Trial By Fire (Going Down in Flames)

by Chris Cannon

  Her face grew hot. “No. You don’t.”

  “You’re blushing.” He sat back in his seat and gave a self-satisfied grin.

  She tried narrowing her eyes at him but ended up laughing instead. “Knock it off.”

  “Class, as you just witnessed, the bond between a dragon and a knight is strong. There hasn’t been a knight in our society for more than a hundred years. Normally, dragons and the descendants of knights don’t interact in a way that makes stepping in to protect someone a common occurrence. However, now that there is an outside threat, you need to be aware that every grown human in Dragon’s Bluff has the ability to take on the mantle of a knight. Take care when you’re there, not to bring about the transformation by accident.”

  “Could a dragon saving a human bring about the transformation?” Garret asked.

  Mr. Stanton frowned. “The history texts are vague on that account. In ancient times, dragons used to adopt entire towns. The people kept their dragon’s identity a secret and the dragon protected people from any invaders. The dragons shared their magic with the humans, imbuing them with extra strength and turning them into knights.”

  “This brings about so many interesting theoretical questions.” Garret tapped his desktop with his good hand. “What if a human had a transfusion from a dragon? Would that activate the spell since the magic is literally from the dragon’s blood and the latent spell is in the human’s blood?”

  “That is an interesting hypothesis. One you would not be allowed to test.” Mr. Stanton spoke sternly.

  “It’s not like I’d kidnap someone,” Garret said, “but maybe someone could volunteer.”

  “Can the process be reversed?” Jaxon asked.

  An involuntary growl poured from Bryn’s throat.

  Jaxon rolled his eyes. “Calm down. I’m not talking about your knight in particular. It’s a theoretical question. If Garret found a volunteer, and he managed to bring out the latent powers of a knight, could he change the person back?”

  “Once a bond is forged, it can only be broken by the dragon. Not that I am giving approval of any sort for this experiment, but if Garret was able to change someone, that person could be released. They would go back to their normal life. On the battlefield, if a dragon is mortally wounded, she can release the knight in order to give him peace. If either the dragon or knight dies while still bonded…well, you’ve seen the dragon atop the hill for which the town was named.”

  Bryn swallowed hard. “That isn’t a statue?”

  “No,” Mr. Stanton said. “Her knight was gravely injured in battle. She could have released him, but instead she chose to stay by his side until he died. He was buried on the bluffs. She sat by his grave every day. Eventually, the magic of the bond turned her to stone so she could watch over him forever.

  Tears filled Bryn’s eyes. She’d thought that story had sucked when she believed it was only a myth. Now that she knew it was true, it was heartbreaking.

  Valmont put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. “I will never put you in that position. If worse came to worse, I’d ask you to break the bond.”

  That didn’t make her feel any better, but she nodded like she was okay with it, because what else could she do?

  Chapter Six

  As they walked across campus, Valmont said, “I can’t believe you’re allowed to work in the library by yourself for an hour while your friends go to history class.”

  She gave him a brief overview of her confrontation with the history teacher who had banned her from class for disagreeing with her. “So, I still have to do the work, but I turn it into Mr. Stanton instead.”

  At the front desk, Miss Enid surprised Valmont with his very own library card. “You’re the first knight entered into the computerized library system.”

  He examined the card. “Thank you. I should have plenty of time to read in the evening while Bryn is doing homework.”

  Valmont had put his entire life on hold to spend twenty-four hours a day with her. His family, not to mention his evil grandmother, probably weren’t thrilled with the situation. Guilt made her feel twitchy.

  As they ascended the stairs to the third floor where she normally studied, Bryn tried to put her concerns into words. “Your family, are they okay with this?”

  “With what?”

  Seriously? “With you walking away from your everyday life, the restaurant, and time with your family, to take care of me.”

  He opened the door to the third floor. “I can talk to them on the phone whenever I want. I’m sure they miss me, but they understand.”

