Young Writers Society

Chapter 6

The next day was saved for the written tests and, to ensure that he would be unhindered by possible wounds sustained during his fight, Jarid’s bought with the dragon was scheduled for the evening.

The written tests were stressful and boring, but Jarid was confident that he had at least earned a passing grade in his classes.

Every time he thought about the upcoming fight, he simply remembered his decision and tried not to worry about it until the time came. Which it did, all too soon.

As Jarid entered the floor of the dragon dome he noticed that the stands were filled with a lot fewer people than he had expected. There were no first years present even from Black Squad. Jarid was half expecting that to be the case since many of them were getting ready to leave the next day, but it was still strange.

However, many of the instructors and even the academy commander were present, along with a few second years.

Airel, Ethan, and Ben waved from the stands next to Gunther.

“Sorry the others couldn’t be here! They told us only second years were allowed to watch since they don’t want to spoil the fight for the other first years,” Ethan called out. Jarid nodded as he waved back.

When he reached the center of the arena, Lt. Keldor called for silence. Then he raised his arms and looked at the spectators.

“We have gathered here today to give the student who preformed best on the dragon training exam a great honor. He will fight a young dragon in single combat before our very own academy commander and everyone here. Should he succeed in besting the dragon, he shall receive its scales as a reward. He is allowed to use any method he chooses, including any and all magic spells at his disposal, and he will be given the same armor used during the exam to ensure his safety.

The dragon’s wings have been bound for the safety of the audience and any shots directed at the crowed will be dealt with by seasoned riders who have graciously given their aid.”

Lt. Keldor gestured around the arena as riders stepped forward to stand at the edge of the arena. Then he continued. “Now, Jarid Drakoulis. Don your armor and prepare yourself.”

A rack of armor was brought out and Jarid selected the one made from Flame Wing scales. He donned the armor and started stretching while circulating his magic by casting a few puffs of flame.

Many people started muttering in the crowd, but Lt. Keldor raised his hand and they quieted. Then he looked down at Jarid. “Stand you ready warrior?”

Jarid reached into his pocket and took out his music box. There was more muttering from the crowed as he settled the music box into a pouch, he and Ben had made specifically for it so he could fight while not worrying about his earpieces falling out. He could fight without it, but he was always felt at his best when he was listening to music. Once he was ready, he saluted Lt. Keldor.

“I stand ready sir.”

In spite of his strange choices the Lt. had remained unfazed. “Very well. Let the fight…Begin!”

Everything was removed from the arena floor and all the exits were shut. Then one of the gates lining the walls of the arena floor began to open. Jarid turned up his music. He thought the song was very appropriate. It was called Dragon Fight by F-777.

He could see the dragon through the bars. It was a Flame Wing with bright red scales and dark horns. It had streaks of black running down the wings folded at its side and its eyes burned with anger. Before the gate was halfway up the dragon was clawing underneath it and trying to squeeze through.

Finally, it got out and roared so loud it drowned out Jarid’s music. Then it breathed fire at the people in the stands, but it was blocked by the dragon riders as they erected a barrier of water around the arena. Then they froze the water into a clear block of ice so the spectators could view the action.

The dragon growled something about stupid cold water and focused his attention on Jarid. The dragon charged at him blasting fire in all directions. Jarid could feel the music and magic flowing through him as he began to move. His whole body felt almost fluid as he flowed around most of the dragon’s fire with minimal effort while deflecting the rest with water magic. As the dragon closed in, it dove at him with it’s claws out.

Jarid used a bit of wind magic to help him as he jumped over the dragon while giving it a light tap on the top of its head. Jarid knew that he probably could use his magic to trap the dragon in the ground or freeze it long enough to deal a winning blow, but he didn’t want to end this fight quickly. This was his chance to show off his skills to the academy commander as well as his friends. He hoped that if he did well enough, the commander might listen to his request to spare this dragon.

Jarid turned to face the dragon once more. This time it approached him much more cautiously. Circling at a distance and growling curses at him. When Jarid charged it, it leaped back out of reach while breathing a stream of flame before continuing to circle him. To truly show off everything he could do, Jarid had to force the dragon to fight him up close.

Closing his eyes, he focused on the arena floor, feeling where the dragon was and the earth beneath it. Then he raised his fist and slammed it into the ground. A stone pillar rose out of the ground, slamming into the dragon’s stomach. The dragon’s eyes widened, and it clutched at its stomach gasping for breath.

Keeping his eyes closed Jarid let himself go in the flow of the music and everything else faded away. It was just him, the dragon, and his music. He took in a slow deep breath as he sank into his fighting stance.

The dragon recovered quickly and charged Jarid again, but this time it didn’t leap at him. Instead, it swiped at him with its claws, lashed with its tail and even tried to bite him.

But Jarid opened his eyes with a wide grin and started dancing around it’s attacks, deflecting them with wind magic and using earth magic to mess with the dragon’s footing.

The longer this went on the more it reminded him of his play fights with Shadow. He was having so much fun! Jarid couldn’t help but laugh in exhilaration as the fight raged on.

Infuriated, the dragon kept pressing its attack and hurling insults at him. Its attacks became wilder and less accurate as it grew more and more tired until finally, it tripped and was too exhausted to get back up immediately.

