Are you the Hunter or the Prey?
It's Threshing today.
I head to breakfast silently, and the atmosphere has shifted. No one is really talking, much less eating, and the weather outside is downright depressing. It's cloudy, and there's a cold breeze that cuts through the air. By the looks of it, it's going to rain soon. Definitely General Sorrengail’s doing.
My eyes scan our table for any sight of the boys. They aren't here yet, so I grab some mugs and one of the carafes of coffee and grab our regular seats. A few minutes later, they're walking in. Garrick branches off to get food, and Xaden beelines over to me.
He takes his seat beside me, looking me over. "Did you sleep at all?" I shake my head, and he sighs and taps his arm. I grin leaning against him, my hand finding his. He doesn't object, and I know it's because he's worried about today too.
How can we not be? We need to survive and bond, the future of our nation depends on it.
I trace patterns against his skin as Garrick gets back with two trays of food. I don't bother reaching for anything. My mind is racing, and I'm too focused the fact that today is going to end up being a blood bath. That today all bets are off, and anything can happen to me. More importantly to them.
"Vari." I glance up to see Garrick looking at me.
"I'm sorry, what did you say?"
"What's going on in that head of yours?" He asks softly.
"I'm just worried about today."
"You'll bond. You're one of the best in our year."
"I'm worried for you guys." I correct. "I can't lose you both again." I whisper, praying the tears I feel forming don't fall.
"Look at me, Sunfire," I listen because it's Xaden, and I'm always going to follow his orders. "By tonight, we're all going to be chosen and bonded. We'll be riders, and we will be safe."
"Okay." I say back, trusting in his words the way I always have. Xaden is a lot of things, but he isn't a liar, at least not with me.
He hands me a mug off the tray, and the liquid inside is clear. I take a sip and sigh the warmth filling me up. Its hot water with honey, my mum used to give it to me whenever I was sick or feeling down. Garrick slides over a bowl of fruit, and I do manage to eat some of it.
Xaden is silent as Garrick and I talk, but his arm comes around my waist at some point, pulling me closer to him. It's out of view for anyone at the others' tables, which is probably why he does it. Even if he'd never admit it, physical touch is how he shows his love.
Eventually, we're being told it's time.
The walk there is heavy, and no one is speaking, aside from the occasional whisper. The rain is already starting. It's a light mist, but I know based on the darkening clouds, that's going to change. As Professor Kaori speaks, my eyes scan those around us. I find the only one here with an eyepatch easily, he's looking at me with such hate, that I wish I had killed him instead of moustache guy.
“Remember to listen here,” Professor Kaori says from in front of us, tapping his chest. “If a dragon has already selected you, they’ll be calling.” He thumps his chest again. “So pay attention to not just your surroundings but your feelings, and go with them.” He grimaces. “And if your feelings are telling you to go in the other direction listen to that, too.”
"You know where you're going?" I ask them quietly. Garrick nods while Xaden shakes his head.
“If you go in groups, you’re more likely to be incinerated than bonded,” Professor Kaori argues with someone near the center of the valley. “The scribes have run the statistics. You’re better off on your own.”
“And what if we aren’t chosen by dinner?” A man with a buzzcut to the front asks.
“If you’re not chosen by nightfall, there’s a problem,” Professor Kaori responds, his thick moustache turned down at the ends. “You’ll be brought out by a professor or senior leadership, so don’t give up and think we’ve forgotten about you.” He checks his pocket watch. “Remember to spread out and use every foot of this valley to your advantage. It’s nine, which means they should be flying in any minute now. The only other words I have for you are good luck.’”
Then he leaves, marching up the hill to our right and disappearing into the trees.
I hug Garrick first, "If you die, I swear I'll bring you back and kill you myself."
He laughs. "I don't doubt it, Vari."
Him and Xaden see each other off, and he's gone. I turn to Xaden, who just pulls me into his arms. "Don't go picking any fights." He warns.
"Look, who's talking." He pulls back just enough to kiss my forehead.
"I'm serious."
"So am I." He smiles, tucking the same strand of hair that never stays in place when I put my hair up. "I'll see you tonight?"
