boots with metal chains that jingled, and his black hair fashionably arranged. I pasted my best friendly smile on my face. I hate him, I said brightly as I waved cheerfully. Good morning, Lieutenant Tor!

Lieutenant Tor could barely cover the sneer on his face as he approached. It didn’t matter. Nightfire could sense it and just how deep it went. Lady Madara. How’s the egg?

She’s fine.

Lieutenant Tor caught the change. The egg had always been an ‘it’ before now. She? Is it a girl then?

I quickly covered my mistake. I was talking to Lady Marcell earlier and she convinced me that it wasn’t right to call a creature an ‘it’. I agreed. Today, the hatchling’s a girl. Tomorrow, it’ll be a boy. I’d hate if I was called an ‘it’ for four months, especially if I could hear it.

Naturally. It was said with some disdain. I wondered if it was for me, or the mention of the Marcells.

I pretended not to notice it. I’d gotten very good at acting brainless. We got a new recruit today. His name’s Kyle.

Does he fit the requirements?

I resisted rolling my eyes, which took a great act of will. Absolutely, I said brightly. He’s sixteen, at least, I think that’s what he said. I turned to Raz. He did say he was sixteen, didn’t he? Or did he say he was seventeen? I can’t remember. I’m pretty sure it was sixteen, right, Raz?

Both are within the age range, Lieutenant Tor interrupted impatiently. He didn’t seem to realize I was the one that had set the requirements. Does he fit the rest of the requirements?

Absolutely! Warren’s getting him set up right now.

Naturally. Have you seen Lieutenant Marcell?

"I think he had some business to take care of. He stopped by to remind me that I need to start thinking about my general knowledge test. I just don’t think I’d do well at all, what with all the pressure of finding another Dragonrider and all the people who are trying to get in and see the egg, and Nightfire is just being so cranky lately..."

Thank you, he interrupted. I wish you luck on your test, Lady Madara, but I have business to attend to.

Naturally! I said brightly, then laughed as if it were a joke.

He forced a smile. Naturally, he repeated, then turned and headed off with only a slight glance at Raz.

You irritate him, Nightfire said to Raz and me.

"Oh, I’m so glad!" I said cheerfully.

You still haven’t explained to me why you’re acting like this around Tor, Raz stated.

That’s because Lieutenant Marcell said I had to be careful. All those dangerous people around, I said, keeping my voice bright and cheerful and brainless. Tor hadn’t gone inside yet.

Then I think it’s my turn to teach you. Let’s see if you can identify trees.

I knew it was a way to get us to where no one else was listening. I knew how to identify trees and Raz knew it. But Dillon had warned me that there were rarely secrets that managed to stay that way in the School and Lieutenant Tor had people willing to listen for him. Nightfire wasn’t willing to repeat everything I thought to Raz and we hadn’t been able to find a place or a time where people weren’t around. I was no longer allowed out at night, in order to preserve my reputation. Oh, let’s go now! I’ve always wanted to have a picnic in the woods!

Twenty minutes later and well away from the School, I finally spoke. I’m sorry, I apologized. I’ve been trying to find a way to tell you...

I know. Nightfire said you’ve been obsessing over your reputation.

"It’s annoying. I’d forgotten how little it took to threaten a woman’s reputation."

We’re free to talk now. Is there a reason you don’t like Lieutenant Tor besides the fact he’s Dillon’s replacement?

I scowled. "Plenty of reasons, but that just makes it worse! Tor’s a scheming, narcissistic, conceited, arrogant chauvinist and I have to pretend to like him!"

Yes, but how is that different from the rest of the male population? Raz teased.

I gave a half-smile. It wasn’t the first time I’d ranted about the male species. Nobody likes him, nobody with any sense, anyway. He’s superior to the servants, he talks down to female ones especially, when he’s not leering at them, he’s a rich noble so he treats anyone not in his sphere with contempt, and he thinks dragons are nothing more than winged lizards and about as smart! Nightfire hasn’t told me what he thinks of me.

Then why aren’t you challenging him?

Because Dillon told me not to.

When was this?

