Page 185 - Fourth Wing

We all shuffle into a line. Rhiannon is at my back and Tynan just ahead of

me, which means I’ll be treated to his commentary the whole time, no
doubt. Awesome.

“Talk,” the senior wingleader says, folding her arms across her chest.

“Nice day for a Presentation,” Ridoc jokes.
“Not to me.” The senior wingleader narrows her gaze on Ridoc, then

motions to the line of cadets before her. “Talk to your nearby squadmates

while you’re on the path, as it will help the dragons get a sense of who you
are and how well you play with others. There’s a correlation between

bonded cadets and level of chatter.”

And now I want to switch places.
“Feel free to look at the dragons, especially if they’re showing off their

tails, but I would abstain from eye contact if you value your life. If you
come across a scorch mark, just make sure nothing’s currently on fire

before continuing along.” She pauses long enough for that bit of advice to

sink in, then adds, “See you after your stroll.”
With a sweep of her hand, the senior wingleader steps to the side,

revealing the dirt path that leads through the center of the valley, and up
ahead, sitting so perfectly still that they might be gargoyles, are the hundred

and one dragons who have decided to bond this year.

The line starts, and we give one another the suggested seven feet before
following.

I’m hyperaware of every step as I walk down the path. The trail is hard

beneath my boots, and there’s a definite lingering odor of sulfur.
We pass a trio of red dragons first. Their talons are almost half my size.

“I can’t even see their tails!” Tynan shouts from in front of me. “How are

we supposed to know what breed they are?”
I keep my eyes locked at the level of their massive, muscled shoulders as

we walk by. “We’re not supposed to know what breed they are,” I respond.
“Fuck that,” he says over his shoulder. “I need to figure out which one