Skyborn

by David Dalglish

  “It’s what I deserve,” she said, deciding to play it safe.

  “No,” Dean said. “It’s not.”

  Bree had started for her apartment, but his pronouncement halted her in her tracks. Dean wasn’t just being sympathetic. She could hear it in his voice, see it in his eyes. He was angry.

  “What do you mean?” she asked.

  Dean pushed off from the wall.

  “Jason’s in my class, and I can assure you, you’re not the only one who’s wanted to hit him upside the head. And after what he said to you…”

  Bree’s face flushed beet red, her gaze drifting down to the grass.

  “You heard about that, did you?”

  Dean cupped her chin to force her to look at him.

  “If you hadn’t gone after him, I would have, once I found out,” he said. “Jason’s an entitled bastard. After the humiliation you’ve given him, you don’t deserve punishment. You deserve a damn award, so I’m going to do what I can to make up for all this hard work. Do you still have any of your civilian clothes?”

  Bree shook her head.

  “Your uniform will be fine then,” he said. “We’re not going anywhere fancy. I’ll come get you just after dark, so be ready, and try not to tell anyone. Sound like a plan?”

  Bree’s panic and excitement warred with each other, making it suddenly difficult to form words.

  “Wait, what?” she asked. “Where are we going?”

  Dean winked.

  “My secret,” he said. “See you in a few hours.”

  He hurried off, leaving Bree standing there with a baffled look on her face while holding her bucket of cleaning supplies. She glanced down at herself, dirty, sore, and stinking of old water and lye, and then went right back into the showers, this time to use instead of clean.

  “Is it dark yet?” Bree asked, glancing out the window of her apartment.

  “It’s getting dark,” Amanda said, sitting in their chair and looking entirely too amused.

  “Yes, but the sun’s almost gone. Or by ‘after dark’ did he mean the midnight fire? Or maybe just the dark before the fire that blots out the stars…”

  “Bree, stop pacing. You’re only working yourself up more.”

  Bree hadn’t realized she was pacing, and she fought down a blush as she forced herself to stand still.

  “Sorry,” she said.

  Amanda laughed.

  “I’m not sure I’ve ever seen you so nervous. You can strap a hunk of metal to your back and fly at high enough speeds to get yourself killed, but this is what has you biting your nails? You must really like him.”

  Bree tugged at her jacket, her fifth time adjusting it so.

  “I don’t know,” she said. “Maybe? Please don’t say a word about this to Kael, all right? He’d never let me hear the end of it.”

  Amanda twisted her thumb and forefinger in front of her lips as if locking them, then tossed away the imaginary key. Before she could thank her, a knock at the door paralyzed her body.

  It’s a date, she told herself. A stupid little date. Snap out of it.

  But was it even that? She didn’t know. Dean just said it was a secret, but they were sneaking out at night to go somewhere together. Surely that met the definition of a date, right? Of course, this was such a stupid time to be debating that question, what with Dean standing outside her apartment, knocking for the second time. Bree grabbed the door handle, breathed in and out to steady herself, and then opened the door with a pleasant smile on her face.

  “Finally,” she said. “You’ve kept me waiting.”

  Dean was also dressed in uniform, wavy hair pulled back and face recently shaved. He lifted an eyebrow at her.

  “I’m pretty sure I’m early,” he said. “You ready to go?”

  Bree nodded. She stepped out the door, turned to give one last look to Amanda. Her roommate winked at her, then waved good-bye.

  The world was approaching its darkest, the sun fully set and the sky half covered with the crawling shadow. Side by side Bree and Dean hurried along the path running through the center of the academy, heading toward the main entrance. The midnight fire would light up soon, but Bree guessed they’d be out by then.

  A single Seraph stood on guard at the front gate, dressed in uniform and wearing her wings. Bree wondered how they would sneak past, but Dean strolled up unafraid. As they neared, she recognized the Seraph as Sasha from their little sword-training group. Bree wondered if it was her normal schedule, or if Dean had engineered her being on duty just for tonight.

  “Have fun,” Sasha said as she opened the gate for them. “Just not too much fun. If you don’t get back before sunrise you’re on your own.”

