Dragon Rider Academy Book 1

Chapter 13: Opening Ceremony

Soren and the others were sitting in the auditorium all with several other hundred first year students. The opening ceremony was for first year students only. Older students were either back at the dorms, walking around the city or flying on their dragons. The auditorium was shaped like an opera house. There was a stage with an oval shaped dome roof and two tables with 5 chairs each on both sides of the podium, there were about 10 rows of seats on the ground floor and 5 more up on the second floor. There were probably about 1000 new students in all, maybe more.

Students wearing blue jackets sat on the second floor and students wearing black and red jackets sat on the first. Soren and the girls parted with Simon for now as the three of them sat in the second row from the stage. Soren sat in between Sylvia and Bella with Tifa sitting next to Bella. Soren could feel the stares being shot at him coming from all around and hear some of the whispers. 'Who is that boy?' Why does he get to sit with the princesses? What makes him so special?' Why can't we be sitting next to them?'

Other whispers were a bit more positive. 'Do you see that boy sitting with the princesses?' 'By the goddess, he sure is handsome, isn't he?' 'I hope we end up in the same class as him. He's too cute not to know him'

 "Sylvie, would you mind if I asked you something?", asked Soren.

"Of course. What is it?"

"Why did you say that I would be escorting you through the city later?"

Sylvia giggled. "Because you are. I was hoping that the two of us would walk around together and see what this city has to offer. Maybe see some of the shops, have lunch at a restaurant and just have some fun before the first official day tomorrow. Unless, you don't want to", said Sylvie as she looked at Soren with goo-goo eyes.

Soren couldn't resist how cute she was with that look and the gleaming sparkles surrounding her face. "No! I would be happy to escort you through the city. I just wish you would've given me a heads up about it first".

Sylvie giggled. "I'll remember that for next time".

Bella and Tifa made a throat clearing noise. "I hope you weren't thinking of leaving us behind", said Tifa.

Soren and Sylvia looked at them with confused looks. "I hope you weren't thinking of keeping him to yourself for the day, Sylvie. We want to have a look around the city too, you know", said Bella.

"That's right. We want to spend time with Soren too. You better not be backing out of our agreement", said Tifa with puffy cheeks.

"Of course not. You both are free to join us. I only said that Soren would be escorting me so I would make Carl angry. I'd never break a promise with you two", said Sylvia as she moved her hand up and down at them.

Bell and Tifa nodded. "Hey, would it be alright if I invited Simon to come along with us?", asked Soren.

"NO!!!", the girls said in unison.

Then, a group of adults walked onto the stage from the right side of the stage. They were all dressed in Academy staff uniforms and they were of all races. Each one of these teachers were some of the most experienced and fierce Dragon Riders ever. One of the the dwarf teachers approached the podium. "Welcome First Year Students! My name is Professor Eugene Stone. I will be your Magic Artifacts teacher. I am very pleased to welcome each of you to the Dragon Rider Academy. At this time, I would like to introduce all of your to the leader of the Academy. I present Headmistress Lydia".

The doors to the entrance to the auditorium burst open. At first, there was nothing but a silhouette standing in a bright light. The image of the silhouette began to clear as the figure walked into the room. The figure turned into a very beautiful woman. The adult woman had silver hair that stretched down to her waist. She wore black thigh boots, white pants, a blue long sleeve shirt and a golden jacket that waved behind her has she walked passed the students. The jacket was held by a yellow buttoned rope at the bottom of her neck. The jacket had many medals that meant she was an experienced fighter. As she walked by the students, they all looked at her in her glory, not just because of her beauty, but also because of the aura she gave off. It was clear to all the this woman was the most experienced and powerful Dragon Rider in the school. As she walked by Sorens row, she turned her head and gave him a wink.

Tifa, Bella and Sylvia looked at Soren like they were expecting an answer to what just happened, but Soren just stared at the woman. The dwarf teacher left the podium as the Headmistress stood behind it. "Greetings, first years! I am Headmistress Lydia and I wish to welcome each and everyone of you to Dragon Rider Academy. As you attend this school, you will be training to become the most elite protectors in the world. You will be trained in unique ways of combat and magic that very few in this world know. Being chosen by a dragon is an honor unlike any others. Dragons are terribly selective about who they choose as a rider. That's why there are so few riders in the world. As a dragon rider, you will be granted power and privileges that very few people in this world have, even nobles very rarely experience this honor. Riders are the most highly regarded and loved warriors in the world. Be aware, being a Dragon Rider is not about fame and glory. It's about defending the world and the people in it from evil and injustice. You are not a sword to destroy your enemies, you are a shield to protect the innocent. And I have a message to any nobles who were either too lazy to read the rules of the school or felt like it was beneath them. Your nobles status has no power here. Your family's influence is of no use at this school. All students at this school are treated equally and fairly. If any noble student tries to use their noble status to threaten or intimidate other students or use it to sway something in their favor, there will be severe punishments that can result in expulsion. That sort of behavior will not be tolerated. The First Rider, Albion, founded this school in the image of all riders being equal and that will not change. All of you be ready, for tomorrow is when your true training begins."

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After the ceremony ended, all of the students had the rest of the day to do what they wanted until their first official day tomorrow. Soren and the girls reunited with Simon, who told them that he had some personal business to attend to and he would meet them back at the dorms later. "So, Soren. Are you ready to take us on a trip through the city?", asked Sylvie.

"Yes, but, I have some business I need to take care of first. Why don't the three of you wait for me at the dorms and I will meet you there? I promise this won't take long", answered Soren.

"Alright then, but, if your don't mind my asking. What sort of business is it?". asked Tifa.

Soren looked at the three girls and smiled. "Family business".