Free The Chosen by K. J. Nessly Page B

barely reached to his chest, his head towered above her and she resisted the urge to tilt back to look at him.
    Lord Jasse gestured grandiosely about with his hand. “I don’t see anybody else here.”
    Kathryn also looked around. “Well considering it is sunrise, I wouldn’t expect anyone to be here.”
    “Yet you claim you aren’t alone,” Jasse reminded her.
    Grinning, Kathryn pointed up to where Destiny sat perched on a tree.
    “I’m afraid Destiny doesn’t count,” he informed her.
    “Why not? She’s as good a companion as anyone in the school,” Kathryn protested.
    “But can she guide you while climbing, or run for help if needed?” he asked pointedly.
    Again she grinned. “Why don’t you meet me out here tomorrow morning just before daybreak and see for yourself?”
    Jasse’s face became serious. “Kathryn, you’ve been at this school for five years and you know the rules. Yo u canno t go free climbing without a companion, let alone by yourself in the dark. You aren’t even supposed to be out of your room right now.”
    Kathryn faced him. “I’m not alone,” she insisted. “Destiny guides me and I know that she’s a faster flier than any runner we have here, so getting help is no problem. As to the darkness I wear a blindfold so that doesn’t matter,” he cringed at this new bit of information but she continued, “And I do have permission to come out here every morning.”
    “Who gave you permission to be out here?” Jasse asked, attempting to call the younger woman’s bluff.
    “Lord Mora,” she returned confidently.
    He looked at her for a long while, finally he asked, “Destin y guides you?” He didn’t sound convinced.
    “Come tomorrow morning,” she repeated, waiting until Jasse nodded.
     
     
    The next morning Jasse watched as a feat of daring and friendship was performed before his very eyes. Kathryn hadn’t been joking. She would wait for Destiny’s signal, while Destiny looked around for safe supports for her feet and hands. The eagle would then land on the spot she deemed safe and would call out. Kathryn would track her voice and put her hand or foot exactly where Destiny had told her. If Kathryn missed the support Destiny called, the eagle would peck her hand or foot until Kathryn found the correct one. They did this the entire way up the cliff.
    “If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes I wouldn’t have believed it!” Jasse exclaimed when Kathryn reached the top.
    Kathryn just smiled at him and praised Destiny. Once she had rested a moment she stood and together the three headed back along the ridge towards the school.
    “You know,” Jasse said as they walked. “I never told you but you should know that Destiny is no ordinary eagle.”
    Kathryn snorted. “You mean other than the fact she doesn’t look like any eagle I’ve ever seen?”
    “You noticed?”
    “How could I not?” she replied. “You claimed Destiny was an eagle when we first met but now that she’s full grown she doesn’t look like one.” She turned to look at her bird feeling a telltale coiling in the bird’s muscles. Compared to other eagles, Destiny was only slightly larger than a hawk plumed with gray and white feathers and a black head, not exactly standard issue for eagles. A strong breeze tickled Kathryn’s face and Destiny leapt off her arm. Catching the gust perfectly, she began to fly rapidly toward the sea.
    “You doubted me?” He asked, somewhat amused.
    “I didn’t know what to think.”
    Jasse’s amusement increased at her attempt at neutrality. “In other words you doubted me.” He stopped and looked at her. “Did you ever discover her species?”
    She sighed. “No, none of the books had a description that matched hers.”
    “I doubt any in the school would,” he replied. “Destiny’s breed hasn’t been seen in several centuries.”
    Kathryn looked at him, shock plainly visible on her usually impassive face. “What?”
    “Destiny is a Merial