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

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

Irina reached the edge of the village, the cottages and shops coming into view. Her stomach twisted with nerves, but Ksenia’s presence at her side gave her strength.

They wound their way through the streets, ignoring the curious stares and whispers of the villagers. Irina held Nim close, shielding him from prying eyes.

At last, they reached Irina’s home. She paused at the door, taking a deep breath.

“Remember, Irina. You were born for this. Trust in yourself, and in Nim.”

Irina pushed open the door and found her uncle sat at the table, carving a piece of wood. He looked up as they entered.

Irina stepped forward. “This is Ksenia. She’s a friend, and she has something important to tell you.”

Rurik’s eyes widened. “Ksenia? Is it truly you?”

Ksenia inclined her head. “It’s been a long time, Rurik.”

Irina looked between them. “You know each other?”

Rurik nodded, his gaze never leaving Ksenia. “We do. And I have a feeling I know why she’s here.”

He turned his attention to Nim, who chirped softly in Irina’s arms. Rurik’s expression softened. “Is this…a wyvern hatchling?”

“It is,” Ksenia said. “And your niece has already formed a bond with him.”

Rurik’s eyebrows shot up. “A bond? At such a young age?”

Irina frowned. “What do you mean? What’s going on?”

Ksenia laid a hand on Irina’s shoulder. “Your uncle and I have much to discuss. About your future, and the path that lies ahead of you.”

Rurik nodded, gesturing for them to sit at the table. “Irina, there are things we must tell you. Things about the role you will play in the world.”

Ksenia took a seat across from Rurik, her hands folded before her. “The Academy needs young people like Irina.”

Irina leaned forward, Nim’s warmth a comforting weight in her lap.

“The bond Irina shares with Nim is a rare and precious thing.”

Rurik cleared his throat. “I suspected this day would come.” He sighed, his shoulders slumping. “I had hoped that we would have more time.”

“I understand your fears, Rurik. But Irina’s bond with Nim has already begun. The longer we wait, the harder it will be for her to learn control, to harness her abilities.”

Rurik nodded, his jaw tight. He reached across the table, his hand engulfing Irina’s. “I won’t lie to you. The path ahead will not be easy.”

Irina swallowed. “I’m ready to learn, Uncle.”

“I know you are.”

Ksenia nodded. “I know it’s a lot to take in. But Irina must be prepared for the Academy. She must learn to grow and develop her skills.”

“And I will support her in any way I can. But there are concerns, Ksenia. The village is not safe for wyverns, not with the recent spate of pelt hunters in the area.”

Ksenia’s brow furrowed. “You’re right, of course. We must be cautious. But Irina’s training cannot wait. She must stay close to Nim, to strengthen their bond.”

Rurik sighed. “I understand. But how can we keep the wyvern hidden? The village is small, and people talk.”

Irina bit her lip. “I’ve been hiding Nim in the old forge. No one goes there anymore, and it’s far enough from the village centre to avoid attention.”

Rurik pushed out his bottom lip. “The old forge? That could actually work.”

A small smile tugged at Ksenia’s lips. “Indeed. It’s a good place for the wyvern to stay, at least for now.”

“Very well. You can continue to hide Nim in the forge. But we must be careful. If anyone discovers the wyvern…”

Irina shuddered, her mind flashing to the pelt trader in the market, the cruel glint in his eyes.

“I will train Irina away from the village. We will keep Nim safe, and prepare her for the journey ahead.” She turned to Rurik. “I also ask that we keep this between us for now. No need to worry the rest of the family or raise suspicion in the village.”

Rurik hesitated a moment but finally nodded. “I will not keep secrets from Yulia, but I will hold my tongue for others.”

Nim stirred in Irina’s lap, as if sensing her jumbled emotions. She stroked his scales, taking comfort in their shared understanding.

“So.” Ksenia clapped her hands together, drawing their attention. “We will begin tomorrow, Irina. At dawn, meet me at the old willow tree beyond the miller’s cottage. Bring Nim, and wear clothes you can move freely in.”

Irina nodded. A thousand questions burned on her tongue—about the Academy, about the life of a wyvern rider, about Ksenia herself, and the apparent inevitability of this whole situation—but she held them back, sensing that now was not the time.

Rurik let out a sigh. “So much like your mother.” He turned to Ksenia, an unspoken question in his eyes.

Ksenia met his gaze, a sad smile on her lips. “She would be proud to see her daughter follow in her footsteps.”

Irina’s head snapped up, her eyes wide. “My mother…was she a rider?”

Ksenia hesitated, glancing at Rurik. “She had many gifts, Irina. But that is a story for another time.” She stood, smoothing her cloak. “For now, we must focus on your training. On building your bond with Nim. The rest will come in due course.”

Irina wanted to protest, to demand answers, but something in Ksenia’s expression stopped her. She nodded, clutching Nim close. “I will. I promise.”

“Good. Remember, trust in yourself, and in Nim. Your bond is your greatest strength.” She inclined her head to Rurik and slipped out the door, her cloak swirling behind her.

Irina stared after her, her mind reeling with all she had learned. She looked down at Nim, who chirped softly, his tail curling around her wrist. “We’re going to be riders, Nim.” A grin spread across her face. “Real, true wyvern riders.”

Nim nuzzled her hand, his thoughts echoing her own excitement and anticipation.

Rurik watched them. “Just promise me you’ll be careful.”

Irina met his gaze. “I will.” She stood, cradling Nim in her arms. “I should get Nim back to the forge.” She glanced out the window. “We have a big day tomorrow.”

Rurik rose to walk her to the door. “Remember, not a word to anyone. Not even to Mat…especially not to Mat.”

“I won’t let you down.”