The Dragonriders

Chapter 10

Elven Royalty

Shirley

It is weeks until Sha'iva's sword master has arrived. It turns out he is more than just a sword master, as he arrives in full silver Elven armor with a bow, spear and sword all with him. I first meet him when Sha'iva knocks on my door at the afternoon, while I'm drawing up another flight schedule. Can't it seriously just WORK for once? As I hear the knocking I call them to come in. They see me bend over the schedule with my left hand in my hair and my right hand with a quill just above a pot of ink. Sha'iva speaks. 'The teacher I send for has arrived, Wing Leader.'

I put the quill down and turn in my chair. 'I see, Sha'iva. I guess this schedule has to wait for now. Any news from the barracks?'

Sha'iva softly smiles. 'Noruk is doing fine. Those dwarves are though. Sadly the human won't fly for some time. He cracked some ribs.'

I roll my eyes. 'Why can't anyone follow some simple orders? First that Ork that I had to beat up in front of the entire castle just to get him to fall in line and now him. I can't even make a single schedule that works because no one follows them!'

Sha'iva grabs my hand. 'The biggest challenges are often given to the ones with the most determination. You haven't given up yet nor have you tried to find a solution with anyone but yourself. Treknal is learning his archery now though he still is as rough and ready as any Ork. And he does break more bows than humans do.'

I let my head fall back from frustration. 'The good news just keeps on coming doesn't it. Yeah Treknal tries to learn Archery. But he snaps so many bows no one else can learn archery once he is done and in battle he probably breaks his bow after two shots as well. Well damn, I'm better of relinquishing leadership and moving to the back for efficiency sake...'

The Elven sword master now speaks. His voice is soft but age and experience can be heard in it. 'Excuse me for interrupting but with time the pieces should fall in their places. Also it seems to me you would need some distraction, Wing Leader of the princess.'

I sigh. 'Some distraction could come in well yes. Well, would you be up for a training session in the not to distance future? I'll have to grab my training sword which is still in the Mages study.'

The Elf nods. 'I could follow you for a moment. After all, I have little else to do in here.'

With that I walk to Celeste her study. As we arrive I see Celeste is studying. As I walk in to grab the training sword and strap its sheath to my hip the Elf walks over to Celeste. 'Oh Celeste, you still are as beautiful as the sunrise over the Emerald Realm.'

Celeste looks up. 'Ra'iki? I never thought I would... be seeing you again. It has been ages since our last meeting.'

Ra'iki goes through his knees and does some kind of Elven greeting. Then he walks over and gives Celeste a hug around her neck. 'Through the years I have not stopped thinking about you. I still love you despite your origins.'

Celeste puts a paw around him. 'Ra'iki. My sweet... I never knew you would come over here...'

Ra'iki smiles softly. 'When the princess send for a sword master to train her wing leader I knew it had to be me. I had to see you once again.'

Celeste has tears in her eyes. So... she is in love with this Elf? But then... why does she speak with so much spite about Elves? I look away. Whatever. I start walking towards the door again to wait outside as I hear Ra'iki speak to Celeste again. 'I have to start training my newest pupil. Please excuse me, my sweet summer rose. Do you have time tonight?'

I don't hear anything else but do quickly feel Ra'iki's hand on my shoulder. 'Lets go, champ. Lets see how combat worthy you are.'

As we walk down to the training grounds I think about what just happened. Celeste really has a history, doesn't she. Then Ra'iki stands across from me. 'Lets draw swords and test your skills.'