Irrian stepped forward and grabbed his shoulder while chuckling. “Whoa, whoa, whoa, Raythum. Are you crazy?” He paused for a moment. “We would never expect you to take your first walk mid-flight.” Erualan couldn’t breathe because he laughed so hard. Raythum didn’t appreciate being the butt of the joke, and glared at the two. “I want Milenthia to stay in her current position. You will take a seat as if you were in mid-flight. When I give the signal, you will jump to your feet and walk to her tail backwards, in a defensive posture. Once you reach her tail, you will spin in a full circle, before walking back to her neck and repositioning yourself in a seated position.”
Now this I can handle, he thought, even if I am a bit green at this. He took a seat at her neck and gave his thoughts to Milenthia. Even though they weren’t flying, their minds needed to be one, so that when they were in the air it would be second nature. He felt very nervous and Milenthia felt his erratic breathing. She sent calming thoughts his way and felt reassured when he seemed to calm down.
He sat at her neck and anticipated the signal to move. He found it frustrating waiting for Irrian to give the signal, but at last he did. Wanting to impress his trainers, Raythum jumped to his feet and walked backward like a young child taking his first steps. Shortly after he passed her wings, his left leg slipped and he took a fall to the ground knocking the wind from him.
He brushed the hair away from his reddened and embarrassed face, and climbed back up onto Milenthia’s back, eager for another attempt. He positioned himself as he had before and when indicated, he jumped to his feet and began again. This time he made it passed her wings and down to the base of her tail. Excited by his success, he walked back to her neck.
Careful not to get overconfident, he completed the exercise many more times throughout the morning. He took a couple more tumbles and his backside started to feel the effects of his failures, but he remained undeterred and felt success at his progress.
After lunch, the Elves decided to proceed to the next level. Morlidon grabbed Raythum’s sword and handed it to him. “You have done well, but any child could master this exercise if given enough attempts.” He noticed his pupil’s agitation and had to hold back a snicker. “Arm yourself and be prepared. I want you to do it again, but this time Irrian and Erualan will be attacking you. It will prove much more difficult to maintain your balance while under assault.”
“Just when I think I have mastered something…” Raythum muttered under his breath. He did as instructed and launched to his feet when signaled. He adopted a defensive posture as he inched his way back. Irrian approached first. Raythum blocked the blow and countered, continuing his backward movement. Before he could recover, Erualan launched an attack of his own. Raythum attempted to spin to dodge the blow and took another fall to the ground. This time hitting his head on a nearby log. He attempted several more times throughout the day, finding himself hitting the ground more often than finding any success. He discovered just how infuriating the whole thing could, and apparently would be.
After a long day of training, Raythum retreated to his quarters. His body ached everywhere and he smelled to high heaven. He couldn’t complain, though. He didn’t want the ridicule that would follow from the Elves. He intended to deal with it the best he could.
Once he reached his quarters, he stripped off his training equipment and looked out the window. His room sat high atop one of the larger trees in the forest with a spectacular view. He felt as if he could see the entire woodland area. The vision reminded him of large fluffy clouds; albeit green clouds, almost as if pillows of foliage stretched out before him as far as the eye could see. He pulled his gaze away long enough to realize dinner wouldn’t be ready for over an hour. He decided to clean up so he would be more presentable, before heading down to the dining hall.
The wind whipped through Raythum’s hair, forcing it into his face and obscuring his eyes. The snow-capped Ruvenkan Mountains flashed by as Milenthia completed a barrel roll. Raythum tightened his grip on her neck and tucked in behind her so he wouldn’t fall off. He never could’ve fathomed the types of maneuvers he could manage while on her back. They seemed like second nature now, and he enjoyed the rush and thrill filling his body.
They’d been training hard for the past five weeks. The time seemed to fly by, literally. Raythum looked back over his shoulder. Morlidon and Irrian were gaining on them. We have to lose them. He told Milenthia. Do you have any more tricks?
