Brothers of Shadows

Recovered correspondence between Wingleader Xaden Riorson and Rider Candidate Draven Riorson.

"I've trained you and shown you everything I know. Now, you will prove that you belong here. I will not lie to you the first time you kill someone— and you will eventually for your own survival— will not be easy. Our last name will paint a target on your back as will your relic. I will see you before you cross the parapet and if you fall I will pull you from Malek's grasp and beat your ass. Be safe my brother."

Draven tucked the missive into his pants pocket and began following the other candidates up the mountain towards Basgiath. He already felt eyes on him and the murmuring of people behind him. "I look too much like my brother to even be able to lie." He sighed and kept his eyes forward. There were families still holding onto their candidates up until the final bell. It was a type of love Draven wished he had. He lost his father when he was fourteen and his mother had disappeared long before then.

He felt two large hands clap his back and he spun around to see a familiar grinning man.

"Liam?"

"I ran all the way up here just to get to you." He panted. "You're not hard to miss."

Draven rolled his eyes but couldn't deny it. He stood at six foot five and two hundred and sixty pounds of solid muscle. He patted Liam's back as they continued forward. His gaze landed on a short woman with brown hair that ended in silver. "Little do you know how safe you are." He shook his head. "I feel bad for any unlucky bastard who tries." He was aware of the deal Xaden made with the General. Draven started up the winding staircase. His eyes snapped up at a screaming candidate who had fallen off the edge further up. Liam pulled him back just as the candidate landed on the man in front of him.

"Unlucky bastards," Draven murmured.

"You were almost one of them." Liam elbowed him.

Draven stepped over the bodies and continued onward. He was used to seeing death but it still made his stomach turn.

"Rain is coming. Do your boots have grip?" Liam asked.

"Yes, he made sure I was prepared."

Draven had several daggers sheathed all over his body. Two at his sides, one in his right boot, one on his back attached to his belt, and one on his left thigh. He reached the top of the stairs where Xaden stood next to the Scribe. Xaden gave him a nod of acknowledgment. Draven looked forward and watched as the woman with silver-tipped hair seemed to ogle his brother. "The fuck?"

"Name?" The scribe asked.

"Draven Riorson."

He saw a look of fear flash across the man's features for a moment before it was gone.

"You may cross."

"Don't die." Xaden side-eyed him.

"I wouldn't want you to be an only child." He said sarcastically.

Draven adjusted his rucksack and stepped onto the parapet. He had practiced for that moment but the height was no less intimidating. There was no turning back. He knew Xaden would kick his ass in front of everyone and throw him right back onto the eighteen-inch-wide bridge. "Breathe. I need to breathe." He inhaled sharply through his nose and continued forward. A few stones loosened and fell to the river below. His gaze snapped forward when a man clinging to the edge fell. The howling wind swallowed the screams.

Draven closed his eyes momentarily before he began moving again. "Zihnal be with me." The wind gusts didn't move him as he crossed the halfway point. His boot slipped on the slick stone and he stumbled sideways. "Fuck!" He yelled as he clung to the edge. His feet kicked for purchase that wasn't there. His gaze shifted to the start of the parapet. Xaden had been watching him. "Is that fear? No... it can't be."

Draven was hauled up by Liam and finally found his footing.

"If you die on my watch Xaden will have my head."

"I figured."

His heart threatened to crack his ribs but he pushed onward. A heavy exhale of relief escaped him when he stepped off the parapet and into the citadel. He gave his name to the scribe who mirrored the other's look of fear except his didn't go away.

Draven joined the others in formation and was assigned to Second Squad, Flame Section, Fourth Wing. He had an inkling that was Xaden's doing but he wasn't about to ask him. He walked to the first-floor barracks with Liam and set his rucksack down on the bottom bunk.

"What are you choosing for your daily chore?" He asked.

"They can pick for me." Draven shrugged.

"Imagine they put your big ass on archives duty." He laughed.

"I would rather cross the parapet again."

Draven was handed a paper by their Squad Leader, Dain Aetos, as were the other cadets. It was labeled "daily chore" and he slowly opened it.

"Oh for fuck sake." Draven let out an exasperated sigh.

"They put you on archives duty didn't they?"

"Yeah." He groaned.

"You have a knack for speaking things into existence." Liam laughed.

"That's why I keep my mouth shut."

[~~~~~~~~~~~~~~]

Draven was in the archives the following morning. He placed the books from the cart back onto the shelves. "I'd rather have breakfast duty right about now." His gaze shifted to a few Scribes who watched him. Draven's eye twitched as he stared them down until they looked away. "I win." He returned to his duty.

"I've been looking for you." Xaden stepped out from behind the bookcases. "This was the last place I thought to look."

