Page 60 of Flameborne: Chosen

“Flameborne,attend.We aren’t done.”

My stomach dropped and that joy drained out of my toes. What other hell could they possibly want me to—

“Return to your feet and when you feel balanced, nod for your next instruction.”

What?

Whatnext instruction?

“My fingers are numb. I’m afraid I’ll—”

“As a Furyknight we walk every day poised on the edge of war. We are servants, Flameborne. Devoted to our dragons, and our destiny. Sick, exhausted, wounded—it makes no difference. We are given instruction, wedo it.I won’t explain again,” Ronen called sternly. “Now, return to your feet and find your balance. And when you have, nod. I’ll give you the next instruction then.”

I gritted my teeth and pressed my lips together hard to stop another outburst of swearing—and to force back a new wave of tears.

‘Akhane—’

‘Do as he says, Bren. He’s your Wing Captain. None of us are safe if our brothers and sisters ignore instruction. Trust him. If you cannot, then trust me when I tell you to listen and obey.’

A sob broke in my chest, but I swallowed it back. The muscles of my arms felt like jelly. My back ached. Between the tears and the wind, I struggled to see clearly.

But I was flying. It was beautiful.

Maybe it was possible? Maybe, if I did this Icouldbecome a Furyknight? Or—

‘Your purpose is determined already, Little Flame. We only wait to see it revealed. Do as you’re asked.’

There was no more joking from the men. No more cheering. Only silent flight as they waited for me. For a moment I considered outright rebellion. I would simply stay here and refuse to move. But Ronen’s words came back to me.

...we won’t land until you have walked the trial.

I couldn’t outwait, or out maneuver these men, especially if they worked together as Akhane said.

“Please—”

“Flameborne Kearney, you have received your first instruction. No further will be given until you nod.”

My will to fight dissolved—yet, with that, my fear lurched to the fore.

What could they possibly expect of me that was more terrifying than standing without a hold at this height, while flying?

I closed my eyes and dropped my head, gathering myself. Then I clenched my teeth, pulled my feet up under me, and stood. Hesitantly. Wobbling when the wind rushed. But I made it mostly upright until I stood at the center of the wide net with one foot a little forward and my arms extended slightly from my sides.

I felt every ripple and wave in that net. But I was on my feet. I looked up again to see the sea stretching ahead for countless miles, the sunlight flickering on its surface, the tiny lines that looked like clouds among the water which were actually white, frothy waves breaking…

Then I took a deep breath and nodded.

There was no cheering or encouragement this time.

“As quickly as you can, walk to the front of the net. You’ll find a strap there with a steel clip. Clip it to your belt and—”

“You’re going to kill me.”

‘Quiet, Bren!’Akhane snapped in my head. My mouth closed so fast my teeth clicked and adrenaline jolted through me.‘Don’t disrespect your Wing Captain again,’she chastised me.‘They’ve been kind to you. He’s accepted things he wouldn’t from the men. Don’t make him do it again.’

I swallowed and nodded again. “I… I apologize,” I called, not confident to turn my head to Ronen. “But, I don’t understand. Please explain.”

“There is a thick, leather strap in the middle of the front line of the net. Clip it to your belt and await instructions.”