  “Understood,” Dean said, and he flashed her a winning smile.

  “Thanks,” Bree said, even though she felt silly saying it. She had no bloody idea where they were headed, but the simple act of sneaking outside the walls of the academy had her heart hammering in her chest as if it were trying to escape. They passed through the gate and onto Winged Road, following it west.

  “So where are we going?” Bree asked as they paused momentarily. The sky was completely covered in shadow, the pitch-black too deep to walk without potentially stumbling off the path.

  “How many times do I have to say it’s a surprise?” Dean asked as the first flicker of flame lit up the western horizon.

  “At least three more.”

  Dean took her hand, easily his boldest move since they first met. Bree could tell by his sudden silence that he was nervous, so she squeezed it to show she didn’t mind.

  “Surprise, surprise, surprise,” he said, relief palpable in his voice. “Now let’s go.”

  They walked a quarter mile down Winged Road, passing fields on either side. Bree said little, instead content to enjoy the electric feeling that tingled up her left arm from Dean’s touch. They turned north at a crossroads, toward a familiar sight. It was Lake Serene, one of many Weshern was famous for. Its edge was surrounded with tall oak trees, the midnight light making it seem as if their broad leaves were aflame. Most impressive was the cliff the lake jutted up against, along with its waterfall. There was no apparent source for the water, for it emerged from a cavern halfway up the cliff, pouring out into the lake to keep it forever full. There was no river above, just dry land and a town tourists from other islands were keen to visit due to the view.

  Aunt Bethy used to take her and Kael to the lake as children, though the one place she’d not taken them to was the tavern built alongside the water’s edge. Dean pushed the door open for her, then followed her inside.

  The tavern was lit with slender candles whose yellow glow was far more welcoming than the outside fire. The spacious room was surprisingly cramped, with at least thirty men eating and drinking at various tables, on the rug before the fire, and at the bar. The barkeep, a friendly-looking bearded man in a long apron, waved Dean over as he greeted them.

  “Always glad to serve our noble Seraphim,” the barkeep said. “What can I do you for?”

  “Two half-pints of ale,” Dean said, handing the man a single silver coin. The barkeep stuck it into one of several pockets in his apron, exchanging it for pieces of bronze with such practiced ease he never had to look down.

  “This your first time here, milady?” the barkeep asked as he grabbed two cups from a shelf behind him. Bree nodded. “Well, you’re in for a treat. Most places can only afford the slop we brew here in Weshern, but I’ve got the finest ale from Elern herself.”

  Bree had no idea what the difference between them might be, but she assumed the barkeep knew what he was talking about. She accepted her cup, and together she and Dean found a table in the far corner. It was tiny and square, propped up high on worrisomely uneven legs. Dean took a gulp from his cup, and he laughed when he set it down.

  “I honestly think this stuff’s brewed in Weshern,” he said as Bree tasted her own. It was strong and bitter, but not overpoweringly so. “He probably claims it’s from Elern
to justify the cost. Not that he needs to. It’s still the best ale in Weshern. Supposedly the Willers order a barrel or two every year for their servants. Should probably ask Clara about that. I bet she’d know where it’s brewed. The Willers know everything, or at least they pretend they do.”

  “Dean?” Bree said.

  “Yeah?”

  “You’re rambling.”

  “Oh. Sorry.”

  Bree smiled as she took another drink. The liquid burned her throat, but it felt so pleasantly warm in her stomach she did her best to ignore it. Dean shifted his stool nearer to the rickety table, and he leaned in close.

  “So, what all is the evil over-secretary making you do besides scrubbing the showers?” he asked. “Cut grass? Change sheets? Clean rooms?”

  “Mostly the showers,” Bree said. “Everything else gets closely attended by the academy’s servant staff, but apparently the showers tend to fall pretty low on their priority list. Plus I had to bury that disciple of Johan. That was unpleasant, to say the least.”

  Dean’s eyes scanned the tavern, and his mood dampened.

  “I wouldn’t say that name too loudly here,” he warned.

  Bree frowned.

  “It’s not like Johan’s name is illegal. What will someone do, turn me in as a traitor?”

