The North (Closed)

[heartofcourage]

Fiona slipped from his back, immediately coming to where his head rested as Schaller seemed to lose every bit of strength he had. She pressed her forehead against his maw, gently stroking his scales.

"My love, you should never have had to carry this burden. I swore that to you." Fiona murmured softly.

 

[KieranSoares]

Schaller pushed his nose ever so gently against her as tears rolled down from his tightly-closed eye. "No," he grunted weakly. "I carry only what I wish... You have always given me that freedom. I carry you, Fiona Blackstone." He found the strength to push forward and nuzzle her gently into the crook of his arm, supporting her frail frame even as he sought comfort. "You are no burden to me, my dearest little love... Never in our time have you burdened me."

 

[heartofcourage]

"You're getting too old for this." Fiona said with a quiet chuckle. "As am I."

She took a seat next to him, groaning slightly as her bones protested until she got settled. "I've made some choices. Choices that will affect the both of us. I've come to realize that I have a duty to all dragons, one that goes beyond the Triad and the Haven and the Judges. With you, my love, we are too powerful to truly serve any of them. We need to be independent. We owe it to our riders and their partners to be independent. Which means, more rest for the both of us. We will still lead the Riders, but we dont need to worry about the others."

 

[KieranSoares]

Schaller shifted and partly curled in around her, letting her take shelter in his shadow, or remain in the elements and her freedom if she wished. He nodded slowly as she spoke, casting his gaze to the ground in his consideration. "It seems, then, that we have come full-circle. It was once just a handful of us, practically mercenaries seeking dragons out to aid them and trying to support the causes we felt were most deserving. We did our best work when we could see to it personally." He offered a weak smile, but it was genuine. "It will be good for dragons and Riders alike to see their chosen Queen return to the work she's most passionate about."

 

[heartofcourage]

“We would be forced into some difficult situations.” Fiona murmured, her forehead leaning against his maw. “My grandfather left everything behind because he couldn’t stand the pain. The pain of death, of loss, of uncertainty. Maybe I was always the one to take us to this point. I needed my early life to grow thick skin.”

She lifted her head when she heard a rustling in the brush, a chuckle issuing from her chest as she saw Markus on his dragon. “Speaking of tough skin.”

Fiona leaned back into Schaller’s arms to relax, welcoming the other caller forward. “I am truly sorry for Hesperus, my friend. That darkness wasn’t him.”

 

[KieranSoares]

The ruby dragoness Diana lowered her partner to the ground by her curling horn, and Markos approached in his usual attire of furs and hides, barefoot and covered in tattoos of Greek legend. He stopped a respectable distance from them, crouching and crossing his arms comfortably. His thick beard had been trimmed short and he looked younger and brighter, though completely exhausted. He offered a smile, and Fiona could see him take her and her partner in for a moment.

"My family's long companion is free and at peace," Markos replied with a quiet, relieved sigh. "And you live. I am content with this battle's outcome, though we will all carry great scars." He offered out his forearm, showing a lighting bolt-like darkened streak under the skin where the Hunger had caught him with a fang in his efforts to aid Fiona in her mind. Like her experience with blackened fingertips, Markos carried mental scars on his skin as well. "It was a good fight. To see Great Hesperus as his true self... To hear him proclaim his love of the Karides and Blackstones... I am not ashamed to admit I sobbed with joy and relief when I awoke. You saw the protector he once was before the Hunger took him. Kingly, strong, and devoted... Not unlike your forebears who came to your aid. The Foxes there... Your kin. They were most blinding and beautiful of all. You must be as proud of them as they are of you."

 

[heartofcourage]

“In life, as I knew them, they were flawed creatures. Not as bright and beautiful as you saw them. I’m content that there is peace in the beyond.” She said as he mentioned her family who had gathered in the battle.

