The Dragon Knight Order (9 page)

The ceremony included greetings from the top students and teachers to the dragons and went on uneventfully until it was time to introduce the new students and the Guardians.

“And so,” said Chairman Zeak. “Without further ado, I present to you; Ilean of the House of Halla and Evy of the province of Athor. The two of them, as most of you have heard, have been transferred here so that they can join the Dragon Knight branch.”

There was a sudden out roar of cheering and shouting from the students. They were yelling things from "Go Knights" to "Death to the Irkanians." They had gone so mad with their shouting that even the Chairman's silence spell couldn't force them into silence.

“SILENCE!” shouted Arthur. His silence spell brought quiet to the ceremony hall within in seconds of being casted. “Will you let the chairman speak? You can howl and cheer all you want AFTER he is finished speaking.”

He then released his spell and everyone started whispering to those standing close to them.

“Ah yes, well thank you Arthur,” said Chairman Zeak. Arthur's only reply was a nod of the head. “As I was saying, they will be joining the Dragon Knights and with them a new rank will be integrated into the Dragon Knight order; The Guardians. They will be composed of battlemages, commanders and healer branch students that are to serve and train with the Dragon Knights. Selection will be based on recommendations from Knights and dragons, as well as by their ability within their branch. They will have the same responsibilities as a Knight and will answer only to members of the Dragon Knight Orders or by a direct decree of the Holy Emperor Clause II.  The first two Guardians will be Adria Orla and Axcel of the House of Dextra.  I trust you will make us all proud,” said the Chairman pointing at both of them.

I thought that the new Knights had made the students go crazy. Well I was wrong. When the Chairman announced Adria's and Axcel’s names the entire student body had erupted into a mass of shouting and screaming. It made all three dragons flinch because of the sudden outburst of sound. The yelling and shouting was so intense this time around, you couldn't even hear Sir Arthur’s silence spell. I looked at both Ilean and Evy. They seemed to be shocked at the ruckus the student were causing. I guess there academies were stricter than ours. Master Shadow and the other two members of the Dragon Council didn't seem to think it was important to stay, so they spread their wings to take flight and left. After they left, I grabbed Adria, Ilean, Evy and Axcel and headed to the Sky Dome were I hoped we would be safe from the celebrations.

A Grim Reality

When we got there all three dragons were standing by fountain. “You managed to get away from celebrations,” said Lord Lux.  “You humans tend to celebrate for just about anything. I find it to be a ridiculous practice.”

“On the contrary Lux, it makes them lively. I am sure you can agree that without their outburst of emotions, humans would be rather dull as a species, like the dwarves,” said Lord Vicis.

“I believe we have other business to attend apart from idle chatting,” replied Lord Lux.

“Indeed we do,” said Lord Vicis. “Well young Knights, as you might or should know, since its creation, the Empire has had but one enemy, the Irkanians. They appeared around five hundred years ago along the borders of Cardias, a then strong country from before the human empire had formed. At first, only a few nomadic tribes roamed the land aimlessly but soon their numbers grew and so did their aggressiveness towards humans and dragons. Ten years after the first sightings of the Irkanians, a massive army mobilized from the east and with one savage strike they brought down Cardias, Belocrush and Triton, humanities strongest nations. This gave the Twelve Noble families the excuse they needed to seize power and unify all of humanity under one banner, the Empire. The first Emperor, Richard the Protector raised a grand army like no other in all of history and marched east to meet the Irkanian threat head on. Together with the Dragon Knight Order, the dragons that decided to join the fight, elves and dwarves.”

She continued, “They fought the Irkanians for days on end. The war lasted longer than most had predicted. The Irkanians were what can be considered the natural enemies of humans; aggressive, strong, well versed in old magic, and had a particular interest in both human and dragon meat. This, coupled with their strong desire to conquer everything in sight made the Irkanian Empire a formidable enemy by any standards. After five years of fighting, the numerical advantage that humans held over the Irkanians had finally began to show and it was decided that a final campaign into the heart of the Irkanian territory would be enough to terminate their threat once and for all. It was during the final campaign, amidst the ruins of the old Cardian capital, that the Irkanian unleashed their sinister plan. Not long after their first strike, the Irkanians began fighting a defensive war. During the five years of fighting, they always kept the façade of being on the retreat while in secret they plotted to finish the war in one final battle. The plan was the remaining troops of their army and high hierarchy would meet in battle with the grand human army and Dragon Knight Order to decide the outcome of the war in one swift battle. The battle at the old Cardian capital soon became known as the Plains of Sorrow due to the massive loss of life that took place there. While the human-drago alliance won the battle and brought an end to the war, victory had not come without its price. Dragon Knight Order had been reduced to a little fewer than thirty Knights; many dragons had also lost their lives fighting alongside the humans and the human army had lost three quarters of its men. The heavy losses were also reflected on the dwarves and elves. At the time it had been inconceivable for a Dragon Knight to be defeated in a one on one fight, but the Irkanians proved that to be child’s play during the Plains of Sorrow when their ruling hierarchy engaged the Knights in battle.” 

