“How will we rescue him?” asked Aidan, the battle master. “We can’t afford a heavy loss.”
True, but he spoke as if Roberto wasn’t a loss already. Yet every day was empty without him.
“Agreed. It’s imperative that we prepare for war,” Lars said. “We must also qualify the Queen’s Rider. Our people need confidence that she is at the helm, leading us.”
Leading? What a joke.
“We’ll have our official race in six days and Ezaara’s feast afterward,” Lars continued. “That’ll give the new riders time to practice flying. Meanwhile, we have the imprinting ceremony today. Because Roberto, our master of mental faculties and imprinting, isn’t here, Ezaara will need to greet the new riders and help Master Alyssa train them.”
Alyssa smiled. “Ezaara, your help would be valuable. As one of our most accomplished riders, you must pass on your knowledge.”
Master Aidan steepled his fingers. “Yes, we need our new riders ready for battle. We don’t want them or their dragons injured.”
“We must develop their sword and archery drills,” said Derek, master of instruction. “And dragonback archery. If they can see Ezaara, one of our newest riders, excelling, it will inspire them to train harder.”
“This makes sense, Ezaara,” Zaarusha mind-melded. “We must better our chances in this upcoming war against whatever Zens will unleash on us.”
“But wait,” said Master Tonio, eyes on Ezaara again, “We seem to have forgotten the Queen’s Rider’s request. When will we rescue Master Roberto?”
“Why, after the race day feast,” said Aidan. “Training our new riders must be top priority, and ensuring the Queen’s Rider qualifies.”
Tonio smiled. “Great idea.”
What? He’d manipulated the council into delaying. That shrotty weasel.
Lars rapped his gavel. “It’s decided, then. In six days, after the feast, a small group will travel to Death Valley to ascertain how we’ll rescue Master Roberto.”
Around Ezaara, masters rose. Ma rushed over and kissed her on the cheek. “I must go, honey. I have to check Erob and Maazini.”
Ezaara nodded. “Master Lars,” she said, keeping her voice down. “The race is in six days. Anything could happen to Master Roberto in that time.” There, that was just about right—concerned, but not brimming with emotion.
Lars gazed at her frankly. “I understand your concern, but if Zens had wanted to kill Roberto, he would’ve done so already. We have a war to prepare for. Master Roberto would want us to focus on the realm first, him second. As Queen’s Rider, I’m sure you understand balancing the needs of thousands against one. We will rescue him. It’s just going to take a little longer than you’d like.” Lars patted her shoulder, as if she was a littling. “Let’s prepare for imprinting. There’s a lot to do.” He followed the others out of the chamber.
Ezaara slumped back into her chair, studying the flecks in the horseshoe-shaped granite table. She’d been played by an expert. By agreeing with her so early in the council meeting, Tonio had disarmed her. Surprised, she’d laid aside all her carefully prepared arguments. And then he’d tromped in, making sure everyone was busy, preparing for war.
They’d promised to rescue Roberto in six days. She’d make sure it happened.
“Ezaara.”
She snapped her head up, unaware that anyone had remained in the chamber. “Pa?”
He paced to her chair. “You don’t seem yourself. I know you’ve the realm on your shoulders.”
She sighed. “Yes, there’s that.”
Pa put an arm around her. “I missed you yesterday. Where were you?”
So, Lars and Tonio hadn’t told anyone else.
“Zaarusha and I had urgent business.”
“You could’ve told—”
“The dragon queen approved my whereabouts,” Ezaara snapped.
His face fell.
Oh shards, she hadn’t meant to hurt Pa. “How’s Erob?” she asked, softening her voice.
“Exhausted. He’s lost a lot of blood.” Pa rubbed his hands on his breeches. “That necklace Tonio mentioned, may I see it?”
It was a gift from Roberto, personal. She hadn’t meant to wear it outside her jerkin. “Uh, I’d rather not, if you don’t mind. It’s just a trinket.”
“A trinket? I doubt it,” Pa replied. “It looked like Anakisha’s dream catcher.”
“Anakisha’s dream catcher? No, I’m sure you’re mistaken.”
“It went missing years ago. The wearer can tune into another’s mind while they’re sleeping, sensing their thoughts.” Pa shook his head. “Whoever gave it to you must’ve stolen it.”
“I don’t think—”
“Or perhaps they bought it from a market,” he said hurriedly. “I didn’t mean to disparage anyone. It could be an imitation. Who did you say gave it to you?” His brow furrowed.
“I didn’t.” Ezaara faced Pa, forcing herself to breathe steadily.
“You may be Queen’s Rider, Ezaara, but you’re still our daughter.” Pa shook his head sadly and left.
“I know.” A tear slid down Ezaara’s cheek as the double chamber doors boomed shut behind him. “But there are some things I can’t even share with you,” she whispered.
§
Lovina held the boy in her arms. the steady motion of the rocking chair comforting him. His body was all sharp angles and poky bits, but then again, so was hers. You didn’t bounce back overnight after years as a slave in Death Valley. She hummed a Flatlander tune under her breath, the one her mother had sung when she was little. Slowly, her memories were returning.
Tomaaz was out flying, training on perimeter patrol, so he’d asked her to sit with the boy.
“You’re so patient,” Ajeurina melded.
“That’s what he needs. It’s hard adjusting to all the sights and sounds after being numlocked.” She gave the rocking chair another push. “And to being loved.” That had been strange, but now a dragon in her head?
“If I ever