  Her grandparents wouldn’t understand if she took off to live with someone twenty-four hours a day. “I’m not sure if I’m allowed to leave campus, but if I am, we should go have dinner with your family.”

  “I appreciate the thought.” They reached the table where she normally studied. He pulled out her chair and then sat next to her. “But your grandmother already informed me that you aren’t to leave campus.”

  If she thought about that too long, she’d become claustrophobic. “I’m sure there’s some way we can set up a visit.”

  Valmont placed his hand under Bryn’s chin and tilted her head up to look into his eyes. “Stop worrying about me. It’s my job to worry about you.”

  “I can’t help—”

  “Stop it.” He grinned at her. “I might miss my family, but there is no place in this world I’d rather be than by your side.”

  He spoke with such conviction. The world narrowed down to his bright blue eyes. Her scalp started tingling again and the sensation flowed through her body. Was it just her? Was it the bond, or something more?

  “Can you feel that?” she asked.

  “Yes. I’ve felt that since the first day I became your knight.”

  Oh, God. He’d felt this way all along, and he’d had to watch her moon over Zavien. “I’m sorry… That must have been hard for you.”

  He dropped his hand and looked away. “You’ve no idea how much I hated Zavien for hurting you.” He turned back and met her gaze. “And the guilt I felt because I was thrilled he turned out to be such an idiot.”

  “If it’s any consolation, I feel guilty for wasting my time on him.”

  “Why don’t we stow away all this guilt and move on with our lives.” Valmont’s gaze dropped to her lips. “And I know how we should start.”

  Time seemed to slow down as he leaned down toward her. The tingling sensation she’d felt before intensified. This was right. This was magical. This was…due to the bond? No, she refused to believe that. She’d thought Valmont was hot the first time she’d met him, pre-bond. Even Ivy had commented on how attractive he was. Closing her eyes, she leaned in.

  A door banged closed, shattering the moment.

  Valmont stood and moved around to the front of the table placing himself between Bryn and anyone who might come toward them.

  “It’s not unusual for people to come up here,” Bryn said.

  “Until I know it’s not a threat, it’s a threat.”

  Students Bryn didn’t know came into view and turned down a different aisle.

  Now what? Would he try to kiss her again?

  He rejoined her at the table and leaned back in his seat. “This probably isn’t the best place to finish what we started.”

  Too bad. “Maybe you can help me with something else. Do you remember how I told you the dragons who attacked Dragon’s Bluff were different?” She didn’t want to go shouting the word “hybrid” in case anyone was nearby.

  He nodded.

  “I think there have to be some peaceful dragons like that, hiding out here on campus, keeping their real identity a secret. And if there are, I need to find them to show everyone that not all of them are dangerous.”

  He tapped his fingers on the table. “What if the ones on campus sympathize with the arsonists? Wouldn’t you be putting yourself in danger?”

  Crap. She hadn’t thought of that. “There has to be proof somewhere
in this giant building that different dragons exist. If I could find something: a map, a relic, maybe I could use that to figure some of this out.” She pulled on her necklace and showed Valmont the small golden key pendant with red and blue stones decorating both sides. “Onyx gave me this protection charm. He could have placed the charm on any piece of jewelry. I think he gave me this for a reason. I think it’s supposed to lead me to something.”

  “Did you ask him about it?”

  “He claims it was something he had lying around, and it reminded him of me. I took it to Talia at All that Sparkles. She said it was old and real gold, but that didn’t mean it was anything but a piece of jewelry.”

  “Did she tell you the story of Wraith Knightshade?”

  Bryn nodded. “Some of it. What did she tell you?”

  “She didn’t tell me the story. I read it in a book.”

  This was news to her. “There are books with that story? Where? I searched all over this library and couldn’t find them.”

  He frowned. “There are several books of fairy tales which include stories of the time before the Directorate took control, but they’re told from the knight’s perspective, which might be why they aren’t included here. Talia’s grandmother used to read to us at the library in Dragon’s Bluff when we were kids.”

