Page 34 of Flameborne: Chosen

There was a beat, then the man cleared his throat. “It’s only that we think we’re on the cusp of war, yes? And that means it’s more crucial than ever to be strong and trained, andready.Taking on a woman brings many complications, even beyond simple things like bathing and sleeping arrangements. She’ll require time and resources—extra training, you said. And patience. It feels as if bringing her into a squad will weaken that team. And aren’t we vowed to make decisions to strengthen our squads?”

It was a valid question and respectfully asked, but I wanted to curse. If any of them hadn’t thought in those terms, they were now.

“The dragons have named herLittle Flame,”I said quietly. A couple of the men looked shocked to hear she’d already been named. “Kgosi tells me that’s because a little flame can be snuffed out easily. But with the right fuel it will grow into a blazing inferno.”

Some of the men looked thoughtful. But most seemed skeptical. I sighed.

“We all know that it’s impossible to identify a Flameborne’s gifts until they’re in training and tested. So, I can’t make any reassurances about what assets she may possess. But I can say this: The Creator doesn’t make mistakes. She’sChosenby a dragon and here for a reason. It’s up to us to figure out what that is. Could it be that she won’t pass the trials? Of course. That can be true for any Flameborne. But she’ll be provided every opportunity, just as any male Chosen would be.”

I stopped then, waiting. The men looked at each other. The Wing Lieutenants watched their Wing Captains, the Wing Captains watched each other.

Moments later, still no one had spoken up, and I was growing angry.

“So, I stand in a circle of men expected tolead our ranks for the coming generation,and notoneof you feels equipped to train and prepare a challenging Flameborne?” I snarled. “Have I truly raised men too cowardly, or too lazy to—”

“We’ll take her,” a voice said quietly. Perhaps a touch sullenly.

Everyone turned.

Ronen.He was one of the older Wing Captains. Already thirty-four, I’d mentally pegged him for promotion in the coming year. If I remember correctly, his squad was fairly developed and had an even spread of Flame, Fang, and Flyer, too. That meant, whichever way the new pair turned out to be gifted, they’d have mentors. Assuming the men were dedicated enough to offer it.

I reached for Kgosi.‘Ronen has offered. What do you think?’

Kgosi, drowsy, and always overconfident, gave me a mental shrug.‘She is meant to be. Her place will be revealed, however you choose.’

‘But the men, they’re reluctant.’

‘Humans always lack faith in this way—unwilling to be pushed to the greater heights they could reach. Why do you think the Creator gave us to you?’

I blinked. That was a perspective he’d expressed before, but not quite so succinctly.

‘You don’t think she needs maturity and strength around her to give her the best chance?’

‘Of course she does. But her path will not be determined by her team. Only influenced.’

I frowned.‘Influence is critical to a growing, maturing heart.’

‘Actually, Donavyn,resilienceis critical. She needs support, not a crutch. Don’t see her femaleness as anything more than a difference. She brings strengths the others cannot. They will have strengths she does not. It’s the way of this life.’

‘I agree, but—’

‘Give her to Ronen,’Kgosi intoned—and I had the distinct impression he was ruffling his wings with impatience.‘Wherever she’s placed, she’llbecome what she’s meant to be. The journey may be different, but the result will be the same.’

I sighed. It was a hazard of intimacy with dragons that their supernatural senses made their faith in the unseen unshakeable. But their certainty sometimes resulted in annoyance with our questions.

I took Kgosi’s point, but still believed there was wisdom to be applied. I didn’t want to set her up for any more failure than would come by virtue of her weakness—

‘She is notweak.She is differently strong,’Kgosi growled.‘You humans are so determined to allocate every measure to black or white, wet or dry. You miss the beauty of complementary gifts.’

‘Keg, she’s unsure of herself as a person to the point of timidity. That is notstrength.’

There was a moment where I felt the scrutiny of my dragon—an uncomfortable prickling as if he looked straight through the walls and distance between us and measured every ounce of my insides.

‘You would prefer she marched arrogantly into this role with foolish bravado, like a certain young buck I once knew?’he asked pointedly.

I ground my teeth.‘It’s not the same thing.’

‘It is precisely the same thing. You were not Chosen for your maturity and leadership. You were Chosen for the gifts the Creator gave you—and what theycouldbecome. She is the same. As is every Flameborne who ever bonded a dragon.’