Bonded Spirit

by CC Rose

Chapter 3

  As soon as I stepped through the double doors and into the Dinner Hall, I realised I should have came later. The aroma of food, roasted, toasted, baked, and stewed, simmered and aroused my hunger and awoke my stomach to a desiring moan of pleasure. Everyone was part way through their meals. The echoed sounds of chatter didn’t stop completely when I entered, though many did pause at my presence, distracted as usual because of all the fresh gossip about this afternoon no doubt. I held my head high, taking in the hall with the same knowledge I had for the past six months. It was a huge hall for dining. Twelve tables stretched the length of the hall, from the small six year olds to the final years of eighteen. The tables were arranged in year groups. I was a 1st year senior, making my table the eleventh from the right. At the head of the hall was the teachers table, arched to face the students. There were over thirteen Master Ryders here in Draeos, along with Karson, who was oddly absent from the feast. I glanced to the food table. It was laid out to the far left, just past the first year’s table, and opposite the kitchen doors. The food was too good to pass up. On some occasions, they place the food in the centre of our tables, allowing us to dig in right away. Set up like this, it reminded me of the gatherings that Plumridge would have in the main street, or in the town hall where everyone could just help themselves.

  I glanced at my fellow class mates, sitting at the 1st year table; they were deliberately making sure I couldn’t sit next to them. I shrugged at their actions. I’d spent the last two months at the end of the table anyway. So it didn’t bother me now. Most of the students that came to Draeos were descendants of some bloodline, some legend fighter, viper hunter, or delgori destroyer. The Ryders belonged to some royal line, having that knowledge gave them higher power—me. My parents were unknown, least my birth parents were. It didn’t matter if I was the Dy’Monian Ryder. They didn’t show anymore respect for me.

  I grabbed a food tray, loading up a bowl of beef stew with herbs, carrot, potatoes, and two bread rolls. With a glance at the eleventh table, I didn’t want to sit indoors and risked the exit on the right side of the hall. No one stopped me, and thankfully, I didn’t have to say, I’ll just be a moment. I was a Ryder. A Dragon Ryder was permitted to spend time with their Bond, and if it was at dinner that such a time was required, none stopped us. I heaved a deep breath, pleased I could remember that much of my class lessons on dragon lore—law? One of them.

  I descended the large stone steps, leading into the north garden. I breathed in the evening air. The fresh breeze was welcoming with the summer heat. I smiled as the sun slowly set in the west, lingering on the scents of afternoon flowers, the honeysuckles, the wattles, and the dandelions. Stone Heart Valley was different to my old home, but the flowers stayed the same, least for this time of year. The evening breeze was blowing the muggy heat west; it never was too hot or cold at Draeos. Magic enchantments made sure it stayed one temperature indoors. Though, I sometimes wonder if the castle was alive with its own power.

  I sighed heavily, taking a seat and gazing across the open meadow that lined a cluster of tall trees. The North Gardens were pleasant sitting areas, stone benches, water fountains dotted here and there with statues and large stone boulders. Several dragon roosts were in the distance, since all dragons liked to perch high, and these were strong stone perches of a hundred feet high.

  Stirring my stew, half-heartily, I dipped the roll into the bowl, soaking in the juices of beef and herbs. I licked my lips, anticipating the flavour. Draeos had awoken me to all kinds of senses since moving here six months ago, one of them being a Ryder, the second—food. This wasn’t much different, just more tasteful, extravagant and elegant to what was possibly a simple meal, became a feast for kings. It was so different to what I would have at home, but now, it was so common. It still surprised me when I tasted stews like this though. The strange herbs, the rare vegetables, and the various kinds of meat, even the gravy they made was different to what I was given.

  The familiar sound of wings and wind brought me from my thoughts and my meal. The slight thud of a young dragon landing not a few yards from me had me smile. My mood brightened instantly.