I think I might have one or two. Hold on tight, things might get a bit hairy. Her throaty chuckle rumbled through his head. She dropped her head and they plunged toward the ground. It crept up and Raythum almost lost his balance. You have to remember to relax your mind and feel my thoughts. In doing so, you will know how I’m going to move, so you won’t lose your balance.
He felt ashamed. He should know better by now. She could pick up on it, so he let the feelings go. I understand.
They approached the ground at a rapid pace. When they were mere feet from it, she leveled off. She tucked her wings back tight, and let her momentum carry them forward. Thick pine trees surrounded them and covered the rolling land making up the foothills. She weaved in and out of the trees, making it difficult for them to follow. The Elves had to slow down to stay close to her; there would be no getting ahead now, as they had no idea where she would go.
To the northwest lay a canyon carved out over the past millennia by the snowmelt from the mountain peaks. The rough jagged walls would make any maneuvers treacherous, but they both knew, minds linked, that it would be their best chance.
Raythum could see the mouth of the canyon, and Milenthia deadheaded for it at breakneck speed. Morlidon and Irrian anticipated her target, and increased their speed to try and cut her off. It proved to be a futile effort, though, as she beat them to it. Once in the canyon they faced a hard right turn. Raythum looked over his shoulder and spotted Irrian on his green Dragon. They closed and would be on them in a matter of moments. He steadied himself as Milenthia took another hard turn. She regained her balance and Raythum launched himself up onto his feet. They had fastened a rope to Milenthia’s neck to help steady him when he stood, and he held it in his hand now.
He braced his feet and let Milenthia’s thoughts flow through his body so he could anticipate her every movement. He turned around and faced the oncoming threat, pulling his wooden practice sword out in the process. He noticed Irrian’s movements, understanding he had adopted a similar posture, ready to attack. Milenthia had keyed into Raythum’s thoughts, similarly to the way he had hers, and stood poised to counter. She had a sharp turn ahead of her. She waited for Raythum to brace himself, before arching sharply. She dove in the process, slowing her momentum and allowing Irrian to pass them, before she came out of the turn behind him.
Raythum had time to appreciate the maneuver as he spun and reached across with his sword, landing a blow on the Elf’s shoulder. The attack knocked Irrian back, but he countered. Raythum jumped backwards to avoid the counter-strike and lost his balance. He stumbled and fell from Milenthia’s back, falling toward the ground.
Sensing his error, Milenthia turned and dove in Raythum’s direction. He flattened himself out to slow his momentum, remembering his training and allowing Milenthia to come up underneath him. She inched up and met him in mid-air. He scrambled for the rope and grabbed hold. Breathing from the adrenaline feeding through his body, he repositioned himself in a sitting position. He caught his breath and assured Milenthia he was okay.
I think we should call it for the day. Your nerves seem frazzled and I don’t think there’s any shame in postponing the drill.
Not accepting her appraisal of the situation, he harrumphed. I’m fine! Rejoin the fight.
I must protest. I don’t think it is wise. Her instincts were on high alert.
He rolled his eyes at her comments. I don’t recall asking for your opinion. He could feel her agitation and corrected himself. Please, I feel fine, and this isn’t the first time I have fallen. It
won’t be the last. I have to learn to control my feelings and it is of the utmost importance we rejoin the fight. This is a good learning experience; one I’m sure I will draw on later in life. It’s imperative we continue. You must trust me.
He could tell she didn’t trust his feelings, but if he seemed crazy enough to get back out there, she wouldn’t be the one to hold him back. Hold tight while I climb.
She launched up into the air to rejoin Irrian and Morlidon. They spotted their approach and broke off in separate directions. Milenthia chose to follow Morlidon, but kept close tabs on Irrian… as much as she could while in pursuit. Morlidon’s bronze Dragon took a sharp turn and took them down a narrow canyon. The tight canyon didn’t provide much room to maneuver, which frustrated Milenthia, but she did her best to creep ever closer.
Raythum let his own agitation rise to the surface. He wanted her to get in closer and approach from the side, missing the close rock walls. Climb above them. He ordered.
