she spoke was a little too long. “I was out on a job when he passed. I was sad to hear it. He seemed like a kind old man and his work was invaluable to the guard.” She smiled at him, although Kalai could have sworn there was a tension to the expression. “As far as I heard, hardly anyone speaks the old Sharoani language any longer, and not a lot of Sharoani folks settle down this far east. We really are lucky you showed up.”
Kalai recalled Roric Landa’s words when Kalai had asked him that same question.
We were in quite a pinch when we suddenly had no translator. You were sky-sent.
“That’s true. Thank you.” Kalai worked to form another question in his mind, something that could help shed some light on the archive’s mysteries, but before he could turn it into words, the sharp clinks of metal against glass made them both turn. Around them, most of the seats had filled, roughly fifty people dressed in copper or silver-accented uniforms. At the back of the mess hall stood General Falka, with a glass in one hand and a fork in the other.
“Trusted guard,” Falka said. “Today, we’re celebrating not just the return of a brother, but the addition of a new, future star in our skies. First, let us all welcome back Sky Rider Tauran Darrica.”
* * *
Tauran’s heart sped when the applause erupted from beyond the door. He closed his eyes for a moment, tugged the sleeve of his brand new uniform, and strode forward.
Don’t trip. Don’t trip.
Tauran entered the dining hall on Falka’s left. The space inside was full of people. All eyes turned on him, and Tauran wondered if it was too late to turn and flee.
No, he was done fleeing. He was no coward. He released a breath of relief when he managed to cross the space with barely a limp. He smiled, stopping beside Falka with his hands behind his back. “Thank you,” he said, when the cheers stilled.
“Sky Rider Darrica has already proved himself a force to be reckoned with in the past, and we are truly grateful to have him as a part of our proud brotherhood, once again.”
Tauran tried not to flinch at the title. Sky Rider. He had tried to refuse, but Falka had assured him it was only a question of rank and address, not of duties. He wouldn’t have to mount a single dragon unless he chose to.
Falka accepted a roll of paper, a pen, and a small box from an assistant. Unrolling the paper, he held it out to Tauran along with the pen. “Your contract with the Sky Guard.”
Tauran brought the paper to the table behind them. He didn’t stop to think, but signed his name at the bottom, pen scratching against the surface.
When he returned, Falka opened the small box and withdrew a pin molded into the emblem of the Sky Guard: Two outstretched wings behind a tower.
“Repeat after me,” Falka said. “With the skies as my witness, I, Tauran Darrica, pledge to serve the Sky Guard, defend, protect and fight for the people of Valreus, all of Kykaros, and our allies.”
Tauran repeated the oath, then kept still as Falka attached the pin to the front of his uniform. “Welcome back, son,” Falka said, and smiled, pulling Tauran into a firm embrace.
“Thank you,” Tauran said, returning the embrace and shaking Falka’s hand once the crowd quieted. He looked outward, seeking Kalai. Kalai sat beside Catria, smiling. Their eyes met, and below the layers of doubt, of nervousness and tension, a spark grew in Tauran. Strong and proud. Once, he had lived and breathed this life. Basked in the attention. He stood a little straighter and tilted his chin up.
“We have another thrilling announcement,” Falka said, spreading his arms wide. Tauran noticed countless faces light up. Clearly, word of the baby titan had spread like wildfire.
“The Sky Guard has gained a new future champion!” Falka gestured to an assistant who disappeared through the door.
Tauran turned halfway around and watched as two dragon physicians carried Leyra into the dining hall. She writhed and snapped in their grips. When Tauran extended his hands to take her, pure relief shone in their eyes. Tauran had to fight back a laugh.
When Tauran drew Leyra against his chest, she calmed, although she couldn’t resist tugging on the folds of his jacket with her front teeth.
Tauran turned back to the crowd, and it erupted in applause and cheers. He caught Roric’s eyes