  La’Kera. I breathed in her name, as I spoke in thought. My Bond. At five foot long, from chest to tail, her back reached my hips, and her head was level with my shoulders. A pearl white dragon—diamond scaled. The rarest of all dragon kin. Her scales flecked from pale shell-blue, and green. Sometimes a pink or orange, though a white pearl. She was the most beautiful creature in all my memories, and the bond allowed us unlimited contact.

  Thought you could use the company, she said, rumbling in her dragon voice. In my mind it was always majestic, young sounding as it was, it was matured. The dragon-tongue was considered surreal at times, new for me, and like all Ryders thought, the most welcoming feeling in anyone’s life. I couldn’t imagine life without her now.

  You know me so well La’Kera. Placing my food on the bench, I walked towards her, taking in her dragon pose, a hatchling no more. She was now six months old. I reached to her snout, my palm fit over her nostrils briefly. She snorted with a deep breath of my scent as I slowly scratched around to her chin. Taking in her eyes, the orbs of white-silver and a stream of blue flickered around her diamond shaped pupil. She blinked a membrane lid, teasing as I watched her through my eyes. For both of us it was fascinating, seeing each others eyes, in each other’s mind. She nudged with a rumble, playful in her actions. She was still a wild creature, not dangerous to me of course. The heat that radiated from her body was always a welcoming feel. Odd, since it was summer, she didn’t get heat stroke. Her snort told me she was amused. The tangle of thoughts that lingered on the edges of our connection were both intriguing and confusing.

  Running my hand along the roughness of her scales, around the softer section of her jaw and neck. Feeling the thick bumps to fan my fingers along leaf-shaped scales in the repeated pattern around her face. I breathed deep as I leant against her. All of the dragon kin were alike. Size, colour, and character were all that told them apart. While La’Kera was growing, and showing signs of a lean fit body, she was still at hatchling status. A little lanky, just on the sprouting stage of growing from a chick to a young dam. Her scales thickened around her neck and under her belly to thin once more on her tail that was the length of her body. The end of her tail held a perfect arrow husk. If angered, the thorns of the tail would flare to show she was a capable fighter and, it was an added bonus to her already lethal weapons. Claws on her front and back feet, her wing-wrist had claws for climbing, but stabbing if necessary. Taking in the dirt on her crystal claws, I smiled at her. She’d been digging in the den again; bored most likely, since she wasn’t allowed to fly further than a few leagues from the dens view, and usually to me, which was the limit the elder dragons would allow. Least while her wings were becoming accustomed to the flights, she was out further today, and I found the images amazing.

  She nudged into me, releasing another wave of purrs from deep within her throat. It hummed and vibrated into my core, in ways, it was better than any song I had heard. Spring wind, bird chirp, laughter, or cry. It was her. My Bond. My Star. My Light. My Pearl. The list was endless with her. She knew them all and like me, loved them all. I traced her jaw line to the three horns on her cheek bone. They were small, still growing, and taking in the softness near the edge of her face; I rubbed a little harder, since she couldn’t get to it like I could. My nimble dangorian fingers were pointless in most things, but for these delicate areas, she hummed longer, content as I was.

  The horns on the top of her head arched backwards, the length of my forearm, and they enhanced her beauty by ten folds. Taking in her arrow shaped face, the squared hatchling look was leaving her. Gone were the days of her tiny little face, teardrop eyes that seemed far too big, but always her best feature. Her snout wasn’t overly long, or pointed as I traced my finger around her arched nostrils, to rest at the nip of her top jaw, a crust of horn. It had toughened over time and acted like a fo
rk for her when hunting.

  Standing at the height of a small pony, she was too small for me to ride. She lifted her head, resting it on my shoulders, forcing me into a hug of her neck. I wrapped my arms around her, running my hands over her shoulders that held the strong muscles for her wings, the velvet softness of small scales were so easily admired and sadly, they could be damaged at her early stage in life. Some part of her resembled a baby bird. Plume was around her wing-base and under her wings. Though not thick, it was slowly falling away, to show scales. The small dip between her shoulders and wings was known as the crest. In three months time, I would be able to place a saddle into the crest, and then we could fly. It was always a thought away. The herds knew that a chick under nine months could hurt themselves, badly too. I had to wait. It wasn’t that far away now. Though imagining her larger, was impossible.

