Dragon Trials (Return of the Darkening Book 1) (19 page)

She glanced at me, eyes wide. “I think you must be having problems with your memory.”

“But Commander Hegarty said…”

“The commander spoke with Prince Justin—and with me and my family. Commander Hegarty couldn’t remember ordering us to stay behind. So maybe he’s the one having memory problems. Now will you shut up and enjoy the day—we’re about to become Dragon Riders.”

She grinned and faced front. I did the same, looking forward to where Merik and Varla stood side by side, looking resplendent in their Dragon Rider armor and horned helmets. Thea looked the same—we were all struggling to stay fierce, but we kept breaking out in grins like horned fools. The Academy had been opened and a wooden platform set up. The training area was crowded with instructors, families, nobles.

The high-pitched calls of ecstatic dragons filled the air as they flew past in perfect unison. First a triangular wedge, then two lines of dragons, all ridden by the best Dragon Riders. The crowd applauded as the final detachment of flying dragons separated from the group and flew downwards in lazy circles to the wooden platforms on the top of the walls. Our dragons were here to be celebrated, too.

“Your highnesses,” Commander Hegarty’s voice rang out, raising a goblet to the royal box where the king, queen and Prince Justin sat. “My lords and ladies, instructors, riders, families, friends, we hereby toast these new Dragon Riders. Long may they ride the air in defense of King and Torvald. May they have courage, honor and know the comradeship of the Academy.”

A cheer rose from the crowd. People toasted and drank. I scanned the crowd and finally saw the banner for House of Flamma—a couple that must be Thea’s father and mother stood, the man looking proud and the woman looking even more so. Thea finally had what she wanted—the respect of her parents. I glanced around and finally saw my father, step-mother and sister. For once Da looked like he was sober, and in a new jacket as well. He kept nudging the people around him and pointing to me. I looked away, my face hot.

Commander Hegarty waited for the crowd to settle, then lifted his voice again. “And I would like to say, my good assembled guests, this has been a trying time for Torvald, and for these new recruits in particular. The mining communities in the Leviathan Mountains were threatened and saved, but there may be dark days ahead. It is due to the courage of a few who risked all to whom we must give our greatest thanks. And I know you will join me in thanking these new riders, these navigators, protectors, and their dragons for standing fast against all dangers.”

Another cheer rose from the crowd. I could feel my cheeks burning. Next to me, Thea nudged an elbow into my side. It was obvious that Commander Hegarty couldn’t give us medals—the secret of the stones had to be kept. But I was happy to graduate with the other cadets—that was thanks enough.

“Now, will the newest recruits take the ancient oath of the rider.”

I opened my mouth, along with every Dragon Rider, to swear the oath:

By the first dragon, I will always fly true,

To protect my partner, my dragon, and my king,

To help those who need my aid,

And to fight again the unjust, the unkind, and the enemies of Torvald

“Congratulations, cadets, you are now Dragon Riders. Come and receive your tokens,” Commander Hegarty announced. The crowd cheered and tossed flowers into the air. One by one, the protector and navigator partners walked solemnly up to receive their tokens of office. In a few moments, it was our turn and we walked up to Commander Hegarty who pressed a pair of finely-tooled leather gloves of navigator ranking into my hands and the silver-gilt dagger of the protector into Thea’s.

“Congratulations,” the commander whispered as he gave us our tokens of office. “And I am happy you followed my orders to keep the Academy safe—even if that meant leaving it without telling anyone. Just don’t make it a habit.” He winked at me. Those small words meant the world to me.

We continued up the stairs to the platforms, following the line of riders to their dragons. Kalax excitedly chirruped and put her large, red snout down to be scratched.

Both I and Thea reached a hand out to scratch Kalax’s nose. I felt Thea’s other hand slip into mine.

We might not know what was about to happen, what it meant now that the Darkening was back, and two of the three dragon stones were in the hands of the Dragon Riders. Lord Vincent was still out there, and still might be plotting against Torvald. But, whatever was on the horizon, we would face it together—the three of us.

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