"I told you before Avari, nothing is keeping me from you again." I hold onto those words as we head in separate directions.
I do what Gray, Bruce, and Blake told me last night. I dash through the woods, putting as much distance as I can between me and anyone else. Maybe an hour or two in the weather picks up. I've seen a few dragons take off, and one cadet fall and crash into the ground.
I haven't run into anyone, which is a relief, I know that if there's going to be a day I risk coming close to death, it's today. I wonder if the boys bonded yet. Its then I hear footsteps behind me and I scale the tree closest to me. I'm on the second branch, hidden from view, and crossbow ready.
I recognize them for what they are, a hunting group for me. It's a large group of fifteen which surprises me, until they speak.
"I swear I saw Tavis and Solaris head this way." The lead one says frustrated. So not just for me, but Garrick too, now the numbers make sense.
A hand comes to his shoulder, and the guy who does so pulls his own hood down. I freeze, Alic no, betrayal runs through me, I knew he didn't like them but me? The fact that he was going along with their plan to rape me, it makes me sick. "Relax, in this weather, they won't be getting far, and Riorson will show up the second he hears about them being targets, I've arranged for it."
It's really is a hunting party, and we three are the prey. A flash of lightning streaks across the sky, illuminating the path in front of them. "Footprints." And they're off. I wait until I can't hear them and wait another minute before dropping down.
They saw the footprints, but I saw something else. The mark carved into the tree. I examine it, remembering what Garrick had taught us years ago. I barely hear the steps behind me before I'm blocking with my sword. The second my face is seen, he's lowering his weapon. "Xaden you scared the shit out of me." I mutter sheathing my weapon.
"Are you okay?" He asks arms holding my shoulders as he looks me up and down.
"I am, but they're hunting Garrick. If we go that way, we'll get to him first." I point to the left, and he nods. We take off together, our steps light and quick.
"You don't leave my side." He whispers as we walk through a particularly muddy area. "They plan on raping you."
I nod, and than I'm pushed against the tree. "What?" I exclaim, careful to keep my voice low.
"You knew already." He accuses, and there is no point lying, I know he knows. My lack of a reaction gave that away.
"Last night, Annalise overheard them talking about holding me down while taking turns and having their way with me."
His gaze is dark. "And you didn't tell us."
"You guys needed to focus on bonding not me." I argue, he lets me go, and we keep forward. "Xaden." I whisper breaking through his anger. "I was just trying to keep you both alive."
He sighs, and doesn't say anything and he just reaches his hand back. I take it, and we keep forward. "After we're bonded, you have no excuse anymore."
"I promise, the second I know anything, you'll know." He glances back at me, and I see the forgiveness in his eyes.
"Hear that Garrick, you're my witness."
"Of course honey bear." He comes dropping down beside us. "Now someone want to tell me what exactly is going on?"
"Long story short, fourteen guys with prince asshole, plan on hunting us down and killing us." I say easily.
He nods. "So the usual."
I nod, and a glare from Xaden gets me to keep talking. "Yup, and there is also the tiny detail of them wanting to hold me down while they all have a turn with me before killing me."
"And she's known this since last night." I glare at Xaden as Garrick glares at me.
"And you didn't fucking tell us." I groan.
"Okay I get it, I should've told you. Next time a group of people want to rape me and then kill me for my blood, I will tell you immediately, happy?" They both nod inspite of my sarcastic tone.
"Good now we need a plan." Garrick declares.
"We can't take them all one at once." We might be the best fighters of our year, but in this weather, and with their numbers, they'll overwhelm us.
"So we thin the herd." I say softly, knowing how much they'll hate the idea. Sure enough they sigh in unison, but I know they're going to agree.
"She's right." Xaden admits like it kills him to do so.
"Than she should head that way." Garrick points, "It leads to clearing. You fight best when you have space to maneuver"
"Then one of you should take it." I argue.
"No, he's right. They aren't just looking to kill you Avari. They want to violate you first, they want you to suffer. They won't stop until they get their hands on you, and at least this way, we know exactly where to find you afterwards." I don't argue at that.
