9

You begin to climb one of the more robust stone walls, hoisting yourself up and getting aid from Silvertwister whenever it seems like you need it. Soon, the two of you are running up a slowly rising staircase, where a tall wall stands with sentry spots on the two corners.

You climb the wall until you're at the highest part of the fort. The area you're now standing in has a slightly inclined roof, its sole purpose to keep sentries dry from the rain.

You lean to the side and watch as Silvertwister flaps his wings and begins to gain air. He flaps harder and harder until he is eye level with you. Suddenly, he misses a beat, but before he falls you reach out, and with all your strength pull him beside you. He licks your hand in thanks, and you smile as you hear another horn.

Next

You both turn and rest your eyes upon the scene before you. Before you rests the pride and joy of the neighboring town of Ampleforth, the Ampleforth Stadium. It's home to the Ampleforth Racers and a popular place for all those who have a similar interest in one thing.

Racing dragons.

From your current spot, you can only see some of the forest track and the actual stadium in the distance. During races, you have a decent view of the racers as they speed through the obstacles close by. And when the weather is just right, you can see the winner's circle clearly. Luckily, this is one of those nights.

You've never actually attended a race before. Your parents don't actually have the funds or the time to travel to the stadium. But that does little to suppress your interest. You want to be one of them, to ride and to race and to breathe the same air as them. You have a dragon and the desire, you just need the skills. The main reason you want to become a racer is that…

Silvertwister chirps loudly, gaining your attention as you both look to see the figures of racers zipping past. There are eight of them, and they're all competing for that one spot. You watch as they weave through the trees gracefully, rider and dragon leaning and turning, becoming one as they race against the others.

You continue to watch until the winner makes themselves known and heads towards the pedestal. You can't quite make out the specific details of each racer, but you know that the winner is riding a beautiful green dragon.

Firecrackers begin to go off, painting the dark navy sky with dashes of red and yellow. The audience begins to scream and shout, the noise adding to the fireworks and bringing the countryside to life.

The green dragon suddenly jets into the air and performs a fast-twisting spin before opening its wings back up, appearing frozen in the sky. And at that moment, all of the dragons roar in unison. Silvertwister growls and tries to roar as well, but it comes off more like a purr.

He lowers his head in embarrassment, looking over at you nervously.