“Markos, I would be a fool to not see that the Judges will soon make you an offer. However, I have my own.” She sat up a little straighter. “Stay here with us and teach my children. Teach them all you know. You…you have a knowledge that was denied to me. You can guide them on their path in a way that I cannot.”

 

[KieranSoares]

Markos settled into a cross-legged sit, his hands resting on his knees as his head tilted slightly to consider her with curious eyes. Then he chuckled: "Your Majesty... Fiona. I'm a Karides. You should've been my sister if our families hadn't parted. Despite my sins... My loyalty lies unquestionably and wholly with you. I may offer aid to the Judges if they wish to be better than Arbiters, but you and yours come first."

"Bold words from a man who once said the same of Royer," Schaller murmured, though his tone was not so vicious as it had once been.

"You're absolutely correct, Lord Schaller. But I know where I stand now, and I have not doubted this allegiance once since it was granted." Markos smiled up at the elder, and Schaller snorted lightly with a small nod. Markos turned back to Fiona and chuckled, "But I can't guarantee your children will want to learn from me, of course."

 

[heartofcourage]

“Tatianna has no reason to judge you.” Fiona murmured, glancing down at the scar that graced the center of her palm. “The others…well, they are old enough to be their own person. I will advise, as I am their elder, but we will leave it up to them what they choose.”

“We were just discussing the future. Where we go from here. I’ve severed myself from the Haven. My seconds-in-command have nearly all been so injured I must recruit new.” She gently patted Schaller’s scales, almost as if she were soothing herself. “I cannot allow myself to be controlled. I will serve my family, but…I’m too powerful for anyone else.”

 

[KieranSoares]

"Rider Queens and Kings before you have always been independent most of their lives, precisely for that reason: that power can't be bound to land and other titles. Our predecessors have always been mercenaries, nomads, and small roving clans. As the world grew more vicious to our ancestors and their partners, dragons disappeared from the sky until some people believed them extinct or myth in the first place. You've helped dragons reemerge into the world again, and laid out havens and protections across your allies' lands. You command immense loyalty and you're related to some of the most powerful people in Northern Europe. That power is better used independently for the common good than placed on the side of one crown or another, if my opinion is worth anything. I would say the same of any Caller and their allies, including myself. Nearly all dragons go to war out of fear or necessity. I would love to see a world where they, like humans and werefolk, can live in peace rather than feeling forced to fight all their lives. Among other things..."

As he spoke, Markos had settled on his own partner's arm, leaning forward on his knees. "Most of all, I would see dragons considered people by law around the world. Given the same protections, justice, and fairness. I know you've long pursued the same for dragons and werefolk alike. I would like to join that effort, and help protect existing communities like the Voya who live in harmony with dragons as citizens and guardians. That is where my passion lies, if it's useful to you."

 

[heartofcourage]

“I think that we might find a place for you.” Fiona said with a smile on her face, chuckling softly at his offer of help. “Now, tell me about the new riders that I need to be aware of.”

She moved their topic easily, listening to his council as Schaller protectively watched over them all. Back at camp, it was quiet as everyone settled in for a grey, rainy day. Fires had been stoked, but there was something lazy about the pace set.

Riley had set about reconnecting with her husband, meaning they had not let the ger in days. In that moment, she straddled his lap, his length filling her completely. She panted as they writhed together, her arms gripping his shoulders tightly as she pressed her forehead to his own.

“Koah,” she sighed, whimpering as he did something she particularly enjoyed. “Stop. Wait…”

She wasn’t ready to reach that peak yet again. She wanted to savor this moment with her mate, to soak in the feelings of him, naked, joined with her so intimately.

“Eldere…” she murmured, nuzzling against his cheek.

 

[KieranSoares]

Andre's only focus since Riley had taken time off to be with him was purely the two of them. Even when he wasn't immediately at her side, he was preparing more complex meals, making sure their camp was in perfect order, and he'd even brought her simple gifts and flowers. Now with Riley in his lap, he was fully absorbed in loving her like it was his purpose in life.

