Thread: To Train A Dragon Rider (Distain2003 & darkangel76)

The king looked over at Liana, his face ready to explode with rage, with fury. What did you do? he spoke, his voice eerily calm. Immediately, the king rushed over to his daughter and grabbed her firmly by the arm. She winced at the pain as he dragged her away from the balconys edge and away from the crowd of onlookers. Liana, what did you do? The king was shaking with anger, his grip on her arm tight, bruising her. I know this is your doing. He looked at Liana, his eyes flashing. Tell me youre behind this. Tell me! Liana cringed, her eyes tearing a little both from the pain her father was causing her by holding onto her arm and by the expression she saw plastered all over his face. Im sorry, I her voice trailed. I had to, father! She paused a moment. It wasnt right what you did last time! It wasnt! I will not have my only daughter sent off to be trained by those savage men! the king roared. His advisors looked stunned, bewildered. They were completely at a loss as to what to do. We must do a re-draw! Now! But sire, one of the advisors said, interrupting the king as he raged. If we do a re-draw, itll cause a riot. We cannot risk such a thing. Azur is already low on its morale with the way the war has been going the past several years. Theyll suspect the last lottery was fixed and youll lose their support, their faith. The king sputtered, glancing from his advisor, to Liana and back again. The anger he was obviously feeling rolled off him in giant waves. It was evident that he knew his advisor was right, that he didnt want to accept it. He bowed his head and he let go of Lianas arm. She reached up to cradle where hed bruised her, rubbing it gently, trying to ease the throbbing pain she felt. He looked up just then, his eyes fixing on his daughters. Training with dragon riders is not the life I wanted for you. The kings voice was but a whisper. I know, father, Liana spoke, her eyes softening a little. But it wasnt right. Just because Im your daughter doesnt mean I should be granted special treatment and protection. She heaved a sigh. According to law, Im of eligible age and therefore should be held to the same levels of risk as everyone else. Never did it state that nobility or royalty were to be excluded. The king exhaled loudly. I do not support this, Liana. Not at all. He paused, desperately trying to calm himself down. If it was within my power to put a stop to this, I would. His eyes showed so much bitterness. I want you to know that as you go off to train with those savages. Liana looked down at her feet, I understand, father. You will be treated no differently than any other dragon rider whos been called in the past. Those men do not discern between gender or social class. The king walked toward his daughter, a frown upon his lips. Your life will be very brutal from this day forward. Training commences almost immediately. Liana curtsied. When does it begin? Your trainer will meet you tomorrow at dawn. He will meet you down below in the courtyard. The kings face was now full of sadness, of pity. It made Liana uneasy. It was almost like he was mourning her. Yes, father. Ill be there then, Liana replied. The king nodded and walked away, leaving Liana to stand by herself. A mix of emotions coursed through her veins. She was frightened, she was sad, frustrated. But she knew shed done the right thing. And she didnt regret what shed done even if it meant answering the call to become a dragon rider. She walked back out to the balcony. The crowd was slowly dispersing. Liana looked up into the sky and saw the black dragon flying overhead. As she watched it fly away, she swore she could hear someone laughing.