  “Quite the opposite,” Dean said, and he nodded to the far wall. “See the dartboard over there? Take a peek at what the max point is.”

  Bree took another sip, then turned to glance over her shoulder. She found the wooden dartboard, six darts jammed into scattered locations. In the very center was a circular formation cut and painted in a very familiar way.

  “Center,” she said.

  Dean nodded.

  “Say ‘Johan’ loud enough and you’ll soon have someone joining you in your seat, curious if they’ll have an ear. Johan’s name may not be illegal now, but it wouldn’t surprise me if it soon is. His disciples are like roaches. No matter how hard the theotechs try, they can’t seem to get rid of them.”

  The alcohol was starting to affect her, loosening her mind. Leaning in closer, she dropped her voice to a whisper.

  “So what about you?” she asked. “Think they have a point?”

  Dean downed the rest of his drink.

  “Honestly, I haven’t a clue,” he said, cup thudding down upon the table. “It’s not like the relationship between Center and the outer islands has always been rosy, but still… I think I’d rather worry about the enemies I know we do have over the enemies that may not be real.” He gestured to her cup. “You finished?”

  She set it down, half full, and nodded.

  “Probably not a good idea to have any more,” she said.

  Together they rose from the table, Dean once more grabbing her hand. Instead of leaving, he returned to the barkeep and dropped two coins onto the bar.

  “The key to the falls,” he said.

  The barkeep reached into a shirt pocket and pulled out a large iron key. Bree stared at it, suddenly nervous. A key? What did Dean need a key for? After scooping up the coins, he handed it to Dean.

  “Make sure you bring this back,” the bearded man said. “Otherwise I’m telling your headmaster what all you’ve been up to here.”

  “You have my word,” Dean said, smiling.

  They exited the tavern, the din of music and conversation fading as the door shut behind them. Land lit red by the midnight fire, Dean led her around to the back of the tavern, following a pathway in the tall grass alongside Lake Serene toward the waterfall. When the path split in two, they went right instead of keeping beside the water. The path steepened, and quickly ended at a brick wall with a single gate. A metal plate was bolted to the center, declaring it off-limits. At the bottom of the plate was the circular symbol of Center. Dean pulled out the key the barkeep had given him, unlocked the gate, and then pushed it open.

  “After you,” he said.

  Bree passed through the gate and started up the rocky path. She guessed Dean was taking her to the cliff face, but she wasn’t sure why the way to the path was locked. There had to be other ways up, for on her approach she’d seen a multitude of homes built along its edge. Trusting him to have a good reason, she continued the climb, Dean trailing just behind her, having stopped only to shut and relock the gate.

  The closer to the top, the more Bree realized they weren’t quite heading to the cliff face. Instead, the path ended at the entrance of a cave. Bree hesitated, for inside was so dark she could not see a thing. All she could hear was the tremendous roar of the nearby waterfall.

  “You’re not scared, are you?” Dean asked as he joined her side.

  “There’s a difference between being brave and being stupid,” she said.

  “Good thing I’m both.” Dean offered her his hand. “Just walk with me, and keep your other hand touching the side of the cave. It’ll be fine, I promise.”

  Bree swallowed her apprehension, took his hand, and followed him into the cave. Her left hand brushed along the cave wall, which was surprisingly smooth. They disappeared into the cliff, into darkness as complete as it’d been on their trip to the tavern. The roar of the waterfall grew with each step. After a long minute the wall began to curve to her left, and she saw the first hint of red light.

  “Where are we?” Bree asked.

  “You’ll see soon enough.”

  They curled more, and suddenly they stepped out into another cave. The light of the midnight fire illuminated it from the wide opening to her left. Before her an enormous stream of water flowed toward that opening in a deeply carved groove. They were inside the cliffs, she realized, at the actual waterfall itself. A stone path ran alongside the water all the way to the edge, where the water crashed down into Lake Serene. Bree stepped closer to the water, which seemed to come up from nowhere. At the bottom she could barely see an enormous grate, similar to the one at the bottom of the well nearby their old home on Picker Street.