Panting quietly as they slowed, Andre tucked his face against her neck while she nuzzled him. "This is worth every second we were apart," he muttered, meaning every word. A hand splayed across her lower back, as if he could pull her in even closer. Even as sweat gathered on his skin and he felt sore from their previous romps, he wanted to make love to her forever. When he lifted his head again to silently request another kiss, his eyes were hooded with quiet lust and endless love. "I love you, Riley Ghis," he murmured breathlessly. "Gods, I love you."

 

[heartofcourage]

Riley granted his request as he lifted his lips for another kiss. She sighed as they soon fell into the blankets beneath them, writhing together until they found that ultimate peak. Finally, she was sated, her soul absolved of the guilt that she had held at leaving him to fret in their darkest hours. Resting on his chest, she absently traced her fingers over his tattooed skin, pondering all that had happened and what it might mean for them.

"Kate wants me to sit council with the Judges." She murmured softly. "It would be taking my mother's place while she heals. I still don't know I'm the right one to take the position."

She lifted her head, an arm draping over his chest so she could rest her chin upon it. "Ezra is wounded but still wiser. Same with Dani. They have the diplomatic experience that I lack. I'm actually shocked I got this far without doing something wrong."

 

[KieranSoares]

Andre's arm draped across her back, his fingers buried in her fur while the opposite arm tucked beneath his head. Gazing up at her while they relaxed and their minds returned to the world outside, he offered a concerned, but trusting expression.

"You're the only connector between the Judges and everyone else right now, since you've seen Ararat and met their full council and leader. But you don't have to do this. You're right: Ezra and Dani are more experienced. Costa and Jani too, and I know they'd step in if asked. I trust Kate's judgement, because she sees what I do: that you're absolutely capable and you'll speak up for what's most important. But I also trust your judgement. If you don't think you're right for this, we can explore other avenues."

Taking a deep breath, Andre thought of what he'd seen and been hearing from their allies and family. "Xia Hou has proven to be incredibly levelheaded and willing to work with us. The Judges have kept their promise of peace and been nothing but honorable since they arrived. They've kept to themselves to recover, and the younger ones have been offering help with patrols. And Steris has been actively sharing knowledge about caring for dragons' health with our people, including the Hunger and illnesses unique to them. They're showing a huge amount of trust and cooperation, all because of you, love. They came here on your terms, did what they said they'd do, and now they're trying to build lasting bridges with us. I know it's for their own survival, but I can see it's also real goodwill. You made that happen. You absolutely belong in talks with them. Their inner circle and the Blackstone seat at Ararat aside, I trust that you'll make the best decision for how to proceed with them alongside Kate."

Since their fight outside Byzantium, Andre had taken a step back and considered Riley's choice to go to the Judges alone, and he had realized just how right she'd been. His protectiveness over her would've been a liability in a nest of hornets that wouldn't take kindly to being disturbed by the wrong person. The Judges were deeply insular, paranoid, and protective of their own, after all, with no allies or friends anywhere else. Thus, Andre was learning when to step back and trust Riley, taking a lesson from Sam and how he would often back off and let Fiona stand alone with his trust and absolute loyalty.

"I'm ready to help, to advise, or be whatever you need," Andre offered softly, lifting a hand to her cheek and caressing her fur with absolute admiration. "Shield, sword, messenger, officer, or quiet husband waiting back at camp. I'll stand with you in council meetings, and I'll help you run off into the wilds when it's time to explore. If you want to help with the Judges, I'll be there. If you decide it's time to take a break and stay away til we move north, I'll be there."

 

[heartofcourage]

Slowly Riley smiled and leaned down to press her forehead against her husband's, letting her eyes close as she soaked in his words. He believed in her and that was all she needed in that moment.

Later that evening, the castle was quiet as Fiona and Markos worked side by side in her chambers. Her talk with him had given way to inspiration and she quietly conferred with him about a matter that should have long ago been settled. When the door opened, she glanced up and gave a soft smile to Sam, waving him in quickly.