Two days before you showed up. Tor had arrived with everything short of a herald to announce his presence, claiming his spot next to Captain Durai, the spot that was supposed to be Dillon’s. The confusion and outrage had prompted Captain Durai to announce that the generals had picked Lieutenant Tor to oversee the School. What wasn’t stated, but understood, was the generals had chosen Dillon’s replacement. When Captain Durai retired, Lieutenant Tor would take his place. The only thing similar between the two men, that I had found, was they both had light brown eyes. But Dillon’s held kindness most of the time and Tor’s held malevolence.

You know what the worst is? I was relieved to get it all off my chest and finally rage to someone. "If he takes over, it’ll ruin everything! Everything the generals did to help women and the lower class, to try and make them a little more equal, he could erase in a week! He’s in charge of the future military. He doesn’t have to let women learn to fight. He doesn’t have to grant protection like Captain Durai gave to Nightfire and me. He doesn’t have to let me on the grounds! And if he teaches all the recruits to think of women and dragons as stupid, brainless creatures who can’t think for themselves, I might as well just plan on moving back with the dragons."

I would think the brainless act wouldn’t be your best choice to change his mind, Raz pointed out.

I didn’t think so either. But Tor is a philanderer and I’m the only female not under the charge of the matron. All the servants call her the Matron General behind her back. They’re safe as long as she’s around. Dillon thought if I pretended to be stupid then Tor wouldn’t think he would have to work so hard to outsmart me. And he’s tried. As long as I pretend to be what he expects, he won’t try something that could outsmart me because he thinks he doesn’t have to be that smart.

That’s why you’re so concerned about propriety, Raz said, understanding.

That’s why. I hadn’t really taken it seriously, not until I’d overheard Dillon talking with Tor. Threatening Tor.

If you touch Kaylyn, Dillon had snarled, more frightening than I’d ever heard him, then I will make your life worse than Wannabee’s.

Tor had laughed at the threat. You? Marcell, you have no power. You lost it over that girl. Was she worth it?

Kaylyn has power, more power than you because she has a dragon. Her wants go straight to the generals’ ears. If there’s a complaint about you, I’ll make sure it’s heard. I have nothing more to lose that they can take from me. Touch her and I’ll...

You’ll what? Tor had challenged. Defend her? Become her guardian? She has skills, Marcell. She beat all your recruits, didn’t she? Unless you haven’t trained your recruits well enough, she should be able to defend herself from me, if she wanted to. There was mocking in his tone. She might even welcome the attention. A girl her age is always looking for a husband, naturally, and I’m a prime candidate with everything she might want.

The idea had so disgusted me that I’d knocked a vase over. By the time the two of them had made it to the hall, I was wringing my hands dejectedly and biting my lip in my helpless female act. I’m so sorry, I had blurted out with sincere apology. I’m so clumsy. I was just coming to see if you’d take me to see Emma, Dillon. I know she doesn’t always want visitors since she’s pregnant.

More apologies, a few tears that I had been proud of myself for producing, and I’d managed to get Dillon away from Tor. Since then, I’d obeyed Dillon’s instructions.

Raz seemed to know an altercation between Dillon and Tor had occurred. He’s a good friend, he said quietly.

I nodded. And if he hadn’t stuck up for me, we wouldn’t even have to worry about Tor. I’m trying to figure out how to get rid of that loser, but I haven’t yet.

Hasn’t someone told Tor that you aren’t usually like this?

Warren won’t let them. He and his friends are keeping Tor in the dark. Just about everyone wants Dillon to get his spot back. He’s still second-in-command of the School, but I don’t think it’ll last much longer.

How’s Captain Durai taking it?

I don’t know. He seems really good at not having an opinion on anything. I kicked a rock. "I hate Tor! How dare he get Dillon’s spot! I thought the generals were starting to learn, and instead they’re ruining any good they ever did! And all I get to do is smile and laugh and say stupid things!"

You play it very well. Tor seemed convinced when he came to talk to me.

He spoke to you? This was the first I’d heard about it and I started to worry. What did you say?

I gave the same lie I told the people of Rillmyra. I’m your uncle.

"You’re my uncle? If I’d known that I could have told you this weeks ago!"

