Page 129 of Feathers of Ash and Hope

Nearly her whole squadron passed us in the hallway after lunch, but she hasn’t been with them. I let my eyes wander over the people crowding the atrium, hoping to spot her. A group of runners help with the arrangements for the general’s visit, but I don’t spot her anywhere.

The sun stands high and chases away all the shadows. A group of riders approaches their birds, harnesses and saddles slung over their shoulders, carrying swords and bows. The northern division got the short straw and is doing patrols today.

Jared and I sit on a bench with our backs resting against the building behind us. We’re enjoying the sun on our faces and relaxing after finishing a nice long run around the perimeters.

My thoughts are constantly on Ara. And how could they not after yesterday? But since I haven’t seen her all day, I’m starting to worry that she’s avoiding me again.

Today has been hectic around here with all the ado about the general’s visit, who will arrive within the hour.

Could we just have missed each other?

I draw my legs in, so the boy barreling past me with a rake doesn’t stumble over them.

Heaven forbid the gravel isn’t where it’s supposed to be.

I wonder if Darren Blackstone looks anything like his father. I was fond of the old general. He was a cordial man with good humor and a big heart, and I was shocked to hear of his death two years ago.

He used to bring his family when I was little since his wife and my mother were childhood friends. But the visits stopped. So I haven’t seen any of the younger Blackstones for quite a few years. They were dark-haired, like their father, weren’t they?

The general’s laughter at my pranks had been what swayed my father to a more lenient punishment more than once, and I came up with plenty until my parents granted me my wish to drag poor Jared along after I nearly burned down the ballroom.

I smile, remembering Jared’s face when he accompanied me for the first time. Despite us growing up together, he had been speechless at the splendor conjured up to impress other kingdoms.

“What are you smiling at?” Jared looks at me questioningly.

“Just remembering your face when I dragged you along to a function for the first time. I can’t remember what it was…”

“Man, the food. I had never seen anything like that. Makes all of this seem rather unimpressive, huh?” He looks at the bare stone walls around us. Everything is nearly sparkling with how clean it is, but there’s no decoration in sight. He looks at me. “You aren’t worried?”

I shake my head. “I haven’t seen Blackstone in years. I don’t think he’ll recognize me.”

“I guess it comes rather handy now that you look more like your mother. Fred wouldn’t have had a chance to deny his lineage.”

I chuckle. My brother is the spitting image of my father, with his blond hair and blue eyes.

“We’ll have to drink on that later.” I look around. “Where is everyone?”

Jared chuckles.

“She took on at least three errand jobs. I bet we won’t see her until dinnertime.”

I look at him. “Who?”

Jared grins. “Don’t tell me you wanted to know where our flight is or our first years are.” He laughs at my face and slaps my back.

Okay, he got me there. Why would she run around all day instead of joining the festivities?

I realize I must have mused that out loud when Jared looks at me with one raised eyebrow. I shrug and focus on numerous flights of first years and second years going through drills, preparing for the show later. I’m grateful they decided to show off the academy students and leave us in full service out of it.

We all endure a ratheruninspired speech. Legatus Janus talks about Darren Blackstone’s rising star in the military, and Blackstone weathers it stoically with a polite smile.

Drills and flying maneuvers are executed for his entertainment before the formalities are abandoned in favor of a quite festive atmosphere during the feast.

When all of us, especially Blackstone and his staff, are wined and dined, the whole fuss finally winds down.

Sanders beckons all centurions and squadron leaders to him and looks thrilled to give us the opportunity to mingle, shake hands, and address questions with the general and his staff.

That is how I find myself face-to-face with Darren Blackstone. He’s smiling and thankfully doesn’t show any sign of recognition when I meet his eyes.

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