Page 150 of Flameborne: Chosen

‘Donavyn, do not waver. What you gave out this afternoon wasjustice,and mercy. These men look with their hearts, not their eyes. And so they reveal themselves.’

I rested one hand on the table, working hard not to claw my nails into the ancient wood top while I prayed for the right words. Because inside I raged. But I knew the wrong conclusions here would spread through the men.

Feroz had been right that she was a catalyst for conflict. Far more than I’d imagined.

“Are there any other accusations, apart from my apparent bias or… what was the word I heard shouted?Favoritism?”

I looked slowly around the table, meeting eyes with every man who had the courage to meet mine, but none of them spoke up.

“Very well, then I’ll answer to your concerns. But please pay attention because I will say this only once.”

I slowly rose from my seat, then leaned my hands on the table and eyed each of them in turn as I spoke, keeping my voice low, but deep.

“Any of you who watched that Trial will know that Flameborne Kearney and Akhane comported themselves with aplomb and clear skill for the first two phases of the Trial. There were no serious concerns—and some areas in which she out performed the men.”

“Because she’d had two months to practice,” Mont muttered.

I glared at him, then moved on. “But when we reached the Banner Seize, there was a shift. We had two Flameborne out there with a clear plan to sabotage her. Whether they targeted her of their own volition, or were ordered to do so, I don’t know. But there was a marked pattern in their maneuvers to challenge her and help each other. Whether she was female or not, watching that, I would have disciplined those two, and knowing what I know now, I would have been far harsher on them if I’d understood that they managed to remove a fellow Flameborne’s banner to stop them achieving rank. That isn’t just strategy, that ischeating.And I defy any of you to argue that their punishment waslight.”

“I don’t believe anyone protests their discipline, Donavyn,” Gunnar muttered. “We watched them work together. It was a breach. You were right to remove them before they were raised.”

“I’m glad you agree, but in that case I ask you: if we know we have cheaters in the sky, and their efforts successfully diverted anotherFlameborne who did not instigate, how can you possibly believe I offered special treatment?”

“Because—”

“That was a rhetorical question, Mont!” I snarled.

Mont’s mouth snapped closed and he sat back in his chair as I returned my attention to the others at the table, but now my rage simmered in my chest. I had to clench my teeth and force myself to keep my voice low.

“We all watched her fly efficiently, and skillfully—clearly prepared for the Trial and holding her own. Then she endured injustice and sabotage—to the point that her dragon was injured—and did she complain? No. She landed, ensured her dragon was safe and healthy, then marched herself straight to the stage and called the failureher own.”

I let that thought sink in for a moment. In a room full of prideful, capable men, I knew some were squirming in their boots knowing they’d be the first to fight and throw accusations if they were in her shoes.

“I watched that young woman face that ceremony as if it were an execution—she didn’t waver, didn’t flinch. She took full responsibility, and did not blame otherseven with the grounds to do so.That is a display of character I wouldkillto breed into my men. Bren Kearney is not a toy or a fascination. She is not an object for gossip. She is anexample.

“The only “special consideration” she received from me was that for a moment I considerednotgiving her the rankdespite the fact she'd clearly earned it,so that she would be free and we wouldn’t have to deal with the added complication she brings. Itshamesme to admit that I even thought of choosing my own comfort over the duty and skill of my charge. Had those exact events occurred and a male Flameborne been the target, I wouldn’t even have taken a second thought. Did I give her special consideration? Yes—and God is my witness it wasright.”

I straightened and huffed my disgust. “God forgive all of you for whatever this is. I’m coming to see that it isn’tmyprejudice being drawn into the light by her presence.”

I stepped back and shoved my chair back under the table. “Gunnar, you’re aware of my notes. Please make certain they’re included in the reports. I find I have need for some air.”

Then I turned on my heel and walked out of the silent room, my footsteps ringing on the stone.

My heart was full. I was certain she was right to have been raised. Butfuck it.I also knew how it looked.

‘Don’t let their clinging to tradition make you doubt yourself, Donavyn,’Kgosi rumbled in my head.‘You spoke the truth—and I honor you for it.’

I was humbled.‘Thank you, Keg.’

‘No need for thanks. You know I don’t give honor where honor is not due.’

I nodded as I marched through the building and down the stairs, the tension in my shoulders and neck made my skin feel tight.

I hadn’t handed her the rank. She’dearnedit. But if even my Captains thought I had, what chance was there that the rank and file wouldn’t? And then what would happen? She’d already had two Flameborne inexplicably target her. What else could come of this if others began to resent her, or believe the ridiculous rumors that she was some sort of distraction for the King?

I had just pushed out of the building and into the sunlight when I halted. “Oh no… Ohno!”

Kgosi had been sunning himself on the grass, but rose to his great height and lumbered to my side as I stood there, gaping at the Keep, but eyes unseeing.