Best not to risk propriety, Raz cautioned. I gleaned enough. He glanced around. How often has Tor made a move?

Three times. I’m pretty good at avoiding him and I think I just annoy him now.

Naturally, Raz said and I laughed.

Chapter 2

To be fair, I brought the other two hopeful Dragonriders in as well. They talked to the egg, but it was mostly silent. It was as if the dragon inside was sulking. She would occasionally give irate little chirps, but that was it. I knew who had caught her attention.

One of the two knew it as well. It isn’t me, he said. I listened to Kyle go on and on about that egg and I didn’t get it. I still don’t get it. So unless it doesn’t like either of them, I guess I’ll just be a part of the crowd.

And we’re back to two, Raz commented.

Yeah. Jerome and Kyle. I was busy pacing the stone floor. Do you think there’s a way to get rid of Tor until the hatching’s over with?

Are you worried about Kyle?

"Absolutely. If Tor knows, he’ll make sure Kyle’s gotten rid of, and there aren’t a lot of people who will stop him from doing it. Kyle’s the one, Raz, I feel it."

I’m not arguing. I think you’re right. There’s a connection there already.

If Kyle connects, then nobody can stop them. Tor’s bound to talk to Kyle eventually. If we could make sure Kyle connects before Tor figures out his last name... I froze, listening to the approaching footsteps, then relaxed. Good. He’s coming. I looked to Raz. When did you notice my hearing was better, by the way?

When you heard conversations far too clearly from too far away. My conversation with Pentra shouldn’t have been loud enough for you to hear and you heard every word. Once I realized that, I started testing to see what you could hear. I’ve never had to shout to have you hear me.

Dillon looked surprised to see us in his office. Something wrong?

Just wanted to talk! I said cheerfully.

Dillon quickly closed the door. Is he nearby?

No, but someone is. I lowered my voice a little further. Could you get rid of Tor until after the hatching?

Kyle.

We both nodded.

Dillon sighed and dropped into his chair. Clearly Kyle had been on his mind as well. Tor already wants to talk to the three candidates.

Two. One dropped out, unless the dragon doesn’t like either of the others. We have to get rid of Tor and we have to do it now. Kyle has to get the chance to connect with this dragon. I’ll kidnap the egg if I have to. I won’t let them take Kyle or the egg away.

Dillon leaned back, his chair squeaking slightly. I’m having a flashback, Dillon told me with slight humor. Of you facing down the generals and coming up with a miracle to stay with the egg.

Are they coming again?

They are, but not until the morning of the hatching. I can keep Kyle and Jerome away from them, but I can’t stop Tor.

Great, I muttered, going back to pacing. Just what we need. More nobility and arrogance. I froze as an idea hit. That’s what we need! I whirled to face Dillon. We need Lord Pruitt!

Dillon shook his head. Hard-nosed Pruitt?

"That wasn’t the nickname I heard for him."

And I’m sure they didn’t know you could hear them. Why Pruitt?

Because of funding. Dragons are expensive, right? So if Lord Pruitt thinks dragons are worth supporting, then he ought to come to a hatching.

Raz was smiling. And Pruitt hated royalty, so he won’t care about the Lamar name.

And Lord Pruitt doesn’t have any heirs, I concluded. "So he has to spend the money somewhere. I know the generals have been trying to get his support for years. He should come!"

And Tor should fetch him? Dillon inquired.

"Absolutely. He only lives right next to the Anglarius border. It’ll take him at least a day or two to make the trip. And Emma’s expecting a child very soon. It could come any day now. You couldn’t possibly leave her like that. It would be Tor’s honor to go get Pruitt. After all, he is the oldest noble in Centralia, and if anything he’s above Tor’s sphere. He’s more of a noble than Tor is."

Will Captain Durai approve it? Raz asked.

I don’t see why he wouldn’t.

Does he like Tor? I asked, curious.

Dillon gave a half-smile while he shrugged. Captain Durai got where he is by keeping his opinions to himself. It’s given him a lot of leeway. He listens, he remembers, but he doesn’t say much and thus he doesn’t put himself in the position of losing his shot at being captain. He ran a hand through his dark brown hair and sighed once. Don’t bother apologizing, Kaylyn, we’ve been over this enough.

