Chapter Text
Walking up to General Sorrengail’s office with Keir at my side. Gods, it will be so hard to leave him behind, and not be able to see him for the next three years if I'm lucky. Keir, my dog, since my 16th birthday, no one knows how he got into my room that morning or even how he got into basgiath. He was so small then; now he is enormous, twice my weight, but that sweet little puppy snuggled up against me when I woke up.
As we near the general’s office, Keir tilts his head and whines at the yelling coming from the other side of the door. Only one person on the continent would dare yell at the general. Opening the door to the office and almost tripping over my pack’s weight, Keir wasted no time jumping up onto the upholstered couch.
“ Damn it, Mom, she can’t even handle her rucksack,” Mira hisses, rushing to my side to help me.
The general swears under her breath as I try to tell Mira I am fine
“ Violet, I told you a hundred times to keep that hound of yours off the furniture,” he says as he makes himself more at home on the couch by rolling over, much to Mom’s chagrin. I tune the rest of their argument. I know there is no point once Lilith Sorrengail made up her mind; nothing would change it. When she dismisses Mira she turns toward me, “ I won’t be able to acknowledge for next three years”, not that would be a massive change from usual I thought to myself, she continues “ Oh and Violet make sure to keep that hound on a leash, he can’t be running around as he pleases” mom hands me a lead. “ right i will get right to that.
Once the three of us start on the way back toward what used to be the room, Mira lets out her complaints again
“She is insane, sending you to the riders’ quadrant.”
“ I’m more worried that Keir would drive her insane while I am gone. I don’t want to leave him,” I say as we near my old room
Mira snorts, “ I can’t believe she let you keep him, let alone take care of him.”
“ Markharm was willing, if not a bit reluctant, to join me in the sribes. And she wants to keep him leashed all the time.”
Mira gives Keir pats on his head. “How much do you want to bet on how long it will take before he causes structural damage and mom tries to ship him off somewhere?”
“Trust me, he loves to chew on the infantry cadets when some of the professors ask to borrow him for lessons, she will just send Keir there by the end of the day,” I tell her. Mira gives me a corset with dragon scales and tells me to go ch him as she repacks my bag to her liking. Having to fight to keep my book about poisons, I relent on the book on fables of the barrens.
She sits and braids my hair into a cornet braid while she gives me information on how to survive the next three years.
“Remember, Violet, find Dain, and stay away from Xaden Riorson,” she said as she finished my hair. I put the lead on Keir as we go down to the courtyard, “Remember everything I told you, Vi.”
“Next,” we hear as we are called forward. The scribe is having an awkward conversation about me joining the riders’ quadrant. I walk forward, and Keir tries to follow me into the turret. Violet,” the scribe calls out, “Keir has to stay here or return to the general’s quarters.”
Keir lets out a pitiful whine while looking at the rider and scribe at the entrance with the saddest expression he could muster, “I mean, if he uses the tunnel to go back to General Sorrengail's office once you reach the top, I'm sure that would be fine. You will go right back, right, Keir.”
Keir nods his head to the scribe, agreeing. Mira pulls me in for one final hug, “ I swear that dog is a master manipulator. Don’t die, Violet, I don’t want to be an only child.”
I watch her return to her post before Mom reports her.
“ Never seen a dog play someone that well before,” the woman in front of me comments from inside the tower. I nod my head in agreement
“He has always been that way, though I doubt he would listen or do as he promised.”
“Are you even sure he is a dog and not some wolf? Never seen a dog that could be confused with a small horse.”
The blonde man, two people ahead of me, commented. I laugh as we make our way up the tower, I learn their names are Rhiannon and Dylan as we make our way up the tower. Making sure to hold the leash, Mom made me put on Keir as he walked up with us, chiming in on their conversation. Hate to die by tripping over the thing. When we almost reach the top
“You might make it across the parapet, but this one is one breeze away from falling,” an asshole behind me comments
“Shut up and focus on yourself,” Rhiannon snaps at him. Keir let out a growl, turning his head towards the ass.
“Let me see your boot,” I whisper to Rhiannon. She looks puzzled but shows me smooth soles.
“Quick, what size are you? I will trade my left boot until we make it across.”
“What?” She blinks
“Mine are rider boots; they will grip the stone better. Plus, the storm looks like it’s about to come down any minute, the smooth soles will make you slip.” I explained to her
“ I am eight.”
“Crap, I’m a seven, but we can make it work. Let’s hurry; it’s almost our turn to cross.”
As we switched left boots as fast as we could, Keir tried to cover us. We made our way outside.
Chapter 2: Chapter 2
Summary:
Violet and Keir meet Xaden
Notes:
In horror of national dog day, here is a short chapter. Working on chapter 3 now, that is when they finally cross. Kinda want to make a running joke that Brennan is the one who really wanted a dog and to this day doesn’t shut up about wanting one and complaining his mom never let him have one
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Let’s go. Some of us have things to do on the other side.”
The ass behind me says, Jack something was his name. He is not worth the effort to respond to him,
“Here, let me help you.” Jack lunges at me and shoves me off, but Keir snaps at him and lets out a low warning growl. Jack jumps back, nearly knocking over the person next in line.
I laugh and look forward to the entrance of the parapet. Three riders are posted there, one to take names for the record and another to help Dylan get in place on the walkway of death. The last one was the most exquisite man I had ever seen. Dark windswept hair, darker eyes, his body seemed to be built by the gods. I feel a light nudge on my hand. Looking down, I see Keir give me a smug look, as if he is reading my appraisal of the rider before us.
“Oh, don’t you start.”
“Ready for the next one, Roirson.”
One rider calls out, and my eyes zero in on the relic on the handsome man’s arm, which I somehow completely missed when I was ogling him. Keir brings his front paw to his face as if he were face-palming. Just great, the person I was told to avoid is the one I must get past on the parapet.
“Ready for this, Sorrengail?”
Rhiannon asked. Crap, Roirson’s head snaps in my direction as he stalks towards me,
“Sorrengail?” I am reminded of how small I am, putting any fear into a little box in my mind. Keir moves just a step ahead, lowering himself if he has to attack. I put my hand on his head to keep him from doing that.
“Violet, is everything ok?” Rhiannon asks as she gives Riorson a suspicious look.
“You’re General Sorrengail’s youngest,” he spats, “unlike me, who has no control over who my mother is.”
“And you’re Fen Riorson’s son,” I shot back, Mira’s warning ringing in my ears. This is it, he is just going to pick me up and throw me off the edge of the turret.
Xaden takes a deep breath, and his jaw muscles flex.
“You’re Mother captured my father and oversaw his execution.” White hot rage courses through my veins. He acts as the only one who lost something in the rebellion. “Your father killed my older brother. Seems that makes us even”
“Hardly”, his glare goes over as if to take in every detail about me, or looking for the best spot to kill me, “your sister’s a rider, correct. Guess that explains the leathers.”
“Guess so,” holding his glare as if it could get me into the quadrant. Xaden’s hands clench into fists, looking like he is getting ready to strike. Keir begins moving closer to me, trying to size up Xaden, bearing his teeth. “Well, what do we have here?” Xaden says in a mocking tone, “Never thought that General Sorrengail would keep a house beast.”
“Leave Keir alone, he is going to head back soon anyway.” I don’t care if Xaden kills me, but I will not let anyone mess with my dog.
“Are you all right?” Rhiannon asks, her gaze going between Xaden, Keir, and me. His stare turns towards Rhiannon. “Friend of yours?”
“We met on the stairs,” she tells him as she squares shoulders. He looks down and takes in our mismatched boots, raising a scared brow, "Interesting.” Of course, the sky chose that moment to open up and let rain come crashing down, soaking everything, making the walk across the parapet that much harder. Thanks a lot, Mom. Steadying myself, I dare to look him in the eyes. “So are you going to kill me or what?” A scream cuts through the air. Rhiannon, Keir, and I see Dlyan catch himself from slipping completely off the parapet.
“Come on, Dlyan, pull yourself up,” Rhiannon yells. But it’s too late, he loses his grip and falls to his death.
“Why on earth would I waste my time killing you when the parapet would do it for me?” a wicked smile on his face, “Your turn, Sorrengail.”
Notes:
Comments, kudos, and constructive feedback are appreciated 😊😊
Hopefully chapter 3 will be up later this week.
Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Summary:
Time for Violet to cross the parapet.
Notes:
Could stop writing yesterday so chapter 3 came sooner than I thought.
After this we should be getting more Keir content. 😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
I will not die today, I repeat to myself.
“I’ll see you on the other side,” Rhiannon tells me as she begins to cross.
“ Name for the record,” the rider with the scroll asks, as the other tries in vain to cover the roll to stop it from getting completely soaked—a useless task. A clash of thunder is heard overhead. Most people are indifferent or afraid of it, but Keir and I have always loved watching storms together. Storms are relaxing, and I try to steady my nerves as I get ready to cross, dropping Keir’s leash.
“Name,” the rider with the scroll asks.
“ Violet Sorrengail,” I answer,
“ as in General Sorrengail? I thought she only had one daughter?”
“ Yes, the same, though she wishes she only had one daughter.” Being compared to my mother is getting old fast. They will see me as gifted or weak, as the rest of my family, making it open season on my life.
I step up onto the parapet to get my bearings to cross.
“I think you could even mount a dragon of your size. I pity whatever wing you end up in. That is, if you even make it across.” The ass behind me mocks. Keir gives him a quick backup kick, and then he moves to try to jump onto the parapet.
“Where do you think you're going?” Xaden steps on the end of his leash and picks it up. Tying it into more of a loop knot.
“Keir, stay here, or take the healers’ tunnel and return to the barracks,” I tell him. He gives me a whine, disagreeing with me
“No, Keir, stay.”
“Name?” the rider asks again
“ Jack Barlowe, you better remember it, cause I am going to be a wingleader one day.”
“You'd better get going, Sorrengail,” Xaden tells me
“Unless you need a little motivation,” Jack lunges for me, getting ready to push me off, but Keir turns quickly and moves to bite him. Just grazing his upper thigh.
Fear shoots through me as I make my way out, hearing Jack curse at my dog, and he nearly avoids a full-on bite from Keir. Stay calm, start saying things you know, don’t look down. “Beyond Krovla, beyond our enemy, lie the distant Barrend, a desert-“
Thunder cracks, and a strong gust slams into me, “Shit”.
Crouching down, trying to make myself as small as possible, waiting for the wind to subside. Since I got onto the parapet, the storm just got even worse. Guess Mom is not taking it easy on me, or even helping, for that matter. Thanks a lot, Mom. There are easier methods if she wanted me dead.
I can almost see the riders’ quadrant when I go to stand again. I feel something touch the top of my head. Turing, I see Keir on the god damn parapet! “ Keir, what in all the gods above are you doing here?” He is crouched, looking like he crawled his way to me. How he is not falling off is a gift from Zinhal himself.
“You know what, fine, no sending you back now.” I grab his leash hanging off the end and hook it to me, the best I can, 200 feet in the air and in a storm. “Let's go.”
As I stand, I look behind me to see where Jack is; he stands there waiting.
He stands just at the quarter mark, when they send the next candidate to cross, the wind not even affecting his balance, his back to Keir and me. The next candidate is wobbly as he tries to keep his balance. Jack grabs the gangly boy and throws him off the parapet. Holy shit.
“You’re next, Sorrengail! And I am shoving that deranged mutt of yours off as well!” Jack bellows, jerking my gaze from the ravine.
“Keir, let’s move now!” My left foot is slipping a little more with each step I take. Another gust of wind slams into me, making me stumble and fall hard on my left knee. I yelp in pain, Keir letting out a soft whine I can barely hear over the wind and rain. Gripping the sides of the parapet, I brace as much weight as I can on the slick stones to hold. Keir nudges my back in encouragement as I try to get my right foot under me. Keir and I will discover how cold the river is if one wrong move is made. We’ll be dead on impact.
“Coming for you, Sorrengail. Honestly, I am doing the quadrant a favor by killing you now,” Jack calls. He is getting closer. I move as fast as I can, seeing stone rise on both sides of us, “ you think you’ll be safe in there, his voice is harsh and close. Running the last ten feet, we jump down the parapet where two riders wait.
Spinning around, I pull a dagger from its sheath at my ribs as Jack comes to a sudden stop, my dagger at his balls.
“I think. I’ll be safe for right now,” I manage between my breaths, Keir behind me bearing his fangs.