"How good is your aim in this weather." Garrick asks, eyeing my crossbow.
"I'm insulted, you're even asking." The rain lets up, so we can at least see a few more meters ahead. I take my position in a tree, a few away from their position. I have a clear line of sight, and it will be quick to climb down while Garrick heads my way. Two targets we'll be too sweet of a deal to miss, so most of them will come after us, they'll leave their best fighters to go after Xaden.
Sure enough they come through, and I don't hesitate for a second to shoot one in the throat. He dies almost immediately. They draw their weapons panicked, and I take advantage of it. I get one guy in the thigh, and fire a second shot where I predict his face will be when he collapses from the shot. It goes through his face and into the tree behind him.
"Who wants to be next?" I shout, and that's when they move. I see the Prince direct his three friends to move after Xaden.
"They'll get Riorson. The rest of us will finish them off."
That leaves ten to come after Garrick and I. Garrick goes running, and I shoot the guy about to throw a javelin at him. I start climbing down the second I let go of the trigger, watching him collapse as my feet hit the ground. I wait just long enough for them to clearly see me, and I go running to the field Garrick had mentioned.
They circle me in the field, and I count four of them. They all have swords, aside from the one guy with the axe, the one who's eye I took out.
"You know Solaris, if you just put your weapons away, you could be a willing participant. Have some fun before you die."
"You first." I counter, taking a step towards him. The others don't move, and I lower my swords a little, seeing if I can trick them into thinking I'll play along.
"How about a deal?" He says instead. "You against them three, you win I'll just kill you. They win, than you don't fight while we use you and we make Riorson watch us fuck his girl."
"Fine, but I want one amendment to your deal."
"Lets hear it."
"That when I kill them, and your about to die on your own blade, you remember what happens when you come after me and what's mine."
He drives his axe into the ground, and holds his hand out. I shake it, and than move out of the way as a sword comes swinging.
I dodge with ease, both swords out as I move and put space between him and I. I'm just blocking attack after attack. One guy swings I block and the next is already moving. If it weren't for the fact that I have two swords, I'd have been struck down already.
Finally I spot an opening, so right after the first guy pulls back, I kick him in the chest, narrowly blocking the other two swords. It's all I need to go after the first guy, leaving the other two stumbling forward.
He's on the ground, trying to get his bearings, but the mud makes it hard, and I don't hesitate to stab him in the gut. He gasps, and I leave him to bleed out. The other two come running at me, and two on one is easy. It's how I train with Garrick and Xaden.
They're on opposite sides, and I manage to slash one of them in the leg, he backs off to tie it up, and than its me and the big guy. He disarms one of my swords, and I know if he goes swinging it's going to hit me. So I drop down and slide between his legs, severing his spine once I pop up on the other side. The guy from before comes swinging and I move but not before he slashes my cheek. Its shallow but I can feel the blood trickle down my face.
I drop the swords, and I move to put a few paces between us. Daggers in hand, I fling them for his sword shoulder, he blocks the first, but the second dives into the muscle. His screams fill the field. He drops his sword, clinging to his arm in pain. I should've expected the attack. But as I go in for the kill, he stabs me in the thigh with his own dagger. It doesn't matter after that, its his neck that's sliced open. I turn to the last guy who looks at me, and nods.
"Well whenever you're ready princess." He says it mockingly and I take the wraps I had stashed in my pouch out and tourniquet the area, removing the guys dagger. I push another wrap into the wound, and tie a wrap around that.
I pick up my swords, and tuck away my knives, and check that they're all dead. As I stand ready to go after him, the ground shakes.
Both our gazes snap to the dragon that's arrived. Its the largest one I have ever seen, his scales pitch black, I can't see his tail from this angle, but it doesn't even matter. A dragon like this is legendary, and is here for one of us.
"I'm going to enjoy killing you Solaris." He says picking up his axe.
"My blood still won't get you a dragon." I growl, ignoring the pain. He comes swinging, and I block with my swords.
The rain comes down, lightning streaks the sky, and thunder shakes my bones. Back and forth we go, but I'm injured, getting tired and he knows it. He takes the opening, and swings for my arm, only for it to practically bounce off.
