Page 131 of Feathers of Ash and Hope

I’m sure now. Blackstone knows Ara. So she grew up on or around the Blackstone stronghold. Maybe her dad was part of the general’s staff?

Fortress Blackstone is only half an hour by bird from our capital, where I grew up. And the general and his staff spent a lot of time at court.

I search my memory for anyone high-ranked with the last name Summer, but come up empty.

Damn that woman and her secrets.

Chapter

Thirty-Eight

ARA

“I heardthey want to put on a show for Dar’s benefit.” Joel is walking down the corridor with me. He waits for my response.

I grin. It’s funny to think of celebrations in my brother’s honor when the man I know hates standing in the spotlight. Though he’s probably used to it now since it’s been two years since he took over from Dad. I bunch up my brows, frowning at the thought that there is this whole other side of my brother I barely know. I have never seen him in an official setting.

Suddenly, there is a distance between us I never noticed before. Like my lies widened a crack to a canyon.

How will he react when I come clean after Picking?

“All the more reason to stay away,” I mumble.

“I heard they planned some easy competitions and wanted the five best for each category.” He eyes me from the side.

Despite trying to hold back, I cornered Arkwright’s attention on the obstacle course. I enjoy climbing too much. I often forgetto stick to the mediocre performance I have been aiming for. “They probably planned to show off your squirrel act as well,” Joel continues.

“Too bad,” I say dryly, thinking of the drama that would have caused.

“Arkwright won’t be happy is all I’m saying,” Joel interjects.

“Yeah, but Dar seeing me would be worse. And it’s not like I’m off twiddling my thumbs,” I counter.

“True,” Joel says. “I’ll try to slow Darren down a bit, but I’m not sure it will work.”

“Thank you, Joel.” I spontaneously hug him.

I took on the errands of three other runners, earning me a favor from each and a busy day that, unfortunately, makes it impossible to enjoy the general’s visit.

A damn shame.

“It’s the best I can hope for,” I tell him while I ease back. I send him one last smile before I set off toward my first destination, whistling.

The first chore of the day isn’t one at all. I’m helping out at the Aeries coop, which houses the Strixes. I help to cart in food for the young Strixes, who aren’t yet able to fly. It’s a bloody business, and I have to temper my guilt at sending rabbits and other small prey into their boxes, knowing what awaits them. The Strixes have to eat something too after all.

Being around the birds afterward, cuddling and caring for them makes up for it, though. Their blue eyes are like glowing orbs against their dark plumes. They are incredibly fluffy and incredibly affectionate since they are used to humans. Their magic is a soft flame, and I’m glad I have enough control over my curse to pet them without worrying about drawing from their magic.

After the Strixes, I make my way to the weapons chamber. A grumpy old man greets me and snorts derisively after runninghis eyes over me, clearly not impressed with my stature. I don’t take it personally, given that I’ll probably cart around weapons with a combined weight of a Rukh or more in the next hours. When I smile and shrug, he fights a smile.

His face is wrinkled and his hair gray, but his posture is straight, his shoulders broad, and his arms thickly muscled. And after clambering up and down ladders, as well as sharpening and polishing weapons, I know why. I arrange and sort for hours and decline the offered lunch break, fearing I might run into Dar if I head into the main building.

Keeping up my smile and not complaining earns me the weapon master’s begrudging respect. Work becomes easier from there on since he starts talking about his life and recounts funny stories from his time as an active rider.

Soon, everything sparkles and shines and is back in its best working condition. He claps me on the back with a smile. My arms are three times their weight, but I made a new friend.

I walk back to the main building, staying in the shadows while crossing the courtyard. Despite it being a detour, I take the route through the sleeping quarters instead of through the main hall. I went through too much trouble to stay out of Darren’s sight. I won’t risk running into him now.

The way to the library is familiar, and the corridor is even more deserted than on every other day, but I’m still relieved when I step through the high wooden doors and into the scent of dust, paper, and leather. I’m pretty sure there is no risk of running into my brother in here.

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