“Will you?” Jack snarls, pure rage on his face.
“It’s unlawful for a rider to cause harm to another while in a quadrant formation or in the presence of a superior-cadet,” my heartbeat is in my throat, “Judging from the crowd behind us, I think it’s clear we are in a formation.”
“I don’t give a shit!” Jack goes to move, but I hold my ground, and my dagger digs deeper into his crotch, slicing through the first layer of his breeches. “ I think you may want to reconsider, or else my hand might slip.”
“Name?” The rider beside me drawls, “You’re pretty small for a rider, but you made it by the looks of it.”
“Violet Sorrengail,” I answer, “Before you ask, yes, I am that Sorrengail.”
“I'm not surprised by that move,” the rider says. Your name.”
“Jack Barlowe”, the look in his eyes says he will snap my neck as soon as he gets down.
“Well, Jack,” the male rider says, “ Cadet Sorrengail has you by the actual balls here. She’s right. Regs says that there is nothing but respect among riders at formation. If you want to kill her, either do it on your time or during a challenge. That is, if she lets you off the parapet. She is on the grounds, and you’re not,” he tells Jack, a lazy smile coming across his face at that last part.
“ What if I just kill her as soon as I get down?” Jack snarls.
“ Then you get to meet the dragons early; we just execute around here,” the female rider informs him.
“What’s it going to be, Sorrengail, going to let Jack here start as a eunuch?” the male rider asks.
“Are you going to follow the rules?” I ask Jack
“Not like I have a choice, “ he huffs out.
I slowly pull my dagger away from him and step back, but before Jack can jump down the 12 inches, Keir lunges forward and bites Jack right where I had my dagger. He lets out such a high-pitched sound, I think only Keir could hear it. He falls off the parapet holding his balls. The female rider holding the sculls smirks a little, and the male rider sucks in a breath but tries to hide his smile.
“Are you really going to let that beast stay?” Jack gasps between breaths, trying not to pass out
“ Well, let’s see here. Most animals are considered property; whatever a rider carries across is theirs. Look here: the end of a rope attached to Cadet Sorrengail is attached to that dog,” the male rider points out, as if he is talking about the weather, which has miraculously cleared up.
“She didn’t carry that monster; it walked across itself,” Jack snarls, still on the ground.
“The dog is attached to her person, and the dog did make it across the parapet,” the female rider adds, smirking, “guess it’s up to whatever wingleader she is assigned to can make that call if the dog stays or not. What is the dog's name for fun and for the record?”
“His name is Keir,” I tell her. She hums and, I guess, writes Keir’s name next to mine. I start to walk away to find Rhiannon, putting most of my weight onto Keir as we go.
“You are both dead, Sorrengail, you and that damn dog,” Jack threatens.
Notes:
Kudos, comments, and constructive feedback always welcome 🤗
Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Summary:
Dain makes his first appearance.
Notes:
Dain gets a shock of his life. Keir decides to try and make his life more difficult for fun.
This was hardly proof read might go back and edit it later
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
I’m alive. I made it. My body trembles even more now that the adrenaline is wearing off. I lean slightly toward Keir, who looks very pleased with himself.
“You do know I don’t have any of your stuff, and I doubt Mom will let me go and get it now that you are also in the quadrant.” He gave me a shocked look, as if he didn’t think that pet through all the way.
“I think you made an enemy there,” the redhead says, looking me up and down. I’d watch your back with that if I were.” Keir lets out a bark as if telling her he dares Jack to come and try. Though he might want to think twice with your unique’ weapon ‘,” she glances at Keir. I job, and Keir just wags his stubby tail.
Someone grips my shoulder from behind and spins me. My dagger is halfway up, and Keir is ready to pounce on the person who touched me, when we realize it’s Rhiannon.
“We made it!” She grins
“We made it,” I repeat, forcing a smile. Now that we are both here, as cadets, can I trust her?
“I can’t thank you enough. You were right, those soles were slick as shit, I almost fell three times. And I thought Keir had to stay on the other side of the parapet?” She asks
“ Keir had other ideas, “I tell her, scratching him behind his ear. He decided to bite Jack in the balls before he could step off the parapet.” I explain that it would be up to whichever wingleader I get whether he can stay or not.
Rhiannon starts laughing
“ Oh, and Keir and I will get along just fine. Who wouldn’t want such a sweet face in their wing?” Once she can talk again, she loops her arm in mine as we begin our way into the crowd, making sure to sneak a pat to Keir’s head. “We need to trade boots, there is a bench-“
A tall figure in a pristine black uniform steps and charges towards us. Rhiannon manages to double while I slam right into his chest.
“ Violet?” Strong hands catch me to steady me. I look into a pair of familiar chocolate brown eyes, wide with shock. It’s Dain Aetos. When I last saw him, he seemed taller and more filled out than last summer.
“ What the hell are you doing here?” he barks out at me. Keir, not taken to being ignored, nudges Dani’s hand to get his attention, telling him that he is here, too.
“Keir, how the hell, you know what, not now.” Keir lets out a whine.
“It's Good to see you, too, Dain,” I say sarcastically. God, the nausea is getting worse, and my knee gives out.
“Damn it, Vi.” Dain leads me away from the crowd into an alcove in the wall. Keir follows happily behind us. There is a well-hidden spot with a bench. Dain helps me take off my rucksack and sit down.
“Head between your knees,” he orders in a harsher tone than necessary. Keir gives him a light shove as he sits beside me and licks my face.
“ Really, Keir,” Dain exasperates. Keir lets out a snort. I hear approaching footsteps on the gravel, “Who the hell are you?” Keir lets out a small bark as a greeting.
“I’m Rhiannon. I’m Violet’s …. friend”
“ Listen to me, Rhiannon. Violet is fine,” he commands. If anyone asks, you tell them it is just the adrenaline working out of her system.”
“It’s no one’s business what’s going on with Violet,” she retorts to him. Her tone just as sharp, “So I won’t say shit. Especially when she is the reason I made it across.”
“You better mean that,” he warns, his tone at odds with the soothing circles he is making on my back.
“I could just as easily ask who you are to Violet,” she retorts.
“He is one of my oldest friends,” I say as I unlace my left boot.
“Oh,” Rhiannon answers
“And a second-year rider, cadet,” he growls. Rhiannon takes a small step back. “No one can see you here, Vi. Take your time,” he tells me softly.
“Because puking my guts out after I crossed the parapet and the ass who wanted to throw me off would make me seem weak,” I rise slowly, sitting upright, petting Keir’s head.
“Exactly, are you hurt?” His gaze racks over my form with a desperate edge.
“My knee is a bit sore,” I admit only in a whisper because it’s Dain.
“Is that all, and are you wearing daggers?” he exclaims. Keir gives a warning huff. Dain raises his hands in surrender.
“Yes, what else did you expect me to fight with while I am here, Dain?”
“Just get your boots switched back, you look ridiculous,” Dain leans close to my ear and whispers, “Vi, do you trust this one?” I nod, “ as much as you can trust another first year.”
“Alright then,” he says and stands, turning to Rhiannon. I’m Dain Aeros, the leader of Second Squad, Flame Section, Second Wing. We still have a few parapets, depending on how fast the candidates are. Go find the redhead with the crossbow and tell her to put you and Violet in my squad. Tell her she owes me for saving her during Threshing if she troubles you. I will bring Violet back to the courtyard shortly, " he tells Rhiannon.
She glances at me, and I give her a nod.
“Go now before someone sees us,” Dain barks at her.
“Going,” she answers after lacing up her boot. She is only leaving this easily cause Dain will be her squad leader.
“You cross the parapet with an equestrian boot that was too big for you?!” Dain asks, glaring down at me with incredulity. Keir nudges him again, giving a low growl.
“She would have died without trading mine,” I stand and wince on my bad knee. Keir comes to my side to help me walk. “And you’re going to die if we don’t get you out of here. Let me take you to my room to wrap your knee.” He offers his arm, Keir jumps up and knocks it down before I could take it.
“I am fine with Keir’s help, thank you very much,” I tell him
“Damn it, Violet, damn it.” He moves to pick up my rucksack as he leads us towards a tunnel at the end of the alcove. “You’re not supposed to be here, either of you.” he gives Keir a dirty look. Dain is upset at him for not letting him help me up to his room.
I roll my eyes at him, “Well aware, Dain.” I limp a little with Keir.
“You’re supposed to be in the Scribe Quadrant,” he seethes, leading us through the tunnel. “Please tell me you did not volunteer for the Riders Quadrant and didn’t purposely bring Keir along.”
“What do you think happened, Dain?” I challenge him. He lets out a string of curses: " Your mother.”
“Yes, my mother, and before you ask, no, Keir decided that he was going to cross. He manipulated his way up to the start,” I tell him. Keir wagging his tail, like he came up with a golden plan.
We make it to the second-year floor, and Dain tries to tell me I am not supposed to be on this floor. I respond that if anyone sees us, I was so overcome with lust that I just had to have it now. I will even throw in a few ‘oh Dain’ to make it believable.
“Ever the smart-ass.” A wry smile tugs at his lips, and is that a hint of blush down his neck? He drops my bag before a wooden door and unlocks it with lesser magic.
“Oh, don’t look so surprised.” He rolls his eyes and helps me into his room. I see the book I gave him last summer, which is front and center on his desk.
“Do you have wraps in here?” Dain asks, pointing to my bag.
“Major Gillstrad gave me some,” I answer with a nod.
“Make yourself at home.” He grins. Keir makes a beeline for his bed. “Keir, no, get down!” He snaps his fingers, and Keir enters a play bow like Dain just started a game. I laugh as I sit down on the bed as well.
“ You did say make yourself at home, he thought you were talking to him. I missed you.”
Dain rubs his hand down his face, softening, “ I missed you too, and I was talking to you, not Keir. Gods, he is going to get fur all over my bed. You'd better get that leg wrapped.” Moves to turn and face away from, Keir then grabs the blanket at the foot of his bed, “shit no, drop that right now, Keir, bad dog!” Keir dances around him. Dain grabs one end of the blanket and starts pulling. Keir now believes he is in a game of tug of war. I laugh as I start removing my pants to wrap my knee.
“It’s not anything you haven’t seen before, and if you keep pulling, Keir is going to keep playing,” I tell him
“Well, we are not sneaking away to swim in a river now. And we are not playing, " he teases, still trying to get his blanket back from Keir. Once my knee is wrapped and my pants are back on, “ all covered.”
Dain finally manages to get his blanket back from Keir, half-covered in dog drool. He glances at me, “You look different,” eyes not leaving my body.
“Well, well, Dain Ateos, you've seen me in just about everything, and you're telling me that leather does it for” I tease him
He scoffs, “ Glad a year apart hasn’t dulled your tongue, Vi.”
“Oh, I am sure you will be impressed by what my tongue could do.”
He flushes, his eyes are heated, and Dain tries to lean in closer to me. Just then, Keir tackles Dain to the ground. Whatever spell he was under breaks at Keir, lands on top of him. I laugh, pulling open his door and returning to the courtyard, “Looks like Keir is not done playing with you yet, Dain.”
“Is he even allowed to be here Vi”
“ That will be up to the wingleader of second wing Dain. Not like he is against the codex.” I tell him.
“Why would something like that even be in the codex to begin with.” Dain rubs his face again and moves towards the door.
Dain groans, “We need to get you out of here, Vi.” he locks his door. No one is in the hall or staircase, so we make our way down quickly.
“Thanks, Dain. My knee feels a lot better now.”
“I still can’t believe your mother thought sending you to the riders’ quadrant was a good idea.” I can feel the anger vibrating off of him.
“Me neither, though the thought of her trying and keeping Keir under control for the next three years without killing or getting rid of him seems even more unlikely.” I try to ease the tension with a joke. “She announced her decree last spring and only gave me six months of training with Major Gillstead.”
Dain gives me a hard look, “A door to the left will take you to the healers' quadrant. If you hurry, you can still take the test for the scribes.”
I pause, anger building in me, “I can’t go, Dain, she will not stand for it.” He takes a step back, “Vi, please, go, you can have an incredible bar story to tell-“
“No, Dain. I am not going anywhere. How did you even tell Rhiannon to put us in your squad if you are just going to make me leave?”
“To get her to leave!” He shouts, lowering his voice, “Please, Violet, you will break in the first match they put you in. You need to go before the dragons-“
“ Before, the dragons saw how weak I am.”
