All for the Wing, Right?

Gauntlet

Violet stares up at the gauntlet in front of us. I'm stretching my shoulders while the other's just stare.

"Amazing"

Aurelie says. Rhiannon and Violet jolt their heads in her direction.

" You think that hellscape looks amazing?"

Rhiannon asks.

"I've been waiting years for this! My dad he was a rider until he retired last year. He used to set up obstacle courses like this all the time so we could practice. Chase my brother said it's the best part of being here besides threshing. It's a real adrenaline rush."

"He's with the southern wing right?"

Violet asks.

"Yap, pretty much desk duty for all the action they see near the Crovalin border. He said to watch out for those giant post jutting from the side of the cliff. They spin and you can get crushed between them if you're not fast enough."

"Oh good I was wondering when it might get difficult."

Rhiannon jokes.

"Thanks Aurelie."

Violet says. I place a gentle arm on her shoulder, as she turns to look at me.

"You've to the agility Violet. It's going to be fine."

She nods and turns back around.

"Still not sure why they call it the gauntlet."

Ridoc says as he blows into his cupped hands.

"To ensure dragons keep coming to threshing by weeding out the weaklings."

Tynan sneers back at Ridoc. I roll my eyes and shake my head.

"Knock it the fuck off."

Ridoc snaps back at Tynan. I lift one eyebrow up as I watch the show.

"What's your problem?

"My problem? You think you made friends with Barlow and Seifert that you have the right to be a dick to your own squad mate?"

"Exactly, squad mate. Our times aren't just ranked individually Ridoc. We're scored as a squad too. Which is how the order for presentation is decided. Do you really think any dragon wants to bond to a cadet that walks in after every squad in the processional?"

"They're not timing us for presentation today asshole."

Me and Sawyer meet each other's glance before he steps up between the two.

"Stop. Take it from someone who made it through presentation last year. Your time doesn't mean anything. The last cadet to walk in last year bonded just fine. And some of the cadets in the first squads on the field were passed over."

"Little bitter about that aren't you?"

Tynan smirks.

"Besides it's not called the gauntlet because it weeds out cadets."

"It's called the gauntlet because this is the cliff that guards the veil. Plus actual gauntlets, armored gloves made of metal, are slippery as hell. And the name stuck about 20 years ago. Are you two done arguing? Because all 10 of you have exactly an hour to get to the top before it's another squads chance to practice. And from what I've seen of your agility on the mat, you're going to need every second."

The grumbling around me causes me to chuckle a bit.

"As you know hand to hand challenges are on hold for the next two and a half weeks before presentation. So you can focus here. Sawyer, you're going to show them how it's done, since you already have the lay of the land. Then Briar, Trina, Tynan, Rhiannon, Ridoc, Violet, Aurelie, Luka, and Talon. You're the only squad to remain intact since parapet , that's incredible. Your squad leader must be very proud. Wait here for a second."