"Shut the door." She murmured, leaning against the table and looking at the things that they had gathered before them.

Her crown, her axe from the Axemen, Ephriam's seeing stone, the glaive modeled after Margaret's, the dragon scale shield, her claymore, and pieces of scale from dragons that they had lost along the way. They were her legacy as the Rider Queen. Her items of rule.

"Markos has suggested a true crowning. An official line of succession." She murmured, looking up at her husband. "Making it so that if this ever happens again, there won't be so much chaos. Each house that is present, including the Johainia Riders, may add what they wish to make it truly symbolic. It isn't much, but it doesn't need to be much."

Her fingers were still stained and swollen, but she was able to work off Sam's emerald ring from her finger. She considered it for a moment before she gently placed it among the other items to be passed on to the next Rider Queen or King.

"I think the scale should be added to my crown." She said softly, looking down at Gia's red and Hesperus's pale. "Along with any other dragon that would contribute."

 

[KieranSoares]

After the door latched behind him, Sam considered the objects laid out before them all; a tapestry of Fiona's life and work. His brows furrowed in a mix of confusion and deep thought. Limping up to Fiona's side and leaning heavily on a cane that had come to replace the crutches, Sam reached out to lift Fiona's Invernessian crown from the mix. He considered it briefly before looking to Markos, and then to Fiona.

"You were chosen as Rider Queen by the dragons, but how'll the next be chosen?" He asked softly. He had his worries and already wondered whether other crowns would officially recognize the Rider Monarch if they weren't also a monarch of another clan or country like Fiona was. Her title as Queen of Inverness and her connection to the North had given her legitimacy and immense reach. But without a kingdom or land attached to potential future monarchs, Sam was concerned there might be trouble.

"I, for one, would be in support of it staying in the Blackstone line, potentially separating from the Ghis Clan royalty," Markos offered. "Or, it may not need to be a hereditary title. We have options."

"I'm in support of the idea," Sam assured them both. "I'm jus' worried about details. What d'you have in mind, love?"

 

[heartofcourage]

“I say the dragons should always choose.” Fiona said softly. “It’s their freedom on the line if this power is ever in the wrong hands. They should always have the power. Then their riders. Then the heads of state.”

“If it remains a Blackstone, so be it. If it passes to another line, as long as they abide by the same ethics and beliefs that we have, there should be an easy transition.”

She sat slowly in a padded chair, her strength waning. Letting out a soft sigh, she watched as Sam held her crown and thought over what they had been discussing. “Soma has his path set. He will rule Inverness and he will be a great king. When he marries, if he ever does, I think a new crown should be made for his spouse. I would never want to live in my own shadow.”

 

[KieranSoares]

"Agreed. Soma will be the next Great Bear," Sam murmured with a small smile. The honorific had belonged to Invernessian kings since King Aodh had designed the first banner depicting a rearing bear. While the design had changed and Brogan had been the last king to use the name regularly, Sam carried it with pride and planned to present Soma with his very own bear cloak when he took the throne. "And if I were to nominate anyone as your heir... It'd be Tati."

Sam knew Riley was capable, fierce, mature, and deeply held the convictions befitting a Rider Queen, but he also knew she was a wild Fox. She wanted freedom, adventure, and her own life. She rose to the challenge when others needed her, but he believed she was not the true heir to Fiona's crown. Tatiana, young as she was, was having the kind of upbringing and education surrounded by dragons and Riders that a leader would need. She was studious, passionate, and could overcome all obstacles whether they be her own physical limitations or the doubts of those around her. Sam saw in her not just a caretaker of dragons like their friend and mentor Rory and his fellows, but a future teacher, protector, and diplomat worthy of great responsibility and power. Sam didn't know if another child would be possible for himself and Fiona like they'd hoped, but he knew among their existing children, they had caretakers of the future of their clan, the Blackstone family, and dragons everywhere.