"Aetos or whoever assigned me here."

"Can't say I'm surprised." He loathed Aetos. "Are you prepared for challenges in a couple of weeks?"

"You already know the answer to that." Draven leaned against the cart.

"If you know where to look you can know who you're up against before the fight begins." Xaden turned to leave and called out over his shoulder. "Don't die. I would hate to be an only child."

"I didn't plan on it," Draven murmured.

He moved the cart to another section and began putting the rest of the books away while he straightened the ones already on the shelves. A Scribe stood at the other end of the bookcase from him and started signing to him.

"Why are you here?" She asked.

"Why do you think? I have archives duty." He signed back.

The Scribe furrowed her brows but kept her distance clearly weary of him.

"What is your name?" She signed.

"Draven Riorson." He narrowed his eyes unsure of where this was going. "Yours?"

"Sylvia Duskryn." She matched his narrowed gaze. "Don't fuck up any of our books."

Draven stood up straight. Her attitude surprised him but he didn't show it. "You have some nerve." He stepped closer to her but she didn't budge.

"Get any closer and I'll sink my dagger into you." She signed aggressively and produced said dagger from her cream colored robes.

Draven's eyebrows shot up but he didn't want to see if she would make good on that threat.

"You're awfully violent for a Scribe." He signed.

She gave him the middle finger before sheathing the dagger under her robes and disappearing further into the archives where he was forbidden from going.

Draven finished putting the books away and took the cart back to the front where he left it. That Scribe had gotten under his skin and the irritation simmered as he walked to Battle Brief.

"Was archives duty really that bad?" Xaden followed beside him.

"Had a Scribe threaten to stab me."

"Really now?" He glanced back towards the door that led to the archives. "What did you do?"

"Existed." He rolled his eyes. "Are the Scribes usually that violent?"

"I have never known them to be." Xaden shook his head. "But if you get taken out by a fucking Scribe of all people that would be embarrassing."

"It would be interesting to see her try."

Draven pushed open the door and took his seat next to Liam. He leaned back in his chair with his arms folded over his chest. His earlier frustration had faded. He hardly paid attention when Professor Devera began class. He caught bits and pieces of Gryphons and how they would defend outposts. Draven didn't have such animosity towards Fliers. His first love was a Flier but he had lost her around a year ago when she was killed in Aretia. He had never gotten over it and the memory filled him with sickening sorrow. "Gods I miss her."

It was one of the few times he had truly cried aside from when his father was executed. He kept those feelings inside and refused to allow it to distract him. "I can't afford any distractions. Not here." However, the memories lingered and he lowered his head, fighting to push them away.

"Riorson." Professor Devera called out.

Draven lifted his head quickly and thankfully she hadn't been talking to him. He let out a soft sigh of relief. "That would've been embarrassing." His jaw ticked when the thoughts returned. He couldn't shake them no matter how hard he tried.

"Are you alright, Draven?" Liam whispered.

"Yeah, just ready for this to be over."

Liam had a look on his face that Draven couldn't place as anything other than suspicion and worry.

"Later." He murmured.

Draven hated talking about how he felt but he could trust Liam. They had grown up together. He stood up when the bell chimed and Liam followed closely behind him. He was pulled into a secluded corner behind a pillar.

"Is it about Ryla?" Liam asked.

Draven nodded and lowered his gaze.

"She rests in peace now with Malek." He assured. "We have hand-to-hand training after Kaori's class so you can blow off some steam." He smiled.

"Now I have something to look forward to."

"That's the spirit!" He laughed.

Draven followed him to Professor Kaori's class. He paid attention this time around for his own sanity. Besides, learning about the six dragon dens and their unique personalities was interesting enough. Kaori's signet, his ability to bring his imagination to life, made it all the more remarkable being able to see the dragons up close but not being at risk of death.

"Which dragon is your favorite?" Liam leaned over and whispered.

"Haven't decided." He replied not taking his eyes off the red dagger-tail Kaori was showing them. "That one looks cool though."

Draven knew which dragon he bonded with wasn't up to him but the reds interested him the most. Their violent and fierce nature closely matched his own. He listened closely when Kaori explained how to approach each dragon mainly the reds.

"Only approach them from the left or front."

"And what if we don't?" A guy from Flame section asked.

"Then you'll die, Cadet Barlowe."

Draven glanced over at the cadet. He recognized him from the parapet and how he attempted to throw the General's daughter off. While Jack was fierce, Draven thought he was more of a liability to the Wing than anyone else with his unwillingness to function with others. However, that may change but he didn't foresee it.

"Think you could beat him on the mat?" Liam asked.