  Tiny leaf shaped scales decorated her brow. I was swept up in the electric-blue and crystal white that flecked and shaded her iris. I rubbed along her snout, leaning to her brow. Closing my eyes, I rested my thoughts, as I had every evening or morning. I was forever fascinated with her. She didn’t find me as appealing or majestical, but that was because I was plain. But she did find me amusing and strange.

  I hate this, I grumbled to her. I hate how everyone still believes him.

  I wish I had learnt to speak sooner to you … I knew he was trouble. I just thought, maybe that’s how your kin treated one another.

  No. That’s not how we treat each other La’Kera. We’re supposed to be nice to one another, not insulting, rude, selfish, and unbearable, I sighed deep. Lifting my head away, I placed my lips on her brow briefly, between her eyes. And it’s not your fault. Never think that. This is my doing. I should have known better.

  You were sad, you still are sad … I can see you were seeking others of your kin … to help share in your pain that I could not help with. She purred deep in an apology.

  That wasn’t true either. She helped plenty. It wasn’t her fault I was so hasty with Bronson. Sending the emotions towards her, and keeping her mind less worried, was a constant flow of thoughts between us. We both hated causing discomfort. She worried more than a dragon should.

  Well, you help plenty. Don’t think you don’t.

  After several moments, she said; Maybe Amber is right.

  I lifted my head, puzzled by her words. Amber, right? Please.

  Taking in her white gemstone eyes, she held amusement. About distractions. And Lady Darcia said we are behind in our studies, we should focus on catching up.

  I smirked at her term of ‘we’ and not ‘me’.

  You’re right. We should find a faster way to catch up. Good thing the dragons in the den don’t play silly dangorian games on you. After all, you’re like their shiny new toy.

  She rumbled at my teasing tone. I am more than shiny, but you are right. They do like to play a lot. But we are playful creatures. If we were deer, we wouldn’t graze all day, but bound endlessly. That is why I wish to glide on always. She hummed to the memory of this afternoon, to go so far without an issue of her distance, and reach a thousand feet in height. As they say, they were allowing her to stretch her wings. We are honest as always in our kin. It is not wise to be selfish. She pointed out, shuffling her wings as she relaxed more.

  Yeah. I don’t get it. Sure, I liked Bronson. Liked then—not now. The way he treated me that night. Ugh. I can’t believe he did that. He keeps playing these games. I hate it. It’s so selfish of him. Rude, unfair and uncalled for. I did nothing to deserve this. I pouted, and while I had already told her this before, I couldn’t hide from my feelings. As a psychic bond, that’s just the way things were.

  Maybe you should leave Amber and him have one another.

  I already do. I don’t go out of my way to talk to them, you know that. Today it was pick on Rehema day. Everyone wanted to say something, and what with Karson and no EzRah. I hate that the most about this whole situation.

  It will be good to study here. You’re closer to me to start with, and for two months, everyone is gone, you won’t see them here at all. Just the two of us, and your own trainer.

  Hmm … maybe. He is handsome … but he’s a Ryder of who knows how many years.

  I have yet to meet his Bond, Blade’Dur. He will be wise and helpful. That’s what Da’Vora informed me of. She said he was to train me more than her now, she snorted to her thoughts, feeling as if she had failed a test. Though it’s clear I don’t get a break either, she sighed heavy as if training at flying, hunting deer, and well; being a dragon was hard work.

  I smiled wide. She was faking her sadness. She yawned at her actions.

  Blade’Dur hmmm … and Karson. What are we going to do with ourselves?