Maddox is a worm, I muttered.

Dillon didn’t reply to that. I’ll talk to him.

Familiar steps, only one person wore military boots that jingled, caught my attention. Oh, no, you couldn’t do that! I said earnestly. Not when Emma needs you so much!

The knock on the door came a second later and I opened it to see Tor. Good afternoon, Lieutenant Tor! I said brightly.

His eyes were calculating. Is something wrong?

"Not really wrong. I mean, I’m just being silly. It’s not that big a deal," I excused myself, looking slightly ashamed.

Lieutenant Tor laid on the charm. I’m sure it’s very important, Kaylyn. He rested his hand on my shoulder in a gesture of sympathy. What’s wrong?

I fought back the impulse to use my training to leave him crumpled and bleeding on the ground. "It’s just the hatching is in a few days, right? And Dillon had this amazing idea to see if Lord Pruitt wanted to come! It would mean so much if he came because he’s such a powerful noble. He’s one of the richest men in Centralia," I said with awe in my voice, as if he’d done something to become that rich other than not waste his money on expensive vices.

I could almost see the spark of the idea in his head. That’s true. Has he taken ill?

"No, Emma has. I mean, she isn’t ill, but she’s about to go into labor any day now. Dillon was going to go get Lord Pruitt, but he can’t leave Emma right now. And I mean, it’s not as if you can send just anybody to get Lord Pruitt, can you? It would have to be someone powerful, with position."

Naturally. His eyes darted to Dillon and I thought I saw triumph there. It would have to be...

You! I blurted it out, as if the idea had just hit me. You could go! I didn’t give him time to say anything. "Oh, would you? It would just make everything perfect if Lord Pruitt came!"

Of course, Kaylyn. He squeezed my shoulder gently. It would be my honor to go get him.

I gave a gasp of delight, not sure I could manage a squeal. "Oh, Lieutenant Tor, that’s so kind of you! But you should hurry! He lives so far away. You’ll have to leave now if you’ll make it back in time."

I’ll go right now. Don’t worry, Kaylyn. I’m sure Captain Durai will say yes.

I was relieved as he finally took his hand off my shoulder. Thank you so much, Lieutenant!

The challenge in his malice-filled, brown eyes was just for Dillon. My pleasure. Then he hurried off, his military boots jingling.

I swung the door closed. Naturally, I said, contempt clearly displayed.

I don’t believe I can trust her again, Dillon said to Raz. Not if she lied that convincingly.

You’re the one who said I had to, I reminded him. I brushed at my shoulder, as if to wipe away any traces of Tor’s hand.

Now he believes he’s got a move on me. Dillon chuckled, laced his fingers behind his head. That fetching Lord Pruitt was my secret plan to try and get back in favor with the generals.

Would it have helped? I asked.

Not enough.

When did you learn political games? Raz asked me.

I’ve always known how, a little. But since I had to put up with the generals during all those meetings, I decided I needed to know more. I’m not very good.

A ghost of a smile hovered on Raz’s lips. I don’t believe you’ve ever put in a lot of practice either.

Dillon was grinning outright. I’d have to say that’s spot on. Much to Warren’s misery.

I won’t kiss up to people like that, I said with dignity.

Sometimes you won’t even try politeness.

I gave him a sour look. Sometimes you men won’t either. Thanks to your prejudices against women, I have to read up on etiquette and sewing and how to arrange flowers. Because it wouldn’t do to make Tor think I can actually live up to my military status.

We’ve discussed this, Kaylyn. Dillon’s eyes were serious. After what happened with that servant girl...

I glared out the window where Tor’s boots could be heard clinking their way to find the captain. It had taken both Raz and Dillon to hold me back after I’d heard what he’d done to a woman who had ‘forgotten her place’. She didn’t deserve that.

No, she didn’t. We all agreed to that. We didn’t agree how it should be handled.

I snorted. The girl had come to me for help, knowing about all the others I’d helped. Instead of championing her cause, I’d been forced to turn her over to Emma Marcell’s care and pretend I didn’t know what was going on. Emma had taken full credit for everything I’d said and done before now to help women. It was only one of the reasons why Tor didn’t care for the Marcells. If I say what we’re all thinking, are you going to run me for it? I asked Dillon. Before he answered, I cut my eyes to Raz’s mild gaze. You would. I gave a disgusted sigh and flopped in a chair.

