When they were only a handful of dragon lengths away from the basket, Banikan and Diran closed in, hemming in Zaarusha’s wings. She roared, flames licking at Banikan. Diran flamed her back, a blast of heat passing over Ezaara. They dived, then swooped, blocking Ezaara from aiming her cone.
Kierion and Riona passed them. They were about to win the race. Then Riona turned above the basket. Kierion gestured.
What? Oh. Ezaara threw her cone as far as she could. It sailed through the air, hitting Riona’s hide, then clattered into the basket. Kierion’s cone thudded in after it. A cheer rose from the crowd.
Zaarusha roared, whirling upon Banikan and Diran. The two riders innocently tossed their cones, and the dragons sped away.
Wings flapped and riders flung their cones, then took their places at the finish line in the snow.
By the time Tonio and Erob and their team arrived, carrying Aria and Sofia in the net, Lars was glowering. He bowed to Zaarusha, his voice carrying, “Honored Queen Zaarusha, what shall we do with Sofia and Aria?”
Zaarusha’s snarl made the minds of every dragon at the hold flinch. “Toss them in the cage.” She roared, showing her fangs as the net-bearers approached.
“And Alban, Banikan, Nadira and Diran?”
“The cage as well.”
“The cage,” announced Lars for the benefit of those without dragons to meld with. Blue guards pursued Alban and Nadira. The folk were silent as Aria and Sofia were flown away.
Feasting
The main cavern was swarming with people. Dragons flitted above the crowd, landing on ledges to observe the proceedings. Zaarusha thudded down on the natural rock stage that ran along one end of the cavern. The council masters and their dragons were waiting, arrayed in similar formation to the first night Ezaara had arrived here to have her imprinting bond tested by Roberto.
“You’ve come far since then, Ezaara. Remember how terrified you were?” Zaarusha rumbled.
“Of course I was scared. I wasn’t sure if dragons existed before I met you—and the masters looked so tough.”
“The toughest of all was Roberto, I’ll bet.”
“Too right. He was awful.” Her stomach churned uneasily. Anything could be happening to him.
“Tomorrow the council will decide the best way to rescue him. Hopefully, he’s discovered what these new creatures of Zens are.” Zaarusha furled her wings.
Or was he discovering how cruel Zens’ torture methods were? Oh shards, she was so cynical. Her nightmares were so realistic after glimpsing Death Valley, they were impairing her judgment. Ezaara slid out of the saddle.
Lars approached, shaking Ezaara’s hand. “Well done, Ezaara. That was a fantastic display of talent.”
“It was a measure of the queen’s skill,” Ezaara deferred.
“And yours.” Lars turned to the crowd.
Derek, the training master, blew the horn, and Lars waved him to the front of the stage.
“After three moons with us, we finally declare the Queen’s Rider, Ezaara of Lush Valley, fully trained,” said Derek. “It’s been years since Zaarusha’s last rider, Anakisha, fell in battle—may her soul soar with departed dragons. You’ve seen Ezaara’s skill, her trust in the queen, both today and throughout her time with us. They have bonded exceptionally well, and she has worked hard to reach the standard expected of a Queen’s Rider. We thank her for saving Zaarusha from dragon’s bane and the traitors who tried to kill our queen.” Derek swallowed. “We owe Ezaara our allegiance.” He thumped his hand over his heart, then gestured to her. “Ezaara, please take a victory lap. Then let the feast begin. Tomorrow, all duties are canceled—except patrol.”
Zaarusha roared. “Climb up on my neck.”
Ezaara clambered over Zaarusha’s neck spines and straddled her neck, just below her head. Zaarusha leaped off the stage, her wings ruffling the crowd’s hair. Below, the sea of upturned faces went wild, screaming, hollering and whistling. Zaarusha spiraled up to the vaulted stone ceiling. For a moment, they hung in the air as Ezaara observed the people, as tiny as berries, below. Then the queen dived, plunging toward them. Torches guttered in their sconces when she pulled up short and landed on the stage, wings spread wide.
Cheers and roars swept through the cavern as Ezaara dropped to the stage and gestured to Zaarusha with a flourish.
The masters behind them clapped. It was so hollow without Roberto here. He’d trained her. He’d fostered her talent, goaded her and driven her to be better. He loved her. Ezaara clutched the teardrop, rubbing her fingers over the smooth crystal. Roberto was in such danger while they were here having a good time. Except she wasn’t. She was miserable without him.
A gong boomed. The crowd parted to allow Benji and his kitchen staff to enter. Kierion was behind Benji, leading a team carrying a table laden with fine food. They set their table against the wall, buffet style. More teams marched in. Trust Kierion to be everywhere. Ezaara’s stomach grumbled as scents reached her—roast duck, succulent fish, spiced sweet potato. This would be a feast to remember.
“As it should be, in your honor,” Zaarusha said.
“Actually, it’s in your honor,” Ezaara said. “Without a queen, there’d be no Queens’ Rider.”
Pa and Ma approached and both hugged her. “We’re so proud of you,” said Ma, eyes shining. “I know this hasn’t been easy.”
“Well done, darling.” Pa’s gaze fastened on her necklace. “This looks so much like Anakisha’s dream catcher. A remarkable imitation. When Yanir was far away, the original enabled Anakisha to see what was happening to him in her dreams.” He turned to Ma. “That would’ve been helpful when you were in Death Valley, honey.”
“No.” Ma shuddered. “I wouldn’t have wanted you to know what I went through.”
Ezaara felt
