Wyvern Rider (A story in the Ravenglass Universe) - VI

An orphan girl and an orphaned wyvern find shared a destiny...

As the sun began to dip towards the horizon, Irina bid farewell to Ksenia and made her way back to the village, Nim wrapped in her cloak.

She entered the old forge, the familiar scent of charcoal and iron enveloping her. She laid the wyvern on his makeshift bed, ensuring he was comfortably nestled. “Rest now. You’ve had a big day.”

Nim chirped, his tail curling around himself as he settled.

Irina stood, casting a critical eye over the forge. She checked the windows and door, ensuring they were securely latched. Satisfied that the wyvern was safe, Irina stepped out of the forge and made her way home.

As Irina approached her family’s cottage, the aroma of stewing vegetables and baking bread wafted to greet her.

She pushed open the door.

“Irina!” Her aunt Yulia looked up from the pot she was stirring, her face flushed from the heat of the fire. “There you are! Just in time.”

Irina smiled, hanging her cloak by the door. “Smells delicious. Can I help with anything?”

“You can set the table, dear. “

Irina nodded, moving to collect the earthenware bowls and spoons. She laid them out on the table.

Rurik and Mat were already seated.

“Good day, Irina?” Rurik asked.

Irina hesitated, unsure how much to say. “It was…interesting.”

Yulia paused in her stirring. “Interesting? How so?”

Irina felt her cheeks warm, her mind racing for a suitable response. But before she could speak, Rurik cleared his throat.

“Irina was with Ksenia today. Helping in the forest.”

A look of understanding passed over Yulia’s face, her eyes widening slightly. “Ah. I see.”

Mat looked up, his brow furrowed. “Ksenia? Who’s that?”

“An old friend,” Rurik said.

Yulia ladled the stew into bowls, the rich scent of beef and onions filling the room. She set them on the table, then took her seat.

For a few minutes, the only sound was the clinking of spoons against bowls as the family ate. Irina was grateful for the silence, her mind still whirling with the events of the day.

“So, Irina,” Yulia said. “This helping in the forest. Is it something you’ll be doing often?”

Irina glanced at Rurik, uncertain how to respond. Her uncle gave a small nod.

“I think so. Ksenia has a lot to teach me.”

Yulia nodded. “You’ve always had a special way with animals, Irina. A gift.”

“You think so?”

“I know so. You’ll thrive under Ksenia’s guidance. I’m sure of it.”

Mat looked between them and frowned. “What are you all talking about? What’s so special about this Ksenia?”

“Enough, Matyev,” Rurik said. “This doesn’t concern you.”

Mat’s face reddened, his mouth opening to protest. But a stern look from Rurik silenced him. He slouched back in his chair, stabbing at his stew with his spoon.

The rest of the meal passed in awkward silence. As soon as she was able, Irina excused herself, helping Yulia clear the dishes before slipping away to her room.

But as she lay in bed, staring at the flickering shadows on the ceiling, Irina’s mind wouldn’t settle. After a while, she heard the creak of the front door, signalling Mat’s departure.

Irina slipped out of bed and padded to the main room. Rurik and Yulia sat by the fire, talking in low voices.

“Uncle, why were you so harsh with Mat over dinner? He was only curious.”

Rurik sighed, running a hand over his face. “Irina, you must understand. What you’re doing with Ksenia, with the wyvern. It must remain secret.”

Irina frowned. “But why? Surely our family—”

“If Mat knows, he’ll tell his friends. You know how he is. He can’t keep a secret to save his life. And with the hunters offering rewards for wyvern pelts…”

Yulia stood, crossed to Irina, and took her hands. “We’re proud of you, Irina. But you must be careful. The path you’re walking is not without risk.”

Irina looked up, meeting her aunt’s gaze. “You knew. About Ksenia, about what I am.”

“I suspected. Ksenia’s appearance, your sudden ‘helping in the forest’. It could mean nothing else.” Her grip on Irina’s hands tightened. “But we mustn’t speak of it further. The less your uncle and I know, the safer it will be. For all of us.”

Irina nodded, a lump forming in her throat. “I understand. I won’t bring Nim here. I won’t put you at risk.”

Yulia pulled her into a hug. “You’re a brave girl, Irina. Brave and strong and good. Never forget that.”

Irina clung to her aunt, suddenly feeling very young and very small.

After a long moment, Irina pulled back. “I should get to bed. Morning comes early.”

Yulia nodded, brushing a strand of hair from Irina’s face. “Sleep well, my dear.”

With a final goodnight to her aunt and uncle, Irina retreated to her room.