  “This is where the water for the falls is pumped out,” Dean said, still holding her hand. “Care to see the view?”

  They walked the stone path, stopping just before the edge. The water plummeted off the side, foaming white as it fell. The lake spread out before them, along with the trees that formed its border. The lake’s surface reflected the burning midnight fire, making it seem as if a great stretch of flame flowed beneath her. Bree sat upon the edge, taking in the awesome view.

  “It’s beautiful,” she said, nearly shouting due to the roar of the falls.

  “I thought you’d like it,” he said. “Something about the water makes the fire seem… gentler.”

  It was true, in a way. The sky above was a burning scar, but the water below seemed more magical, almost inviting. Dean sat down beside her, and deciding it worth the risk, she leaned against his body. His arm immediately wrapped around her. Bree’s smile spread ear to ear. She said nothing, only enjoyed the moment, enjoyed the closeness of his body. The water flowed on and on, seemingly endless, and Bree dipped her fingers into its surface, felt its cold resistance.

  “So have you ever jumped?” she asked.

  Dean glanced at her, doing a fine job of masking his true thoughts.

  “Jumped?” he said. “Are you joking, or serious?”

  “Serious,” she said.

  “Well, then, seriously, no, I have never jumped. Never wanted to break my neck, either.”

  Bree slipped free of his grasp and stepped back from the edge while removing her jacket.

  “My aunt took us here every summer,” she said. “Kael and I used to swim beneath the falls, taking turns trying to touch the bottom. We never did.”

  She set her jacket down on the stone, removed her belt, and then untucked her shirt. Dean watched, calm mask not quite so calm anymore. As if in protest, he remained seated by the edge.

  “You’re insane,” he said. “You know that, right? Completely insane. I’m not jumping.”

  Bree kicked off her boots and set them beside her jacket.
r />   “Is that so?” she said, pulling off her socks next.

  “Absolutely.”

  Bree felt nearly drunk from excitement. Never mind sneaking out of the academy and trespassing in a cave blocked off by the theotechs. Being alone with Dean, sitting so close, his eyes unable to linger on anything else but her? Intoxicating.

  “Fine then,” she said. “Close your eyes and turn around.”

  He blinked.

  “What?”

  Bree crossed her arms and frowned at him.

  “You made me trust you, so now it’s your turn. Eyes closed, and no opening until I say.”

  Dean threw his hands up in surrender.

  “As you wish,” he said, turning back around. Bree hesitated, debating whether to continue. Fear and doubt bubbled up in her stomach, and she shook her head to clear them away. To hell with it all. Bree stripped to her underclothes, then walked barefoot to Dean’s side. Kneeling down, she curled against him and pressed her lips to his. She felt his body stiffen, but true to his word, he kept his eyes closed. Bree let the kiss drag on, relishing every second of it. When she finally pulled away, she felt out of breath, and her heart was completely aflutter.

  “Follow me if you want another,” she whispered into his ear, then dropped her shirt and pants onto his lap.

  Before second thoughts could paralyze her, Bree turned and dove off the edge. The spray of water blew against her skin, mixing with the air. She felt as free as when she’d leaped off Weshern’s edge using the training set with Jevin. The heavy mist forced her eyes shut. She kept her hands together, kept her breath held. The fall lasted only a moment, but it felt like forever, giving her a rush akin to looping about with her wings. Then her hands pierced water, and she broke its surface with a sudden shock of cold. Bree’s body curled as she sank deeper, slowly angling herself back toward the top.

  Her lower lip was already shivering by the time she gasped in a lungful of air. Treading water, she let the current push her away from the falls. From down below, she could only see a bare shadow of the cave she’d jumped from, the falls obscuring much of it with their wide white spray. Teeth clenched, she waited and waited.

  Dean’s muscular body leapt out from the cliff, and just like Bree, he left the pants and shirt of his uniform upon the rock. It took only a moment for him to drop, but in her mind he hung forever. He was jumping down for her, just for her. That alone pushed away the chill of the night. Bree’s cheer pierced the calm, welcoming his arrival. Arms leading, he knifed into the water like a hunting bird of prey, kicking up a wide splash.