Page 17 of Tempest Awakening

"Like what?" I asked, fascinated.

"Well, for starters, there's dragon housing—actual dens built into a nearby mountain!," Wesley explained, his eyes shining with excitement.

I blinked, trying to process this information. "Wait, there are dragons living here? Right now?"

Wesley nodded enthusiastically. "Oh yes! Plus, we have dormitories for staff and aspiring riders, guild staff housing, and even a grand dining hall where everyone comes together. It's like a small, magical city within these grounds."

"That's... incredible," I breathed, my mind reeling with the possibilities.

He smiled warmly. "So, with all that in mind, where would you like to start our tour?"

"Well, I'd love to see the dragons," I admitted. "I've always been fascinated by them."

"Brilliant! Let’s head to the Training Grouds, then!"

Wesley led me out of the grand Library building, stepping onto a well-manicured path that wound its way through the grounds. As we walked, I couldn't help but marvel at the sheer scale of the complex. The Library, impressive as it was, was just one part of this hidden world.

We passed by the Dormitory, a large, multi-winged building that Wesley explained housed not only library staff but also aspiring dragon riders. The architecture seamlessly blended with the Library's ancient aesthetic, yet had a cozier, more lived-in feel.

Our path took us through a section of dense forest, the trees providing a natural barrier between different areas of thegrounds. The air felt different here, charged with an energy I couldn't quite explain. Wesley mentioned that the forests were enchanted, adding another layer of protection to the already well-guarded sanctuary.

As we emerged from the treeline, I gasped. Ahead of us stretched a sprawling expanse of varied terrain—from flat, grassy fields to rocky outcroppings and even a clear lake in the distance.

"The Training Grounds are magically enhanced," Wesley explained as we approached. "They can be altered to create different training scenarios. See those observation posts? That's where instructors monitor the applicants' progress."

To our left, I could see the imposing structure of the Dragon Rider Guild in the distance, its luminescent stone gleaming in the sunlight. And beyond that, my breath caught as I spotted the mountain that housed the dragon dens.

"Are we likely to see any dragons?" I asked, trying and failing to keep the excitement out of my voice.

Wesley grinned. "Oh, I'd say that's a pretty safe bet. Look up there."

As I followed his gaze skyward, my heart leapt. In the distance, I could see several dark shapes wheeling through the air—unmistakably dragons engaged in some sort of aerial maneuver.

"Welcome," Wesley said, gesturing to the incredible scene before us, "to where the magic really happens."

My heart raced, a lifetime of fascination culminating in this moment. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I watched these majestic creatures, feeling a pull towards them that I couldn't explain.

Below them, dozens of figures darted and weaved across the grounds, their movements a blur as they navigated an elaborate obstacle course.

"Incredible, aren't they?" Wesley's voice was hushed.

I could only nod, words failing me as I watched a massive red dragon unleash a torrent of flames that engulfed one of the obstacles, reducing it to smoldering embers in the blink of an eye.

"Those are the Dragon Rider applicants," he continued.

I peered at the distant figures navigating an obstacle course that seemed to shift and morph with every heartbeat. Bursts of elemental magic—fire, water, earth—erupted all around them.

"It looks intense," I murmured, my respect for their dedication mounting.

Wesley nodded sagely. "The training weeds out the weak, ensuring only the most worthy form a symbiotic bond with a dragon. It's a sacred pact, one that grants the rider incredible abilities but demands the utmost integrity and selflessness in return."

As we watched, one figure caught my eye. His shock of white hair stood out against the training grounds, and his tall, lithe frame moved with a grace that set him apart from the others. He effortlessly weaved through obstacles that sent others stumbling, his pale skin gleaming in the sunlight.

"Who's that?" I asked, pointing to the standout applicant.

Wesley squinted, then his eyebrows rose in recognition. "Ah, that would be Kane Ellesar," he said, a note of respect in his voice. "Son of the Lord Protector and one of our top applicants. He's quite remarkable."

I watched as Kane deftly dodged a burst of flame, his movements fluid and purposeful. "He certainly seems to know what he's doing."

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