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

Liana watched the black dragon, the one that had her entranced, land gracefully upon the watch tower not too far off in the distance. She could barely make out the man who rode him. And she wondered what sort of person he was. Surely he had to be brave, fearless, to ride such a creature. She watched him dismount the beast in a strange fashion and tilted her head in curiosity. Shed never seen a dragon rider before. Only from afar and not this close in proximity, not ever. Her father had made sure of it. As he landed on the floor of one of the ramparts, she saw a guard charge at him. Her breath caught in her throat as she saw the dragon rider grab at the guard, making him cower a bit in fear. Liana wanted to turn away from what she was witnessing. It frightened her, made her wonder if her decision to place herself in the lottery had been the right thing to do after all. For if this was the way dragon riders were, she didnt know if she wanted to become one. Plus, to have to face someone like that? She didnt know if she could actually do such a thing without fainting. Shed be a laughing stock, considered hopeless. She knew shed try, but there was no way shed ever be able to face someone like that. Somewhat shaken at what shed seen, Liana turned her gaze o ut at the people milling about down below. The crowd was becoming larger and she knew that soon her father would appear, along with his advisors and the name holder. It wouldnt be long now. Staring out at everyone and trying to ignore the sight of the black dragon and its rider, Liana suddenly heard footsteps behind her. Daughter? What are you doing here? It was the voice of the king. Liana swallowed, her body trembling ever so slightly, and turned around to face her father. She tamped down her fears and smiled. Good morning, father, she said softly, yet sweetly. How fares thee? The king furrowed his eyebrows as he looked upon his only child, his daughter. I fare well, but why are you here, Liana? Ive decided that Im no longer a child, father. I wish to witness the drawing of the lottery. Lianas face was set, determined. Seeing as its a fairly large event for our people, and as heir to the throne, I thought it only right that I attend. After all, I too am eligible for the lottery, am I not? The kings face turned an odd shade of red and then purple as he sputtered over his words. When he calmed down, he took Lianas hand in his own. Of course, Liana. As you wish. Liana nodded, Thank you, father. The king frowned and one of his advisors set the name holder for the lottery drawing on the balcony where the king would stand and draw the name of the next dragon rider for Azur. The king then stepped up to address his people. People of Azur, I bid you good morning! the king shouted. The people cheered. Liana just stood quietly next to her father. She could feel the stares of the people down below, the stares of the advisors from behind. And they burned, made her uneasy, so she cast her eyes over at the black dragon resting peacefully across the way. As you all know, today is an important day. Today we shall have another fortunate soul called to ride the dragons. An individual, man or woman, who will deserve the utmost honor and our respect. The people cheered, though Liana could sense the fear as they did so. It made her hands shake a little. She wondered who would be called. Would it be her? Or someone else? The odds were in her favor that she would not be called, but now she wasnt so sure. People of Azur our next dragon rider will be the kings voice trailed as he reached his hand into the name holder and pulled out a slip of paper with a name written on it. He held it up for all to see and opened it. Immediately, his eyes went wide, his face red. He turned toward Liana, his face furious with anger, frustration. Liana swallowed. Oh god, she thought to herself. Hes chosen my name! Panic instantly washed over her entire body, her hands shaking, her teeth chattering. Princess Liana of Azur! the king shouted out, his voice unsure, filled with anger. There was a lull in the crowd, a bizarre hesitation. Suddenly, they roared with cheers, with praises for the newly called dragon rider.