“ Don’t go putting words in my mouth, Vi. There is no guarantee a dragon will bind you. Please, I can’t watch my best friend die! I can’t protect you, at least. Not here.”
“I never asked for your protection, Dain. My mother will not let me leave. Even Mira could not talk her out of it.”
He searches my eyes, trying to find the answer, “Shit,” he says under his breath.
“Yeah, shit,” I shrug, going to find Rhiannon.
Dain calls out, “We will find another way to get you out, Vi, I promise.” Keir body slams him into the wall as he walks past to join my side. Letting out a huff of a bark.
Notes:
Don’t know how long I will keep with these constant updates, just really in the grove I guess.
Kudos, comments, and constructive feedback always welcome 🤗
Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Summary:
Time for Violet and Keir to be put in their squad and meet some dragons.
Notes:
Let’s hope Keir doesn’t get roasted with his attitude
A little chapter for today. Chapter six should be out soon.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Leaving Dain behind, Keir and I begin to look for Rhiannon. It takes a few minutes, but we find her in a growing crowd. She is talking to another girl, whose jet black hair is as short as Dain’s. “There you two are, I was starting to worry. Is everything….” She lifts her eyebrows.
“I’m good to go,” I tell her, turning towards the other woman as Rhiannon induces us. Her name is Tara.
Tara has the same air about her as Mira does, a born rider. “Aww, what a handsome boy you have there, Violet.” Tara coons. “ Can I pet him? I figured I would ask first, but I would hate to lose my hand if he says no.”
I laugh at her last statement; she is not wrong: “Go ahead, Keir would be insulted otherwise.” We spend the next hour talking, well, Rhiannon and Tara do, I stay mostly quiet, taking in information in case I have to use it to form alliances later. Keir is just in the middle of the three of us, soaking up all the attention he can. He even rolled onto his back for belly rubs at one point. “At least one of us is enjoying ourselves,” I mumble to him. Keir wags his tail, letting out a happy bark.
An hour passes, and the last cadets walk into the courtyard, followed by three riders from the other turret. Xaden is among them. Not his height makes him stand out; it’s how everyone gets out of his way. I can’t help but wonder what his signet is to make even third-year riders avoid him. There are ten of them up on the dais. Commandant Pancheo moves to the front, facing us-
“I think we’re about to start,” I say to Rhiannon and Tara both turn to face the dais. Kier gets up, seeming upset that his pets were interrupted.
“Three hundred and one survived the parapet to become cadets today,” Commandant Pancheck starts with a politician’s smile, gesturing to us. This guy always talks with his hands. Good job. Sixty-seven people died trying to get here.” Keir lets out a low grumble. He never did trust Pancheck.
“I’ve heard this position is just a stepping stone for him.” Tara whispers, “He wants Sorrengail’s job, then General Melgren’s.”
“General Melgren’s,” Rhiannon whispers from my other side.
“He’ll never get it,” I say quietly. Melgren’s dragon gives him the ability to see the outcome of battles. It's hard to be killed if you see it before it happens.”
I am half-listening to Pancheck as he welcomes us to the quadrant. “ With that said, I’ll leave you to your wingleaders. My best advice? Don’t die.” He walks off the dais, leaving only the riders on the stone stage.
A brunette woman with broad shoulders and a scarred sneer stalks forward, the spikes on her uniform shine in the sunlight. “I’m Nyra, the senior wingleader of the quadrant and head of first wing. Section and squad leaders, take your positions now. When your name is called, cadets take up formation behind your squad leader.”
I sighed in relief when the wingleader for the second wing stepped forward, and it was not Xaden. Rhiannon and I were called to Dain’s squad, who was trying his best not to look at me. We were silent as the rest of the wings were called. Skin was burning, and Keir was panting. I wish I had his special water skin so he could get a drink.
When the order sounds, we all turn to face the dais. Xaden watches me with a cold, calculating look that feels like he is plotting my demise from his position as the leader of the Fourth Wing. I lift my chin, and Keir sits up straighter.
He cocks his scared brow, then says something to the leader of the second wing. Which turned into a heated discussion among all the wingleaders.
“What do you think they are talking about?” Rhiannon whispers
“Quiet.” Dain hisses, Keir sticks his tongue out at him.
Finally, the wingleaders turn to face us once again, and the slight tilt of Xaden’s lips makes me uneasy.
“Dain Aetos, you and your squad will switch with Aura Beinhaven’s.” Nyra orders.
Dain mobs as we move to our new wing. Wait, no shit. We are being moved to the fourth wing, which means I am now at the mercy of Xaden. And by the smirk on his face, he just knows it.
Xaden steps forward once the assignments are done, “You’re all cadets now.” His voice carries over the courtyard. “Take a good look at your squads, they are the only people guaranteed by the codex not to kill you. Doesn’t mean others won’t try to kill you. You want a dragon, then earn one.”
People cheer, but I can’t bring myself to, thinking of the sixty-seven people who lost their lives today. “Bet you feel pretty badass right now, untouchable,” Xaden starts. Another round of applause, no, not cheering, that is the sound of wing beats. Eight dragons are flying toward us; they land on the outer wall.
A few cadets scream. Steam blasts my face as a navy blue one in front of me exhales through its wide nostrils. People start to run, and the dragons make quick work of them, blasting them with fire. Dragons are not a fan of Rhodes, who runs.
The navy blue dragon tilts its head at me as if daring me to run, narrowing its golden eyes. I bet it can sense the binding of my knee. It knows I am at a disadvantage. Keir comes closer to my side and bears his fangs on the dragon, letting out a low growl. Crap, does he have a death wish? The dragon blinks and looks away. Hopefully, that is a sign of approval, not that it wants to kill me and my dog.
“Anyone else feel like running?” Xaden asks and then grins. “Good. Most of you will be dead by this time next summer. A third of you again by the following year, and the same after that. Your mommy and Daddy can’t save you now; King Tauri’s son learned that two years ago.”
They want us scared, mission accomplished. “Remember this: to the dragons, you are nothing more than prey.”
Notes:
Kudos, comments and constructive feedback always welcomed 🤗
Chapter 6: Chapter 6
Summary:
Dain tries to talk Violet before class starts
Notes:
Keir gets to play one of his favorite games. Annoy Dain Game.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
This morning, we’re all in rider black, standing in silent formation as the death roll is read. We are in the fifties now, but I lost count. My skin is agitated from wearing the armor all night, like Mira asked. There are a hundred and fifty-six of us in the first-floor dorms.
“We commend their souls to Malek.” Captain Fitzgibbons closes the scroll. Guess we were closer to the end than I thought. The squad leaders turn and begin to address their squads.
“Hopefully you all ate breakfast, because you will not get another chance till lunch,” Dain announces, his eyes meet mine for a split second, but he looks away just as quickly. “ Second and third year, I assume you know where to go. For the first years, at least one of you must have memorized your schedule when it was handed out. Stick together. I expect you all to be alive when we meet in the sparring gym this afternoon.”
Shit, I almost forgot we are sparring today. It’s fine if I can survive today. I can make it a few more days before we return. At least we have some time before training for the Gauntlet.
“And if we’re not?” A smart ass first year behind me asks.
“Then I don’t have to learn your name.” Dain deadpans. I don’t even look, Keir snorts, and Rhiannon rolls her eyes. “Sawyer?” Dain looks to the first year to my left.
“ I’ll get them there.” A tall, wiry cadet answers with a tight nod.
“Get going.” Dain orders. The squad breaks apart.
“We have about twenty minutes to get to class,” Sawyer shouts at the eight of us, “ fourth floor, second room on the left in the academic wing.” He doesn’t bother waiting and heads off to the dorms to get his stuff.
“Must be hard having to repeat your first year,” Rhiannon says as we follow the crowd toward the dorms.
“Better than being dead,” the smart ass says as he passes us, trying to bop Keir in the head. Keir makes a half-hearted attempt at nipping his hand. Ridoc, I think, is his name. A bird whistles to the left. Keir perks up his ears and turns in that direction.
I recognize it immediately; it’s Dain. It comes again near the rotunda. “I’ll be, “ I try to tell Rhiannon, but she already follows mine and Keir’s line of sight.
“ I’ll go grab your stuff, it’s not a problem, your bunk is right next to mine,” she tells me. “ Thank you,” I tell her. Keir and I make our way over to see what Dain wants.
Passing the dark red dragon statue, a hand grabs me and pulls me behind it. “It’s just me,” Dain says.
“I figured that much, first of your bird call and second if it weren’t you, Keir would have taken your arm off,” I tell him. Keir lets out a bark of agreement and sits down, and starts to like his butt.
“We only have a few minutes before it’s packed in here. How is your knee?” He asks.
“A little sore, but I’ll live.”
“No, he tried to screw with you last night,” concern lines his face. I lean back to take some weight off my knee, “Would it be so bad if they did?” I tease him.
Dain groans, frustrated,” You know that’s not what I mean, Vi.”
“ No one tried to kill me last night, Dain. Pretty sure we were all too tired, and Keir can spook most people off who are tired while I slept.” Keir lets a bark of agreement and goes back to cleaning himself.
“And you ate breakfast this morning?” He asks
“Yes, Dain, both Keir and I ate. Thanks for asking about him as well. And I wrapped my knee and braided my hair an hour before the bells chimed at six. I still keep scribe hours and must let Keir go to the bathroom in the morning. Makes me want to sign up for breakfast duty, actually.”
Dain looks at my hair. “You should cut it. There is a reason girls keep their hair short here, Vi.”
“Don’t you start, Dain?” I shake my head. My hair is one thing I have control over.” We are getting off topic. I need to know why we were moved to the fourth wing and if Keir can stay.
“Why was our squad moved from the second wing to the fourth wing, Dain?” He stiffens and looks away, “Tell me, Dain.”
“Fuck, Xaden Riorson wants you dead.” He rubs his hand through his hair.
“he moved the squad so he has a direct line to me.”
“I’m not going to let anything happen to you, Violet.” Dain goes to cup my face, Keir decides to jump on Dain and lick his face.
“Bawls, yuck, what the hell, Keir? I think your tongue got into my mouth!” Dain started spitting and rubbing his lips. I just laughed at him. “What? Keir just wanted to apologize for yesterday.”
“Violet, he was just licking his ass, then put his tongue in my mouth!”
“Dain, there is not much you can do.” I start to leave. “ I have to get to class. Let’s go, Keir.”
His jaw tightens, “Just do your best to keep a low profile. I’ll see if I can get one of the second years to stand-“
Cut him off, “ Dain, no one will kill me in history, and I already have a guard. Cute one at that.” I point to Keir, who puffs up his chest. I took the leash off of him, and I did more work, and he has always been good off leash, well, for me anyway. I will keep it to myself just in case. “Do you really think he will stab me in the middle of class?”
“I wouldn’t put it past him. He’s fucking ruthless, Violet. Why do you think his dragon chose him?”
“The navy blue one, Keir thought, was a good idea to growl at the other day.”
“Still can’t believe he did that and lived, Sgaeyl is a blue dagger tail, and she is vicious.” He swallows hard, “Don’t get me wrong, Cath is a nasty piece of work when he gets riled up. But Sgaeyl, other dragons steer clear of her.”
“What is your signet power?” I ask him. I can’t help but wonder what Xaden’s power is and if he would use it to kill me.
He hesitates, “ I can read a person’s recent memories,” Dain admits quietly, “ not like an intuition, I have to be touching the person. I am not much of a security risk. But my signet is not common knowledge. I think they will use me in intelligence.” He points to the compass patch on his shoulder.
“No way,” I smile at him.
He nods, excitement on his face, then it drops, “This place can wrap almost everything about a person, Vi. It cuts away the bullshit and the niceties, revealing whoever you are at your core. Trust me, Vi, if they let me, I would have written to you daily while I was gone.”
“I have to get to class, Dain.”
“Yeah, and I have to get to the flight field. Look, Riorson is still a wingleader, he will find a way to kill you but will make sure it is within the codex.” He flushes, “ I became a good friend with Amber Mavis, the wingleader of the third wing, last year.” Keir makes a gagging sound at that statement, and Dain glares at him and Keir just wags his tail with a happy face. “Anyways, the codex is scared of the wingleaders.”
“ I’ll see you later, Dain,”
I turn to leave Keir at my side, but the hairs on my neck stand up, and Keir looks up at the top of the steps. Oh shit.