  She laughed in her dragon manner, snorting to our teasing thoughts. For a six month old, she was oddly aware of things even I couldn’t grasp. The words from Darcia seeped into me. She is far wiser than you. You should heed her words more often. She was right. La’Kera is wise. She was years ahead of me in mentality. When I was six months old, I was barely sitting up, let alone reaching out to something. She was able to glide hours after her hatching, hunt a week later on rabbit at the entrance of the nursery, and scale a wall thirty feet high in the first three weeks. How fast she has grown. Dragons are forever learning, growing, and for reasons unknown, questioning all things around them.

  You should finish your meal. You need to keep your strength up for your training in the morning … and tonight is when you must start on toilet cleaning. She rolled her tongue as if speaking it.

  She wasn’t making fun of my punishment, she was merely amused that I, and many other dangorians had such a thing, a privy to relieve ourselves. She didn’t understand the need for private when she, herself had to urinate or drop her dung in the open. Why shouldn’t we? It was one of the many complicated issues that actually had me blush, and she couldn’t understand why I would be embarrassed. Over the past few months, I was less embarrassed by her questions now. Amused and becoming just as curious about anything she did, including, why she can urinate without care. Though she did have ‘areas’ she just didn’t do it in; like the castle grounds or the lake. I heaved a breath, rolling my eyes. I didn’t want to think about kitchen duty with the elves, or the lavatory either. They were strange creatures to work with, small troll looking and not much in the way of talking. On most occasions, running off and hiding on me. House elves were possibly the lower end of all things in Dangora, though magical as they are, they prefer to help clean, cook, look after, wash and help out at, pretty much anything that was house work related.

  Sitting on the bench, I realised the stew had gone cold. Hmmm … Maybe if I use a heat spell, summoning a heat spell was sort of easy, right. I tried to remember how Lady Mazella showed me, thinking of heat and of course, that happened. Heat erupted from my palm, making the plate too hot to hold. Damn it! The lot toppled and fell in the dirt. I should have been more careful.

  La’Kera sniffed the upturned contents and raised a brow. That’s what you were eating. She sounded surprised. Smells too strange … where has all the juicy tenderness gone.

  It’s cooked, I reminded her. She hated cooked meat. That was the worst thing a dangorian could do with meat.

  Though, I had heard the older dragons say, smoking your meat was always a good choice in winter.

  Guess training with Karson couldn’t have come at a better time, right. I shrugged to the mess, flexing my fingers and hating I had almost burnt myself, not for the first time either. La’Kera was curious, but showed no more interest in the dumped food. I broke open a bread roll; least I had this. That reminds me, I mused to her as I bit into the fresh bread. You remember that spell, the one on Bronson … what was that?

  She swivelled her head to stare at me square on. That was strange. I didn’t like the sensation, or the location it came from. Her voice held with worry.

  Me either … I wasn’t sure why it leaked out so badly like that.

 
Neither did I, seeing his eyes like that. The way his eyes grew veins, his breath was shallow.

  … Maybe it was an air spell gone wrong.

  No. That was not air. It was something else. It didn’t feel like he was suffocating, but holding on to something, trying to stop himself from falling or letting go; which was odd, because he need not have fallen anywhere. She flexed her pearl wings, trying to shake the thoughts from her mind and body.

  Yeah. I won’t do it again. Least not until I understand the magic more. Oh, crap. That reminds me the stupid paper I have to do for Darcia. Three forms of punishment and I swear Bronson didn’t even get a yelling.

  He was wounded by you. And he is forbidden to be in combat in the morning session, she smirked inwardly.

  Guess that’s something. I shrugged, knowing how much he loved his combat and missing a session would make him miserable, more than me cleaning the toilet. He is such a low life. I hissed. A smidge of worry surfaced, knowing I did cause him that pain with my mânã; other than that, I didn’t care.

  La’Kera shook her body, rumbling a harmonic tune. Her scales captured the setting sun, making her appear pearl orange in the last rays. Smiling at her actions, breathless came to mind at the sight of her.