Sensing his intentions, she countered. No way! I cannot allow you to do that. This is just a training exercise, Raythum.
You have to do this. It is the only way in this tight canyon. I know I can do it and besides, I have to prove myself to my teachers.
She wanted to continue her rebuttal—he hadn’t ever done anything like this before, after all—but complied when she realized she couldn’t sway him. She couldn’t get over how stubborn he was at times. She pounded her wings and rose above Morlidon. Before the Elf knew what hit him, Raythum had jumped from her back and landed on him. Unprepared, the Elf couldn’t counter the attack and succumbed to Raythum’s sword.
Defeated, Morlidon threw up his hands. “I yield, I yield.” Raythum pulled the wooden sword away from the Elf. “I never thought you would attempt such a risky tactic. It caught me off guard. Well done.”
Raythum grinned. “Thanks. I never would’ve thought about attempting it either, there just wasn’t enough room in the canyon. I felt as if I only had a couple of options and this one just felt natural.”
“Well, I will never underestimate you again.” He offered the Human a smile. “May I suggest you resume your search for Irrian?”
Raythum nodded his head. Milenthia! He called out to her.
Both Dragons climbed out of the canyon and Milenthia flew closer. She dropped her altitude a little so she sat just below and off to the side of their current position. She matched their speed and Raythum made the leap, jumping on to her back.
It was a dangerous tactic, Raythum, but well done either way. It will take time to adjust to your risky behaviors. He thought he picked up on a note of begrudging admiration.
Thank you. My instincts have served me well throughout my life, and I have learned to trust them. This just came to mind and I had to go with it, and thank you for trusting me…I know it couldn’t have been easy. He looked at the sky in all directions. Any sign of Irrian?
I spotted them a few minutes ago far to the southwest. They are providing enough visibility to draw us in. I think they are attempting to bait us.
Raythum understood as he would’ve done the same if the situation were reversed. Well then, let’s draw them out.
He directed her to the southwest. The snow-covered peaks of the mountain range loomed in the distance and they had to increase their height, or risk running into them. They climbed higher and the cold air of the higher altitude tingled throughout Raythum’s exposed skin, bringing shivers to his body. It took everything in him to fight them back and remain in control.
I see them due west. They are at a lower altitude than we are. Milenthia relayed.
He could see what she saw through the bond. He felt comforted by his heightened senses. Good. Maintain this heading and let them chase us. He grinned. His out-of-the-box thinking had so far served them well. He just hoped it would in this case too. One of the largest craggy peaks sat in front of them. Milenthia climbed ever higher and Raythum pulled his cloak in tighter to keep in more of his body heat.
He looked over his shoulder and realized they had done it. Irrian and his Dragon now pursued them. The trap had been sprung. Clear the peak ahead of us, and then land on any well-concealed ledge you can find. Once they pass over us, we will launch into action and close in on their tail.
Milenthia couldn’t quite believe how comfortable and bold he had become in such a short time. You would think he had over a hundred years flying, not her. I‘m aware of what you’re planning, let me handle the flying. While she disagreed with some of his juvenile and hazardous tactics, he never seemed to lack creativity. If she could get him to allow her to control the flying, she thought they would have a long career together. She cleared the peak and dropped, following the natural curve of the rocky ground as it fell away from the peak. She spotted the perfect ledge, well concealed by a jagged outcropping of rock. She landed and they both caught their breath while they laid in wait.
It seemed like an eternity when they finally spotted the green head of Irrian’s Dragon cresting the peak of the mountain. They waited for a moment, recognizing the other pair’s confusion about their whereabouts. When they passed overhead, Milenthia launched into the air with her powerful rear legs. She beat her wings to gain speed and maintain their element of surprise. When they were within a few hundred yards, Irrian spotted them and the pair went into a defensive maneuver, diving down toward the green and white valley below.