  “There’s a library in Dragon’s Bluff?”

  “Of course. It’s attached to the school.” Valmont stood. “I think we should go see if Miss Enid can arrange for an interlibrary loan.”

  They found Miss Enid still sitting at the front desk, checking out books for students. When she was free, Bryn filled her in on their request.

  “Do you remember the name of the set?” Miss Enid asked as she typed away on her keyboard.

  “Days of Knights,” Valmont said with a grin.

  “Are puns part of the knightly code?” Bryn asked.

  “Maybe.” Valmont grinned. “Although that isn’t exactly a pun.”

  “Close enough.” Miss Enid clicked through several screens. “I think I can arrange an unofficial interlibrary loan with the Dragon’s Bluff School librarian. You shouldn’t go around talking about this. The Directorate must have a reason for not housing those books in the campus library.”

  “Mums the word.” Bryn grabbed Valmont’s hand. “Come on. We don’t want to be late for my favorite class.” Basic Movement was like gym class, but far cooler. “You’re going to love it.”

  Chapter Seven

  For some reason, Basic Movement was a bit awkward. While Bryn had seen Valmont in a shirt and jeans before, she’d never seen him in a too-tight Directorate-issued T-shirt and track pants. And she might have felt the muscles beneath his shirt, but now she could see the outline of pecs and biceps. Where Jaxon and the Blues were lean and muscled like runners or swimmers, Valmont was built thicker through the shoulders and chest. Not nearly as muscular as the Reds who were built like pro-wrestlers, but somewhere in between. He walked toward her with an evil grin on his face, and her temperature spiked.

  “Funny that his body type is somewhere between the Red and the Blues,” Ivy said. “Sort of symbolic, don’t you think?”

  When Valmont reached them, he jerked his thumb over his shoulder toward the jousting platforms. “Any chance I can face off with Jaxon?”

  Clint laughed. “I’d pay to see that.”

  “That’s probably not a good idea.” In fact, Bryn knew it was a terrible idea. “Jaxon has been working his butt off to prove he’s the alpha of the Blues, so people will leave Rhianna alone.”

  “You’re right,” Valmont said. “When I beat him, it would cause problems for Rhianna, and I like her.”

  “I am secure in my masculinity and therefore have nothing to prove.” Clint put his arm around Ivy’s shoulders. “But I think a lot of the other males are wondering how strong your knight is. You better pick an activity he and you can do alone, before someone challenges him.”

  Valmont winked at her. “We could finish what we started in the library.”

  “And what did you start it the library?” Ivy asked in far too cheery a tone.

  Bryn whacked Valmont on the arm. “Knock it off.”

  Mrs. Anderson waved at Bryn from across the room and pointed at Valmont, then gestured they should come see her.

  “Maybe she has something planned for you two,” Ivy said.

  Valmont grabbed Bryn’s hand, and they walked over to investigate the situation.

  “I heard you two fought together in Dragon’s Bluff,” Mrs. Anderson said.

  Valmont’s grip on her hand tightened. “We did.”

  “Flying with a knight on your back had to feel different than flying by yourself. I think you two should practice aerial maneuvers.”

  And Mrs. Anderson was her new favorite teacher. There was only one problem. “We’d need a saddle and a place to practice.”

  “Follow me.”

  They wandered to the lockers on the far wall where different sports equipment was stored. Mrs. Anderson unlocked one of the larger lockers and stepped back. Saddles and lances rested inside, encased in what looked like giant Ziplock bags.

  Valmont opened one of the bags and pulled out a saddle. The saddle at her grandparents’ house had been made of highly polished tooled leather. This scuffed leather saddle was purely utilitarian.

  Next he grabbed a lance, testing its balance in his hand. “Too bad there isn’t someone to joust with.”

  “With the way things are going, I fear that won’t be a problem for long,” Mrs. Anderson said. “Leave the lance, and follow me.”