Jarid quickly used earth magic to pin the dragon’s forearms to the ground, then he threw out some seeds from his pocket and caused vines to grow and wrap around the dragon’s hind legs and tail. Then he walked forward calmly as the dragon struggled against its bonds. Then, noticing Jarid was within range of his jaws, the dragon lunged forward to snap at Jarid.

Jarid quickly stepped to the side and clamped the dragon’s snout shut with more vines. The dragon struggled briefly before giving up and laying down. Jarid stepped back and bowed to the dragon respectfully before turning off his music.

He looked up at the academy commander and saluted. Then he turned to Lt. Keldor and saluted again.

“Sir, I have bested this dragon.”

The stands were quiet for a moment and Jarid wondered if he had done something wrong. Then the academy commander stood.

“Indeed, you have. That was most certainly a battle that will be remembered for years to come. Congratulations, Jarid Drakoulis!”

Now the entire arena erupted in cheers. Jarid was stunned. He was suddenly surrounded by grinning faces and genuine praise. He hadn’t believed it was possible, but these nobles were cheering for him. Not just what he’d done. In this moment they didn’t see him as a commoner. No. In this moment, he was a dragon rider!

Still, even amid all that praise, he doubted he would ever truly fit in with them. They praised him for defeating a monster, but even now he wished he could set this dragon free. As the roar of the crowed died away, but before anyone could speak, Jarid called out to the academy commander.

“Sir, permission to speak sir?”

“Permission granted. You may speak freely.”

Jarid saluted. “Sir. I would like to spare this dragon if at all possible. I am willing to forfeit its scales if…” Jarid trailed off as the commander started laughing.

“Do not worry about the dragon or your reward. Dragons may be monsters, but they are far to valuable to kill for a small event such as this. The scales you will receive are ones it has already shed. I believe Lt. Tekar has made it clear that we do not kill dragons here at the academy. This fight is also a test to determine how well you understood and remembered the orders of your superiors.

“In previous years the fight was stopped if it looked like the dragon or student were in danger of being killed. But from the way you were toying with it, I doubt you were in any danger from the start. Though in all my years I have never seen a student beg for a dragon’s life. How amusing,” he chuckled. The crowd also laughed, though it was a bit awkward.

Jarid felt his face start burning with embarrassment.

You didn’t have to call me out like that! Then Jarid smiled to himself as he breathed a sigh of relief.

At least the dragon was spared and nothing bad happened. I guess I just assumed they wanted me to kill it since they see dragons as monsters. I need to be more careful to pay attention and ascertain what my instructors want from me in the future.

Then the commander continued. “Regardless, you have won. We will have your reward prepared by tomorrow morning. For now, rest. You deserve it.”

The sun had just gone down by the time Jarid got back to the dorm and he was exhausted. Even so, it was time to clean the dragon stalls. The others congratulated him on his victory and offered to clean all the stalls for him, but he wanted to see Smolder and Vapor one last time before he left anyway so he politely declined.

After saying goodnight to the other members of Black Squad he left his music box in his room and made his way to the dragon stables. After refreshing all the stalls in the tunnel, he refreshed the stalls in the cave at the tunnel’s end. Vapor was sleeping so he left her alone, but Smolder was awake, and he was the one Jarid really needed to say goodbye to anyways.

It felt like forever since he had last spoken with him. After the incident with the bullies Smolder had really opened up to him. He didn’t resist talking and rarely snapped at him anymore. Jarid loved just talking about his day and hearing Smolder’s off hand comments about how life would be so much simpler if you could just burn everything that annoys you.

Jarid entered Smolder’s stall and started cleaning the little stone cell. “Hi, Smolder. I just came down to say goodbye while I clean your stall. We will be leaving tomorrow morning and I wanted to make sure I didn’t miss this chance.”

As he finished cleaning the stall, he noticed Smolder shifting around. He seemed uncomfortable about something. Jarid frowned.

“What’s wrong?”

There was a long pause before Smolder turned to face Jarid.

“Would you … stay here with me tonight? I mean…um, you seem tired so I thought I would allow you to…” He stammered awkwardly. Jarid could have sworn he heard a hint of nervousness in Smolder’s voice.

“Of course,” he replied gently. Smolder, who was laying curled up, now uncurled slightly to give Jarid room to lay against his side.

“It… it’s just that… the choosing is tomorrow and that means they’re going to…” He trailed off.

This was so different than the anger and arrogance he normally had. Whatever happened during the choosing ceremony must have been far more terrible than even the torture he’d seen Vapor go through, if it was enough to make someone like Smolder seek comfort. Especially considering the one he was seeking it from was human. Jarid hoped that meant Smolder was finally beginning to trust him.

Jarid laid down against his side. He could feel Smolder’s anxiety in his breathing and rapid heart rate. Jarid rubbed the dragon’s scales until Smolder’s heart steadied to a slow rhythm. Jarid could barely keep his eyes open as he felt Smolder throw a wing over him. Then Jarid felt Smolder relax as he fell asleep.

The dragon’s body heat and wing kept him warm, while his slow breathing was relaxing. Jarid’s day had been exhausting and he was so glad to end it here. Comforting his friend.