Xaden Riorson is watching us with narrowed eyes. My heart jumps. I should run, but I have to know if Keir can stay; he hasn't ruled on it yet. Xaden tilts his head and studies me with his dark eyes until something else takes his attention.
Dain emerges from behind the pillar, “What are you two looking at?”
“Top of the steps. Fourth door.” I hiss, Keir is going on high alert.
Dain's gaze snaps up, and he pales.
“I already knew your parents were tight,” Xaden starts, “but do you have to be so fucking obvious?” He has a cruel smile on his lips.
A few cadets turn and look at us.
“Let me guess,” Xaden continues, “ childhood friends? First loves, even?”
“He can’t hurt you without cause,” I whisper to Dain.
“Correct, but you’re not. Run, Violet. I will try to hold him off.” Dain tells me.
“No,” I say
Dain looks at me like I have gone insane.
“Vi, you can’t be serious. Is this about Keir? He is not worth it.” Dain tries to plead with me.
Keir growls at Dain.
“Yes, Dain, this is about Keir. It is worth it to me, and I have to know if he can stay or not.”
“I expected you to do a better job of hiding where your affections lie, Aetos.” Xaden moves, walking down the steps
“ I was helping this first year find her class, Wingleader Riorson.” Dain tries to cover.
“Oh, really.” Xaden raises his brow. “And what help does this first year need so bad that you had to do it behind a pillar?”
Dain stumbles over his words.
“Dismissed, Squad leader.”
“But, sir,” Dain starts
“I said dismiss.” Xaden orders, leaving no room for. Dain leaves, giving me a look as if it will be the last time he sees me.
Once Dain is gone, Xaden asks me, “Do you really need help finding your class?” I just noticed the other person standing beside him, a tall, hulking figure with curly dark hair and a relic on his arm.
“No, I don’t, but I want to know if Keir is staying,” I tell him. “Apparently, it’s up to you now if he can be here.”
Xaden turns to look Keir up and down. Keir gives him puppy dog eyes, “The hound who growled at my dragon wants to stay?”
The man next to him gives him a sideways look, as if waiting for his answer. “ Frankly, I don’t give a shit, seeing as to the reports he was attached to you. He can stay; leash him.”
Keir gives him a grumble, “Keir hates to be on leash,” I say under my breath.
Xaden looks at the two of us. “Well, seeing as it will annoy the hell out of Aetos, he can stay off leash for now. But if he causes trouble, the leash will be the least of your worries.”
I give Xaden a bright, cheerful smile. “Thank you so much, Wingleader Riorson. Let’s get to class before we are late, Keir.” As we go, I baby talk to Keir, “Now we just need to figure out where to get your stuff, sweet boy. I doubt Mom would let us go back and pack you a bag. We will figure something out so you can get your blanket and toys.” I coo to him.
Keir gives a happy bark and dances around me as we turn to leave. I don’t notice the shock and slightly flustered face on Xaden as he walks away, but Keir does, giving Xaden a look that can only be described as smug and plotting. Looks like Keir has a new toy to play with.
Notes:
How do you think Xaden feels about Keir. And how much teasing will he have to put up with cause of that smile Vi gave him about her dog. And the look the dog gave him as he walked away. Think Garrick will have a field day with this. Lol
Kudos, comments, and constructive feedback always welcome 🤗
Chapter 7: Chapter 7
Summary:
Battle Breif, sparring and the healers. Such a busy day. Did Imogen make a new enemy.
Notes:
Here is an extra long chapter. With a little bit of Keir’s POV.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Welcome to your first battle brief,” Professor Devera says from the floor of the massive lecture hall. Every seat is filled, and the third years are standing in the back. The first years in my squad are all sitting together. Keir is sitting between Rhiannon and me. He has room to lie under the table if he chooses to. But he is at attention as if he is also taking the class.
Professor Devera continues by saying that this is our most important class, and it’s usually only the third year that gets called out into the field. Her gaze sweeps along the first years, and her eyes go wide for a heartbeat when she spots me, but she gives me a smile of approval. Her gaze softens when she catches Keir sitting next to me, and he gives her a silent bark as if he is saying hi. Whenever our paths crossed at Basgiath, she would sneak Keir a treat or two.
“Because this class is taught daily and relies on the most current information, you will also answer to Professor Markham, who deserves nothing but your utmost respect.” She waves the scribe forward, and he stands beside her. He leans in when she whispers something to him, and his thick eyebrows fly high as he whips his head in my direction. There is no approving smile on his face, only a look of disappointment. Keir pins his ear back and scrunches his face at Professor Markham. Those two never got along and barely tolerate one another.
“First topic of the day.” Professor Devera moves towards the map and brings out a mage light directly over the eastern border with the Proromiel province of Braevick. “The eastern wing attack last night near the village of Chakir by a drift of Braevi gryphons and riders.”
Oh shit, I dip my quill into the inkpot on the desk in front of me so I am ready to take notes.
“Naturally, some information is redacted for security purposes, but we can tell you that the ward faltered along the top of Esnen. Allowing the drift to not only enter Navarrian territory but for their riders to be able to wield sometime around midnight.”
My stomach sinks as murmur rises from the cadets. “Thirty-seven civilians were killed in the attack in the hour before a squad from the eastern wing could arrive, but the riders and dragons managed to repel the drift.” Professor Devera finishes, “Based on this information, what questions would you ask, only the first years?”
I studied the map, and the Espen Mountain range is the highest along the eastern border. Gryphons don’t tolerate altitude nearly as well as dragons, so why attack there? “Come on, first years, show me you have more than good balance.” Professor Devera demands, “It’s more important than ever that you’re ready for beyond our borders.”
“Is this the first time the wards have faltered?” A first-year student, a couple of rows ahead, asks. Professor Devera and Markham share a look before she turns to answer, “No.”
My heart jolts with this information. The girl clears her throat. “And how….often are they faltering?” she asks.
Markham’s eyes narrow at her, “That is above your pay grade, cadet. Next question.” He turns towards my section.
“How many casualties did the wing suffer?” A first-year student to my right asks.
“One injured dragon and one dead rider. Why would you ask that particular question?” Professor Devera asks the cadet.
“To know how much reinforcement they’ll need.” He answers. Professor Devera turns towards Pryor, the meekest first year in our squad. He keeps putting his hand up, then back down again, like he can’t decide to ask a question.
“Did you want to ask a question?” Professor Devera prompts him.
“Yes,” he nods and shakes his head. “No, never mind.”
“So decisive,” Luca mocks- the catty member of our squad, whom I will do anything to avoid. So that Keir doesn’t bite and take a limb from her.
“He’s in our squad,” Aurelie chastises her. As Luca and Aurelie argue, Keir puts his wet nose in my ear, and I look at him, giving him a questionable look. He nudges his head towards the front of the room as if telling me to ask what I am thinking.
“Dain said to lie low,” I hiss at him. Keir huffs as if to tell me screw that. I feel Dain staring at the back of my head, willing me to listen to him, not Keir.
“What was the altitude of the village?” I ask. It's too late, and I'm trying to keep a low profile. Professor Devera’s eyebrows rise as she turns toward me, and every head in the room also turns to me.
“Markham”
“A little less than ten thousand feet,” he answers. “Why?”
“Gryphons aren’t as strong at that altitude, and neither is their ability to channel,” I say. “It’s an illogical place for them to attack unless they knew the wards would fail, especially since the village looks to be about an hour’s flight from the nearest outpost.” Glancing at the map to be sure. “That is Chakir right there, isn’t it?”
“It is.” A corner of Professor Devera’s mouth lifts into a smirk. “Keep going with that line of thought, Cadet Sorrengail.”
I can feel Dain's disapproval of not listening to him. Wait a minute. “Didn’t you say it took an hour for the squad of riders to arrive?”
“I did.” She looks at me with expectation.
“Then they were already on their way,” I blurted before I could stop myself.
Laughter sounds around me from the other cadets.
“Yeah, because that makes sense.” Jack turns around in his seat a few rows ahead of me and laughs at me. “General Melgren knows the outcome of a battle before it happens, but even he doesn’t know when it will happen, dumbass.”
Keir bares his fangs at Jack as he and most of my other classmates chuckle at me.
“Fuck off, Barlowe,” Rhiannon snaps.
“I’m not the one who thinks precognition is a thing,” he retorts. “Gods help us if that one ever makes it onto the back of a dragon.” Another round of laughter.
“Why do you think that, Violet-“ Professor Markham winces. “Cadet Sorrengail?”
“Because there’s no logical way they get there within an hour of the attack unless they were already on their way,” shooting Jack a glare. “It would take at least half that long to light the beacons in range and call for help, and no full squad is sitting around just waiting to be needed. More than half those riders would have been asleep, which means they were already on their way.” I conclude.
“And why would they already be on their way?” Professor Devera prods, and the light in her eyes tells me I’m right.
“Because they somehow knew the wards were breaking.” I lift my chin.
“That’s the most-“ Jack starts.
“She’s right,” Professor Devera interrupts, and a hush falls over the room. “One of the dragons in the wing sensed the faltering ward, and the wing flew. Had they not, the casualties would have been far higher and the destruction of the village much worse. Second and third years take over,” Professor Devera orders. “Let's see if you can be more respectful to your fellow cadets.” She arches an eyebrow to Jack as questions are being asked.
I write down every question and answer. “What was the condition of the village?” a deep voice asks from the back of the lecture hall, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
“Riorson?” Markharm asks, shielding his eyes from the bright light.
“The village,” Xaden restates, “Professor Devera said the damage would have been worse. But what is the actual condition? Was it burned? Destroyed? They wouldn’t do that if they were trying to get a foothold. So establishing the condition of the village matters in finding the motive for the attack.”
Professor Devera smiles in approval. “The building they’d already gone through was burned, and the rest were looted when the wing arrived.”
“They were looking for something,” Xaden says, “and it wasn’t riches. That’s not a gem mining district. Which begs the question, what do we have that they want so badly?”
“Exactly. That’s the question.” Professor Devera glanced around the room. “And that is why Riorson is a wingleader. It takes more than strength and courage to be a good rider.”
“You seriously knew every answer in history and apparently every right question to ask in a battle brief,” Rhiannon says, shaking her head as we sit on the sidelines of the sparring mat after lunch, watching Ridoc and Aurelie circle each other in their fighting leathers. Keir is stretched out in front of us, and we absently pet him while we watch the matches for the day.
“You’re not even going to have to study for tests, are you?” She teases as Keir rolls onto his back for a belly rub from her. I swear, he feeds off of attention.
“I was trained to be a scribe.” I shrug. There are three squads from each wing in here this afternoon, and luckily, I, from the first wing, sent in the squad that has Jack in it.
“Guess that means you’re not worried about academics,” Rhiannon says, scratching Keir’s chest.
“Stop circling each other like your dance partners and attack!” Professor Emerterio orders them.
“I’m more worried about this,” I tell Rhiannon, tilting my chin towards the mat.
“Really? I figured as a Sorrengail, you’d be a hand-to-hand threat.” She shoots me a skeptical look and stops petting Keir, to which he seems to take offense.
Ridoc tries to pull one of his daggers before Emetterio stops him, reminding him not to use blades today; it's just an assessment.
“The brunette packs a punch,” Rhiannon says with an appreciative smile before glancing my way.
“I’m pretty good on the mat. My village is on the Cygnisen border, so we all learned to defend ourselves young. Physics and math aren’t problems, either. But history?” She shakes her head and goes back to petting Keir. “That class might be the death of me.”
“They don’t kill you for failing history. I’m probably going to die on these mats.” I deadpan.
“I could probably offer some tips to survive combat training,” Sawyer says from the other side of Rhiannon. “History isn’t my strongest subject, though.”
A tooth goes flying out of Aurelie’s mouth.
“Enough!” Professor Emetterio shouts. “Cianna, take Aurelie to the healers. No need to lose a tooth during assessment.”
“I’ll make you deal,” Rhiannon says, locking her eyes with mine. “Let's help each other out. We’ll help you hand-to-hand if you help us with history. Sounds like a deal, Sawyer?”
“Absolutely.”
“Deal, but I think I’m getting the better end.”
“You haven’t seen me try to memorize dates.” Rhiannon jokes.
A couple of mats over, someone shrieks, making Keir roll over and jolt up, going on high alert. We all turn to look, and see Jack has another first year in a headlock. Jack yanks his arms, his hands still around the other man’s head.