Thank you Alastair. The armbands saved me my arm.
"What the fuck!" He shouts not expecting it, and I take the advantage slashing his side.
It angers him, and next thing I know, I'm being slammed into the ground. Why was that always his reaction? My swords go flying, and I am beyond relieved that Xaden made me practice getting of this position every day for that week.
I flip us over, and punch him in the nose, it hurts but the crack I hear is worth it. I get off him, and quickly move to my feet, drawing my knives. His axe and my swords are long forgotten, as the rain starts to come down in buckets.
"Your blood will be on my blades Solaris." He shouts as thunder shakes the sky.
"Not today or any other day." And I move as lightning streaks the sky. I land cut after cut, ignoring the pain in my arm, when he manages his own, I back away when his moves become sluggish. He's losing too much blood, and sure enough he falls over. I don't hesitate to pick up his axe, and drive it into his chest. Blood splatters all over me, but I don't care, my eyes go over the bodies around me, they're all dead.
The dragon watches me as I pick up my weapons, and secure them all back in place. Its time to go, Sweet One. His voice echoes in my head.
My eyes shoot up to his own. "You're choosing me." He nods, I walk over trying my best not to limp. Oh gods, climbing up is going to be a pain.
To my surprise he just lowers his head, until I can easily get on. Don't go getting used to it, its just this once. I'd rather not have your blood everywhere.
"Thank you." I say softly as I find my seat. "And its not all mine." I defend.
I'm aware I was watching.
"Were you always there for me?" I question. "Or were you still deciding?"
I picked you long ago Avari Solaris, you shall be my last rider. A sense of security fills me.
"Do you know if Xaden and Garrick made it?" I ask as my eyes scan the ground as we take off towards the dais.
They have, they're awaiting you. I sigh in relief. They're alive and they bonded.
"Thank the gods." I take a breath. "I'm sorry I forgot to ask your name."
My name is Noxtarian, but you may call me Nox if you'd like.
I can't believe he's chosen me. He's the largest dragon ever recorded in history, and declined bonding for the past hundred years. "Are we the last ones?" The weather is shit and I can barely see in front of us. I have no clue how many hours have passed.
Its about four, and we are nowhere near the last ones to bond. The training fields are lit with mage lights, but from here, I still can't see much. From what I can see there are two lines of dragons facing each other.
They are divided between those still in the quadrant who chose in years past and those who chose today, Nox tells me. We are the thirty-first bond to enter the fields.
A ferocious roar of celebration goes up among the dragons as we fly in, every head swinging our way, and I know it’s in deference to Nox. So is the parting of the dragons at the very center of the field, making room for him to land.
The impact jars me slightly, but I stand up tall in the seat before I slide down his side, careful to take the impact with my good leg. Nox tucks his wings in and looks down at me with an expression that’s the closest thing to a good you aren't a complete idiot I've ever seen from a dragon.
I make my way to the dais. I keep my mind focused, I have three goals.
- Give the name of my dragon to the roll-keeper
- Find Xaden and Garrick
- Go find a mender
Getting healed is too low on your list. Nox mentions.
"Its the third thing." I argue as I wait for my turn.
Which is also the last thing. He counters. I wisely shut up, because he's not wrong.
All the generals on the dais are watching me, and the closer I get the less they try and hide it. General Melgren has his gaze locked on me as I reach the front. His own dragon seems small in comparison to Nox.
"Avari Solaris." I say to the roll-keeper and I see the flash of recognition on everyone's faces. I'm not some random cadet who's bonded the most respected dragon in Navarre, I'm a Solaris.
“Nice to see that you made it.” She offers me a quick, shaky smile. “For the record, please tell me the name of the dragon who chose you.”
I lift my chin. “Noxtarian.”
Pronunciation is surprisingly good.” Nox's voice rumbles through my head.
“Is that pride I hear?” I think back in his general direction.
Don't go getting used to it. I catch the hint of amusement in his tone.
The woman grins, shaking her head as she writes down his name. “I can’t believe he bonded. Avari, he’s a legend.”