  They exited the large gymnasium and headed back toward the door, which lead to the new ice rink addition, which was under construction. The memory of Zavien taking her back there for a tour of the place, which had turned out to be an excuse to kiss her where no one would see them together, pestered Bryn like an annoying mosquito. A few weeks ago, the memory would have flattened her. Now it was more irritating than anything. That must mean she was moving on with her life. Which was good. Or sad, depending on how you looked at it.

  Two stories high, the ice rink would be impressive when it was completed, but now it was just an open room with a high ceiling. “This is under construction, but it gives you a place to maneuver away from curious eyes.”

  Nervous excitement shot through Bryn’s body. “Cool.” She shifted and crouched down.

  Valmont threw the saddle onto her back, settling it between her wings.

  “Move your tail around for him to use as a step,” Mrs. Anderson said.

  So that’s how this was supposed to work. Bryn moved her tail around, and Valmont climbed onto her back. As soon as he was in place, a sense of power filled Bryn.

  Mrs. Anderson sucked in a breath. “You’re glowing. The legends are true.”

  “What legend?” Valmont asked.

  “When a knight and dragon fly, their powers flare up and combine, which is what the glowing signifies.”

  Bryn itched to take flight. “Ready, Valmont?”

  “Always.”

  Bryn pushed off and flapped her wings, flying in a tight circle. Flying outside with the wind and the sunshine would have been better. Still, flying anywhere was awesome, especially with Valmont along for the ride.

  “Try a few dives,” Valmont shouted. His voice rang loudly in her ears.

  “Talk in a normal voice,” Bryn said.

  “How would you hear me?”

  “I don’t know, but I just did.” It had to be due to the bond. “Hang on.” She spiraled up toward the ceiling and then dove into a low glide. “You okay up there?”

  “That,” Valmont’s breathing came faster, “was amazing.”

  “So no dizziness or fear you won’t stay seated? Because I worried about that.”

  “No problems.”

  They flew until Mrs. Anderson blew her whistle.

  “Hold on,” Bryn said. “You know landings aren’t my strong suit.” Concentrating, she dove to the floor and landed in a crou
ch. She stutter-stepped a bit but managed to stay upright in a semi-dignified fashion.

  “Not bad.” Valmont dismounted and removed the saddle.

  A sense of loss swamped Bryn. She shifted and threw her arms around him in a hug. He hugged her back, kissing the top of her head.

  “Sorry to intrude on this personal moment,” Mrs. Anderson said, “but you two need to be careful about how far you let the bond take you.”

  Valmont cleared his throat. “What are you saying?”

  Bryn turned around to face Mrs. Anderson. Valmont kept his arms around her, and she leaned back against him.

  “I can see the bond has created a connection between you two. From everything I’ve read on the subject, that’s part of what makes it work, but be aware of the magic’s influence and don’t do anything that would endanger your future relationships.”

  Oh my God. Was Mrs. Anderson telling her not to hook up with Valmont? Not that she was thinking about that. Much. They hadn’t even kissed. It’s not like she was in the habit of jumping into bed with some guy on a moment’s notice.

  “I have the utmost respect for Bryn, and I would never do anything to hurt her,” Valmont said. There was an edge of anger to his voice.

  Chapter Eight

  At lunch, Valmont was oddly quiet.

  “What’s wrong?” Bryn whispered.

  His eyes showed he was waging some sort of internal battle.

  On impulse, she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. “Don’t let what Mrs. Anderson said distort what we have. I thought you were hot before you became my knight.”

  He brightened at this news. “Really?”

  “Hello?” Bryn waved her hands toward his face and then down to his feet and back up again. “Have you seen you?”

  “I am rather handsome, aren’t I?” His trademark single dimple appeared.

  Now he looked like her knight again. “Yes. You are.”

  Clint’s eyebrows went up. “We may have a problem.”

  “What?” Bryn turned around and caught sight of Jaxon stalking toward their table. “Great.”

  Jaxon didn’t bother to sit down. Instead, he slammed his palms down on the table and leaned into Bryn’s personal space. “We need to talk.”