The Dragon Rider's Chronicles

Sanz mumbled in his sleep, pulling his arm over his head


Little one, the fae has prepared a meal for you and the other trainees. Your body cannot function on sleep alone


Grugh . . . Fine


Sanz let out a yawn as he pulled himself out of bed. He pulled on a leather vest and sheathed his blade across his back. He splashed his face briefly before walking up to where the meal was. He noticed a blur beside him as Neera dashed passed screaming about food. Mental note, keep food on hand if he needed her for something.
 
Matthais hadn't gotten any sleep in the medical bay either. His mind had been racing with what his powers signified. The prophecy... whatever it said, meant he was destined for something, grand. He didn't know where the power came from. Was it something that was gifted to him by the dragons? Or was it intrinsic to him, because he was as he was did it make him capable of this magic.


The link to ancestry was indicative of a power granted to him. Did the divination make his life hard? Did it bring about the fall of his family or just predict it? Matthais looked up at his hand as he stretched it before him. Divination hadn't been something he'd ever thought about as a serious form of magic. He always dismissed it as the realm of crack-pots and charlatans but now that he was the subject of one... He closed his hand and sat up at the sound of a distance bell. He didn't have any answers about it save one.


He still didn't like it.
 
Kenzo slowly stood and nodded. "I suppose so," he said with a slight grin at Ardra. He walked over and opened the door. "After you," he said with a small gesture with his hand.
 
Neera was ravenously shoving food down her throat like she was a starving animal. "It's *munch* deli *munch* cious *munch* Kest *munch* us *munch*."


----


Ardra smiled and nodded, curtsying in a silly way. "Why, thank you." She laughed as she walked out the door and started to head towards the food.


----


Iris passed by the medical bay and saw Matthais. "Was it you earlier that was sending out enough magical energy that it felt like a miniature supernova?" She walked in and stood looking at him, hands on her hips.
 
Kenzo followed Ardra into the common room, and saw what looked to him like a magnificent feast. He gathered himself a plateful of food and sat on an empty couch, digging in immediately. After several bites he looked over to the fairy. "Kestus, my friend, you've outdone yourself. This is amazing!" he said with wide eyes, and continued eating.
 
"Yeah, I burned my room down," Matthais said as he headed toward dinner. "I'm assuming Kestus rang that bell for dinner. Care to join us?" He asked nonchalantly as he walked away.
 
"It's a simple dinner, nothing more." Kestus blushed a bit at the praise. "I did the best I could with the materials provided. I just hope the Council members are also content with the food."


"If I like it..." Neera paused her eating for a moment to speak. "Then I guarantee my mother will like it. Our tastes are so alike."


Ardra was silent as she savored the taste of the food. Kestus truly was an amazing cook.


----


Iris sighed. "You practiced the powers of the sun in a flammable area? Maybe I should've warned you...." She followed after him, her steps quickening as she smelled the food at the other end of the long hallway wafting down.
 
Kenzo remained silent at the mention of Neera's mother. He was internally searching for a solution to his problem...considering the truth behind his clan's demise, how much of that did Queen Sentoni know? He decided that if he go another chance to speak with her, relatively alone, he would ask for her side of the story...but how would he arrange such a meeting?


"Neera," he began, looking over to the young woman in question, "sometime in the very near future, I need to speak with your mother in relative privacy. By that I mean anyone among us recruits can be present, but council members and Draconas would likely get in the way. Is this acceptable?"
 
Matthais chuckled, "Yeah yeah, Know-it-all, lets get there before Neera eats everything." And he doubled up his pace to get down the hall and saw his fellows eating and sat down with them. He spoke between swallowing and taking another bite, "Well, any word on what our next mission will be? The interruption of the council can't keep us grounded for too long. We have a lot to learn."
 
"Perhaps I can make that arrangement work." Neera raised her eyebrows. "Though, one must ask the question as to what you are speaking to her about." Her eyes turned to Matthais. "Draconas is hung up with the Council being here. He may just send us out to do mundane tasks."


"How boring. Life stops all because of those people?" Kestus hmphed.


"Of course. Those people control the fates of every person on this continent." Ardra answered.
 
"So preoccupy yourself. If you have time to be complaining about how much power those people hold, you have time to be training yourself into a better warrior."


Sanz set his blade to the side before digging into the meal


"Thank you for the feast."
 
"Can you honestly not guess?" Kenzo said in reaction to Neera's inquiry. He gave a few seconds of pause before speaking up again. "If you're worried about me acting distastefully, you need not. I merely wish to converse."
 
"Well, I for one won't just sit by as the politicking goes on and on. I'm heading out after dinner for a night ride." Matthais said pausing for dramatic effect as he looked into the eyes of those at the table with an adventurous glint in his eye. "Who's with me?"
 
"...an interesting proposition..." Kestus' eyes glinted. A midnight ride with just one of the men around here would be worth all the work I had to do to get this feast ready.


Ardra looked between Kenzo and Neera. "....perhaps this can be discussed a little later? I mean, that ride kinda sounds good."


"I'll see if I can arrange it with Mom later." Neera narrowed her eyes. "For now, I think a night ride might be a bit of fun."
 