“That guy is such an ass, I’m glad Keir bit him in the “ Rhiannon starts.
The sickening crack of bones breaking sounds across the gym, and the first year in Jack’s hold goes limp.
“Sweet Malek,” I whisper as Jack drops the man. Keir goes to stand at my side in case anything wants to attack me while I try not to lose my lunch.
“What did I say?” their instructor shouts as he charges onto the mat. “You broke his damned neck!”
“How was I supposed to know his neck was that weak?” Jack argues back.
“Eyes forward,” Emetterio orders, his tone kinder than it should be, as we all look away from the dead first-year. On the other hand, Keir keeps his glare on Jack as he moves to stand with his squad. “You don’t have to get used to it. But you do have to function through it. You and You.” He points to Rhiannon and other first-year students from our squad.
She makes quick work of him. What was his name again? Timmy? Tanner? Tyler?
“Do you yield?” She asks the guy when she takes him to his back.
“No!” He shouts as he hooks his legs around Rhiannon’s and slams her to her back. She recovers quickly and puts him in the same position as before.
“I don’t know, Tynan, you might want to yield,” Dain says with a grin, “she’s handing you your ass.”
“Fuck off, Aetos!” Tynan snaps, but Rhiannon presses her boot to his throat. It appears Tynan has more egos than brains.
“He yields,” Emetterio calls out, and Rhiannon steps back, offering her. Tynan takes it.
Keir wags his tail as she walks back towards us.
“You—“ Emetterio points to the pink-haired second-year with the rebellion relic. And you.” His finger swings to me. I quickly hooked Keir to the leash I was holding. He lets out a whine. “Sorry, boy, but I can’t have you getting involved when I’m on the mat.” I hand the leash to Rhiannon. Try to keep him here.”
You’ve got this,” she tells me as she takes his leash and taps my shoulder.
“Sorrengail,” the pink-haired girl looks me over like I’m something Keir threw up, narrowing her pale eyes, “you really should dye your hair if you don’t want everyone to know who your mother is.”
“Never said I cared if everyone knows who my mother is.” I circle the second year on the mat. “I am proud of her service to protect our kingdom- from enemies, both without and within.”
Her jaw tightens at the dig, “You bitch, your mother murdered my family!” She lunges forward and swings wildly. I quickly sidestep, spinning away with my hands up. We go a few rounds, and I land a few jabs. She growls low in her throat as she misses me again. Her foot flies towards my head. I duck, but she then drops to the ground and kicks out with her other foot, which lands square in my chest, sending me backward.
I hit the mat with a thud. She is already above me.
“You can’t use your powers in here, Imogen!” Dain shouts.
Shit, she is really trying to kill me. I feel the quick slide of something hard against my ribs as she smiles down at me. But her smile fades as it comes in contact with my armor, and I can’t help but notice a dagger being re-sheathed.
Confusion crosses her face just long enough for me to send a fist to her cheek and roll out from under her.
“Imogen!” Emetterio shouts. “Do it again, and I’ll-“
I swerve the wrong way, and she catches me, taking me to the floor as she pulls my right arm behind me.
“Yield!” She shouts.
I can’t; I will look even more like a target if I yield. “No,” I seeth
She pulls my arm even more.
“Yield, Violet!” Dain yells.
“Yield!” Imogen demands.
Gasping for breath against the weight of her on my back.
“She yields, Emetterio says. “That’s enough.”
Right after the call, she twisted my shoulder and I heard it again- the macabre sound of snapping bone- but it’s mine this time. I feel Imogen’s weight suddenly leave me with a rush of air. I feel Keir standing over me, growling low at her. Telling her that if she moves any closer, he will rip her throat out.
“What Sorrengail, need your puppy to fight your battles for you?” She taunts.
“Enough Imagen,” Emetterio warns her.
“Violet!” I hear Dain shout as he rushes to me, “Keir, move.” Keir barely registers him as Dain shoves him from me. Dain scoops me into his arms and runs from the gym with Keir hot on our heels.
“Almost there,” he reassures me, his grip firm but careful on my ribs and beneath my knees as my useless arms rest on my chest.
“Everyone saw you lose it, Dain,” I whisper, doing my best to block out the pain.
“I didn’t lose it.” He tries to defend himself. Keir huffs at him as he paws and jumps at the door to get the healer’s attention.
“You shouted and carried me out there like I mean something to you.”
“You do mean something to me, Vi.”
Keir is still jumping at the door, now trying to open it himself.
When the door swings open, it’s Winifred, a healer at my side since coming to Basgiath. She stands back as Dain carries me in with Keir right behind, before she can close the door on him. “Another injury? You riders are trying to fill our beds to- Oh no, Violet?” Her eyes fly wide.
“Hi, Winifred,” I manage over the pain in my arm.
“This way.” She leads us into the infirmary and the rider section. Hopefully Nikon’s around tonight, he’s been mending me for the last five years.
Dain gently lays me onto the bed as Winifred leans into the edge of the mattress, near my hip. “Helen, go get Nolon,” she orders a healer walking by.
“No!” Dain barks at the healer. Keir levels him with a glare as if to tell him off.
“Helen, this is Violet Sorrengail, and if Nolon finds out she was here and you didn’t call him. Well, that’s on you.” Winifred says in a calm, tender voice.
Dain tries to pull a chair out to sit next to me, but Keir stops him.
“Violet, I know you’re hurting, but maybe…”
“Maybe what, Dain Aetos? You want to see her suffer?” Winifred begins. “ You brought her here, and now you will return to your squad. As a squad leader, it’s your duty. You've been here too long. Keir, be a dear and escort Squad leader Aetos out of my infirmary.”
Keir gives her a happy bark, grabs Dain’s hand in his mouth, and pulls him to the door. He tries to argue and stop Keir from removing him, but he fails. “You can’t let him mend her. Please!” His voice fades as Keir drags him away.
“I told her they’d break you. Would she have listened to me? Absolutely not. Your mother is so damned stubborn.” Winifred mutters as she examines me.
“Well, that is certainly broken. Mind telling me what happened, Violet?”
“Sparring.”
She sighs, “Drink this.” She hands me a tonic for the pain until Nolon can get here. A few minutes later, Keir is back, with no Dain in sight. The curtain whips back, and Nolon walks in, leaning heavily on his cane. He smiles at his wife, “You sent for me, my—" His smile falters as he sees me. Violet?”
“Hi, Nolon.” I try to smile. “I’d wave, butone ofmyarms doesn’t workand theotger feels realllllyyyheavy. Keeeiirrrrr waaavvee for meee.” Excellent, I am slurring my words. At least Keir lifts one of his front paws to Nolon in a doggy wave.
“Leigheas serum.” Winifred offers her husband a crooked smile. “Keir is with you, but I thought someone from your squad would also be here,” Nolon states.
“Dain is her squad leader, but I had Keir see to it that he had returned to his duties. Trying to say not to mend her. The nerve.” Winifred explains.
“He is not doing such a good job now?” Nolon mutters under his breath.
I am too out of it to try to defend him. But I feel the only reason Dain doesn’t want me mended is so I could go to the scribes. Fuck that!
“Ready?” Nolon asks, his hands hovering above my shoulder.
“Bite down.” Winifred holds a strap of leather in front of my mouth.
“Here we go,” Nolon mutters as he mends me. White hot agony erupts in my shoulder. My teeth slice into the leather strap as I scream, before I black out.
Keir POV
I watch Poppop Nolon and Nana Winifred help Mama. Once they are done and she is out cold, I go over to her uninjured side and nudge with my nose.
“She will be fine in a few hours, Keir.” Pop pop Nolon tells me as he scratches behind my ear. “Though I am surprised that the higher-ups let you stay with Violet while in the quadrant.”
I bark to try and tell him that the broody wingleader, who everyone says wants Mama dead, let me say. He says it’s because I annoy Dain. Joke's on him, cause that’s one of my favorite things to do. I might just up my game with how Dain has been acting lately, saying Mama should be healed.
“Keir, shush!” Nana Winifred scolds me. I wince a bit. She lets out a sigh. “If you promise to behave and be quiet, you can stay till she wakes up.” I nod to her.
“She won’t wake up till after dinner. I will bring you both some food before we discharge her.” Nana Winifred goes to leave, and I take up my post to guard my mama.
“Don’t worry, old boy,” Nolon says as he leaves. He turns, “I will see about sneaking you a bacon cheese scone while Winifred isn’t looking, to go with your supper.” I perk up how I love my bacon and cheese treats.
Violet’s POV
The barracks are nearly full when Keir and I return later in the night. My right arm is cradled in a light-blue sling. The sun has long since gone down, but the glow of mage lights lights the hall as the other first years get ready for bed. I offer a smile to a girl who is holding a blood-speckled cloth to her swollen lip; she returns it to me with a wince.
I count three empty bunks in our row. I hope those cadets are either at the healers like I was or in the bathing chambers.
“You’re here!” Rhiannon jumps from her bed, already dressed in her sleepwear. Relief in her eyes as she sees Keir and me.
“I’m here,” I assure her. “Down a shirt, but still here.”
“You can get another one at the central issue tomorrow.” She looks like she wants to hug me, but sees the sling. “How bad is it?” She asks as she sits on her bunk.
“It’s going to hurt the next few days, but I’ll be fine as long as I keep it immobilized.” I sit on mine, facing her, as Keir jumps to sit at the foot of my bunk. I have two weeks to figure out how to keep this from happening again.
“I’ll help you get ready and can take Keir out if you want.” She promises. “You’re the only friend I have in here, so I’d rather you not die when it gets real.” A corner of her mouth lifts into a wry smile. “Though if you do, I don’t mind caring for Keir.”
I laugh, “I’ll try my best not to, and as for Keir, you might have to fight Mira for him. And I’ll help you with history.” I brace my left hand, and it slides just beneath my pillow. There is something there.
“We’ll be unstoppable,” Rhiannon declares, her gaze tracking Tara as she walks by.
She is too distracted by Tara and me by a small journal with a note to notice that Keir found something under my bunk.
I read the note from Mira and swallow past the knot in my throat. “What is it?” Rhiannon asks.
“It’s my brother’s,” the words barely make it past my lips, “ the book of Brennan.” Tears prick my eyes. “It’s his journal; he died five years ago.”
“Oh, that’s…” she leans in, “we don’t always burn everything, either. Sometimes it’s nice to have something, you know?”
“Yeah,” I whisper back
Before I could read more of the journal, “Ummm, Vi, I think Keir found something?” I see Keir trying to pull something from under my bunk. I go to my knees and Rhiannon follows to help me pull it out, and it’s….
All of Keir’s stuff. His bed is made with his favorite blanket, pillow (with a note), and a weighted stuffed dragon. There are even a couple of different rucksacks.
“Well, Keir has the most stuff in the quadrant.” Rhiannon laughs. “Where did this even come from?”
We go through the bags, the first one is filled with Keir’s puzzle feeder, lick mats, poop bags, a water bowl, and his special water skin that he can drink from. The second one is filled with his toys, and the third is filled with his winter gear, bandannas, bow ties, boots for the heat and cold, and a custom pair of dog flight goggles. The fourth is filled with different homemade treats. I made some of them before I left, but not all. At least two dozen of Keir’s favorite bacon and cheese scones exist. I know I didn’t make that many. And there is a rucksack that appears that Keir can carry around full-time.
Rhiannon goes through the fifth and final bag and starts laughing.
“What is it?” I ask as I stop Keir from eating the whole rucksack filled with treats.
“I didn’t know Keir had his own sleepware,” she says, holding up a onesie that would fit him, covered in little dragons. And that you have a matching pair,” she tosses me a matching set of sleep shorts and a tank.
“They were a gag gift,” I try to defend myself.
“Oh, then why do you two have so many different pairs. Wait, what is this?” She pulls out a wrapped gift. Rhiannon hands it to me. I try my best to open it. Once I do, a black sweatshirt-like dress appears to me that says, ‘Wherever I go, Trouble follows.’ I pull out a bandanna that says, ‘Trouble,’ and it looks like it’s for Keir. We both start laughing.
“You know you can store some of Keir’s stuff under my bunk if he cuddles with me two nights a week,” Rhiannon says through fits of giggles.
“Deal!” I tell her. Once we put Keir’s stuff away, his bed is between our bunks. I can finally see what’s in the journal.
