The Time Tournament (Order of the Dragon #1)

CHAPTER 20

Elena

September 1429

A glint appeared in his eyes. I braced for retaliation, but instead, he turned his head to the side and…smiled? Was this another one of his tricks?

“Rider Taddeus, throw me a sword,” Killian said, but his eyes returned to mine.

Laszlo tossed him the weapon, and he caught it effortlessly. The man was a beast.

“Are you prepared to fight?” he asked with a smirk.

“Always.” I withdrew the sword and positioned myself for an attack. Though the sword weighed close to eight pounds and felt heavier the longer it was held, it had a great advantage. It kept enemies at just the right distance—far enough to stay sharp and make good decisions.

At first, Killian went easy on me, attacking in predictable patterns. But the more I successfully defended myself, the more his attacks intensified. Slowly, his demeanor changed from focused to one of awe. With each move, I found new ways to counter him.

“You do justice to my sister’s training,” he said.

“You knew about our training practices?”

“No, but I can see the technique. It was taught to us as kids by the great swordsman Darian. Few ever learn what you already know. But swordsmanship isn’t the only form of fighting.” He swung the sword at greater speed and, in one move, ripped mine from my hand. Then he dropped his sword and lunged at me. I crouched and braced myself. My move surprised him, but it didn’t slow him down. Once he was close enough, I leaned back, caught his arms, and pulled, finishing the move with my legs pinned into his abdomen and rolling like a roly-poly. Due to inertia, Killian found himself on the other side of the circle.

Everyone cheered and clapped, which I didn’t expect. Killian stood, dusted himself off, and walked back to the center. “Very well, Rider Costin. Stand in line for further instruction.”

I looked at Killian, then at the team, and then back at Killian, still not believing my ears.

“Do I need to repeat myself, Rider?” Killian shot me a warning look .

“No, no,” I said and rushed to the other riders and Tarra.

Tarra gave me a hug while others patted my back and playfully punched me in the arm. Grateful didn’t even begin to describe how I felt.

For the rest of practice, we continued to work on our swordsmanship. By the end of training, we were testing our skills with double swords. Being ambidextrous, I was the only one to resist an attack on the first try. For that, I earned even more praise. It was always an all-or-nothing situation for me. And I wanted it all.

Afterward, I was invited by the Solomonari to share the lunch their moms or wives had packed for them. My hand trembled with each bite of bread, but it was worth it.

The following day, I walked with a spring in my step to the Rotonda, only to find Laszlo by himself, training with a spear on a target.

“Where is everyone?” I asked.

“The dragons went out hunting this morning. The Commander took Novak and Terek as riders, and Kovak went home to his family. So, it’s just us,” Laszlo said.

“Is Lord Valkorian able to hunt with broken wings?”

“He can, but he doesn’t have to. His kids do all the hunting. The dragons eat their meat raw, but afterward, they give a share to the riders, and they all rest by the fire while it cooks.”

“Are they going to stay long?” I asked.

“I’m not sure, depends on the hunt,” he said. “Even though we met several times, I don’t believe we were properly introduced,” Laszlo said. “I’m Laszlo Taddeus, a Solomonar.” He offered his hand for a handshake.

“I’m Elena Costin, a time traveler.” I shook his hand.

“Nice to meet you, time traveler Elena Costin.” He grinned.

“Likewise,” I said and looked around. Surrounding us were racks of weapons and a newly built metal bar. “So what were you planning to do today?”

“Mostly, spearing. I’ve yet to hit the bullseye.”

“I have yet to learn how to spear.”

He grinned. “You’ll get there. After what you pulled yesterday, I don’t doubt you’ll prove to the Commander you can do anything.”

“Why do you even need to train? You literally control the weather.”

“Even a master of air can’t control it every time. Clouds are an unpredictable force.”

“I didn’t know it was a species to begin with.” I took a spear and began mirroring his movements. The bullseyes seemed too far to reach for me as well. “Are there other Solomonari like you?”

“Yes, though most are young and some are still infants.”

“I know everyone else refused to follow Killian’s leadership. Why didn’t you?”

“My whole life my family doted on me because of my brittle health. My father refused to even consider me joining the legion, but when he passed, it became my duty. Mother always complained about it, and my sisters always try to prove they’re stronger than me.”

“So are you saying, Killian’s ‘triumph’ lies in the hands of two misfits? No wonder he’s angry all the time.”

Laszlo rubbed the back of his neck.

“Well, guess what? We’re going to prove everyone wrong. Now give me a high five,” I said.

“A what now?”

“Raise your hand up. Just like that.” I slapped his palm. “Every time we get through another trial, we do that to celebrate.”

“You got it,” he said and grinned.