Sanz closed his eyes


Auntyrmarun, you up for another flight?


I am always ready, little one.


Sanz's mouth turned up slightly in a smile. It would be nice to feel the night air without worrying about training for a little while


"Night air sounds good . . ."
 
Kenzo nodded. "Very well. I agree, it does sound entertaining," he said and stood. He went to his room and (finally) donned his shirt. After all, he had said he wouldn't put it back on until he ate. He returned to the common room. "Shall we go, then?" he inquired.
 
Matthais scooped up the last of his food and left for his room. He donned his orange and black jacket, strapped his shield to his back and put on a pair of goggles before he returned to the main room. "Well let's get to it then. The night air calls to me."


He marched off to the hanger.
 
Kenzo followed suit, and as soon as he reached the hangar a roar shook the room...it could only have been Bane. Kenzo strolled over to his draconic partner, placing a hand on her muzzle in greeting. Ready for a night flight? He sent over.


Sounds like fun, Bane replied. However, the next time you jump off without warning me, I'll have to hurt you.


Kenzo chuckled. I hope that won't be necessary anymore.


I should hope not, Bane replied with a slightly teasing glint in her eye. I hope by now that you've found easier ways to court a woman.


Kenzo reddened furiously. Wha...What are you talking about?


Bane gave a growl-like laugh. Come now, Kenzo, even without our psychic link I could tell how you feel about Ardra. You spend an awfully long amount of time in her room...


"Wha...?! That's none of your business!" Kenzo exclaimed in his embarrassment, and blinked as he looked over to meet the puzzled glances he was getting from most everyone in the hangar. He reddened even more and inwardly wished it was daytime so he could have an excuse to wear his sugegasa. He closed his eyes to blot out external stimuli. Sorry...My personal feelings are inconsequential. I'd rather you not bring that up...


Bane sighed. Whatever. The more you bottle your feelings the harder it is for you to deal with them when it counts.


Kenzo leapt into the air into Bane's saddle. "...I am well aware," he muttered, "but that doesn't make it any easier."


Bane snorted. He wasn't wrong...but he was still an idiot. Regardless of how he acted, she knew that there was a relationship between him and Ardra. She grinned somewhat deviously and projected something to Kenzo that made him almost fall off his saddle in embarrassment. "That's DEFINITELY none of your business, even if...!" He said, flabbergasted, as Bane launched herself into the night air, laughing loudly. Her human was way to easy to mess with.
 
Matthais walked up to Sikstaxen and stroked under her eye. Hello, Golden One, it is good to see you again. I have learned something in our short time apart.


She purred at his scratch, or at least roared friendly-like, as she spoke to him through his mind. Ah yes, I felt and then saw that, Little Spark. You've done well to find it so soon.


Matthais hopped up onto his dragon and secured his legs. He made sure his shield was tight on his back. Thank you. Shall we fly?Sikstaxen was leaping off the edge after Bane before Matthais had finished his thought. He clung to her in his saddle as the air wisked through his hair.


The moon shown over the dragons like a great egg, full and beautiful. The joyous screams of a young man bounced around the inner canyon as Sikstaxen flew over the edge and towards the beach.
 
Sanz gave something of a sigh at the many exclamations hitting his elven ears. There was a point where excitement became entirely too much . . . something the dragon princess proved multiple times on a daily basis.


Let them have their fun, stress is handled differently by all.


doesn't mean I like it


You don't have to like it, merely understand it and accept it.


Sanz shook his head as he hoisted himself up into the saddle. He was rapidly finding it was somewhat difficult to hide things from a psychic dragon that communicated to you via thought on a regular basis.


The night air greeted his face as Auntyrmarun took off. No acrobatics this time . . . just some time to get away from the political side of things . . . something he wanted to part in
 
Kestus approached Dezeld's sleeping form cautiously. He was aware that his Icu dragon did not react well to being awakened from his sleep suddenly. His wings barely made a sound as he flew to his dragon.


...fairy....I can hear you coming from a mile away.


Kestus sighed. Perhaps but I was still trying to find a way to wake you up without disturbing you too horribly.


Child, there is no way to wake me up without disturbing me. Now, I can hear the chatter from the other dragons and I know what apparently you riders want to do. So get on with it so I can get back here and get the rest of my sleep.


Kestus nodded and climbed aboard Dezeld's back. His dragon was nothing if not intelligent and insightful.


----


Ardra could tell Majeir was already awake when she kept hearing his massive boulder-like tail hitting the ground in excitement. Ready for some fun, Majeir?


I'm ready for anything that you are ready for, Ardra. Let's join the others in the night sky.


Ardra jumped onto Majeir's back and took off after the others quickly.


----


Eldran was already standing next to the opening out into the night air waiting for Neera. You're so slow, Neera. If you don't hurry up, Bane and the others will leave us behind!


Bane will probably do that anyways. Neera's eyes followed Eldran's gaze as he watched the giant fire dragon that was hurtling through the sky. But at least we can try to give them a run for their money. With that, she jumped aboard Eldran, letting out a whoop as the two flew after the others.
 