I fall back into Brennan’s history, starting on the third page, full of information on where they keep the list of who faces whom in the challenges and how not to be seen when checking. My mind spins, forming a plan on just how I will survive. No one knows the grounds of Basgiath like I do. It’s all here.
I look over at Keir lying on his back in his doggie bed, his blanket half on, half off. He holds his stuffed dragon between his front paws, raising and lowering it to his face. He seems so happy to have his things back. I finally read the note that was left with his stuff.
‘The kitchen staff has been instructed to provide Keir with breakfast and dinner.’
There is no signature to the note.
Notes:
Keir does have a short coat
Who do you think went and got all of Keir’s stuff. Was it Xaden or does Lilith have a soft spot for Keir after all. The only grandchild she would know at the rate her relationships with her daughters are going lol. No one was in the barracks all day after all. Yes Keir is a very spoiled dog. I headcanon that Violet does know how to bake and other crafty stuff cause she wanted to make stuff for Keir.
I am headcanoning thy they have trunks at the end of their bunks for their stuff leaving the under side open
Kudos, comments, and constructive feedback are always welcomed 😊
Chapter 8: Chapter 8
Summary:
The meeting under the tree from a different point of view. And how Violet get Keir.
Notes:
This whole chapter is in Keir’s POV. We see his nicknames for everyone. There will be a list. Also how he met his mama.
Violet - Mama
Lilith - Grumpy Grammy or GG
Winifred - Nana Winifred
Nolon - Poppop Nolon
Dain - gets no nickname
Rhiannon - Rhi-Rhi
Imogen - Pinky Meanie
Xaden - Broody
Mira - Auntie Mirrie
Ridoc - Ri-Ri
Sawyer -
Liam -
Jesinia - Jessie
Garrick - Moving Tree
Bodhi -
Quinn -
Tairn -
Sgaeyl -
Andarna -
Asher - Paw-Paw
The blanks mean no nickname yet. Keir in the flashback is about 15 to 20 pounds. He just a baby baby. Let’s say 2 months old.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Keir’s POV
Mama and I went for a walk after everyone had gone to bed. Rhi-Rhi sleepily asked where we were going. Mama told her I had to go potty.
It's not true, but I love walks, so I guess that’s okay. Mama told me we are out to get supplies to help her with challenges, so what Pinky Meanie did to Mama won’t happen again.
I use my new bag, which I got the other night, to help Mama carry the stuff we collect. We move closer to an oak tree that Mama wants to climb. I try my best to help Mama get up the tree. Once she is up, I sit and wait for her to come back down, watching like the good boy I am.
Mama is picking berries when I smell something coming towards us. I jump onto the tree trunk, letting out a quiet bark, trying to warn Mama.
“Keir, what is it?” She asks, a bit too loudly. I huff to tell her to be silent and prod my head toward the college. She gets my clue and moves higher up the tree.
“Keir, go hide.” She tells me.
I run to hide under some shrubs, far enough away that I am not seen but close enough to defend Mama if I have to. Two figures come and stop under Mama’s tree. I know those smells. It’s the Pinky Meanie and Broody.
I’m tempted to get back at Pinky Meanie, but that will expose Mama. We can’t use our excuse if I’m on the ground and Mama is in a tree. But I smell more people coming. I see over two dozen people, and they all have that mark on them.
I listen in on them and will attack them if they plan against Mama. I can’t take them all, but some are better than none. It will give Mama time to get away.
“Like it or not, we’ll have to stick together if you want to survive until graduation.” Pinky Meanie says.
Oh, they are not here for Mama. Just trying to survive. I crouch low, still ready to defend my start to turn them out. My mind wanders to the time I first met Mama.
Flashback
It was raining, and I stumbled into a castle-like structure. I was walking around, trying to find somewhere to sleep. I found a basket of what looked like linen. I climbed into it and snuggled down.
I don’t know how long I was asleep, but I felt I was being moved.
Whoever is carrying the linen, and I stop at a door. They knock and I hear some voice say, “Lieutenant Colonel Sorrengail, I’m sorry it’s early, but I brought the fresh linen and need to collect the old ones.”
“Come in,” a male voice calls out. We move, and I feel put down. Whoever brought me here takes what I guess is the old linen and leaves. I poke my head out and look around. I see a man in cream robes with his back to me. Looks like he is reading something. I jump out of the basket and wander around.
I see a hallway with a door cracked open. I go over and push into the room, which looks like a bedroom. I see a figure in the bed. I’m still sleepy. I don’t think they will mind a cuddle buddy. I run and jump on the bed. In the bed is a girl with brown and silver hair. She appears to be having a nightmare of some sort.
I nudge my nose in her face, trying to comfort her. She wakes up at that and gasps.
“Where in Amari did you come from?” She smiles as she scoops me, cradles me, and leaves the room.
“Dad, I thought I had to solve the scavenger hunt to get my birthday present? Not having it on my bed to wake me up. Though this is a pleasant surprise.” She states.
The man in cream robes responds, “Happy sixteenth birthday, sweetie. Violet, what are you talking about? I have your first clue right here.” He turns around, and his eyes widen when he spots me in the girl’s arms. I tilt my head at him.
“Violet, where did you get that puppy from?”
“What are you talking about, Dad? I thought the puppy was my gift?” She starts rocking me.
“Sweetie, you know what your mother says about getting a dog.” The man tries.
“I know, that’s why I was so surprised about my gift. I am shocked you guys would get me a puppy after Mira left, and you know…” she chokes on the last part. I try to lick her hand to make her feel better.
“Violet, I didn’t get you a puppy.”
“Then how and why was he in my bed this morning?”
“I don’t know. Sweetie, let’s take him out before your mother returns from her flight.” The man makes a move to grab me. The girl pulls me closer to her chest.
“No! Mira is gone, and Dain is busier than ever, training for the quadrant. I want to keep him.”
The man sighs in defeat. The front door opens, and a woman with short hair and a sour look enters.
Her eyes narrow at me and the girl. “Violet, what in Amari’s name are you holding?”
Violet curls in on herself and pulls me even tighter. " The gift you got me, " she says in a small voice.
The woman rubs her temples, Now, why would I get you a gift?”
I look up to see a hurt look cross Violet’s face, “For my sixteenth birthday today. You didn’t forget, did you?”
Sour looks shocked as she turns to the man in cream robes.
“Yes, your birthday gift. How could I have forgotten your birthday and the lovely gift we got you? Happy Birthday, Violet. Asher, a word now.”
The man in cream robes pats Violet’s head as he heads down the hall. “Violet, why don’t you go get breakfast with Dain and work on your scavenger hunt for your present. While me and your mother talk.”
Violet nods as she goes to her room to get dressed. As the door closes, we hear, “Lilith, my love! I can explain.”
As me and who I am now calling Mama leave to find this Dain. Her parents were in a heated argument.
This Dain is shocked to see me cradled in Mama’s arms.
“Umm, Happy Birthday, Vi. Who is your friend?”
Mama lights up at him, “Thanks, Dain! I think I am going to name him Keir Bren Sorrengail. Mom tried to act like she forgot my birthday.”
Dain looks unsure. “Vi, are you sure he is your gift. Your brother and sister always asked for a puppy and never got one.
“Dain, why else would a puppy be in my bed when I woke this morning. Let’s eat and see what else I got in the scavenger hunt dad made me.”
Later in the night, I was tucked into Mama’s arms in our bed, and her dad, who is paw-paw now, got her a book. Mama fell asleep reading to me, the book lying open in her lap. I was about to fall asleep when the room door opened. In walks Mama’s mama, or Grumpy Grammy, GG for short.
She lifts me from Mama, and I let out a little whine and try to nip at her hands. She holds me out at arm's length.
“Put me down, I wanna go back to Mama.”
She glares at me.
“Listen here, you little shit. I don’t know how you got past the wards and into my family’s living quarters. But if, and I mean a big if, it's about letting you stay. You will protect my Violet. If you don’t, you will get to meet my dragon. Do you hear me?”
I let out a little howl, “Why wouldn’t I protect my Mama? Grumpy Grammy, you're weird.”
She just sighs as she puts me on the ground. The look in her eyes screams that she is missing something. I don’t know, but I immediately jump back onto the bed. Mama pulls me close and snuggles me in her sleep, the book falling to the floor. GG has a far-off look as she leaves and shuts the door.
End Flashback
“When do we get to kill Violet Sorrengail?” My ears perk up to that and snap me out of my daydream. I curl my lips at the person who dares to hurt my Mama.
“Yeah, Xaden?” Pinky Meanie says, turning to Broody. “When do we get to have our revenge?”
Fluff that, over my dead body!
“I told you already, the youngest Sorrengail is mine, and I’ll handle her when the time is right,” Broody tells the others
“Didn’t you already learn that lesson, Imogen?” A Broody look-alike chides her, “What I hear, Aetos has you scrubbing dinner dishes for the next month for using your powers on the mat.”
Pinky Meanie snaps in his direction, “Her mother is responsible for the execution of my mom and sister. I should have done more than snap her shoulder.” How dare she! Mama is not responsible for what GG did to them. If I see Pinky Meanie alone, she will become my new chew toy. Maybe I can find a way into her room. I can trash it, rip up all her clothes, chew her books, eat her homework, and poop in her bed.
“Her mom is responsible for the capture of nearly all our parents,” the Moving Tree counters, “not her daughter. Punishing children for the sins of their parents is the Navarrian way, not the Tyrrish.”
“So we get conscripted because of what our parents did years ago and shoved into this death sentence of a college-“ Pinky Meanie starts
“In case you didn’t notice, she’s in the same death sentence of a college,” the Moving Tree retorts. “Seems like she’s already suffering the same fate.”
“Who happens to have a beast that attacks people unprovoked?” Pinky Meanie tries to argue.
“Imogen, he only tackled you, and if he wanted, he could have ripped your throat out, but he didn’t.” Broody looks a like points out.
“Don’t forget her brother was Brennan Sorrengail,” Broody adds. “She has just as much reason to hate us as we do here. That goes for the hound, too.” He pointedly looks at Pinky Meanie, the one who started this mess. “And I’m not going to tell you again. She’s mine to handle. Does anyone else feel like arguing?”
Silence reigns among the group.
“Good. Then get back to bed and go in groups of threes.” Broody motions with his head, and they slowly disperse. Leaving only Broody behind.
He seems to be about to leave, so I follow him to be sure.
He stops right out of Mama’s line of sight.
When Mama finally comes down from the tree. Broody lunges to my Mama. I try to jump at him before he can touch her, but black tentacles wrap around me, holding me in the air. I thrash and snarl, trying to break away before one of them wraps around my muzzle.
“Scream and you die,” he whispers to Mama, holding a dagger to her throat. He ya is Mama’s hood down. “Fucking Sorrengail.”
“How did you know?” She asks Broody. “Let me guess, you could smell my perfume. Isn’t that what always gives the heroine away in books?”
Broody scoffs. “I command shadows, but sure, it was your perfume that gave you away.” He lowers the knife and begins to step away from Mama. “Though it seems you command your own little shadow.” He brings me closer to Mama, still wrapped in the tentacles and thrashing about.
Mama gasps when she sees me.
“What, Aetos hasn’t warned you two not to get caught alone in the dark with yet?”
She grabs one of her blades, ready to defend herself. “Let Keir go! Is this how you plan to handle me?”
“Eavesdropping, were we?” He sheathes his own weapon, as if Mama is no threat to him. “Now I might actually have to kill you?” I fight even harder to get to Mama.
“Then go ahead and get it over with, but please let Keir go. He has nothing to do with whatever this is.” Mama pleads with him to take out another dagger.
Broody looks at Mama and sighs, folding his arms across his chest. “Now, why would I let go of a dog who seems hell bent on ripping me to pieces, not like he could. And is that stance really the best defense you can muster? No wonder Imogen nearly ripped your arm off.”
“I’m more dangerous than you think, and Keir can also do more damage to you,” Mama tells him.
“So I see. I’m quaking in my boots.” Broody mocks Mama.
Mama flips and throws her daggers. They fly past his head and land in the tree behind him.
“You missed.” Broody doesn’t even flinch.
“Did I? Why don’t you back up a few steps and test that theory?” Mama pulls two more daggers.
