Wild Rider (Dragon Castaway Book 1) [Complete] {2018 Wattys Longlist}

Chapter 15

"Hold the formation!" Wyena called out, the wind roaring in her ears as her five-man squad came together in a wedge and flew at full speed towards the opposing line. Scanning the enemy formation, she could see Elgenon's red dragon in the center.

Bringing Whirlwind down at a slight angle she thrust out with her practice spear. Elgenon wasn't prepared and the tip slammed into his armor. He grunted in pain and pulled his mount away from the action, his eyes glittering with fury.

With a gap now open in the line, she signaled to the rest of her squad. At her command the wedge poured through and came about sharply into the rear of the opposition. With their line penetrated the opposing squad quickly lost their cohesion and began to crumble.

Wyena smiled in triumph as one by one her opponents were knocked out of the fight. She brought Whirlwind in for a landing as a trumpet sounded to signal the end of the match.

"Chalk up another win for the first squad!" Ramor said grinning as he landed beside her, Jadiak at his side. "Plus, you got to put the little lord in his place again."

Wyena fought the urge to groan as Elgenon shot her a glare. If anything, he had only gotten worse as training had progressed. He had definitely been skilled at finagling the politics at the academy and even showed some promise in mounted combat.

"Not to mention throwing his name around" she muttered. She supposed that he did have the guile make a good politician and courtier. He had been able to undercut her and win the bid to be a flight leader before her, even though she was still the top ranked cadet. But he wasn't a courtier, political advisor, or even a mere Dragon Knight. He was supposed to become the next Dragon Lord of Balistrea and his skill at political maneuvering had not translated to combat leadership. His constant defeats in team bouts had been a source of amusement for Ramor but for Wyena they had been a source of consternation. She knew that the world was in a constant state of upheaval and an inept battlefield leader could spell complete disaster for Balistrea and its people in the future.

Dismounting, she looked up as commandant Lenian walked into the arena. His demeanor was pleasant enough but she could see that he was displeased about something under the façade.

"Excellent work cadets" he said as he approached the assembled squads and their mounts. "Your exploits give this old man hope for the future."

Many of the cadets beamed with pride. The commandant rarely gave out praise, but when he did no one was in doubt that it had been earned.

"You are dismissed, regardless of who won, be sure to study what happened here today" he said. "And always remember that there are no rules in war, tactics must sometimes be unconventional if they are to succeed."

Nodding the cadets began to file out. Wyena made to join them but the commandant's voice stopped her in her tracks. "Cadets Dieron and Nanglon, I require your presence in my office if you would be so kind"

Wyena looked to Elgenon and saw that he was just as confused by the request as she was. Shrugging she fell into step behind Lenian as he led the pair through the corridors and into his office.

"What is this about commandant?" Elgenon asked as Lenian took a seat behind his desk. "I don't believe we have done anything to raise your ire for quite some time."

Wyena tried hard not to smirk. They had both done some unpleasant duties after tensions had finally erupted into a fistfight between them. No more was said about the matter after their punishment, but arms master Rauk had been very clear that dire consequences would result from breaking discipline again.