  It is wise to learn about the elements before you attack … otherwise you could be in more trouble. Her snout nudged into me as I tossed the remaining roll aside. She was wise. And she was watching out for me, like a blanket of comfort, wisdom, and advice. She was my link, my friend and love. A psychic connection happened when I put this glove on six months ago, and now like all Ryders, I can never remove it.

  I must head to the den. I know what the Elders are like when I’m out after dark. Though odd, it’s not as if they can’t see me, she teased. Though I am the last one, she added, and ruffled her wings. Her amusement was like mine. We didn’t see what the big fuss was all about. Okay, so she was the only Dy’Monian in three hundred years, and maybe that was a big deal. She was just pleased she wasn’t the last of the dragons all together.

  Take care La’Kera, I’ll be watching, I teased.

  I’ll be listening; she hummed and nudged into me before padding away.

  Don’t let them boss you around.

  I wouldn’t. I just show them my pearl wings and they all rumble with delight. With a final dip of her head, she launched herself into the sky. Spreading her wings wide, she tugged, once, twice, three times; resembling a baby bird to get balance, and away she went. She wasn’t all that bad now. Though still unsteady on landing and take off’s. She was improving, that was the main thing. With a flutter of excitement as she went higher. She wouldn’t fall, so she tells me endlessly. She rumbled to me, as her pearl white wings shimmered to a pale blue and light green as she dived around the castle grounds and out of sight, heading to the dens in the south, as were all the dragons. To rest, to slumber, to dream, and to tell tales of times forgotten. I yawned wide and grumbled inwards, knowing I wasn’t able to turn in just yet. I would have to face the cleaning elves soon enough. I still had time. Enjoying the last cast of sunlight as it slipped behind the high cliffs of Stone Heart Valley and out of sight. Gazing at the grand castle of Draeos, watching as lights flicked to life inside. I inhaled deep, and lingered in the memory of when I first arrived.

  I wasn’t yet bonded with La’Kera. I’d just stepped off the shuttle, docked in the west bay. Taking in the high towers, the array of buildings, cone shaped roofs, elevated and low stone sections greeted my view. It had loomed closer for the past hour, now it was huge. Gigantic. Over a hundred feet high, the grey-white stone towers held a rustic weather look. Instantly feeling the enchantment of the castle itself, I was swept up in the beauty it offered. Sections were clear, north, south, and east. The largest building was behind so many other towers. Moss grew along several tower bases, and across the docking area, adding beauty and depth to this place.

  “Welcome to Draeos, the grand, magnificent, and luxurious castle in all the lands,” stated a kind Ryder, who had travelled with me the previous day. He was shaggy, tall, and oddly nervous about my glove. I wrapped my right fingers around it, feeling subconscious of it. “It is home to over a thousand students, training in all aspects of sorcery. And since it is situated in the south of Stone Heart Valley, you will be pleased to know that your Bond will never be too far away.”

  I scanned the valley. It was all I had done since leaving the city this morning. The valley was so large; the south cliff wall was all I could make out. Thousands of feet high, resembling a heart from above. The voice of the Ryder drew me from my thoughts.

  “That there is the west bridge; I’ll be able to escort you to the office. That’s where the teacher’s chambers are too … and if you go out to the north garden, there are some nice little areas for you to meet the other dragons if you don’t feel like climbing the tower roost that is.” He was unloading my trunk, which was pitifully small. I could carry it; and when I reached towards it, he raised a hand. “No, no … I’ll take it. Think I might have a look around myself. Ah, I do miss Draeos, the Heart. It’s the one place in all the lands that calls us home.” He inhaled deeply.

  I tried to relax with the same action, filling my lungs on the winter chill, the crisp coolness and early morning sounds of insects. I was surprised there was no snow. The sound of water wasn’t too far from me, and as I stepped from the docking bay, and entered into the west bridge, I was amazed that we were a good thirty feet above a river, winding its way west, towards EzRah. Glancing in that direction, I couldn’t make out the route we had travelled. High trees, hills, endless wilderness and maybe other rivers and streams had covered the two hour journey. The trees in Stone Heart were different to Plumridge. For one, these trees were over a thousand feet high, scattered in the distance. The sound of a fairy-wren caught my attention briefly to gaze to the water below. It was clear as if there was no water there at all.

