Free Dragon Trials (Return of the Darkening Book 1) by Ava Richardson Page A

that, Thea just moved quicker. When Jensen lunged forward in a strike that should have knocked Thea out of the chalk circle, she spun, sweeping out her staff to hit her opponent on the wrist, then twirling around to hit him on the side of the knee.
    “Two hits! Jensen out. Win to Thea!” The Dragon Rider clapped again, and this time we all stood up and cheered. Thea had won the duel challenge, and I was happy that she looked so pleased with herself.
    I was also happy the instructors called for a short break. The sun passed the midday mark and we were sent onto the less physical challenges. Tables were brought out and placed along one side of the training ground while overhead a huge, shielding flag was attached to the walls to protect everyone from the heat of the day.
    First up was dragon-spotting. We were separated out individually and each given a piece of paper, quill and ink. I was dreading this test because my writing wasn’t the best, but Merik had said you didn’t have to be the best speller to be a Dragon Rider, just a good reader. Thanks to my ma, that I could do.
    Across from us, a patch of wall was kept uncovered and shone brilliantly in the sun. Far above, one of the adjudicators hoisted a piece of board, roughly cut into the shape of a dragon. It cast a perfect shadow down on the wall.
    That’s easy, a short-necked forest green, I thought, writing down the words. It appeared obvious to me because the neck to body ratio was small, and the creature was stocky.
    Next I saw a long, sinuous barbed tail with wings that fanned out to fine points.
    Got to be a blue of some kind. They generally liked colder places and they have those long wings to help them glide over the snow . I tapped the writing feather against my chin. Aha! A blue stealer!
    The challenge progressed, different silhouettes being displayed faster now. I thought I was doing well, but maybe I was just getting it all wrong. We went through all of the more common species: the small white, the double-tooth black, the marsh green, four-winged ossifer.
    The last was one that had Thea excitedly leaning her head down as soon as the shadow appeared on the wall. A crimson red—our dragon. I still didn’t know her name yet. I wondered about my score, and about dragon names, while handing my paper to the instructor and waiting for the results to be read out.
    “First place, with ten correct answers, trainee Syl!” the commander read out, making me stamp the ground in exasperation. What did I get wrong?
    “With nine correct answers, trainee Smith!” My exasperation evaporated as a wave of disbelief and happiness rushed over me. I turned to see Thea nodding encouragingly. I thought my heart would burst.
    Next came Merik, then Beris and Thea in joint fourth, followed by Shakasta and the others. I had done well. Very well! Now I was glad I had stuck with it during those hard first days. I might not ever be first at all things, but my fears of being last in all tests were now banished.
    “Trainees, you will perform, one at a time, a map challenge,” the commander called out. Long, cylindrical pots stoppered and filled with bits of papyrus were put onto the tables. The commander looked us over. “We will set a sand clock running. When we sound the horn, you must try to identify and track the clues from one map to another, leading you to solve the mystery of where a missing dragon and its riders might be. You will be judged as to how long it takes you! Each challenge is different, so do not think you can succeed by copying the efforts of another.”
    Butterflies swarmed in my stomach like young dragons, but Merik gave me a thumbs up.
    Names were draw one at a time. Each time the Dragon Horn blew and another trainee ran to the table. Two ran out of time before they could finish. And then my name was called. My hands chilled and sweat popped on my lip. The horn blew loud enough that it seemed to shake my bones. I ran to the tables to start on the first