The dragons descended in perfect formation, adjusting their approach with impressive precision. When they landed, the roof trembled beneath my feet, forcing me to reconsider my earlier assessment about the safety of having more dragons land on the roof at once. If significantly more than five had landed simultaneously, the combined downdraft might have been strong enough to sweep cadets off the edge, and the structural load, while potentially manageable if distributed properly, would have created tremors that might have ultimately destabilized the structure.
The dragons settled, folding their massive wings against their bodies, their intelligent eyes scanning us with curiosity. They were close enough that their snouts nearly touched the line we'd formed, their hot breath discernible in the cool mountain air.
The dragon riders were all wearing flight uniforms of the Wrath Wing of the Dragon Force, and as they dismounted, one of them, a woman with a single long auburn braid hanging down her back, removed her flight goggles and headed straight for me.
"What's your name, cadet?" she asked.
"Alar Tekum, Lieutenant," I said, noting the rank insignia on her uniform.
"First Lieutenant Talila Marbuk," she introduced herself, then gestured to the purple-hued dragon behind her. "And this is Xathsia."
I dipped my head respectfully, first to the lieutenant and then, more deeply, to her dragon. "I'm pleased to make both of your acquaintances," I said, remembering the etiquette Commander Ravel had taught us.
Xathsia's eyes were a striking amber color that contrasted beautifully with her scales, and they seemed to sparkle with approval. She made a soft rumbling sound that I interpreted as positive.
"You're a fast study and not easily intimidated," Lieutenant Marbuk said. "Many cadets forget to acknowledge dragons directly, especially when they are still terrified of them." She beckoned me toward her dragonia. "Let me demonstrate the proper mounting technique."
I watched intently as she walked over to Xathsia's side, maintaining eye contact with the dragonia until reaching the mounting position. With a fluid motion that spoke of years of practice, she ascended to the saddle using handholds along the dragon's harness.
"The proper mount serves two purposes," she explained as she slid back down. "Utility, yes, but also dignity, for the dragonia, not for you. They are not beasts of burden to be clambered upon clumsily. You also need to ask permission. When you first flew on the back of the dragon on the way to the Citadel, your rider asked permission for you, using the dragon bond. But now that you are aware of the dragons' agency, you should vocalize your request."
It all made perfect sense once I made the switch in my mind to regard dragons as people. I wouldn't climb on someone's shoulders without asking permission either.
"Of course," I said. "Xathsia is a respected member of the Dragon Force and should be regarded accordingly."
Lieutenant Talila smiled. "Good answer, Cadet Tekum. Xathsia is my partner, friend, and confidante." She motioned for me to approach her partner.
I bowed my head again. "May I have the honor of climbing upon your back?" I wasn't sure whether I should add a title like Madam or Your Mightiness.
Xathsia surprised me by nodding her enormous head and motioning for me to continue.
I did exactly as Lieutenant Talila had demonstrated, maintaining eye contact with the dragonia until I was standing next to the straps attached to her harness. Her scales were warm to the touch, and their texture felt like something between polished stone and supple leather. I used the handholds to pull myself up, mindful of my movements, and settled into the front position of the saddle. It was lower than the back one, so even though I was taller than Lieutenant Marbuk, she should be able to see over my head from her elevated position.
She mounted behind me with effortless grace. "Well done, cadet. Now, secure your harness."
I fastened the safety straps as I'd been shown on my virgin flight, checking each connection twice.
"You are in charge, Cadet Tekum," Lieutenant Marbuk informed me once we were both secured.
How did she expect me to do that?
"I can't communicate with Xathsia telepathically," I pointed out. "How will she know what I need her to do?"
Talila chuckled. "Most communication between rider and dragon during flight is nonverbal. Small changes in the way Xathsia feels your weight distribution inform her which way you want to go, and I will tell you how to execute them."
"Please forgive my ignorance, as I have never ridden any creature before, but I have seen farmers riding bulls. I mean no offense, but is telegraphing my intentions similar in any way to riding a bull?"
"Similar in principle, though far more sophisticated," she confirmed. "And of course, Xathsia reserves the right to overrule your guidance if she thinks you're about to fly straight into a cliff."
"I'm grateful for that."
She pulled out a pair of goggles and handed them to me. "Put these on. It's not too cold today, but the wind will dry your eyes in seconds."
I took the goggles and put them on. The lenses were clear, but I suspected that riding without them would have offered a better view.
Around us, the other cadets were already mounted and ready to go with their goggles in place.
As Major Harlow gave a signal, Lieutenant Marbuk leaned forward. "Ready, Cadet Tekum?"
