The Dragonriders

Chapter 5

An Old Legend And Old Grudges

Shirley

Back in the castle I go to my lessons. The elder of the Dragon Guard seems pleased Rashter and I already took care of the saddle so he focusses on preparing me to go for the soul bind. He mostly focusses on what changes between me and Rashter once it happens. I do listen to him but I can't completely focus. My thoughts keep drifting away. Soon I have my own saddle and I can fly on Rashter's back. Then we can learn to fly together and do aerial combat. I just cannot wait.

At the end of the day I sit against Rashter and look outside. It kinda is beautiful here. I'm so entranced I don't notice Celeste is approaching us. Only when she grumbles I look behind Rashter. 'Oh master! I didn't notice you arrived.'

She shakes her head disapprovingly. 'It isn't time to sleep yet nor is this the place. However, it is time for you to be shown something. Something... reserved for the Guard and its dragons.'

I get up. 'What is it?'

She tilts her head as an indicator I have to follow her. Rashter follows me in turn. We walk down several halls and down, only not towards the dungeons now. We arrive at another giant room with vaulted ceilings and statues on either side of the central walkway, which has a red carpet with gold embroidery on it. Tall windows behind every statue let light come in. Celeste moves a claw in a theatrical fashion to the hall. 'Welcome in the hall of heroes. This is where the greatest heroes of the riders get immortalized. If you prove yourself as a rider with an extraordinary feet, you will get your own statue here.'

With my mouth wide open I walk down the walkway. At first it is only humans, but soon I also notice a dragon and other creatures. Looking back I see some of the humans got pointy ears and more pronounced cheekbones. I stop in front of a statue of a snake lady. 'I don't want to sound disrespectful but what is she?'

Celeste stands next to me. 'This was Kai'chira. She was the first and only one of the few Gorgon riders. Gorgons have the power to turn people to stone. However she had the power to cure that same curse. Her dragon she saved from that curse. As a thank you the dragon brought her here and she was welcomed in the order. In the end she was so powerful she cured the Great Blight. If only she could have saved herself.'

It sounds like Celeste was there. I lay a hand on the statue. 'I never knew there were other species around. Especially not ones like snake people...'

Celeste hits me with her tail. 'Never call them that again. They deserve our respect even though they are a bit... secluded and very protective. And what did you think? That it is just humans and dragons that are sentient? No, the world is filled with sentient people. Some more prevalent than others. Elves wonder the woods, their bows the peak of quality and efficiency. Dwarves live under the mountains. Their forges produce the best steel and their masons the cleanest buildings that will last longer than a dragons lifetime. The Gorgons tend to the swamps and caves, keeping the deadliest threats under control. Minotaurs roam the plains in the Far East, their rough hewn weapons usually used for raiding villages and farms. Even trolls and Orks can be troublesome, both being pretty much living war machines. If you look over there, there used to be an Ork rider to who made it here. Goroa.'

She points to a statue that is large even for the statues. It shows a tall, bulky powerhouse with two oversized tusks sticking out of his lower jaw. His clothing looks like scraps but the statue shows a massive sword on his side. That sword, even in more modest size of real life, would be massive. 'How big was he?'

Celeste sighs. 'I do not remember. I do know that he was the strongest rider to ever live. Also he was one of the youngest to make it into here. Sad thing he had to ruin it by dying so quickly.'