"I haven't seen his fighting style yet." Draven looked to Liam. "But I love a good challenge."

"And bruising people's egos." He chuckled.

Draven stood when the bell rang and walked out with Liam to the lunchroom and stood in line. He could see over everyone's head in front of him and sighed at a guy who couldn't decide what he wanted. "Make up your Gods damn mind already." When the line started moving again he got a tray with turkey and some fruit. He sat down with his brother and a few other marked ones.

"I can hardly tell you two apart." Imogen looked at both of them.

"Just remember he's the one with facial hair." Xaden shrugged.

"You both going to handle that girl?" She asked.

"That one's all his." Draven shook his head.

He would only step in if Xaden requested and only then would he. Draven peeled his orange while the others talked amongst themselves. He enjoyed the fruit. His attention was drawn to movement out of his peripheral vision but ignored it. He felt a hard strike to the back of his head. It made him squeeze the last slide of his orange. Draven spun around and open-hand slapped his attacker across the face. Jack stumbled back his face slowly turning red and puffy.

"Get him to the infirmary!" A woman yelled. "He's allergic!"

Draven sat back down as Jack was rushed away. He rubbed the back of his head. It would hurt in the morning that much was clear.

"Looks like you made an enemy," Xaden remarked dryly.

"He probably heard me asking Draven if he could beat his ass on the mat," Liam replied.

"Yeah, I heard you from the back." He turned to his brother. "Do us all a favor and wipe the floor with him when you get the chance."

"I look forward to seeing you fight," Imogen remarked.

"I trained him well." Xaden smiled. "So, Draven, don't embarrass me."

"I won't. I didn't stop practicing after you left."

Xaden nodded.

Draven took his tray back and returned to his table for the final ten minutes before they had to head to the sparring gym. He walked with his brother there.

"Show me just how much you've been practicing." Xaden pushed the door open.

Draven stepped inside and took a seat on the benches with Liam. He waited to be paired with someone. There was no worry in his features. He was confident in his ability to fight and do it well. Liam was paired with a guy from Third Wing while Draven was paired with a guy from Second.

"No weapons," Xaden called out.

Draven set his daggers on the edge of the mat as did the other man. "Gods I hope I don't kill him." They circled each other until he struck first and landed a solid blow to the other man's jaw. The man from Second Wing stumbled sideways. Draven rushed him and slammed him to the mat, striking him in the face until he yielded. He helped the other bloodied man to his feet and returned to sit next to a battered Liam.

"You have a deadly right hook." Liam clapped his hands on Draven's back. "And it looks like Xaden's proud of you."

He looked over but Xaden's face was as stern as ever aside from a small smile. Draven's attention was caught by a woman yelling. He cringed as Imogen dislocated a woman's arm.

"Looks like someone lost their temper." Liam leaned back.

"Is Imogen usually that hotheaded?"

"Only when someone pisses her off and it looks like Violet did just that."

They both watched as their Squad Leader, Dain Aetos, carried Violet out of the sparring gym. Draven gave Liam a look.

"Something's definitely going on there."

"I think you're right."

Draven was called back to the mat and was paired with a woman from his Wing. "Joan?" She bore a staggering resemblance to Liam with long blonde hair and striking deep blue eyes. He noted the tattoo that covered her neck and throat. It looked like it was part of her rebellion relic but the redness on her skin gave it away. She was considerably smaller in stature than him but was broad and muscular. Part of him was nervous he'd accidentally kill her. "I can't think about that. I don't want an earful from Xaden later." He let her strike first and it was solid he'd give her that. Draven swung but she ducked it and landed another blow to his ribs. He winced and spun around, striking the side of her head with his elbow.

Joan stumbled but regained her footing. She spun around and kicked the side of his head. Draven took a few steps back to collect himself quickly. He rushed her but she just as quickly reared her arm back and struck him square on the eye. He faltered and she wrestled him down to the mat. Draven put his arms up but not before she landed a blow to his nose, busting it. He rolled and surged forward, hooking his arm around her neck and squeezing.

"Yield." He said through gritted teeth.

"You'll... have to try harder than.. Draven."

Draven squeezed harder when she repeatedly struck him with her elbow. He winced but bore it determined not to lose on assessment day. Her strikes became weaker but he wasn't going to give her the chance to get back up.

"Cadet Mairi yields," Xaden called out.

Draven helped her up like his last opponent.

"You are one hell of a fighter." She choked out.

He dreaded looking back but when he did Liam was all smiles. "He's awfully happy after watching me nearly choke his sister out..." Draven sat down beside him with Joan to Liam's right.

"You two make good sparring partners." Liam beamed. "You should practice together."

"I'll beat you one day..." Joan grinned

"Cadet Riorson, you're leaking," Xaden said flatly.