  “That there is Crystal Lake, and the Azure River. It’s the one that leads to EzRah.” The man’s gentle voice was beside me. With a pat on my shoulder, he nodded to the castle. “Come on. Best to head on.” He dipped his head to the towers that loomed ever closer.

  Swallowing hard, I tired to still my nerves. Walking across the west bridge was easy. It was sheltered. Glancing through the small window openings around me, I stepped into the courtyard.

  Ahh!

  A dragon stood to my left. A blue dragon. Over forty feet long, eighteen feet high, and a wingspan that doubled its body length. At present, it stared at me. It was huge. The closest I had come to a dragon was … in the sky, they were small dots. The few I had seen in EzRah were, sort of closer, they just stared at me with large eyes from a high position. Their mouths closed, though some teeth were visible. I swallowed hard.

  “Oh, this is Da’Vora. She’s the headmistress Bond. Darcia’s been headmistress for nigh on forty five years now. The longest anyone has taken on the academy. Not to worry yourself there. She’s a softy. And she is looking forward to your Bonds hatching.” He was translating. That’s what most the Ryders did around me. The small vibration inside my thoughts had me reach for my arm. This was what it came to.

  Dragons.

  Dragon Ryders.

  Guardians.

  Bonds.

  Taking in the group of towers beside me, I was a little surprised they were dull compared to the rest of the area. Though, compared to a sapphire blue dragon, most things were dull. I heaved a deep breath when a woman with tight top-buns walked towards me. She was tall, and had a grace and presence the moment she was in view. She was a Ryder, and like all the Ryders I had witnessed in the past few days, none aged past twenty five. The man next to me dipped his head and stepped to the side as she eyed me over.

  “You must be Rehema, from Plumridge.” She held her hand out and waited as I stared at it.

  Right, Greetings. I held out my hand a little hesitant when she took it gently.

  “I’m Darcia Croft of Sapherians. And I see Liam has already in
troduced my Bond, Da’Vora.” She didn’t sound annoyed.

  I nodded.

  “Come. I shall show you the grounds, your chambers, and when it’s done. We will head over to the nursery to see the Dy’Monian egg.” She beamed wide, though stiffness lingered in her words as she glanced to my glove.

  Some part of my mind felt a stab of annoyance from her. Was she jealous, curious? Or maybe she wanted to reach out?

  She turned to Liam. “You can take her belongings to room twelve, floor nine, Liam. That will be all.” It was formal.

  He dipped his head with a smile. That was the last time I saw him. Darcia turned her attention to the tour, asking me of my schooling.

  “You have been taught basic ways of life, but nothing of dragon history?” She sounded disappointed. “What of magic, potions, what about combat, archery, riddles? Did you even speak to a Ryder when they visited your town?”

  I shook my head to all her questions, since that was the truth of it. She sighed heavily, with a puzzled expression, slowly composing herself from the lack of answers.

  “Not to worry. We are willing to give you all that you need to train here in Draeos; I can assure you of that. Now this here is the mid-west bridge, it leads to the courtyard, Dinner Hall, Sick Bay, Library and to the Sleeping Chambers—” She pointed to the tallest building in the grounds. “Behind there, is the Combat Yards. You will be required to train daily, I will have a schedule made up for you once Dexter and Devon assess your ability, and this is the Sick Bay if you should be ill at all.” She pointed to our left. “Mrs Carn is well prepared for all things. Though I suggest not making a fake illness, she may just poison you to teach you a lesson.”

  I nodded, trying not to think it possible, though, Darcia might have been trying to tell a joke.