The sorrow in her voice was heartbreaking. I remembered the story of Evander, the Dragon Knight who had seen and heard a dragoness weep over the dead bodies of her offspring and mate. He later described the effects it had on him. “My world has lost its colors. I can no longer hear the birds as they sing. The wind no longer blows in my face and happiness has become but a distant memory that I can no longer recall.” He died a few days later in his sleep; his friends and fellow Knights concluded it was of sadness.

“Just so you understand the might of the Irkanian Empire held at its height. We outnumbered them one to eight at the Plains of Sorrow, but their average foot solider could easily defeat three human ones and an Irkanian legion commander could win a one on one battle and kill a Dragon Knight Master. After the legion commanders and generals decided to join the battle directly, it become evident just how powerful they were.  Dragon Knights died all around that day and so did dragons,” said Master Shadow with evident distaste.

“Considering that after general there are still two more military ranks in the Irkanian Empire, you can understand just how easily we were overwhelmed. The survivors of that dreadful day were the Order’s strongest and luckiest. Five hundred years ago humans had been fighting each other for centuries maybe even a millennia before uniting against a common enemy. They were strong, fierce and heading to their own destruction. When the Irkanians attacked, it changed everything for humans and dragons. For the first time in your history and ours, we had to worry about being wiped out by another enemy rather than ourselves. Humans and dragons of that time were battle harden veterans of war.  Five hundred years of peace can make you soft; forgetful of the horrors of the past; if the Irkanians were to attack in the current state of the Empire, they would march all the way to the capital, Alexandria, and there is nothing we could do to stop them,” said Lord Lux.

“But Lord Lux, wouldn't the same be true for the Irkanians? Maybe they understood they couldn't win then and they wouldn't win now?” I dared asking.

“I agree with him Lord. They might have been formidable once. But they might have also declined in power just as we have,” said Axcel.

“It is also fairly common knowledge that our magic, armor, weapons and military structure has advanced greatly in 500 years. The common foot solider of the Empire, while having no real combat experience, is better trained and is better equipped than a soldier 500 years ago. Making it safe to say he is stronger than his 500 year old counterpart,” said Ilean.  I was impressed by her knowledge of the inner works of Imperial military but I guess it is only natural when your family controls one of the academies of the Empire.

“That might be so but it has not stopped the Irkanians from killing hundreds of soldiers along the border every year,” said Evey dryly. It was through the voice of experience that she spoke, having lost her family to the Irkanians.

“Sadly, she is correct. Not only has it not stopped them, but also as of late, the attacks have been increasing in frequency and size. There are rumors of a possible invasion being spread through the border and upper echelons of Alexandria. We fear they might be true and this time around we might not be able to repel them like we did in the past. We no longer count with the might of the Dragon Knights or a strong army,” said Lord Vicis. “At best we could delay them long enough to ask for help from the elves of the southern continent or the dwarves deep underground. However we are apprehensive of receiving help from either, as the elves are currently locked in a bitter civil war and we have not heard so much as a whisper from the dwarves in years. Even that would not guarantee victory.” 

“We will rise to become mighty once again. This I promise you Lord Vicis and I will not rest until it is so,” I said bowing before the bronze dragon.  It was a monumental promise but my only thoughts were in protecting those dear to me.

“Neither shall we,” said Adria while she, Axcel, Evy and Ilean bowed behind me.

“You have trained them well Shadow. I am sure you will not fail to impress me Alex. A fine leader you have turned into,” said Lord Vicis looking down at me with her massive bronze eyes.

“Humph. What can three Knights and two humans do to stop the coming storm? You make promises you cannot keep. You haven’t even seen the real horrors of the battlefield; your comrades face down in the mix of blood and mud with a sword impaled in their chests. How do you think your courage will hold then? Let me make this simple for you… judging from how that girl stares at you and stands closely to you, I can assume she either likes you a lot or has been with you for a long time. Now picture her dead because of your inability to protect her. That is where your promise will lead them and if you do survive it will haunt you for the rest of your days and you shall never know peace,” said Lord Lux fiercely. He then spread his wings and took off.

