Jade Mountain Academy

Chapter 4

(AHHHHH OVER 50 VIEWS TYSM YALL!)

Amber walked into History class with the rest of the Jade Winglet. This class was taught by Cricket,  their HiveWing Bumble's mom.

"Hello, everyone!" Cricket said. "Today we'll be learning about the Scorching, but the legend, not the true story that Dusky and Queen Luna of the SilkWings, and archaeologists. Everyone, take a seat."

When everyone was seated, Cricket said, "First, before we start the lesson, I'd like to know what everyone wants to learn about. Bumble, want to go first?"

Bumble nodded eagerly. "I want to learn about the HiveWings and SilkWings before the Tree Wars."

"Me too," Moth said.

"That is an awesome subject," Cricket said. "I wanted to know about that too when I was your age. I was obsessed with the subject for about a year before I realized I wasn't going to get any answers. Unfortunately, that'll be one of the last things we learn about."

"I heard that there was a War of SkyWing succession a long time ago," Amber said. "I want to learn about that."

"I want to learn about the War of SandWing Succession," Ember said, and Dolphin nodded. "Me too,"

"I want to learn about RainWing royal challenges and the NightWing Exodus," Starfruit said.

"Same," Starcounter said. "I know that Dad came up with the idea to let the NightWings live under Queen Glory's rule, but that's it."

Sandshifter wanted to learn about Darkstalker's first second defeat, Frost wanted to learn about IceWing animus gifts, and Holly just ignored everyone and everything.

"Those are all very interesting subjects!" Cricket said. "Anyway, on with today's lesson. The Scorching started  5,025 years ago. There were scavengers everywhere..."

Amber walked into the Prey Center with her winglet. Holly grabbed a panther and flew straight out, Moth and Bumble grabbed some fruit and sat together, Starfruit and Starcounter joined them, and Dolphin went to catch fish in the river. Which left Sandshifter, Frost, Amber, and Ember. 

"Hey, Frost!" Starfruit called to him. "Wanna sit with us?"

"U-um, sure." He mumbled, ducking his head and walking over to them.

Amber grabbed a few hawks. Stretching her mud-colored wings, she perched on a stalactite.

 Glancing around, she saw her mother, Peril, sitting reading something etched onto a stone tablet and twitching her wings like she did when she was nervous.

Ripping off a bite of a hawk, Amber hopped over to her. "What's that, Mom?" She asked. The firescales jumped. "Oh! Queen Ruby just sent me a letter."

"What does it say?" Amber prodded. "Why are you nervous?"

"She offered me a position as General of the SkyWings," Peril explained. "One of her best generals, Falcon, died of a sickness. So she wants a replacement. But accepting would mean leaving Jade Mountain, and then the dragonets will have to find a new SkyWing studies and flying teacher really quickly. Also, I dont want to leave your father, you, or your sibs."

"Can I see?"

Peril nodded, shoving the large slate towards Amber.

Dear Lady Peril,

You have been a loyal SkyWing to me for 8 years. You have also shown great skill in leadership on that party to clear out a patch of dangerous plants that couldn't be burned I sent you on 5 years ago. Recently, one of my best generals, Falcon, died of a rare disease. Despite Pyrrhia being at peace, a good queen should always be prepared with enough generals. So I am asking you to replace Falcon as general of the SkyWings.

I understand if you don't want to accept and stay with your husband and dragonets. I have other dragons I could make general. But you've come to be one of my most trusted dragons. Write to me in the next month, please.

Safe flights,
Queen Ruby of the SkyWings.

"That's a big opportunity," Amber said. Peril nodded. "But like I said, I don't want to leave you guys, and I don't want the dragonets to have the stress of finding a new teacher in less than a week."

"I have an idea," Amber said. "Pyrrhia is at peace, like Queen Ruby said. So you wouldn't need to fight and lead wings of dragons very often. What if you accepted, but told her you'd like to stay at Jade Mountain unless you're needed?"

Peril tilted her head. "That could work. I'll ask Queen Ruby about it. Thanks, Amber!" She wrapped her wing around her daughter, making Amber's scales tingle with heat. 

"What was it?" Ember asked as Amber headed back to her eating place. She explained about the letter and her idea.

"Smart," Ember complimented. 

"Thanks," Amber replied. "So now Mom gets to be an awesome teacher, and an awesome general!"

Ember nodded. "Hey, I saw that pastry thing they made at the SkyWing palace that one time. Wanna go get it?"

Amber nodded and raced after her brother.