Milenthia reacted, changing direction in a simple movement reminiscent of someone turning their head. Both Dragons and their riders spiraled to the fast approaching ground. One turned left, and the other gave chase. To anyone on the ground it would’ve appeared as a well-choreographed dance. Milenthia and Raythum shared their frustration through their bond. Raythum’s increased when Irrian turned his head and Raythum caught the smug grin stretching across the flawless olive face of the Elf.
Milenthia scanned the landscape stretching before them and predicted that Irrian would turn right in a matter of moments. This provided the edge Milenthia needed to make her move. She turned a fraction of a second before Irrian did, which put them in position to cut them off. Raythum already stood on his feet, sword in one hand, the rough rope in the other. As the two Dragons drew near one another, Raythum swung across the distance with his sword, landing a blow on Irrian’s back. He didn’t hold back either, using as much force as he could muster. The Elf fell forward, hitting his head on the neck of his Dragon.
Recognizing defeat, Irrian and his Dragon headed toward the ground. Raythum couldn’t help but feel pride for Milenthia. The way she had reacted boggled his mind-they were completely in tune with one another. At the thought, shame filled him as he realized he had been giving her orders. Sometimes he forgot how much experience she had. He would have to discuss it with her later.
There is no need for a discussion, Raythum, and I appreciate your kind thoughts. I know you’re new at this and have decided to keep my feelings to myself, until you are more accustomed to your new position, that is.
He thanked her, feeling embarrassed by his behavior, but the egos of some of his trainers had made him feel as if he needed to prove himself. He found Irrian, of all of his teachers, to be the most skeptical of his abilities and his new position. He took every opportunity to remind Raythum of his superiority. It maddened him at times, but today he could stand victorious and no one, not even an Elf could take it away from him.
Raythum turned on Milenthia’s back when he spotted a black form out of the corner of his eye. He turned and his eyes went wide as Erualan swung a blow with his own sword from the back of his black Dragon. All of the satisfaction Raythum had felt vanished in an instant as his defeat took its place. Erualan should’ve been busy and unable to conduct any training today; at least that is what he’d been told. The sword knocked the wind out of his lungs as he slumped to Milenthia’s back. In pain and feeling anger toward himself, he asked Milenthia to land. They joined the trio of Elves and their Dragons on the ground. Although not an outright smile, Raythum caug
ht the smug stare as he climbed off the back of Milenthia.
Morlidon approached him first, always the voice of reason, and the only one Raythum respected. “You did well today. I think both you and Milenthia illustrated how unorthodox tactics can be effective on the field of battle.” He patted the Human on the back. “Don’t hold your head low. You should hold it high. You did very well, up until Erualan surprised you. Although we did trick you with an aspect of today’s test, it shouldn’t matter. You always have to have your eyes on your enemies. You never know what to expect.”
“I’m just disappointed because I understand, and I know better. I took you at your word regarding Erualan’s absence in today’s training. I should’ve known better.”
“I wouldn’t worry about it too much. That’s why you are here. We are trying to throw any and all scenarios in your direction. I would’ve been shocked if you would’ve been prepared for it,” Morlidon replied. He started walking back toward the others. “What do you say we head back to Ferrindale for the evening?” Raythum nodded his head and they all mounted their Dragons.
Training Completed
After eight grueling weeks of training, Raythum and Milenthia left Ferrindale early in the morning mid-week. They both felt they had learned all they could from the Elves, and the time had come for them to finish their training in the real world. The morning air felt crisp with a breeze nipping at their flesh as they walked away from the tree city. The sun had crested the horizon in the west when Erualan, Irrian, Morlidon and Queen Pirphul met them just outside the city boundaries. They each carried a lantern, offering an eerie, orange glow.
The queen spoke first. “We wish you well on your future journeys. My riders tell me you have learned all they can teach you, but more, you both bring honor to the position. This isn’t something we expected when we learned a Human would be gracing our city for training. You’ve won over our hearts, Raythum, and my hope is for a renewed peace between our races.” She offered him a full smile.
The Rising Past: Book 2 in The Keepers of the Orbs Series Page 20