Chương 21: Chapter 21: The Dragon Rider

Draven stood at the edge of a vast, wind-swept plateau, the rocky landscape stretching out before him like a barren sea. The journey to this remote part of Valoria had been long and arduous, and the cold, biting wind was a stark reminder of just how far from civilization he had traveled. But the journey had not been in vain—he was searching for someone, someone who could help him understand the growing power within him.

As he gazed out over the horizon, Draven's thoughts were interrupted by a sudden rush of wind. He instinctively ducked as a massive shadow passed overhead, followed by the deafening roar of a dragon. His heart leaped into his throat as he looked up to see the enormous beast circling above, its scales shimmering like molten metal in the light of the setting sun.

But it wasn't the dragon that caught Draven's attention—it was the rider perched on its back, a figure clad in dark armor with a long, flowing cloak trailing behind them. The rider guided the dragon with expert precision, swooping low over the plateau before landing gracefully on a nearby outcropping.

Draven's breath caught in his throat as the dragon folded its wings and the rider dismounted. The figure approached, the sound of armored boots crunching on gravel echoing in the silence. As the rider drew nearer, Draven could make out more details—a woman, tall and imposing, with piercing green eyes that seemed to see straight through him. Her dark hair was pulled back into a tight braid, and her armor was adorned with intricate designs that marked her as a warrior of great skill.

"You must be Draven," the woman said, her voice low and steady. "I've been expecting you."

Draven's surprise was evident, but he quickly regained his composure. "And you must be Aria, the dragon rider."

Aria nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "I see word of my reputation has reached even the far corners of Valoria. But I'm not just a dragon rider—I'm here to help you understand what you've become."

Draven frowned, unsure of what she meant. "What I've become?"

Aria's gaze softened slightly. "The Dragonheart is a powerful relic, Draven, and it has chosen you for a reason. But that power comes with a price, and it's up to you to learn how to control it. That's why I'm here—to teach you."

Draven felt a surge of relief at her words. Since discovering the Dragonheart, he had struggled to understand its power and what it meant for him. Aria's arrival felt like a lifeline, a chance to finally gain some clarity.

"I've been searching for answers," Draven admitted. "The power of the Dragonheart is growing stronger, but I don't know how to control it."

Aria nodded, her expression serious. "That's why we need to start your training right away. There's much you need to learn, and time is not on our side."

She gestured toward the dragon, which had settled down on the rocky outcropping, its golden eyes watching them intently. "This is Zephyra, my companion and partner. She and I will be guiding you through your training."

Draven's gaze shifted to the dragon, awe and trepidation mixing in equal measure. He had never been this close to a dragon before, and the sheer size and power of the creature were overwhelming.

Aria noticed his hesitation and smiled. "Don't worry, Draven. Zephyra is as loyal as they come. She's here to help, not harm."

With that, Aria turned and walked toward Zephyra, who lowered her head in a gesture of trust. Aria placed a hand on the dragon's snout, and Zephyra closed her eyes, a low rumble of contentment emanating from her chest.

"Come," Aria called over her shoulder. "There's something I need to show you."

Draven hesitated for only a moment before following her. As he approached Zephyra, the dragon opened one eye and fixed him with a piercing gaze. Draven felt a shiver run down his spine, but he pushed the fear aside and reached out a hand.

To his surprise, Zephyra lowered her head further, allowing him to touch her. The dragon's scales were warm and smooth beneath his fingers, and Draven felt a surge of energy flow through him at the contact.

"She likes you," Aria said, a note of approval in her voice. "That's a good sign."

Draven looked up at her, curiosity burning in his eyes. "What is it you need to show me?"

Aria's expression grew serious once more. "There's a place, deep within the mountains, where the dragons gather—a place where you can truly begin to understand the power of the Dragonheart. But the journey there is not without its dangers."

Draven nodded, his resolve hardening. "I'm ready."

Aria smiled faintly. "I hope so. Because once we begin, there's no turning back."

With that, she mounted Zephyra in one fluid motion, the dragon's wings unfurling in preparation for flight. She extended a hand to Draven, who hesitated only for a moment before grasping it and pulling himself up behind her.