  “The house elves will aid where they can. And that reminds me. Did you have assisted help in Plumridge? No? Well, here all your laundry needs are taken care of, along with bedding and meals. This here is the Dinner Hall, where all meals are attended. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a bell will toll, allowing those who are too busy with studies to make a move.” She paused in mid glance of the area. The courtyard was grey stone, the chamber building she had referred to before was thicker, larger stones, and the windows were high arched. Taking in the red tiled roofs, the cone shaped tops, the decorative glass panes, and oak doors of elegant design. I was overwhelmed. She glanced to the south. “The south bridge takes you to the Study Buildings. You can visit them later, once we have your egg sorted.”

  It occurred to me, she didn’t want to show me around anymore. She wanted me to have the egg—my egg. The dragon egg. I pressed my lips together. Maybe we should just get it over with.

  “We’ll take a quick tour of your room, and then we’ll head on over to the nursery.”

  I nodded, feeling shy. The rumble had me cringe, the sound of wings vibrated from above, and I wanted to run inside just to make sure it didn’t fall on me. The dragons that visited us in Plumridge never flew over the township. They flew around it. Darcia stared blankly at my reactions. Perhaps it was amusing for her to watch me cringe.

  “This is the Main Building. The Sleeping Chambers are from the third floor to the thirteen. The fifteenth floor is for functions, parties, and ceremonies if we don’t use the Dinner Hall. Your room is on the ninth floor in the east. The boys chambers are to the north and west, the girls are in the south and east. You will heed to the rules … on proper manners with the young men.”

  Again, I nodded. I’d been given reading parchments in EzRah on what to do and not to do. I found it acceptable.

  Stepping onto the first floor of the Main Building, I gasped in surprise. Glass cabinets, floor to ceiling paintings of Ryders, dragons, swords, shields and all kinds of old things were here. “This is the museum. It is a collection of our histories over the past five hundred years of Dragon Bonds. Though, most are only dated back as far as two hundred years.”

  I nodded with surprise, but distracted by the room. The elegant ceiling was high arched with crafted pillars so large; I’d have a hard time wrapping my arms around them. Darcia continued towards the grand staircase of red carpet. Taking in the marble floors, the decorated interiors, the arched windows, the balcony areas, and endless high ceiling halls, she turned me to the hall on the ninth floor, with an open and close of my room.

  “Now. Let’s get your egg.”

  I blinked from the memory.

  It was so long ago. Back then, I was scared, worried, and completely unprepared. Mostly I was still in shock. But after those first few days, I was able to make my way around the area without worry. From the east of the Combat Yards to the Study Buildings in the south, teaching: Potions, History, Magic, Runic, even Animal Studies were there. It was all so simple now. That schedule she’d given me, was to help me fit right in with the other students. Little did she realise how behind I was. Though, this afternoon showed her less like that excited Ryder when I first came and the headmistress that I had heard about. One thing I noticed about Draeos; everything was connected. Whether it was through the endless garden paths, the halls, the bridges, nothing was without a way to it. High up on the section of terrain, the dragon’s had perches to roost on, looking out over everything. Though they would get a better view from the dens in the south, most liked to be within the castle grounds itself. And many were already on the platforms, thirty yards high. The three ton dragons rumbled deep, stretching out their wings and releasing flames into the night. Several responding flames reflected in the rhythm of their songs. I was no longer bothered by the dragons moving around, rumbling and the shuffle of their wings. Gone was my cringing days, I was now a part of the lores and laws. I was a Dragon Ryder in training, and some day I would be out there, in the lands of Dangora, doing what Ryders did—hunting the vipers, the vragon and the undead delgori. The three main enemies, all hunting us, trying to take the lands for themselves. Least for the location of Stone Heart Valley, those threats were to the north, in the Terrill’s, so far from here and oddly not that far at all.

  You’re going to be late for your cleaning chores, La’Kera mused. She was right. I had sat and thought for so long, I forgot about my punishment. It was an hour for each task. And tomorrow was going to be interesting with Karson, promising me a fun day in training.