"I would second that," Markos offered with a smile. "I've not had much contact with Miss Tati yet, but I can see incredible potential in her and I would love to teach her our families' shared history in time as I earn the required trust. But I've also seen several other youths who show great promise. Choosing a younger successor would be ideal, to give them time to learn, grow into the position, and forge alliances and friendships for the future."

Sam nodded in agreement and set the crown aside, coming to sit by Fiona in a second chair. Taking her hand, he offered his gentle support. "I'm with you, love. After all you've been doing to help the dragons and give them protection and independence, I think this'll be a good next step. Securing their freedom to elect their own leaders will be another big move toward making sure they're treated as their own sovereign people. Callers should always bridge the divide to help keep peace between humans and dragons, but it's important that the dragons have autonomy. And I think if we play our cards right... We could even forge alliances with groups like the Judges to make sure there are protectors everywhere."

 

[heartofcourage]

Little Tati. Not so little anymore, she thought to herself as Sam took her hand and talked about their future. The little fox had constantly surprised her from the moment that she had taken her into her arms on that cold, snowy night. She was patient and kind, but also stubborn when she wished.

"You'll teach her then. And help her find a worthy partner." Fiona murmured as she looked at Markos. "One that can work with her limitations."

"And we will send letters as far as the Steppes and into Africa. I would like a great council called. I know we are still at war, but I would like this matter settled." She insisted. "While I am healing and the Judges are healing, it seems like the time to call as many to us as we can."

 

[KieranSoares]

"Things're at a lull and even though Royer's dangerous, we have 'im cornered," Sam murmured. "And we 'ave everyone as safe as we can manage. It'll be good to build a foundation now, before all our attention is taken away by rebuilding everything else."

"With the Hunger burned away here in the North, your Riders and dragons are already casting a wide net of safety and communication. Between your allies across Europe and Asia and our young greenhorns ready to race off and prove themselves, we'll have word to the ends of the Earth and guests arriving in mere weeks." Markos withdrew his own notebook and began jotting down Fiona's orders and his own personal notes in Greek. So much mentally clearer now than when they'd first met, he was sharp, quick, and far more present with his bloodline dragon freed from the Hunger. "And with several allies already here- Arslan Khan, representatives from Palmyra, and plenty of Imperials- we can also talk about codifying protections for dragons under alliances and treaties, I think."

"Soma'll be chomping at the bit t'be involved in this," Sam murmured with a half-smile to his wife. Soma was practically a prodigy when it came to understanding law and diplomacy. However, Sam was quietly worried for his son. While Fiona had been healing, she'd seen plenty of her daughters whenever Riley wasn't with Andre and Tati wasn't studying or working with the dragons. But she'd seen far less of Soma. He would come whenever anyone called, but he rarely approached on his own. And after hearing from Kate's family how deeply angry and reclusive Soma had been while Fiona suffered, Sam worried that his son was following the sad trend of Ghis men growing aggressive and distant in their pain.

"I sat with him yesterday," Markos offered quietly. Sam raised an eyebrow, knowing how much Soma absolutely detested Markos despite being civil with him. Soma had proven to be a prodigy at yet another art: holding a grudge. Markos continued, "He was out on the shore. Idunn was looking after him, but he was sitting alone. He wasn't thrilled to see me, and he didn't speak. So I simply sat down and watched the sea with him a while. I don't know if my presence was helpful, but... normally, unless we're working together, he'll tell me to go away. Yesterday, he didn't."

"He's been through a lot, with no time t'properly process. He hasn't had a moment to think about his own hurts an' losses since before he lost his arm," Sam sighed. "An' he was sure he was gonna lose his mother, probably thought I'd go with her. Now that there's time t'sit still, I imagine there's a hurricane goin' on in his head worse than he's even known."