"That he is." I turn to the generals. "Generals." I lock eyes with General Sorrengail. "Wonderful weather we're having, don't you think?" With that said I turn away.
I'm unashamedly hiding underneath Nox’s leg, both to tend to my injuries in private and so I can avoid the stares. When I spot Xaden running towards the dais. "You aren't going to hurt him right." I ask Nox noticing how he tenses.
No Sweet One, only because I know his dragon and you would both be mad.
I decide I'll question that later, as I step back out into the rain before he rushes too far past me.
"Xaden." I shout after him, careful with how much pressure I put on my leg. The adrenaline is wearing off and I'm starting to feel the pain. He comes to a halt, and whips around to face me. In five strides he's in front of me, his eyes find mine as his hands grip my arms.
He holds me tight, nearly bruising, like he's afraid I'll disappear the second he lets go. His jaw is clenched as he looks me over, and his gaze narrows in on the blood stained wraps around my thigh. Then without any warning, his lips crash onto mine. He kisses me like its the last time he'll ever get to instead of the first. Its desperate and all encompassing, and I match it with my own relief. It's raw, unfiltered, almost primal, like he's pouring every fear he had from today into it. Like I'm the only possible cure for it.
I don't know when his hands move around my waist, pulling me even closer, until the need for air finally gets to us. "I thought I lost you." He whispers. There's still a tension in him, and I lean up and place a series of kisses against his jaw. Not caring who sees, he started it. My fingers take in the cut on his face, tracing it gently.
He leans into my touch and my reply is cut off by Nox growling. Healer now before I torch the distraction.
"Really?" I question my dragon.
Be happy I let him kiss you without intervening, your hurt, he should be taking you to get care. I roll my eyes, but make sure he knows that I appreciate his concern.
"Nox says I need to see a mender now, or he's holding you responsible if I bleed out."
He laughs picking me up, and I glare at him, about to try and maneuver out of his grip, but the glare my dragon sends me stops me. "What happened to your face?" I can't help but reach up and touch it.
"My dragon." He says annoyed. "She did not appreciate the fact that I wanted to find you instead of just leaving."
"Wise dragon." I tease, feeling the pain in full force now. He notices, because he kisses my forehead in reassurance. "People are going to think I'm weak." I say softly.
"Avari you just managed to get a dragon no one has seen in a hundred years to bond to you. On top of the fact that you're one of the best in our year, you can afford a moment of weakness." I sigh and nod.
He carries me to the tent, where Garrick is already there, Nolon working on his leg. "You're alive." He says in relief once he spots me, trying to move to us, but Nolon just orders another healer to hold him down. "Gods Avari, you're covered in blood."
"Only like a third of it is mine." I argue.
You mean half. Nox corrects. I ignore him.
"Who did you bond?" I ask.
"Chradh, brown scorpiontail." He says focusing on the conversation and not his leg being stitched back together by magic.
"What about you?"
I grin. "Nox, black swordtail" Whispers break out in the tent, and one of the other menders immediately moves over to me.
He laughs, "Of fucking course you just happen to bond a dragon of legend."
"Him first." I say directing the mender to Xaden, his cut needs to be healed properly.
"And of course Xaden bonds the other." My gaze snaps to Xaden.
"Wait what?"
"I bonded to Sgaeyl, blue daggertail." He says, his eyes watching as I strip off my jacket and pants. I didn't realize the dragon we had seen that day was her. As soon as the mender is done with him and moving onto me. He's standing and blocking me from the view of anyone else.
"Stories after?" They both nod.
Nox doesn't say anything, but I feel the affection he sends my way, when the pain becomes too much. "It will scar slightly." The mender says with regret.
I shrug. "Its not like anyone's seeing it there anyway." It was the cut on my thigh, it also hurt the most to be mended, but once she was done, I was pulling my pants back on.
I leave my jacket where it is, its torn to shreds anyway. As we wait for them to be done with Garrick. Xaden simply sits beside me, his thigh flush against mine, his hand quickly finding my own.
I lean against him, content, we made it through, with dragons to show for it.
Now we could focus on getting our home back.