Quiet's Rider- a Fourth Wing fanfic

Chapter 5

Welcome to your first Battle Brief," Professor Devera says from the recessed floor of the enormous lecture hall later in the morning, a bright purple Flame Section patch on her shoulder matching her short hair perfectly. This is the only class held in the circular, tiered room that curves the entire end of the academic hall and one of only two rooms in the citadel capable of fitting every cadet. Every creaky wooden seat is full, and the senior third years are standing against the walls behind us, but we all fit.

It's a far cry from history last hour, where there were only three squads of first years, but at least the first years in our squad are all seated together. I remember most of their names at least. Ridoc is easy to remember—he cracked wise-ass comments all through history. Hopefully he knows better than to try the same in here, though, because one, these professors are stricter, and two, I'm starting to get a headache.

"In the past, riders have seldom been called into service before graduation," Professor Devera continues, her mouth tensing as she paces slowly in front of a twenty-foot-high map of the Continent mounted to the back wall that's intricately labelled with our defensive outposts along our borders. Dozens of mage lights illuminate the space, more than making up for the lack of windows and reflecting off the longsword she keeps strapped to her back.

"And if they were, they were always third years who'd spent time shadowing forward wings, but we expect you to graduate with the full knowledge of what we're up against. It's not about just knowing where every wing is stationed, either." She takes her time, making eye contact with every first year she sees. The rank on her shoulder says captain, but I'm guessing she'll be a major before she leaves her rotation teaching here, given the medals pinned on her chest. "You need to understand the politics of our enemies, the strategies of defending our outposts from constant attack, and have a thorough knowledge of both recent and current battles. If you cannot grasp these basic topics, then you have no business on the back of a dragon." She arches a black brow a few shades darker than her deep-brown skin. I bite my lip. Keep what you know but recite whatever they tell you to.

"No pressure," Rhiannon mutters at my side, furiously taking notes.

"We'll be fine," Sorrengail promises her in a whisper as she translates for me. "Third years have only been sent to midland posts as reinforcements, never the front." I'd kept my ears open around Xaden enough to know that much.

"This is the only class you will have every day, because it's the only class that will matter if you're called into service early." Professor Devera's gaze sweeps from left to right and pauses on Violet. Her eyes flare wide for a heartbeat, but she gives an approving smile and nod before moving on. That's intriguing. "Because this class is taught every day and relies on the most current information, you will also answer to Professor Markham, who deserves nothing but your utmost respect."

She waves the scribe forward, and he moves to stand next to her, the cream colour of his uniform contrasting with her stark black one. He leans in when she whispers something to him, and his thick eyebrows fly high as he whips his head in Sorrengail's direction. There's no approving smile when the colonel's weary eyes find hers, only a heavy sigh that makes her squirm next to me.

"It is the duty of the scribes not only to study and master the past but to relay and record the present," he says, rubbing the bridge of his bulbous nose after finally tearing away his disappointed gaze. "Without accurate depictions of our front lines, reliable information with which to make strategic decisions, and—most importantly—veracious details to document our history for the good of future generations, we're doomed, not only as a kingdom but as a society." Sorrengail sighs and I purse my lips. I'm determined to figure out what is going on with her eventually. I always need more information to help Xaden and the others.