“I’m asking Zaarusha if she wants to cancel the race.” Ezaara melded with the queen.
“I’m racing, no matter what,” Zaarusha said. “You must lead the realm and the council. I’ve had enough politics.”
“I don’t want you hurt.” Gods, no.
“I’ll get Tonio and Lars to make a defensive plan.”
When they reached Ma and Pa’s chambers, Pa was just getting up.
“Lovina’s had a recurring vision that a dragon will flame Zaarusha during the race,” Ezaara said.
“You too?” Pa examined Lovina’s painting, shaking his head. “That’s an uncanny talent, Lovina. I’ve just woken from a similar dream.”
Lovina nodded, Tomaaz’s arm around her.
Ezaara felt a pang of jealousy. They got to express their love so freely, while she and Roberto had to hide theirs. Soon, when she was no longer his student, they wouldn’t hide any more.
Pa replied, “Taliesin and I have both had a similar dream. Handel tried to see who the dragon was, with no luck.”
“Zaarusha insists on racing,” Ezaara said.
“As she should,” said Pa. “There are enough rumors running wild in this place to unsaddle a dragon. So, race, Ezaara, and claim your rightful place. Hopefully we’ll be able to smoke out the rogue dragon without Zaarusha being hurt. I’ll sort something out with Tonio and Lars.” Pa’s eyes narrowed, fixing on the crystal teardrop at her neck. “Who did you say gave you that?”
Ezaara kept her voice offhand. “Oh, a friend.” A friend who was in danger, right now. Nothing must happen to Zaarusha the day before Roberto’s rescue.
§
Adelina bustled into Ezaara’s cavern. “I’ve decided what you should wear for the race today.”
Ezaara rolled her eyes.
“Come on,” Adelina cajoled, giving Ezaara an overly-bright smile. “It’s a public event and rumors are running rife about you. We need to do something that reminds people of who you are and what you can achieve.” Her eyes were circled with rings as dark as Death Valley.
Ezaara put a hand on her arm. “We’re rescuing Roberto tomorrow, Adelina.”
Her dark eyes lit up. “You are?”
“The council will be meeting first thing in the morning to discuss how.”
“More hot air.” Adelina sighed, her shoulders slumping. “I’m not holding my breath.”
“Adelina, they promised,” Ezaara said. “I’m hoping we’ll leave tomorrow.” She couldn’t stand waiting any longer.
Adelina’s answering smile wasn’t as perky as before. “I thought you could wear the same blue tunic you wore when you flew the loop. That’d remind people of how much they loved you. And your green ribbons.”
The green ribbons that had made Roberto her protector when she’d unknowingly given him one.
“You’d need to wear a few layers underneath to stay warm. What do you think?”
“Yes to the ribbons, but not that tunic. They need to see me as I am today.” Ezaara picked up her hairbrush. “Why don’t you have faith in the council?”
Adelina started plaiting Ezaara’s hair. “Apart from the fact that they recently banished my brother? It’s Tonio. Ever since Roberto and I arrived here, Tonio’s hated him, and I have no idea why.”
Surely, they wouldn’t leave Roberto, a valued master, languishing with Zens. Doubt prickled across her skin.
§
Zaarusha landed in the clearing below her cavern, the snow creaking with the weight of hundreds of dragons as they jostled to make space for more to land. Harnesses snapped against hides. Riders called out, wishing each other luck. More dragons were perched on outcrops above. Others dotted the ridge line. A crowd of onlookers stamped to keep warm, while two blue guards melted a line in the snow with their fiery breath.
Butterflies skittered through Ezaara’s belly—actually, it was more like a murder of crows flapping. Lars and Tonio had better keep Zaarusha safe. If either of them were hurt, they couldn’t rescue Roberto.
“Stop worrying. Antonika tells me it’s all under control. Besides, I’m large and fierce, you know.” Zaarusha snorted a tiny gust of flame.
Several dragons sidestepped.
“Zaarusha, this is your life we’re talking about.”
“Then let’s live it, now, and show these riders why you’re Queen’s Rider and I’m the queen. If anyone harms us, I’ll deal with them. The other dragons will back us up.”
A horn blew. Lars, on Singlar’s back, held his hand high for attention. When everyone had quietened, he addressed them. “Welcome. Today’s dragon races are held in honor of our new and honored Queen’s Rider, Ezaara.” He inclined his head toward Ezaara. “After nearly three moons with us, she has proven herself many times over, even saving Queen Zaarusha’s life. We are indebted to her and pledge to serve her. Every Queen’s Rider in training must demonstrate their ability in the dragon races—both in stunts and speed racing.”
People cheered. Lars held up his hand, cutting them off. “A matter of grave concern has come before the council. We are aware of rumormongers, setting themselves against Ezaara and Queen Zaarusha, quoting unfulfilled prophecy. But we warn you: prophecies often seem impossible until fulfilled. We advise you to be patient, and trust our Queen’s Rider. Be warned: any dissension will be punished with imprisonment in the cage.”
Ripples of concern radiated through the crowd. Zaarusha tensed.
“The cage?”
Zaarusha shot Ezaara an image of a dingy, cramped dungeon, next to a larger cell with strong chains for a dragon.
“We’ll start with stunts. A well-performed stunt tests the courage of the rider and the bond with their dragon. Stunts are not compulsory due to their danger, however, any rider who’d like to display their skills is welcome. Ezaara will go last,” Lars announced. “After stunts are over, all new riders, trainees and masters must meet here for speed racing. We welcome anyone who wishes to race.”
“Great,” said Ezaara sarcastically. “Throwing the race open to anyone is a sure way to protect you.”
“Antonika says