"You've given me worse, Wingleader."

"Go to the healer."

Draven nodded. He wasn't used to having to address his brother like that but he would have to. He walked out of the gym with Xaden behind him and he swore he could see a smile on his face.

"You did good. I'm proud of you." Xaden patted his back and his tone was much softer. "Now, go. You need to be in your best fighting shape for challenges in a couple weeks."

Draven nodded and took himself to the infirmary where a short brunette woman stood seemingly waiting. She gestured for him to sit.

"You're the least injured cadet I've seen all day." She remarked.

"I didn't intend on coming but I was ordered to."

"Riorson?"

"Yes... how did you know?"

"He gave me clear instructions that I am the one to take care of you." She gestured for him to sit down.

"Why?" It was all he could think to ask.

She removed her sleeve to reveal a rebellion relic that snaked down her forearm and coiled around her fingers.

"I'm also a mender." She added. "My name's Clarice but you'll hear a lot of the older marked ones call me 'mom'."

Draven shouldn't have been as surprised as he was. He sat there and winced as she mended his broken nose and cracked eye socket.

"It will still hurt for around two weeks but other than that you'll—"

The door opening caught the Mender's attention. She excused herself and walked to the door. Draven did his best not to be nosy but when the person obscured by the door grabbed hold of her he quickly rose to his feet. He put himself between her and the older man.

"What do you think you're doing?" Draven's tone was low.

"You don't get to tell me how to treat my wife, boy." He spat.

"Go on somewhere else."

He could see the man assessing him and slowly back away then leave. Draven turned around and could see a bruise on the side of Clarice's face in the mage light. It told him all he needed to know.

"He's my ex-husband." She clarified quietly.

The explanation didn't make it any better. It was a relief that they weren't married anymore, yes, but he was still causing her harm and obvious distress. Draven reached his hand out but she flinched. He pulled it away.

"Can I throw him off the parapet?" He asked.

"You really are just like your brother." She laughed halfheartedly. "But no, they'll execute you and I can't let that happen."

"Will leadership not do anything?"

"He's a phenomenal liar." She sighed.

"Is no one going to help you?"

"There is but I can't expect her to be here all the time to play bodyguard."

"Who?" He didn't usually pry but he some part of him needed to know.

"Lieutenant Colonel Lebedeva. I'm sure you'll see her around or her dragon when Kaori had you first-years learn how to approach a dragon."

"We do live training before Presentation day?" He was stunned. "And her dragon won't just... kill us?"

"It's a long explanation but to put it bluntly, she shifts into a dragon and it makes it infinitely safer to train with her than with a regular dragon." She said as she put her sleeve that covered her hand and forearm. "I'm bonded to her dragon so if she does incinerate one of you I'll kick her ass unless she has a damn good reason for doing so."

Draven's jaw nearly hit the floor. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. He had never heard of such a thing.

"What's a shifter?" He tilted his head. "I need you to explain it to me like I'm five."

Clarice stared at him for a moment before she smiled. She gestured for him to sit down again and took a seat across from him. It wasn't the first or last time she would have to explain this.

"A shifter can be one of many things. You have werewolves, werebears, and dragon shifters... well one. There hasn't been another like her before." She explained and enjoyed it. "Werewolves turn into wolves and werebears turn into bears as their names suggest. They communicate with their beasts just like how Riders communicate with their dragons."

"Are you a shifter?" Draven truly felt like a child with how much awe and wonder he felt.

He could tell by the look on Clarice's face that she hadn't been expecting that question but he put two and two together. Draven watched her features closely and saw discomfort and resignation.

"Yes." She sighed. "A werewolf. But I know you won't tell anyone you and your brother keep secrets like nobody's business."

"You're right. Your secret is safe with me."

Draven returned to the gym and sat next to Liam who had been whittling a figure of a dragon. He could see a small pile of wood shavings on the floor and sat down beside him.

"Where'd you get that?" He asked.

"Imogen." He turned to look at him. "Did you meet mom?"

"Yes, she mended me."

"She's amazing, right?" Joan leaned her forearms on her knees.

Draven nodded and looked to his brother as they were dismissed. He had his last meal of the day before he showered and turned in for the night. As he laid there he felt what felt like heavy paper hitting his face. Draven opened his eyes.

"Liam, are you whittling again?"

"I want to finish it before bed." He looked down from the top bunk.

"You're getting wood shavings all over me."

"Could be worse. I could be shaving something else." He joked.

"Yeah, and I'd cut it off, glue it to your forehead, and make you look like a limp dick unicorn."

Liam laughed hysterically and nearly fell off the edge of his bed.

Draven rolled his eyes.