Bane flew gracefully beneath the starry sky, with not a single cloud blocking the view. She leveled out into a glide, her wings stretched taut. Kenzo stood on the saddle, letting the cool air rush over his face. He closed his eyes for a few seconds, letting out a deep calming breath. He opened his eyes as he gazed upwards at the stars, and a small peaceful smile crept onto his face. He was most relaxed at night.


Bane? Kenzo began, his smile fading as he concentrated. I would like to request your opinion on something.


Go on, Bane replied, bemused.


I...Well, I used to belong to the Soromine clan, but it was wiped out, and at the same time my surname was stripped from me, Kenzo said. Furthermore, through...recent developments, I have further turned my back to my heritage, as well as cutting ties to country and those in power. Now that I have so little to my name...what does that make me?


...So basically, Bane sent over with a slightly irritated tone, you want me to tell you who you are?


Er, Kenzo said hesitantly, I suppose so, yes.


You're an idiot, Bane immediately shot back.


Kenzo blinked in surprise. "Wha...?" he said aloud.


Bane rolled her eyes before turning her head so that she could sternly gaze at Kenzo. The only one who can determine who you are is YOURSELF!


Bane blinked again at that. After another few seconds he sighed and smiled appreciatively at Bane. I see. Thank you, Bane. You're more insightful than I thought.


Bane faced forward again. Hmph. Anything else? She replied shortly, her mouth giving a momentary twitch as she forced herself not to smile.


Kenzo chuckled. No, at least for now.


Bane waited for Kenzo to sit back down before shooting off at high speed, looping and rolling though the tranquil night.
 
Sanz closed his eyes and laid back against Auntyrmarun's back, barely being held in the saddle. The night air swept through a few loose strands of his hair, sending them astray about his face.


What troubles you little one?


You can read my mind


I prefer to ask


Sanz let out a sigh as he opened his eyes, looking at the starry sky that lazily glided past his vision


What that moon-girl said . . .


The moon dragonborn?


Whatever she was--that doesn't matter to me


But her words haunt you


That someone will die if I cannot contain my fury in the midst of battle . . . Auntyrmarun I've tried. I try every time I draw this blade, but the pain and rage of that night overtakes all my senses. It is not something that can be controlled . . . but someone will die if I don't


Auntyrmarun was quiet for a few minutes, as the other dragons engaged in their shenanigans


Perhaps . . . have you spoken of anyone else to this?


None but that witch who forcefully entered my dreams. How do I begin to talk about this? Who would know or understand?


The dark elf holds many painful secrets in his past. And despite her appearance, the princess may be able to help you more than you think.


Sanz pulled himself up to look at Auntyrmarun


"What? That girl in a woman's body?"


She may be more than she appears
 
The girl that was "more than she appears" stared up into the night sky. This group of people seemed okay now. One of them irritated her, however. That Sanz acted as if he was above her more than half the time.


You're brooding on such a beautiful night? What is this madness? Dezeld's voice echoed in her head.


I act like a child so I'm not given responsibilities but I hate being treated like a child. That Sanz especially gets on my nerves.


Spirit child, the longer you hide who and what you are, the harder it will be for the others to completely accept it.


I know, doesn't make it any easier.
 
Sikstaxen flew low over the beach her left wingtip touching the crashing waves as she banked with the slow curve of the island.


A perfect night for flying, little one. Is anything known about the plans for the future?


Matthais responded, None that I have heard from the council... or anyone else for that matter. Apparently the plan is to wait for the prophecy to play out and have half the world destroyed before anything is done. Matthais struck his thigh with his clenched fist. Debating and deliberating seem to be a might bit more important to them.


So we train?


Aye, Golden One. We train. With that Sikstaxen pulled up and they started an assent to the heavens. Matthais tried to meditate on the dragons back. To become accustomed to the weaves and turns to make them something normal, boring, and mundane. All the while Sikstaxen flew crazily. Diving and spining. Rolling and buzzing the ground. Putting Matthais through his paces. As this became something Matthais felt more comfortable with he began to call out his power of light. Just small amounts and he would try and hit precise targets.


Lances of light leaped from his hands at the trunks of trees at odd stones and the like. He honed his aim with the new magic, in his meditative rage he had much more power and control over his magic.


At this low level he was able to consistently hit something larger than a barn. Unsatisfied, he drew more of himself away behind the red-gold anger. His aim improved and so did the power of each blast. They pierced the night and struck with more accuracy. He felt content that he could hit a carriage at this level, do strafing runs at stationary targets. He went deeper and no man was safe. He went deeper still and could sear a single leaf off of a tree's branch.


The problem wasn't distance. He could aim as far as he could see. His eyes became unreliable the farther out he tried to aim. Not to mention the range finding and the prediction involved in the attacks. He didn't need to wait for the projectile to hit but had to lead a target slightly due to the buildup of the energy and the vast speeds at which he moved. The cold anger of his state gave him focus and control needed to think about those things more clearly.


I need moving targets. With the gold-red film over his eyes he looked at Bane and Kenzo and charged a small blast just before them and released.
 
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