Page 60 of Feathers of Ash and Hope

We all nod. The thought of falling to death is savage enough to cow us into silent obedience. We stand in front of the stables, or coop, which is what the building housing the birds is called. It’s an impressive tower, not too far off the main building, withcountless open arches on various levels for the birds to come and go as they like.

But it’s not the building I’m looking at. My eyes are on the seventeen harnessed Strixes waiting in front of it. They are massive and majestic, their white and gray feathers sleek, their intelligent eyes on us as we approach.

Sanders gives us the go, and I head to the last one on the right. The violet streaks adorning his head indicate he is male. Like we have been taught, I lock my eyes with his, my posture straight and proud, not hesitating in my advance but not rushing either.

Slowly, I lift my hand to his beak and nearly sigh in relief when he rubs it against my palm. The strong beak feels smooth and surprisingly warm against my skin. There is a short spark when magic starts to transfer, but I quickly stifle it. I’m getting better and better at suppressing it.

“Hey, beautiful. You ready to soar through the sky?” I whisper.

He makes a clicking noise that sounds like agreement to me.

“You two seem to get along well.” His caretaker, a giant strawberry-blond man with more freckles than I have ever seen before, smiles down at me.

“How could I not adore a beauty like him?” I grin at the creature next to me, letting my fingers slip through his soft feathers.

“Oh, stop complimenting him, or his ego won’t fit into his nest tonight.” The man laughs. “Let me help you up and show you how the straps are tightened so you are ready to go.”

We have just finished when I hear him mutter a curse and rush off toward the building the birds are housed in. Another group of Strixes and one Night Raven are led over to another group of recruits. I guess we aren’t the only ones starting flight lessons today. I’m confused by the Night Raven, though. Didn’tSanders say unbound Night Ravens are nearly impossible to handle? Did someone borrow a bird from another rider? Is that even possible?

There seems to be a disagreement because the helpful man who was all smiles with me only minutes ago is facing off against another caretaker, both shouting.

Joel lands with Asta, his Rukh, right next to me, drawing my attention.

“Are your straps tightened?” he asks.

“And good morning to you, too, Joel. Yes, I have slept very well, thanks for asking. How are you today?”

He stares at me, not amused by my antics. “I’m serious,” he says and looks around, but everyone’s attention is on the arguing men. “If I have to tell —”

“You don’t have to tell anyone anything,” I snap. “And yes, they are tight enough. I even let the caregiver check. Satisfied?”

“No need to get pissy.” He gives me a hurt look. “I’m only worried about you.”

Great, now I feel bad.

“Yes, and that is very sweet of you.” I heave out a breath, trying to curb my irritation. “But please tone it down a little,” I plead. “I’m fine,” I reassure him with a smile. “I’ll even let you check again if that will make you feel better, but you’ll have to check everyone else, too, or they’ll think I get special treatment.” I wink at him, making him laugh.

Joel raises his hands in surrender.

“Okay, I’ll back off if you promise to leave those on no matter what.” He points at the two pairs of thick leather straps securing my legs. “And I mean for all flight classes and not just today.”

I crinkle my nose.

“I hate promises like that. They are so absolute. No wriggle room.”

His face is serious. “That is exactly why I want one from you.”

I shake my head. “How about I’ll leave them on unless I have no other choice?”

He looks at me, contemplating my offer. Then he huffs out a breath. “Okay, fine. I’ll take it.” He holds my gaze expectantly.

I groan. “You are going to make me say it, right?”

He nods. “You seem to forget that I know you.”

“Fine.” I sigh. “I promise I’ll leave those straps on unless I have no other choice. Happy?”

“As happy as I’ll ever be as long as you are still here,” Joel responds.

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