Free Rider (Spirals of Destiny) by Jim Bernheimer Page A

around by their steed. But you, you’re going to likely be lead rider for this new class. Every one of these recruits in this year is going to look to you for guidance … especially after this. Fair or not, you’re going to be a role model to all these girls.”
    “ Your rider’s being a bit overbearing, sister.” He flared his nostrils at T’rsa.
    She responded that the truth must be a hard thing for him to hear and that this is entirely his fault.
    He pawed the ground with his hoof. “Oh, I brought a bunch of human raiders into the area. Maybe I should make certain that young male sniffing your backside most every second of the day knows what a fool you really are!”
    “What are you asking me to do?” His rider asked, oblivious to the spat Majherri was having with his sister.
    “You’ve got a tough road ahead of you, Reese. I’m going to ride you hard and not take any of this wishy-washy rubbish from you. I’m responsible for the whole class – every rider. If you can’t stand up for yourself, the others won’t either and everyone suffers. I’m telling you now so we’re perfectly clear on this. If you start becoming a burden to the class, you’re going to get promoted to the second year or even the third year and be completely lost in your training. You’ll be Captain Anella’s or Sycroft’s problem then.”
    “You’d do that?”
    The woman fixed her gaze on his rider. “In a heartbeat, recruit. You and I know that I hate him. He hates me. I will do my level best to separate my feelings about you from what I think of him. That’s why I’m telling you this up front. You deserve a chance to succeed, just like every other recruit. You’re not going to wash out, if that’s what you’re worried about. There’s never been a recruit who was able to manifest elemental magic that’s washed out of The Academy before. That’s a strong bond after only a few days. And I know Majherri won’t let you fail, you’re his only chance at redemption. So let me offer early congratulations. The years ahead are a formality for you. But what I’m concerned about is what kind of fire maiden you will be at the end of your training? Will you be Majherri’s equal partner, or his tool? That’s what we don’t know yet.”  
    They stopped. Three small piles of earth on the otherwise flat grassland marked the passing of the wagon drivers. The bodies of the Yar raiders were left to rot in the open. In the faint light, the two that were charred could still be seen. Captain Lynch rolled the most badly burnt of the two over and surveyed it looking for something. She reached onto his belt and retrieved a knife made completely from bone. It was straight and designed for throwing. She held it, testing the balance and nodded.
    “You’re blooded now, Reese. Our tradition is to take a weapon from our first kill and make it our own. Eventually, you’ll be able to store some magic inside of it and call on it even when you’re not in contact with your unicorn. Search around for a sheath or get one in Miros tomorrow.”
    Lynch reversed her grip and extended it to his rider, who took it by the handle and stared at it as the Captain continued, “Blooding usually doesn’t happen until the fourth or fifth year of training. Many recruits make it to the battalions without ever being blooded. Part of your training is supposed to prepare you for this eventuality. Taking a life is never easy – it should never be. Be afraid if it ever does become that way for you. Fortunately, this was cut and dry. These were raiders and they needed to be killed. They deserved to be killed. You did help save two men under my command and it is more than should have been asked of you.”
    “I’ll be okay … ma’am.” The pronouncement lacked conviction, but his rider said it anyway.
    “I expect nothing less, Reese. I doubt you will ever seek me out, but if you need to clear your mind, Lieutenant Sheppard or Rider Welsh will be available for