 

[heartofcourage]

“Leave him to me.” Fiona murmured softly. “I made him. I know him. He’ll come around.”

The trio spoke of urgent matters until Fiona could no longer focus. She still tired easily, struggling through moments of fog in her head that were thankfully fleeting.

The next morning, amidst the thick fog that was rolling in from the sea, military training had begun again for the greenhorns. Riley had gathered Ezra, Jani, Dani, and Costa to try and get these new recruits as close to battle ready as they could be. However, it was very clear that they had lost more than their share of experienced riders. The greenhorns were undisciplined, clumsy, and dangerously ill equipped.

After another drill ended in pure chaos, Riley stalked the ground in front of her mother’s advisors, cursing a blue streak and slamming her shield into the ground in her frustration. Glancing up, she caught Jani’s smirk and she drew in a sharp breath.

“You smile now and they might amuse you, but they cannot go to battle like this. They’re a liability to all the other forces we have amassed.” Riley growled.

Through the mists, two figures approached the gathered riders. Still grounded, Fiona had convinced Sam to saddle Roman and Kennah, the two drakes as steadfast and sturdy as ever. She had dressed in her leather amour, hair loose about her shoulders. She was still scarily thin, but there was a glow of health in her cheeks as she pulled Roman to a halt.

It was the first time that some gathered had seen her since she’d fallen ill. She made no mention of her ordeal as she took in her daughter’s fury.

“Trouble?” She asked, Roman pawing at the ground under them with a great stretch.

“An entire glass of would be riders that are not up to the task.” Riley said, her hands clasping her hips tightly.

Fiona turned her head to peer at the greenhorns gathered at a distance. “Show me.”

 

[KieranSoares]

The approach of their Queen had the lieutenants practically lighting up and showing a liveliness none of them had felt since they were wounded. Even Costa, who'd escaped the battle with Hesperus with very minor burns and bruises, seemed to double in energy. And Ezra- paralyzed below the waist and confined to a chair- straightened as if standing at attention.

"Captain," Ezra murmured softly, as if in awe of seeing his dear friend once more. But at her command, he was the first to act. Lifting a whistle to his lips and rolling his chair across the flat field, he blasted a signal and barked, "Attention! First squad, takeoff!"

Costa sprinted to his partner and jumped into his saddle, joining the first squad as their trainer. The greenhorns scrambled to follow, some struggling to quickly hook into their tack and others having issues finding space to take off. Costa shouted directions, ordering them to take off two by two instead of all at once in limited space. The dragons among them were a variety, from young greenhorns with their first partners, to veterans who'd lost their Riders and were now paired anew. The veterans were quick to fall in line and teach their new Riders along the way, but the greenhorn pairs were a mess of hesitation, clumsiness, and either nervousness or over-exuberance.

Sam watched the mess with a small shake of his head. As a Commander, it was difficult not to bull his way in and start training them all himself. And while it was still entertaining when the situation wasn't serious, he knew the young ones desperately needed to gain confidence and discipline before it cost them lives on the battlefield. Failures of the Rider Corps didn't just endanger the individuals, but their partners and their comrades in the sky and below.

"Fuck me..." Jani sighed, watching one young dragon nearly drop his Rider when the young man didn't have his harness attached correctly. "Literally the fucking basics." It was not the fault of the wounded lieutenants or their Queen or Riley that the greenhorns weren't ready. Training had been a mess with so many lost or hospitalized. The trainers in their stead had done their best, but they hadn't been equipped, taught, or supported well enough to be entirely successful. The Hunger's viciousness had caused a domino effect.

Dani joined in with Sadah- her temporary partner- to aid her husband organizing and correcting things, while Jani kept back beside Riley and Ezra with her arms crossed. Avfairn was close, giving a sharp look to the second squad as a warning to be ready.

 

[heartofcourage]

Fiona watched the chaos unfold in silence, her calm and stoic demeanor the same as it ever was. However, her eyes were sharp as she saw every mistake.