"Hold on tight," Aria instructed. "The winds can be fierce in these mountains."

Draven complied, wrapping his arms around Aria's waist as Zephyra's wings beat the air, lifting them off the ground. The wind rushed past them, and Draven felt his stomach drop as the dragon soared higher and higher, the plateau quickly disappearing beneath them.

For a moment, Draven was overwhelmed by the sensation of flight—the rush of wind, the incredible height, the vast expanse of sky stretching out before them. But as the initial shock wore off, he began to feel something else—an exhilaration, a sense of freedom unlike anything he had ever known.

This was what it felt like to fly with a dragon.

As they ascended into the clouds, Draven felt a strange connection forming between him and Zephyra, as if the dragon's energy was resonating with the power of the Dragonheart within him. It was a feeling of unity, of being part of something greater than himself.

Aria guided Zephyra through the sky with practiced ease, navigating the treacherous mountain winds with the skill of someone who had spent a lifetime in the air. Draven marveled at her confidence, her control, and the bond she shared with Zephyra.

But as they flew deeper into the mountains, the weather began to change. Dark clouds gathered on the horizon, and the wind grew stronger, buffeting them with increasing force. Draven tightened his grip on Aria, his heart pounding as Zephyra struggled to maintain her course.

"We're almost there," Aria shouted over the howling wind. "Just hold on!"

But even as she spoke, a sudden gust of wind struck them from the side, throwing Zephyra off balance. The dragon roared in defiance, her wings beating furiously as she fought to stay aloft.

Draven felt a surge of panic as they were tossed about by the storm, the ground below a dizzying blur of jagged rocks and sheer cliffs. But just as it seemed they were about to be overwhelmed, Aria made a quick series of adjustments, guiding Zephyra into a narrow pass between two mountains.

The wind lessened as they entered the pass, the towering peaks providing some shelter from the storm. Zephyra leveled out, her breathing heavy but controlled, and Draven felt the tension in his body begin to ease.

"Are you all right?" Aria asked, glancing back at him.

Draven nodded, though his heart was still racing. "I'm fine. That was… intense."

Aria smiled, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "You'll get used to it. But we're not out of the woods yet. The place I'm taking you is just ahead."

Draven followed her gaze, and his eyes widened as he saw what lay ahead. The pass opened up into a wide, circular valley, surrounded by steep cliffs on all sides. At the center of the valley was a massive, ancient structure, carved into the rock itself. It was a temple, or perhaps a fortress, its walls adorned with intricate carvings of dragons in flight.

"This is the Sanctum of the Dragons," Aria explained as they descended toward the structure. "It's a place of great power, where the ancient dragonlords once came to commune with the dragons and to train in the use of the Dragonheart."

Draven felt a thrill of anticipation as they landed in the courtyard of the Sanctum. The air here was charged with energy, a palpable sense of magic that seemed to hum just beneath the surface.

Aria dismounted, and Draven followed suit, his feet touching the ground with a sense of reverence. He could feel the power of the place, the weight of its history pressing down on him.

"This is where your training truly begins," Aria said, her voice low and reverent. "The Sanctum is a place of trials, of challenges that will test your strength, your resolve, and your control over the Dragonheart. But it is also a place of great learning, where you will begin to unlock the true potential of your power."

Draven swallowed hard, the enormity of the task before him sinking in. But he also felt a sense of determination, a resolve to prove himself worthy of the Dragonheart.

"I'm ready," he said, his voice steady.

Aria nodded, a look of approval in her eyes. "Then let's begin."

With that, she led him toward the entrance of the Sanctum, the massive doors creaking open as if in response to their presence. As they stepped inside, Draven felt a chill run down his spine, a mixture of fear and excitement.

This was the beginning of a new chapter in his journey—a journey that would test him in ways he had never imagined.

But Draven was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

For he was Draven, the last of the Draconic Bloodline, and he would not be found wanting.

bình luận bình luận của 0

Bình chọn

GỬI QUÀ TẶNG

Load failed, please RETRY