The Warrior King

Fifteen

Our jaws dropped simultaneously. Dragons? As in obscenely large lizards that fly and breathe fire? I suddenly felt sick.

”Holy Mother of Miel, ” Brielle said in a hushed voice. ”This is unreal.” All I could do was nod in agreement.

We quickly shed our dresses and put on the supplied lined riding pants and heavy cotton shirt. Over that we put on leather pants with metal plates sewn into the inner and outer thighs, a leather breastplate, and finally a leather coat with metal sewn into the back and shoulders.

While Brielle was able to help me with my attire, once I was dressed, I could barely lift my arms. Brielle called for the handmaiden, who helped her get dressed and then double checked me to make sure everything was correct. By this time, I was sweating profusely and wondering how I was ever going to make it out of the tent, let alone to the dragon.

Shelby came in as we were receiving our final adjustments from the handmaiden.

”Oh good, you're ready. Tris is anxious to be off, ” Shelby said handing us our helmets.

”May I ask what it is that the king needs to get back for so urgently?” I questioned.

”And why I was needed as well?” Brielle piped in. Shelby's smile wavered for a moment and Brielle and I exchanged a glance.

”I'm afraid you will need to ask him for answers to both of those questions, ” Shelby said, an apologetic look on her face. Once we were given the all good on our armor, we awkwardly followed Shelby out of the tent.

Unfortunately, the field that the dragons had landed in was a bit of a walk. By the time we arrived, Brielle and I were out of breath and I could feel the sweat pouring down my back.

A loud roar stopped us in our tracks. Standing before us were five large dragons. Two of them were red and the other three blue. They held their wings against their backs, their heads swaying back and forth. They were bigger than I ever imagined and made the soldiers next to them look like children.

Brielle grabbed my hand and I squeezed hers back. Shelby led us to one of the red dragons, where Tristan stood in black riding gear trimmed in gold and purple, his crest emblazoned on the chest. He had a serious look on his face as he addressed those around him. Also standing there were Ross and James, and unfortunately, Delaney. I could feel anxiety begin to creep up from my stomach and into my throat.

When Tristan saw us, he stopped his conversation and walked over. He looked tense, the scar on his neck throbbing from the vein underneath.

”Good you're ready, ” he said while looking us up and down. ”Miss Huerto, you will ride with James; Sasha, with me.” Brielle pulled a face but didn't argue. She walked over to James, casting a look over her shoulder to me. James frowned and then walked away to one of the blue dragons. Brielle had to scramble to catch up to him.

One of the dragons let out a grumble and I took a cautious step back. Tristan gave me a warm smile.

”Don't worry angel. I am a more than capable rider and the dragons have no interest in harming us, ” he said reassuringly.

”Of course not, ” Ross chimed in. ”They just ate.” I swallowed hard to keep the bile from rising in my throat.

”Commander!” Tristan barked. Ross snapped up to his full height.

”My apologies, sir, ” Ross said quickly.

”Come with me, ” Tristan said taking my hand. He glared at Ross as we walked by and led me over to the red dragon he had been standing near. ”Sasha, this is Aries. He and I have gone into battle together quite a few times.”

Aries’ black eyes seemed to be staring right through me. Without thinking, I dropped into a deep curtsy. The dragon let out a growl and lowered himself so that he was closer to the ground.

”I'll be damned. He doesn't usually take to anyone that quickly, ” Tristan said, in awe of what just took place. He led me over to Aries’ side. ”Climb up using these as hand and footholds, ” Tristan explained, pointing to the ridges on the back of Aries’ forearm.

”And then what?” I asked, finally finding my voice.

”See that saddle?” Tristan pointed to a large brown saddle on the dragon’s back. I nodded. ”Make your way up there and sit down. I will sit behind you.” I gulped and turned to step onto the first ridge. I was surprised by how warm Aries’ skin was and how firm the ridges were under my feet. Because of the weight of the armor, it took me two tries, but I finally settle myself in the saddle. I watched Tristan make his way up. He was quick and agile and soon had a leg on either side of me.

”Comfortable?” he asked. I nodded. ”Good. Hold on tightly there, ” he pointed to the pommel, ” and put your feet up slightly.” I moved my legs so that my knees were pointing back at me. He put one arm around me to grab the reins and the other he used to pull himself closer to me.

”Ready?” he whispered in my ear and a flash of heat traveled through my body. I nodded again and Tristan held up his arm with an open hand. When he made a fist, I felt myself being launched straight up into the air. My first dragon ride had begun.