Once Tor leaves, you don’t have to pretend, Dillon assured me. Lord Pruitt isn’t young anymore. Tor could make the trip there and back in less time if he didn’t stop to rest, but Lord Pruitt won’t be willing to ride through the night. By the time he gets back, it should be time for the hatching, if he makes it at all.

That cheered me considerably. Good. I’m taking those books back to the library right now. If my mother couldn’t teach me sewing, those books won’t do it. Warren’s going to help me study tonight with his friends after Nightfire and I move the egg inside. We’d decided that it would be best to keep the hatching contained in a fully enclosed room with nothing else inside. So the room Nightfire had hatched in had been cleared out and Nightfire and I were moving the egg to that very same room so the next dragon would be well protected. The kitchens have what they need for when the hatching starts, right?

Your specifications were passed along. The meat is already cut and being stored, the liquid can be made quickly. We have everything except the hatchling.

Okay, then. I’ll be in the library for a while. I got to my feet and headed for the door.

So long as you don’t forget your instructions to Kyle about the hatching, Raz reminded me.

I won’t forget. I paused in the doorway. Dillon, I think I’m ready for the final test.

Are you certain?

I nodded. I’m certain. Let me know when and where.

Study hard. I’ll get it set up.

I nodded and closed the door behind me.

"You what?" my brother sputtered when I found him.

I’m ready, Warren. And I need to get it done while Tor isn’t here.

"Sis, the test is for those who have studied here at least three years! And most don’t pass it until their fourth year! The final exam is hard!"

I know that, I said patiently. And in case you’ve forgotten, I’ve had time to learn. Raz didn’t just teach me fighting. I’ve spent a lot of time sitting and reading and I’ve studied with you nearly every night since I came back. You’ve said I know tactics as well as any of you. And I’ve been told that my medallion will exempt me from the fighting portions of the test.

And what about the riding part? You haven’t done a lot of the difficult horseback-riding moves.

Raz, Dillon, Captain Durai, and the riding instructor all agreed I needed to know how to ride on a dragon. Nightfire and I still practice on occasion. We’ll just show them what we practice and as long as I can keep a seat on my horse just through the basics, they’ll pass me. All I have to do is pass the written and oral exams.

Warren ran a hand through his black hair in agitation, then grabbed my hand. Come on. We’d better make sure you’re studied up.

For that night and the next night, all efforts were put in to make sure I could pass the final exams. I felt this was my final hurdle before others would stop questioning me about my being military. Like a squire trying to become a knight, this was the only test left before I earned my rank.

The second day, Warren took me to see the professor who I’d taken survival classes with before Tor arrived. Sir? Warren called.

The professor’s gravelly voice invited us in. Recruit Madara. And our Lady Recruit. Professor Whelan looked mildly interested. Are you reenrolling now that Lieutenant Tor is gone for a few days?

No, sir. She’s taking the final test. I was hoping you’d have some advice, my brother explained.

The stout man nodded sagely. A wise decision, to attempt to pass the test before Lieutenant Tor has a hand in the proceedings. He motioned me forward. Very well. Sit down. Let me see what you know. I’ll be one of those choosing whether or not you’ll be passed.

Thank you, I said sincerely. Sir.

Be warned that the man who grades the written exam still holds a grudge against you.

Quallis. The one you yelled at on the roof, Warren reminded me.

I gave a disgusted sigh. Why bother even taking the test? He’ll fail me just because I’m a girl. Just like he wouldn’t teach me because I’m a girl.

I said he graded. Not that he proctored. Professor Whelan nodded when I brightened slowly. But give him no room to fail you. He cleared his throat, which did nothing for the rough tone. Now. Let’s begin.

I spent the afternoon taking notes, asking questions, and answering questions. Raz dropped in at one point to listen, but left without comment as the kind man told me what to expect, giving me a list of topics I had to know in order to pass the test. Raz, who made a habit of joining me at the dinner table, perused through the stack of books