Dragon Rider

Chapter 6

A month has passed, and my wound has properly healed. Laria and I are heading home for the first holiday of the year next month for four days. Today is also the day that my year is to be matched with our Dragons, and I cannot wait to meet mine.

"All year eleven students, please report to the training area next to the Dragon habitats," an Instructor says over the school-wide intercom.

Making my way to the designated area, nervously-excited about meeting my Dragon. Fidgeting on my feet as everyone from my year along with several Instructors make their way to this area. When everyone has arrived, Instructors Ronning and Boyd step forward to clearly, and loudly speak to us.

Instructor Boyd speaks first; "Today is very special for each and every one of you, and your Dragon. From the moment you and your Dragon meet, the bond will be automatic. Your Dragon will be your companion, your protector, and your safety, You will be the same for them."

Instructor Ronning speaks after she has finished; When we call your name, please join us, and we are only calling four students at a time, and continue this until everyone has met their Dragon. Mercy Jones, Larken Sawyer, Micahel Smith, and Qhuinnley Brown."

The four of us walk toward teh four Instructors who are gonna be with us when we meet our Dragons. One Instructor with one student. River walks over to me with a huge grin.

"Come on, let's find your Dragon," he says with a wink, and we head to the enclosed area where the twenty Dragons are. "Now, close your eyes, take several deep breaths, clearing your mind, feel the pull of your Dragon, and once you feel the pull, open your eyes, and find the Dragon that is calling you."

Snapping my eyes shut, taking several deep breaths, and clearing my mind. When I feel the bonding pull, I snap my eyes open, and follow the pull to stop in front of a beautifully large, around ten feet tall Dragon with dark blue skin. He has sharp spikes on the end of the six foot long tail, long claws, and black, silver, and white scales.

"Oh, you are beautiful!" I breathe in awe after stopping in front of the Dragon.

"Thank you, Rider," the Dragon replies, his words in my brain. "My name is Tiamet. What is yours, Rider?"

"My name is Larken Sawyer," I reply out loud. "It is wonderful to meet you, Tiamet."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, too, Larken," Tiamet replies with a dip of his head toward me, and I return the gesture.

"Take Tiamet out for a ride, so you both can become comfortable with each other," River suggests with a grin, and I eagerly nod.

"Is this agreeable with you, Tiamet?" I respectfully ask, not wanting to start off on the wrong foot with him.

"Yes, this is agreeable," he replies. "Thank you for asking, Larken."

Nodding my head respectfully at him, he returns the gesture. We make our way to an empty area, and he lowers himself down to the ground, so I can climb onto his back near his neck in between his massive wings. Gently grasping his scales on his neck, he stands to his full height on all four legs, and he flaps his wings, launching us into the air. The air hitting my body and face feels wonderful, and I close my eyes in pure bliss of feeling free with Tiamet.

"This is amazing!" I holler, earning a gruff from Tiamet which is a Dragon's way of laughing.

Tiamet soars us around for several more minutes before he is returning us to where we started. Climbing down from him with a grin that will not be leaving my face any time soon.

"May I touch your skin?" I ask, and he agrees, so I run my palms over his skin and scales where I can reach.

"How was the ride, Larken?" River asks, startling me.

Grinning over at him; "It was amazing! I cannot wait until Tiamet and I ride again"

River grins broadly at me; "Yeah, riding with your Dragon for the first time will do that to you. That means you have a great connection already with each other."
The next day we will start Instructional with our Dragons to learn how to work properly together. After spending several hours with Tiamet, I make my way to the cafeteria for dinner after making sure he has his food and water.

"What is your Dragon like? What is their name? How was your first ride?" Laria asks rapidly, sitting down in front of me at the table.

Raising my left eyebrow at her while chewing my bite of lasagna. She continues to stare at me while bouncing in her seat as I swallow my food.

"Why are you so wired?" I ask instead of answering her questions.

She frowns at me, settling herself slightly; "Sorry for being excited for you."

Taking another bite as she starts eating her food, too, I decide to take pity on her, and answer her questions.

"My Dragon's name is Tiamet, and the first ride was amazing," I reply, and then described what he looked like to her.

"I cannot wait until I am matched with my Dragon," she dreamily replies.

I do not reply because I understand what it means. Everyone here is excited to be matched with their Dragon.

"Hey, do you have a crush on Instructor Vincent?" Laria asks suddenly, causing me to choke on the mouthful of water I just drank.

"What?" I choke out as I violently cough. "Hell no, I do not!"

I do actually have a crush on River, but I will not admit this to anyone especially my sister. There is a rule here in the Instructor and Student handbooks that states Students and Instructors are not allowed to date while the student is the Instructors Instructionals or is under eighteen. This is a fair rule in my opinion, and I sure as hell will not admit my crush, and cause River and I any trouble.

"Oh, I thought you both had crushes on each other," she mumbles with a frown, and she actually looks disappointed.

Deciding to change the subject because I do not want to be caught in my lie, and have her say something to the wrong person by accident or deliberately.