A screech made us both miss the target. When we turned, three dragons in various shades of red appeared with Killian breathing fire to the side. The House was adjourned. Novak and Terek guided each dragon for landing. First, it was Tarra, then Killian, and lastly, Lord Valkorian. Though Killian looked like he didn’t need any assistance whatsoever.

Laszlo rushed to grab cloaks from a sack and prepared. Killian turned first, not bothered by his nakedness. Though I was certainly bothered, I kept my gaze away until curiosity betrayed me. Laszlo handed Killian the cloak. Dripping wet, he draped it around his shoulders. They probably went for a dip in the river after their hunt. Lord Valkorian followed.

“Tarra, stay in dragon form,” Killian said as he and Lord Valkorian left for the cave to get dressed.

When Laszlo saw Tarra coming, his smile beamed. “Good day, Tarra, how was the hunt? ”

She snorted gusts of steam. “You look great in dragon form.” She placed her forelimbs in front and laid her head on them.

“Alright, Riders. Today we’ll practice climbing onto a dragon and taking off,” Killian said as he returned, looking refreshed, though his white locks still dripped.

Considering how the last time went, I would be earning another fail badge for this one.

“Rider Taddeus, show us how it’s done,” Killian said, stepping aside with Novak and Terek behind him.

Laszlo placed his satchel over his shoulder and sprinted toward Tarra. Using momentum, he jumped with one leg on her wing and another on her back. By the third move, he sat firmly, clasping her longer crests that acted as reins.

“Whoa,” I exclaimed. That was fantastic.

“Rider Taddeus, this doesn’t cut it,” Killian barked.

What? It looked like a perfect execution from the running speed to the straddle.

“First, you stepped on the wrong part of Tarra’s wing. You jumped on a phalange instead of a metacarpal. In a real fight, this could crack the bone and cripple her flight.”

Oh, crap. I had to learn dragon anatomy in-depth now, or I risked hurting Tarra. “Secondly, your jump was delayed because of the additional distance. Sometimes, victory depends on mere seconds.”

“Yes, Commander,” Laszlo said dejectedly and climbed off Tarra. She nudged him with her snout, causing Laszlo to brighten up. He looked smitten with her .

“Now let’s see Rider Costin’s attempt,” Killian said without looking at me.

“Um, Commander. I’m not sure I can do a good job. I haven’t had the chance to figure things out.” My one and only time was a complete disaster.

“Let’s see what we have to work with,” Killian said.

“Okay,” I said hesitantly. I walked backward to gain better speed and bolted toward Tarra. I created the necessary momentum and even stepped on the right bone, then slammed into Tarra’s side like a pancake. And just like a pancake, I slid down to my knees.

Before Killian could say a word, I rushed back to the starting line and tried again. Momentum. Check. Left leg on the meta-something. Check. Right foot on Tarra’s back. Check. Straddle. Not check. “Aaahhh.” I fell on my back but luckily, Tarra caught me with her wing. Crap.

Alright. Attempt number three. I glanced at Killian, his arms crossed, face unreadable. Was he already done with me?

My last chance here I go. The starting line. Left foot. Right foot. Left… no. No, that’s not it. I was too close to Tarra’s wing and had the wrong footing. I still managed to climb, but much slower, so by the time I reached her torso, I began falling backward.

This time, Killian caught me. He lifted me to my feet and, with a finger to his chin he scrutinized the jumbled mess before him. Then he asked, “Have you ever mounted a horse?”

“Um, no,” I replied, keeping my gaze low, ready for a scolding.

“Have you ever ridden a horse?”

“Once, at a county fair. It was a pony. I was six.”

“Hmm. Rider Taddeus, did you ride here on horseback?” Killian turned to Laszlo.

“Yes, Commander,” Laszlo answered.

“I’ll need your horse. Now,” Killian ordered.

“Yes, Commander.” Laszlo went into the side of the woods and came back with a stunning gray and white horse.

“This one is taller than a pony,” I said to myself.

“I hope so.” Killian yanked the reins out of Laszlo’s hand. Then turned to everyone else and said, “You’re free for the day, Riders.”

“But Commander, how do I get home?” Laszlo asked.

“I said you are free for the day.” Killian shot him a threatening look.

“Yes, Commander.”

“Maybe Tarra can fly him,” I suggested.

Tarra and Laszlo exchanged excited looks.

“Beyond this Rotonda, do whatever you want,” Killian said, sounding bored.

“Good day, Commander.” Laszlo nodded. “Rider Costin.” He nodded toward me. Then he rushed to Tarra, performed the same mounting maneuver but better, and off they went into the sky.

Killian handed me the reins of the horse and looked for something. He returned with a stump about five inches high and placed it next to the horse. Unbuckling the saddle and said, “Before mounting a dragon, you need to learn how to mount and ride a horse bareback.”