His back hits the tree with Mama’s daggers in it. “Fascinating. You look all frail and breakable, but you’re really a violent little thing, aren’t you?” One of his shadows dances up the tree, plucks one of the daggers, and brings them to Broody’s waiting hands.
I fight harder to get loose. “You should show that little trick to Jack Barlowe,” Broody says as he holds the daggers to Mama. “He’d probably think twice about plotting to murder you if you threw a few daggers at his head.”
“Release my dog, Riorson!” Mama tells him firmly. He sighs as he moves her cloak and sheaths her dagger, first at her ribs and then at her thigh.
“Only if you can make sure he doesn’t try to do what he did to Barlowe to me. Then I will let him go.”
“Keir, stand down and come here, no bites.” Mama commands. I stop thrashing but still let out a growl. The shadows drop me to the ground, and I run and stand between Mama and Broody, who lifts an eyebrow at me.
“See no biting. And let me guess, the honor of killing goes to you. You wanted me dead long before your little club met under my tree. So I imagine you’ve buried me in your mind now.” Mama tells him.
“Do you plan on telling anyone about my little club?” His eyes meet hers.
“No. You were helping them. I don’t see why that should be punished. No matter what the codex says. You weren’t doing anything wrong.” Mama explains. “I’m not going to tell.”
Broody looks at Mama as if he is trying to see through her. “Interesting,” he says softly. “We’ll see if you keep your word, and if you do, then unfortunately, it looks like I owe you a favor. But why are you out of bed at this time of night, Violence?”
Mama bristles at the nickname. “My name is Violet. And Keir had to go to the bathroom. I doubt people would like to wake up to the smell of dog poop.”
“Then why were you up in a tree?” He prides.
“Berry picking for a snack for Keir.” Mama fibs
Broody hums as he steps away, turns, and starts to walk towards the staircase on the cliff that leads to the citadel.
Wait what?
“You’re not going to handle me?” Mama shouts after him.
“Not tonight,” he throws over his shoulder.
Mama scoffs, “What are you waiting for?”
“It’s not fun if you expect it,” he answers. “Now, finish Keir’s ‘walk’ and get back to bed before your wingleader realizes you’re out after curfew.”
Mama gawks after Broody. “You’re my wingleader!”
He doesn’t answer her. A slow smile spreads across Mama’s face as she tucks the fonilee berries into my pack. “Come on, Keir, we have a few more items to get before your ‘walk’ ends.”
I wag my tail and follow Mama.
Notes:
So, what did you all think.
I might redo the flashback at some point. I feel the only way Lilith would let a dog stay is out of guilt in someway.
How do you think the talk between Asher and Lilith went.
I might do more flashbacks. Like how do you all think Mira reacted when she heard Vi got a puppy.You can also find me on tumblr with the same name. I always up for a chat.
As always Kudos, comments, and constructive feedback are welcomed 😊
Chapter 9: Chapter 9
Summary:
The results of Violet and Keir’s night time walks.
Notes:
We get to see Vi fight. Not as much Keir as last chapter but hey, he still causes chaos.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The women’s hall is quiet as I dress for the morning, the sun barely peeking over the horizon in the far windows. It’s good that I’ve gotten pretty good at getting my dragon scale corset on by myself, since Rhi is not in her bed.
At least one of us is getting some much-needed orgasms. Since she is not in her bed, Keir decided it was a fair game. He gets up when I finish packing our bags for the day. Keir goes into a huge stretch, shaking out each of his back legs, and shakes his head; the jiggle of his collar sounds through the hall.
“Let’s go, boy.”
The squad leaders talk a good game about enforcing curfew, but they don’t care. Well, all but Dain, who cares about every rule. As Keir and I open the door out of the barracks, there he is.
Dain’s eyes light up as he pushes off the hallway wall where he’s obviously been waiting for me. “Morning.”
I can’t help the smile that curves my lips. “You don’t have to escort me to duty every morning, you know? I have Keir for that.”
“It’s the only time I get to spend with you when I’m not your squad leader and Keir gets to spend as much time with you as he wants.” He counters. “Trust me, it’s worth getting up an hour early, though. Why must you be up nearly half an hour earlier than normal? Why did you even pick breakfast duty anyway?”
“What, I have to make Keir’s breakfast? When I report early for breakfast duty, I do prep work for his meals. Plus other reasons.”
Dain grumbles something under his breath, “You never made breakfast from scratch for me.”
“You say something, Dain?”
“Nope, nothing at all.”
Keir looks up at him with a smile.
A door on the right flies open, and Dain darts in front of me, dragging me behind him with his arm, so I face-plant into his back. Keir wags his tail and goes to whoever opened the door.
“Rhiannon?” He snaps.
“Sorry!” Rhiannon’s eyes widen. Keir is whining for pets.
I step out from behind Dain, “I wondered where you were this morning. Keir took your bed while you were away, by the way.” A grin spreads across my face as Tara appears next to her. “Hey, Tara.”
“Hey, Violet.” She gives me a wave and gives Keir a quick scratch behind his ear as she heads down the hallway, tucking her shirt into her pants.
“We have curfew for a reason, cadet,” Dain starts. I fight not to roll my eyes. Keir lets out a huff. “And you know that no one is supposed to be in the private dorms till after Threshing.”
“Maybe we were just up early,” Rhiannon counters. “You know, like you are right now.” She glances between us with a mischievous look.
Dain rubs the bridge of his nose. “Just get back. To the dorms and pretend you slept there, will you?”
“Absolutely!” She pats Keir again and squeezes my hand as she passes by.
“Way to go,” I whisper quickly. She had a thing for Tara since we got here.
“ I know, right?” She backs away with a smile, then turns and returns to the dorms.
“Monitoring the sex lives of first-years was not what I had in mind when I applied to be a squad leader,” Dain mutters, and we continue toward the kitchen.
“Oh, come on. Like you weren’t a first year yourself last year.”
He lifts his brows in thought and shrugs. “Fair point. And you’re a first year now…” His eyes slide my way as we near the arched doorways. His lips part as if to say something, but he looks away at the last second.
“Why, Dain Aetos! Are you asking me about my sex life?” I let my fingers trail up his arm, teasing him.
“No!” He shakes his head, fighting the blush creeping up his neck. “I mean… is there a sex life to ask about?
We climb steps that lead to the commons, and I turn and level him with a grin, “So I detect a bit of jealousy.” I taunt, he stumbles over his words. “Since I got here?” Tapping my finger to my chin, “That’s none of your business. Before I got here? Still none of your business.”
He sighs in defeat, “Another fair point.” His mouth curves into a grin. “Should Keir even be allowed in the kitchens?”
Keir lets out a protest bark at his question.
“He stays away from the main cooking areas. Plus, the normal kitchen staff adore him.” I state. “They just use him to clean up anything that falls to the floor, plus they even step up a little spot where his food items are stored and cooked.”
Dain shakes his head, “ Like Keir needs to be any more spoiled. I swear he is getting special treatment.” Keir barks, telling Dain he is worth all the spoils.
“Are you ready for today?” Dain asks as we near the gathering hall. “For challenges to start this afternoon?”
My stomach is in knots. “I’ll be alright.”
“ I know you’ve been practicing with Rhiannon, but….” Worry lines his forehead, and Keir nudges him and huffs at Dain.
“I’ve got it,” I promise, looking into his eyes so he knows I mean it. “You don’t have to worry about me.”
“I always worry about you.” Dain’s hands curl into fists.
“Don’t.” I shake my head at him, “I can handle myself.”
“I just don’t want to watch you get hurt again.”
I sigh, “Then don’t watch.” Taking his hand into mine.
“You can’t save me from this, Dain. I’m going to be challenged once a week, just like every other cadet. And it’s not going to stop there. You can’t protect me from Threshing, or the Gauntlet, or Jack Barlowe-“
“You need to lay low with that one.” Dain grimaces. “Avoid that pompous ass whenever you can, Vi. Don’t give him more of an excuse to come after you. He’s already responsible for too many names on the death roll.”
“Then the dragons are going to love him.” They always go for the vicious ones. “And here I thought you were going to call him a bitch.”
Dain squeezes my hand gently. “Just steer clear of him. And I won’t insult Keir’s kind by comparing Jack to a dog.”
Keir shakes his head to tell me to ignore Dain’s advice and go with Xaden’s.
“Violet? Did you hear me?” Dain asks, lifting a hand to cradle my face. But Keir shoves him back a bit before he can touch me with his paw. He sighs, “Vi, please steer clear of Barlowe.”
He drops his hand as it hangs in mid-air and shoves it into his pocket. “Hopefully, he’ll forget about his little vendetta against you and Keir.”
“Do most men forget when a woman holds a knife to their balls? Or when a dog bites their balls?” I cock an eyebrow at him. “I’m shocked Barlowe still has a deep voice after that.”
“No.” He sighs. “It’s not too late to sneak you down to the scribes. Fitzgibbons will take you-“
Keir nudges me, whining, asking for his breakfast. “Sorry, Dain, I have to go. Keir wants his breakfast. I’ll be all right. I’ll see you at formation.” I squeeze his hand, then walk away, leaving him as Keir and I make our way to the kitchen. We are always the first ones here, and today is no exception. I get started on Keir’s food. I make sure to pocket the vial of powdered fonilee berries. I sprinkle it over Oren’s scrambled eggs when he approaches the line.
“Keep the temperament of each specific breed in mind when you decide which dragons to approach and which to run from at Threshing.” Professor Kaori says. “Red Scorpiontails, like Gheian here, are the quickest to temper. So if you offend him. You’re-“
“Lunch,” Ridoc says from my left, and the class laughs. Even Jack Barlowe, who hasn’t quit glaring at Keir and me since his squad took over their quarter of the room a half hour ago.
“Precisely,” Professor Kaori responds. “So what’s the best way to approach a Red Scorpiontail?” He glances around the room.
I know the answer, but I try to heed Dain’s advice. Keir gently nudges me from where he is lying on the ground.
“If possible, they prefer that you approach from the left and from the front,” I answer before I can think better of it.
“Excellent.” Professor Kaori nods. “For this Threshing, three Red Scorpiontails are willing to bond.”
“How many dragons are there in total?” Rhiannon asks.
“A hundred for this year,” Professor Kaori answers, changing the image again. “But some might change their minds during the Presentation in about two months, depending on what they see.”
My stomach drops. “That’s thirty-seven fewer than last year.”
Professor Kaori’s dark eyebrows rise. “Yes, Cadet Sorrengail, it is, and twenty-six fewer than the year before that.”
“Will they tell you why they won’t bond?” Asks another first year.
“No, jackass,” Jack scoffs, “Dragons only talk to their bonded riders, just like they only give their full name to their bonded rider. You should know that by now.”
Professor Kaori sends Jack a look that shuts the first year’s mouth, but doesn’t stop him from sneering at the other cadet. “They don’t share their reasons, and anyone who respects their life won’t ask a question they’re unwilling to answer.” Our instructor says.
“Do the numbers affect the wards?” Aurelie asks where she sits behind me, tapping her quill against the edge of her desk. She’s never happy sitting still.
Professor Kaori’s jaw ticks twice. “We’re not sure. The number of bonded dragons has never affected the integrity of Navarre’s wards before, but I’m not about to lie to you and say that we’re not seeing increased breaches when you know from Battle Brief that we are.”
The image changes to Sgaeyl, the navy blue dragon bonded to Xaden. My stomach pitches as I remember how she looked right through me, and Keir growled at her on that first day.
“You won’t have to worry about how to approach blue dragons, since none are willing to bond this Threshing, but you should be able to recognize Sgaeyl if you see her,” Professor Kaori says.
“So you can fucking run,” Ridoc drawls. I nod along while the others laugh.
“She’s a Blue Daggertail, the rarest of the blues, and yes, if you see her without her bonded rider, you should… definitely find somewhere else to be. Ruthless does not begin to describe her, nor does she abide by what we assume to be what dragons consider law. She even bonded with the relative of one of her previous riders, which you all know is typically forbidden, but Sgaeyl does whatever she wants, whenever she wants. In fact, if you see any blues, don’t approach them. Just…”
“Run,” Ridoc repeats, running his hand through his floppy brown hair.
“Run.” Professor Kaori agrees with a smile. “There are a handful of other blues in active service, but you’ll find them all along the Esben Mountains in the east, where the fighting is most intense. They’re all intimidating, but Sgaeyl is the most powerful of them all.”
“What about the black dragon?” The first year, next to Jack asks.
