Page 257 - Fourth Wing

the place where I spent the majority of my hours these past five years. Only

scribes may pass any farther, and I am a rider.
The thought brings a smile to my lips as a woman approaches in a cream

tunic and hood, a single rectangle of gold woven onto her shoulder. A first-

year. When she pulls the fabric from her head, baring long brown hair, and
brings her gaze to meet mine, I full-on grin. I sign, “Jesinia!”

“Cadet Sorrengail,” she signs back. Her bright eyes sparkle, but she

smothers her smile.
For just this second, I abhor the rituals and customs of the scribes. There

would be nothing wrong with pulling my friend into a hug, but she’d be

chastised for a loss of composure. After all, how could we know how
earnest the scribes are about their work, how dedicated they remain, if they

were to crack a smile?
“It’s really good to see you,” I sign and can’t quit grinning. “I knew

you’d pass the test.”

“Only because I studied with you for the past year,” she signs back,
pressing her lips together so they don’t curve upward. Then her face falls. “I

was horrified to hear about you being forced into the Riders Quadrant. Are
you all right?”

“I’m fine,” I assure her, then pause to search my memory for the correct

sign for a dragon bond. “I’m bonded and…” My feelings are complicated,
but I think about the way it felt to soar on Tairn’s back, the gentle nudges

from Andarna to keep going when I thought my muscles might give out

during Imogen’s training sessions, and my relationships with my friends,
and I can’t deny the truth. “I’m happy.”

Her eyes widen. “Aren’t you constantly worried you’re going to—” She

glances left and right, but there’s no one near enough to see us. “You
know…die?”

“Sure.” I nod. “But oddly enough, you kind of get used to that.”
“If you say so.” She looks skeptical. “Let’s get you taken care of. Are