Chapter 10 - The Sovereign of the Sky
Three weeks later, the Highcrest Academy was unrecognizable.
Chancellor Reev and Colonel Maro had been stripped of their titles and banished to the northern labor mines by decree of the High Council. Deputy Commandant Kalen was officially named the new Commandant of the Academy, instantly abolishing the cruel, oppressive training methods of the past regime.
Down in the sub-vaults, the royal dragon egg had been safely removed from the siphon engine and placed in a warm, magically nurtured incubator in the grand courtyard.
The sun shone brightly over the main training yard — the very same yard where Colonel Maro had been thrown into the dirt weeks ago.
Winn stood near the gate, wearing her new dark-green rider's coat stamped with the golden crest of a High Dragon Master. She no longer carried a pitchfork; at her side was a light riding blade given to her by the council.
A massive crimson head lowered beside her shoulder. Kestrel nudged her gently, pushing her forward with enough force to make her laugh.
"Alright, alright," Winn smiled, reaching up to stroke the smooth, warm scales behind his eye. "I'm coming."
Cadets and instructors who had once ignored her now stood along the fence rail, watching with genuine respect and awe as the former stable girl mounted the legendary red beast with effortless grace.
She needed no iron spurs. She needed no cruel harness. Just a quiet word and a light touch.
"Let's go check on the northern valley, Kestrel," Winn murmured.
May you like
Kestrel spread his vast crimson wings, catching the crisp morning wind. With a mighty leap, they launched into the sky, soaring high above the stone towers and mountain peaks, free at last.
Winn looked out over the endless horizon, the wind roaring in her ears, her heart overflowing with pride. She was no longer the invisible orphan girl sweeping the mud. She was a rider, a protector, and the true voice of the sky.
