Free The Chosen by K. J. Nessly Page A

took a seat opposite her. “But it won’t be all that bad.”
    She refused to acknowledge him.
    He tried offering the only good news he had. “I’ll be at school with you, Kathryn.” The Council’s message informing him of his appointment to the school had arrived only a few radians ago, otherwise he would have told the girl as soon as she learned she was leaving Jasmine.
    She finally turned to face him, suspicion written on her features.
    “It’s true,” he said earnestly. “I just found out this morning otherwise I would have told you sooner.”
    Kathryn reached out and stroked the eagle’s head. The bird tolerated it for a moment before launching herself off the balcony railing and into the evening sky.
    “You are going to have to name her,” Jasse said softly.
    Kathryn watched her soar, and then said softly, “Her name is Destiny.”
     
     
    Two weeks later Kathryn was standing at the bridgework and archway that led to the new school. The school was surrounded by a stone wall that made the entire complex look like an impenetrable fortress.  Destiny perched on her shoulder, eyes alert. Jasmine and Arianna stood next to a stony Kathryn. The three said their goodbyes and Kathryn walked stiffly through the gate and into a strange new world. Lord Jasse met her inside, his ready smile waiting for her.
    He led her through the compound, a maze of tall imposing stone buildings, scattered courtyards, training arenas, and gardens. They walked over a wooden bridge that spanned a small pond, finally arriving at an ancient ivy-laden one story building with several massive wood-hewn doors. Walking over well-worn cobblestones Jasse approached a set of double doors inset into the structure.  The doors had ornate carvings of battle scenes against the backdrop of a large tree.  Despite its immense size it opened easily as he tugged on one of the door’s handles. Standing in front of her on a green tiled floor, Kathryn noticed a girl about her own age smiling shyly back at her.  “Welcome to school,” Jasse told her, and then motioned to the girl. “This is your roommate, Amy.”
     

Chapter 4
    Five Years Later
     
     
    Kathryn waited for Destiny’s signal, her arm muscles burning and her legs on the verge of collapse. A birdcall six inches above her right shoulder sent her right hand flying up to find the break in the rock that would prevent her from falling to her death. Another call two inches above her left leg had her shifting position. Straightening, she listened again. Again the call came and this time when Kathryn moved her hand, the reaching fingers met rough grass. Digging her fingers into the firm dirt she paused and waited.  Another call and she moved her left hand, another call and she moved her left leg. Finally, Kathryn pulled herself up over the edge and wearily sat down.
    Pulling off her blindfold she stroked Destiny who hopped alongside her. “That’s my girl,” Kathryn praised as she looked down the cliff she and Destiny had just climbed. It had taken six years to form the friendship and partnership they shared, but every day had been worth it. With Destiny flying above her, Kathryn felt like she could accomplish anything, including free climbing a two hundred foot cliff blindfolded.
    After resting a few moments Kathryn stood and began the long walk back to the school.
    “It’s against the rules to free climb alone.”
    Startled by the unexpected noise, Destiny screeched and took off. To anyone else it may have looked like the bird had fled the scene, but one signal from Kathryn would unleash seven  kilograms of deadly feathers and talons. Kathryn turned to face the newcomer, her hand falling to rest on the hilt of the dagger attached to her belt. Lord Jasse stepped from the shadows, frowning at her. Kathryn, however, wasn’t fooled. Lord Jasse’s mouth may have been frowning but his eyes were twinkling.
    “I wasn’t alone,” she said, coming to stand before him. Even at sixteen she