“Ground them.” Fiona murmured as she glanced toward Riley.

“They need to learn in the sky.” Riley countered.

“While I would normally agree, they need discipline. Everything is harder tenfold in flight.” Fiona pulled Roman’s reigns until she was looking at Sam. “And who better to teach discipline to a group of green riders than your da and uncles. Call in the axemen.”

“Boar will rip someone’s head off.” Riley said as she glanced towards her parents.

“That’s precisely the point.” Fiona gave a small smile to her daughter reigning Roman again and set him to a trot towards the riders and dragons that were being grounded with sharp blasts of Costa’s whistle.

“Until further notice, you will all be grounded.” Fiona called as she rode in front of their ranks. “Dragons will be trained separately from riders. Trust me when I say, riders, you will curse this day. You will think about it in your sleep and every day here after as the day that you learned what sacrifice and discipline was.”

“And dragons…” she said, addressing them separately. “I do believe that the time of treating you with kid gloves is done. If you lost a rider, mourn what you’ve lost, but we have to look to the future. If you are fresh from the Haven, this is a new world full of danger. Act like dragons.”

 

[KieranSoares]

While Fiona rode before the Riders, now separated from their dragons, Costa dismounted and stalked along behind the line, growling corrections and fixing posture til the young recruits were standing in a semi-presentable line with their drill uniforms straightened. The dragons were herded to a separate line by the lieutenants' partners, given similar treatment by Sadah in particular. As the partner of Fiona's right hand man and main trainer, she took up her own role flawlessly. The veterans were separated from the youths, showing much more seriousness and proper understanding of drills. They had been through this before, and they were straight, stock-still, eyes forward unblinking.

Jani sent an attending assistant off to gather the Axemen Captains who were training their own men nearby. Within minutes, the old bears of Inverness came tearing across the field on their combat drakes, already scuffed and dirty from hard hand-to-hand practice to keep up their warriors' skills. As ever, the Axeman General, Durban, was in the lead with his brothers at either side.

"Rider Queen!" the great Scot bellowed, putting on a tough, intimidating show to scare her green Riders straight as he thundered up to her on his drake. Brogan and Boar instantly fell into positions before both dragons and Riders, ready to tear into them at a mere hint. "What's this I hear about greenhorns bein' bloody fools in the sky?" Durban demanded more of the recruits than Fiona, giving them all a sharp glare. "Don't you know there's a goddamned war on? Th'hell's the bloody joke here?!"

He faced Fiona once more, gripping his axe at his side tightly. "By yer leave, Majesty."

The recruits looked positively terrified at not just the legendary queen before them, but the trio of blood-soaked legends who bowed to her, her most loyal kin known to rend heads from shoulders with a single swing. Boar looked ready to murder. Brogan had an unnerving calm, staring each recruit in the eye til they flinched before the Great Bear. And behind them all, Sam sat silent in his saddle, lending his presence of authority to support his queen. He would jump in with a single word if she asked, and he was just as well known as his father and uncles to be a ruthless trainer. After all, he had trained the Rider Queen in weapon arts. He had learned not only how to ride, but how to train others. And now, like her, word was spreading that he was a new Caller. Having these four men at her back only furthered Fiona's legend, that they bowed to her.

With the recruits beginning to tremble in anxiety, Durban awaited his queen's command like a loyal war dog ready to kill, but unmoving til released.

 

[heartofcourage]

Fiona sat at ease in her saddle, looking over the young recruits. She said nothing to Durban, but waited. When Riley came to her side, she drew her own axe from her belt and handed it to her kit, nodding to her place beside her uncles and grandfather.

Riley had yet to earn her own axe, but she knew how to wield one. Hefting her mother’s in her hand, she stalked into position beside Boar. When he dared to glance at her, she gave him the mischievous wink that he had taught her as a child, betraying a small sense of familiarity with her family.

“They are yours.” Fiona finally said with a nod of her head