Silence fell over the Sky Dome as we watched the white dragon disappear into the distance. It was clear he was trying to hurt me, to discourage me and he had succeeded in doing so. I tried looking over to Adria but she was looking down as if to avoid anyone who might look her way.

Axcel broke the silence with a question, “What’s his problem? Why does he hate humans so much?”

“He doesn't hate you. He simply lost hope in your kind and in himself a long time ago,” said Lord Vicis sadly.

“What do you mean?” asked Ilean.

“Hope that he can save you.”

I looked around at the faces of the others and I was relieved to see their confusion. I wasn’t the only one who didn’t understand.

“And that is a story for another time,” said Lord Vicis noticing our interest in the topic. “Right now, I believe Alex has to get everyone settled in and introduce them to what it means to be a part of the Dragon Knights. Tomorrow you shall all officially start your Guardian and Dragon Knight Class under Shadow.”

She then bid us farewell and flew off. They expect an invasion to occur soon and it was more than evident why regular humans have been allowed to join the Dragon Knights. It was an attempt at bolstering our ranks and creating fighters that could stand on their own against Irkanians. As it stands there isn't much 18 Knights and two humans could do if the Irkanians decided to attack, but 18 Dragon Knights and three hundred dragon trained battlemages and commanders could have a very profound effect on a battlefield and even steer the outcome of a war in our favor. I was lost in thought when Adria jarred me back into reality. I realized that I had yet to organize them into each other’s respective Sky Dome area.

“Alright, before I let you go pick your rooms in the dorms I want to first give you an introduction of what the Dragon Knights are. Even if you think you know I might have some insight you don’t have.”

“The Dragon Knights, known to the commoners as Dragon Master and to the Emperor as the Dragon Swords, are a separate entity existing outside of the Empire’s rule. While still obeying imperial law they do not answer to any imperial subject except the Emperor himself. Charged with upholding the law, peace between dragons and humans and dealing with rogue elements of either race, they are considered by many to be the police force of the Empire and dragons alike, answering any sort of plea for help. They also serve in some cases as ambassadors.  Within the Order, there exists five Dragon Knight Ranks and two newly introduced human ranks. I will simply give you an overview of each rank.”

I continued, “The first rank is Dragon Dealer. These are comprised of the early stages of your training. In order to advance in rank, you will have to learn and control at least three basic elements up to the point that you can create a Vorm of each. You will also have to create your first Deal with a dragon who agrees to do so. A thorough understanding of the principles, ethics and history of the Order is also required. Once all those requirements have been fulfilled, you will have a battle with a senior Rider in which he will either pass you or fail you. During your time as a Dragon Dealer, you will also be taught various survival skills needed for when you are on a quest for the Order or the Empire. The uniform you wear represents your current rank; Dragon Dealers wear light blue.”

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The next rank is Dragon Knight. This is the point where you stop being a trainee. Of course you will still be learning, but you are also expected to be an active member of the Dragon Knights. The Emperor may call upon you to fulfill a quest or a task assigned by him. At this point in your training you must seek out a dragon with a special attribute. Magma, ice, forest and storm dragons are the basis of which a Dragon Knight is built upon. Mastering one of those attributes is a long and hard process of rigorous training, but once achieved you will be a step closer to a Dragon Master. Uniforms are black.”

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The third rank is Dragon Master. He who can control all of the regular dragon attributes can become a Dragon Master. To become a Dragon Master, you have to pass a test of stamina, since dragon attributes magic has a continuous drain on a Knight. It is not a question of mastering the attributes; it's a question of whether you can sustain them. They also hold the noble title of Duke. Their uniform is green.  Almost all Knights max out their skill level at this point. With all the elemental deals formed and one dragon attribute.”

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The Dragon Rider is the second highest rank and can only be obtained after you form a deal with a darkness, light or time attribute dragon and have mastered all four dragon attributes. These are legendary level deals that drain the Knight magically and physically to such an extent it will place their life in danger if used carelessly. They must also learn and master three of the five legendary spells; Brunas, the impenetrable armor; Vaben, the weapon of death; and Galdur, the universal restorer. Only the very best can manage to obtain this rank. They are also called Dragon Rider's because if a dragon allows them to, they can ride on the dragon's back during battle or simply for transportation. Their uniform is usually white.”