Dragon Rider Academy Book 1

Chapter 1: Goddess of Another World

When Micheal opened his eyes, he was staring straight up at the sky. He slowly sat up and rubbed his eyes to help restore his vision. Micheal looked around. Where ever he was, it appeared to be outside and very high in the sky because of all the clouds that were floating around the area. There were stone pillars all around that looked like they came from ancient Greece and each one had a different magical creature on the top. A dragon, a phoenix, a griffin and other creatures. "Where am I?", Micheal asked.

'You're finally awake'.

Micheal jerked in surprise. "Who's there?"

'Climb the stairs, Micheal and all will be explained'.

Micheal looked in front of him and saw a very massive staircase. It looked like it was made of marble stone and was craved be a professional sculptor. Like the kind of staircase that would be seen in a castle leading to a throne room. Micheal didn't know what was happening, nor did he like it, but something told him that he was safe here and to just to what he was told. Micheal stood up and began walking up the stair case. There must have been close to one thousand steps, but Micheal never once felt tired. It took only a few minutes before he reached the top.

What Micheal saw amazed him. There were two dragon statues sitting on both sides of what appeared to be a large golden throne. There was an arch of many different kinds of flowers over the throne. The large throne was made of gold with two feathered wings reaching from both sides at the top. Sitting in the throne, was what amazed him the most. It was a woman, but not just any ordinary woman.  She looked to be in her early twenties with long blond hair, pointed ears like an elf, blue eyes, a large chest and was clothed in a long dressed that looked to be made of silk. She was the most beautiful woman Micheal had ever seen. "Welcome, Micheal Lyson. I'm very pleased to meet you in person".

Micheal was too stunned to speak. "Hehe... I can understand why you don't respond. Not many mortals have had the pleasure of meeting me in person, but those few who have have also reacted the same way you are. It's still very silly".

"Who are you?", Micheal asked.

"I am Almena. I am what mortals call a goddess.", she answered.

Micheal suddenly knelt down to one knee. He read enough fantasy novels and read much history about mythology to know how to react in the presence of a goddess. "Please forgive my rudeness, Milady. I didn't know I was in the presence of a goddess".

Almena raised her hand to her mouth a giggled. "I appreciate your nice manners, Micheal, but please stand up. You don't have to stand on ceremony here. You have nothing to be afraid of. I won't smite you for being casual. It's much easier for both of us if you just act normally".

Micheal was reluctant, but he stood up and tried to relax. "Very well then. Milady".

"Please call me Almena. I prefer it that way", said the goddess.

"O..okay then, Almena", said Micheal.

"There that's better. Now then, I'm sure you have a lot of questions. Please ask away", said Almena.

"Alright... where am I and how did I get here?", asked Micheal.

"Well, this place is my domain. It's where I bring souls who've died before they pass on to the Afterlife", answered Almena.

"Died? Afterlife? So you mean I'm..."

Almena sighed. "Yes. I'm afraid so. Your dead. All part of you that's standing here now is your soul. I'm very sorry, Micheal".

"What about my parents? Are they okay?", Micheal asked.

"Yes. Your parents are fine. You saved them from that thug", Almena answered.

Micheal sighed in relief. "So what's going to happen to them now?"

"Well, after you died and the thug was sentenced to death for your murder, your parents started a charity in your memory. The Micheal Lyson Foundation. They've dedicated the charity to giving orphaned and forgotten children a proper education, comfortable housing, proper food and making sure they enjoy there lives. And the mascot of the charity is a dragon, in honor of your love for fantasy. They came to regret their choice of making you forget your love for fantasy. They realized that they never really told you how much they loved you, so they hope that creating this charity in your memory will help you see that in the Afterlife", Almena answered.

Micheal started to cry. He never knew how much his parents really loved him. Now, he does. "So, what happens to me now? Are you sending me to the Afterlife?", he asked.

"I could do that, but I'd like to offer you another chance at a second life", Almena answered.

Micheal had confused look on his face. "A second life? What are you talking about?"

"When I see a person with a good heart and kind soul die, I bring them here to offer them a choice. I can send them straight to the Afterlife or I can give them a second life in another world."

"What other world?"

"The world I watch over. Tesaria, a world of swords and sorcery."

Micheal looked surprised. "Swords and sorcery? You mean I can live in a..."

"That's right. The world I watch over is a fantasy world. Full of knights, magic and magical creatures. The very kind of world you've always dreamed of living in. Now, if you need time to..."

"YES!! I'LL DO IT!", shouted Micheal before Almena could finish.

Almena laughed. "Well, I already knew you would agree to it, but no one has ever agreed to be reborn into Tesaria so quick and strong."

"So when can I be reborn? Can I go now?", asked Micheal.

Almena raised her hand. "Now now, don't get so much in a hurray. I have to explain a few things first".

Micheal blushed from his excitement. "I'm sorry, Almena".

"Hehe.. It's alright. Now, Tesaria is indeed a fantasy world full of knights and magic, but the best, most powerful and elite knights in this world are the Dragon Riders", said Almena.

"Dragon Riders? As in, people riding on top of dragons into battle?"

Almena nodded. "The very same. However, not just anyone can become a Dragon Rider. First, dragons are the most powerful of magical creatures in Tesaria, so you have to have a strong affinity for magic and second the egg must glow in your presence. If the egg glows in your presence, then the hatchling within the egg has chosen you as its Rider," answered Almena.

"That's amazing. What else do I need to know?", Micheal asked.

Almena giggled. "Well, I can't very well explain everything about Tesaira for you. That would take all the fun out of you learning everything on your own."

Micheal sighed. "Oh don't look so glum. I can tell you a little about the family you will be reborn to", said Almena.

"My new family? Who will that be?", asked Micheal.

"You will be reborn into the Albion Family of the Zestria Kingdom. The Albion Family is the most powerful Dragon Rider Clan in all of Tesaria. They are the direct descendants of Albion The First Dragon Rider. They are the wealthiest and most powerful family in Zestria, second only to the royal family. So, you will have a very comfortable life with a loving family. Now, if you want to learn more about you new family history, the history of Zestria and of Tesaria, you'll have to wait and be patient until your old enough to read. And that's all I can tell you. So, are you ready?" Almena asked.

"Yes. I'm ready", answered Micheal.

"Alright then".

Almena stood up and raised her arms to the sky. A giant magic circle appeared in the sky and one on the ground. Micheal floated above the ground as light began to envelop him. "Oh and don't worry, Micheal. I'll be watching over you, in case you need a little advice on certain things", said Almena.

"Oh well, thank you. That's reassuring to know I have a goddess watching over me", said Almena.

Almena winked at Micheal. "Have fun".

Micheal smiled at Almena as the light completely enveloped him.