Jack’s face lights up. “I want that one.” Keir shakes his head at Jack.’
“Not that it’s going to matter.” Professor Kaori flicks his wrist, Sgaeyl disappears, and a massive black dragon takes her place. Even the illusion is bigger, making me crane my neck slightly to its head. “But just to appease your curiosity, since this is the only time you’ll ever see him, here is the only black besides General Melgren’s.”
“He’s huge,” Rhiannon says, “And is that a clubtail?”
“No. A morning star. He has the same bludgeoning power of a clubtail, but those spikes will eviscerate a person just as well as a daggertail.”
“Best of both worlds.” Jack calls out. “He looks like a killing machine.”
“He is,” Professor Kaori answers. “ and honestly l, haven’t seen him in the last five years, so this image is more than a little outdated. But since we have him up here, what can you tell me about black dragons?”
“They’re the smartest and most discerning,” Aurelie calls out.
“They’re the rarest,” I add in. “There hasn’t been one born in the last century.”
“Correct.” Professor Kaori spins the illusion again, and I’m met with a pair of glowing yellow eyes. “They’re also the most cunning. There’s no such thing as outsmarting a black dragon. This is a little over a hundred, making him about middle-aged. He’s revered as a battle dragon among their kind, and if not for him, we probably would have lost during the Tyrrish rebellion. Add to it he’s a moringstartail and one of the deadliest dragons in Navarre.”
“I bet he powers one hell of a signet. How do you approach him?” Jack asks, leaning forward in his seat. There’s pure avarice in his eyes, mirrored by his friend next to him. That’s the kingdom's last need: someone as cruel as Jack bonding with a black dragon. No, thank you. I glance at Keir, and the look in his eyes says, ‘As if a black dragon will ever choose Jack. They are known for their cunning, discerning, and smarts. And Jack is lacking in all three. A black dragon would never go so low.’
“You don’t,” Professor Kaori answers. “He hasn’t agreed to bond since his previous and only rider was killed during the uprising, and the only way you’d ever be near him is if you are in the Vale, which you won’t be, because you’d be incinerated before you ever got through the gorge.”
“Someone should ask him again.” Jack urges.
“It doesn’t work that way, Barlowe. Now the only other black dragon, which is in service-“
“General Melgren’s,” Sawyer says. His book is closed before him, but I can’t blame him. I’d hardly be taking notes if this were the second time I’d gone through this class. “Codagh, right?” Keir notices Sawyer isn’t taking notes and takes his chance. He crawls over to him, begging for pets. Sawyer just absently pets him.
“Yes.” Professor Kaori nods. “The eldest of their den and a swordtail.”
“But just for curiosity’s sake.” Jack’s blue eyes never leave the image of the unbonded black dragon. “What signet ability would this guy gift his rider?”
Professor Kaori closes his fist, and the image disappears. “There’s no telling. Signets result from the unique chemistry between rider and dragon and usually say more about the rider than the dragon. The stronger the bond and the more powerful the dragon, the stronger the signet.”
“Fine. What were his previous riders?” Jack asks.
“Naolin’s signet was siphoning.” Professor Kaori’s shoulders fall. “He could absorb power from various sources, other dragons, other riders, and then use it or redistribute it.”
“Badass.” Ridoc’s tone has more than a bit of hero worship.
“He was,” Professor Kaori agrees.
“What kills someone with that kind of signet?” Jack asks, crossing his arms over his chest.
Professor Kaori glances at me for a heartbeat before looking away. “He attempted to use that power to revive a fallen rider- which didn’t work, because there’s no signet capable of resurrection- and depleted himself in the process. To use a phrase you’ll become accustomed to after Thresshing, he burned out and died next to that rider.”
The bells ring, signaling the hour is up, and we all gather our things. I rise behind my desk, shouldering my satchel as Rhiannon waits at the door. Keir is by my side once again. “It was Brennan, wasn’t it?” I ask Professor Kaori.
Sadness fills his eyes as he meets mine. “Yes. He dies trying to save your brother, but Brennan was far too gone.”
“Why would he do that?” I shift the weight of my satchel, resting a hand on Keir’s head. “Resurrection isn’t possible. Why would he essentially kill himself if Brennan was already gone?”
Professor Kaori sits back against his desk, “Being a Sorrengail doesn’t do you any favors here, does it?”
I shake my head. “More than a few cadets would like to take me, my last name, down a peg.”
He nods. “It won’t be like that once you leave. After graduation, you’ll find that being General Sorrengail’s daughter means others will do anything to keep you alive, even pleased, not because they love your mother but because they either fear her or want her favor.”
“Which was Naolin?”
“A little of both.” Keir goes to move one of his hands on top of his head. Forcing Professor Kaori to pet him. I slap my thigh to call Keir back over.
“Thank you for answering.” Once Keir is back, I turn and start towards the door.
“Violet,” he calls out, and I pivot to look back. “I taught both your siblings. A signet like mine is useful in the classroom because it lets me deploy with a wing for a long time. Brennan was a spectacular rider and a good man. Mira is shrewd and gifted in the saddle.”
I nod.
“But you’re smarter than both of them.” I blink. It’s not often I get compared to both my siblings and somehow come out on top.
“From what I’ve seen of you helping your friends study in ok Commons every night, you might be more compassionate, too. Don’t forget that.”
“Thank you, but being smart and compassionate will help when it comes to Threshing.
“They choose for reasons they don’t see fit to share with us.” He pushes off his desk. “And not all strength is physical, Violet.”
I nod and head over to meet Rhiannon at the door. Only to notice Keir sitting still by Professor Kaori. Head tilt to the side.
I laugh, “I think he is waiting for his turn for praise, Professor.”
He laughs at Keir, “Yes, Keir, you help your squad out, too. Animals offer comfort to those in stressful situations.” He pats him one more time. Now go back to Violet before you're late to your next class.”
I’m so nervous I could puke as I stand on the side of the mat, watching Rhiannon beat the shit out of her opponent.
“She makes it look so easy,” I say to Dain as he stands at my side, his elbow brushing mine. Keir is sitting in front of us.
“He’s going to try and kill you.”
Keir lets out a low growl. “What?” I glance up, then follow his line of sight two mats over. Dain’s glaring daggers at Xaden across the mat, a look of sheer boredom on his face as Rhiannon squeezes the neck of the second wing first year tighter.
“Your opponent,” Dain says softly. “I overheard him and a few friends. Thanks to that Barlowe kid, they think you’re a liability to the wing.” His gaze shifts to Oren. But there’s a greenish twinge to his complexion that makes me grin.
“I’m going to be fine,” I recite, because that’s my fucking mantra.
Rhiannon’s opponent passes out, and she rises victorious as we clap. Keir stomps the ground before him, clapping in his own way. “Looks like this is mine now. Enjoy your nap.” She pats him on the head, which makes me laugh.
“Not sure why you’re laughing, Sorrengail,” a sneering voice calls out behind me. Keir moves to my back teeth bare.
I see Jack standing with his feet apart against the wood-planked wall about ten feet away, wearing a smile that can only be described as evil.
“Fuck off, Barlowe.” I gave him the middle finger.
“I honestly hope you win today’s challenge.” His eyes dance with sadistic glee. “It would be a shame for someone else to kill you before I get the chance. But I wouldn’t be surprised. Violets are such delicate, fragile things, you know.”
Delicate, my ass. Xaden’s words filter through my mind from that night beneath the oak. I unsheathe both daggers from my ribs and flick them in his direction in one smooth movement. They land right where I intended - one nearly nicking his ear and the other an inch beneath his balls.
Fear widens his eyes. I shamelessly grin and wiggle my fingers in a wave.
“Violet,” Dain hissed as Jack maneuvered around my blades, stepping away from the way.
“You’ll pay for that.”
Jack stands there with rage in his eyes till Keir starts to charge at him. Jack quickly covers his balls and tries to move as fast as possible.
Keir stops at the wall to retrieve my daggers. Once he has them, Keir prances back to me with both daggers in his mouth.
“Thank you, sweet boy,” I tell him as I return my daggers to their proper place.
“What the hell was that?” He seethes. “I told you to lay low when it comes to him, and you…” He shakes his head at me. “You just puss him off more?”
“Lying low wasn’t going to get me anywhere,” I say with a shrug. “He needs to realize I’m not a liability.”
There’s no ignoring the prickle at my scalp, and I let my gaze shift to meet Xaden’s.
My heart stutters in my chest, as if he’d sent shadows straight through my ribs to squeeze the organ. He lifts his scarred brow, and I swear there’s a hint of a smile on his lips as he leaves.
“Badass,” Rhiannon says as she moves to my other side. “I couldn’t tell if Jack was going to shit himself after you threw your daggers or when Keir charged him.”
I smother a smile. Keir wags his tail with a huge doggie smile.
“Stop encouraging both of them,” Dain chastises. Keir barks at him.
“Sorrengail.” Professor Emetterio glances at his notebook and raises one bushy black brow before continuing. “Seidert.”
Swallowing back panic that threatens to creep up my throat, I step onto the mat opposite Oren, who looks green now.
Right on time.
I’ve prepared my best, wrapping my ankles and knees in case he goes for the legs.
“Don’t take this personally,” he says as we circle each other. “But you’ll only be a hazard to your wing.”
He charges at me, but his footwork is sluggish, and I spin away, palming one of my daggers.
“I’m no more a hazard than you are.” I accuse.
His chest heaves, sweat dots his forehead, but he shakes it off. “My sister is a healer. I’ve heard your bones snap like twigs.”
“Why don’t you come find out?” I force a smile and wait. I watch him fight. Keir has more grace than he does. He swings his knife downward, and I dodge to the left, nicking his side with my blade in the process, then turn and deliver a kick to his back, sending him sprawling.
He falls to the mat, and I take immediate advantage, digging a knee into his spine just like Imogen had with me and putting my blade to his throat.
“Yield.” Who needs strength when you have speed and steel?
“No!” He shouts, but his body undulates under mine, and he retches, bringing up everything he’s eaten since breakfast and splattering it across the mat to the side of us.
So fucking gross. Keir tries to cover his nose with his paw.
“Oh my gods,” Rhiannon calls out, disgust dripping from her tone.
“Yield,” I demand again, but he’s heaving in earnest now, and I have to pull my knife away so I don’t accidentally slit his throat.
“He yields,” Professor Emetterio declares, his face contorted in revulsion.
I sheathe my blade and climb off him. Then I take the dagger Oren dropped a few feet back as he continues to vomit.
“You won!” Rhiannon says, clasping me in a hug as I walk off the mat. Keir goes to jump on me. I start petting him, “ he’s sick.”
“I’ll take being lucky over being good any day,” Rhiannon counters
“I have to find someone to get this cleaned up,” Dain says, his complexion turning peaked.
Timing is the hardest thing about my plan. I win next week from a stocky girl who can’t concentrate long enough to throw punches. She gets a good kick to my knee, though.
I won the week after that when a tall guy stumbled because he lost all feeling. His timing was off with that one; he got a few good hits to my face. I won again when a cadet’s vision went blurry mid-match.
I earn my fifth dagger, this one with a pretty ruby in the hilt, the last challenge in August, when I take a particularly sweaty guy with a gap between his front teeth. The bark of the carmine tree that finds its way into his waterskin makes him ill and sluggish. Unfortunately, the entire third squad, the claw section of the third wing, suffers the same stomach upset.
Come early September, there’s a spring to my step as I walk onto the mat, Keir sitting at the edge waiting for me with the rest of my squad. I roll my sore shoulders and wait for my opponent. But Rayma Corrie from Third Wing doesn’t step forward this week like she should.
“Sorry, Violet,” Professor Emetterio says, scratching his short black beard. “You were supposed to challenge Rayma, but she’s been taken to the healers because she can’t seem to walk straight.”
“That’s” - shit - “too bad.” I wince. “Should I just…” I start to back off the mat.
“I’m happy to step in.” That voice. That tone. That prickle of ice along my scalp…
Oh no. Hell no. No. No. No.
“You sure?” Professor Emetterio asks, glancing over his shoulder.
“Absolutely.”
My stomach hits the floor.
Keir covers his eyes with his paws.
And Xaden walks onto the mat.
Notes:
Kudos, comments, and constructive feedback are appreciated. 🤗
You can also find me on tumblr with the same username. Posted a photo of the doggie bed Violet and Keir’s might get after they get their own room.
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