Page 6 of Forcing Fate

Now? It all felt like a waste.

Without the promise of a dragon, I floundered, feeling lost. I floated, like a leaf stuck in the current, drifting wherever it took me. The hold I’d had on my future slipped between my fingers, and I couldn’t do a thing about it.

I looked up as I reached the Masters’ quarters. The tall building loomed above me, instilling fear and intimidation. I had only been here a handful of times. Even though the structure with its sharp spires and dark brick was foreboding, the inside was warm and welcoming.

A set of guards posted outside the double doors waited for me to pull down my hood and reveal my face. One gave a brief nod, granting me access. The Masters requested this meeting; I assumed to discuss my future plans. I removed my cloak and hung it on a hook on the foyer wall. Wiping my feet, I made my way to the desk where a woman sat, her red hair swept up in a bun.

“Miss Avyanna,” she greeted with a smile.

I nodded, returning the gesture. “Master Niehm.”

“I see you’re here for a meeting with the Council?” She glanced at a paper resting on her desk.

“Yes, ma’am.” My hands clasped in front of me.

“I’ll escort you.” She stood and brushed her skirts out, holding out her hand to motion me down the left hall.

I started down the hallway, walking beside her.

“You’ve been quiet lately.” A quick glance at her revealed a glint in her eyes. “Quieter than normal, I should say,” she corrected.

My shoulder lifted in a half-hearted shrug. “There hasn’t been much to say lately.”

“Avyanna, don’t let a dragon’s refusal sour the world for you.” Her voice was soft as she gave a slight shake of her head.

She meant well, but the wound was still too fresh. I schooled my face, refusing to be anything but polite.

“It’s all right, I’m fine.” Assuring her, I looked back down the hallway.

Surely the meeting room couldn’t be much further. I didn’t want to talk about this. The last thing I needed was to deal with someone thinking they knew more about my future than I did.

“Dragons are not everything, dear,” she said quietly.

Dragons were my everything.

Until Hatching Day.

I just smiled and kept my eyes pointed down the hall, refusing to look at her. She sighed and motioned to a door coming up ahead. Knocking twice, she opened it and motioned me inside.

The door swung open to reveal a large oval table, and a fireplace behind it heating the room. Upon entering, I noted the warm tapestries hung on the walls, depicting dragons and their Riders. I swallowed the emotion building in my throat. The door clicked shut behind me, but I didn’t look back. I lifted my chin and crossed the room.

Thick rugs strewn about the wooden floorboards muffled any noise from my leather boots as I scanned the Masters in attendance. There were four, with Master Brann standing at the head of the table. He was a kind man, strong for his years. He kept his gray hair and beard trimmed and tidy, and his blue eyes sparkled with a constant glint of mischief. The other three Masters were familiar, all of them Egg and Hatchling Masters, though I couldn’t recall their names.

My stomach dropped as dread filled me. Would they deem me unsuitable for Northwing? Would they shatter any hope I had of using the knowledge I’d gained through my years here?

This was about Hatching Day, I knew it.

“Miss Avyanna.” Master Brann gestured to an empty chair, indicating I should sit.

Nerves tightened my throat as I settled on the edge of the seat, studying the Masters. I sincerely hoped I did not appear as insecure as I felt.

“You wished to see me?” Though my voice was quieter than I intended, I was pleased it didn’t tremble.

“How are you, dear?” Master Brann asked as he took his place, sitting beside a hulking Hatchling Master.

“Well. And you, Master Brann?”

“As well as these old bones will permit in this blasted cold,” he chuckled. “These are my colleagues, some of whom you may be familiar with. Master Hawkins, Master Zia, and Master Balloch.”

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