Isabel and her group looked at the massive gate in front of them, the bold line engraved on it reading "Dragon's Keep." They couldn't believe the time had finally arrived, standing at the threshold of their destiny. This moment could change their entire lives, marking the start of a life-changing quest.
The gate was a majestic structure, made from a mix of oak wood and silver. Its height seemed to reach the sky, making them feel like tiny ants in its shadow. Yet, instead of feeling overwhelmed, the gate filled them with hope and made them realize the magnitude of the place where the heavenly creatures resided.
The stone walls stretched towards the horizon, so far that they couldn't even see their endpoints. These walls were not meant to keep dragons inside but to prevent any unwanted presence from entering. The dragons, after all, could easily bypass such barriers. The walls served as a testament to the sacredness of the dragons' haven, a boundary for those unworthy of entry.
There was only one chance to step inside this heavenly place: the dragon choosing ceremony. No one aside from the Riders could enter, making this moment even more profound for Isabel and her friends. Isabel could see the anticipation in everyone's eyes, mirroring the rapid beating of her own heart. Her heart clenched with a mix of fear and anticipation, and she couldn't wait to set foot inside.
Mirael let out a low whistle. "What a beautiful place, even more beautiful than the king's palace."
Isabel snapped out of her thoughts and looked at Mirael. "Have you ever seen the king's palace?" she asked in a sarcastic tone.
Mirael bit her tongue, then leaned on Isabel and said with a haughty air, "Dear, it's my prediction. I can compare them without seeing it."
Isabel rolled her eyes, while Kaelan and Alaric smiled at Mirael's antics. Kaelan then said, "Let's go. We don't have much time. Let's enter the gate."
Everyone nodded at his words and walked towards the smaller gate set within the massive one. They could see many candidates already there, forming a line towards the mini gate. The main gate was guarded by two knights on the outside, and one knight stood at the mini gate, checking the invitation letters of every candidate before letting them enter.
Isabel and her group joined the queue, the atmosphere charged with a mix of excitement and nervousness. As they waited their turn, Isabel took in the details of their surroundings.
The intricate carvings on the gate, depicting dragons in flight and fierce battles, seemed almost lifelike. The knights, clad in polished armor, stood resolute, embodying the seriousness of the occasion.
Finally, it was their turn. They handed their invitation letters to the knight, who scrutinized each one carefully. After a moment, he nodded and stepped aside, allowing them to pass through the smaller gate. As they stepped inside, the air seemed to change, charged with a sense of reverence and anticipation.
Isabel and her group walked down the path lined with statues, each representing a legendary dragon rider from ages past. The statues, carved from marble and stone, stood tall and imposing, their features capturing the strength and determination that had marked their lives. Isabel felt a sense of awe as she looked at them, wondering if she would one day be immortalized in such a manner.
The air inside the Dragon's Keep was cool and filled with a faint, earthy scent, mingled with the scent of burning torches that lined the walls. The path wound deeper into the keep, each step echoing off the stone floors. They passed through grand archways adorned with intricate carvings of dragons in flight, their wings spread wide as if ready to take to the skies at any moment.
Mirael's eyes were wide with wonder as she took in their surroundings. "This place is incredible," she whispered, her voice filled with reverence. "It's like stepping into a different world."
Kaelan nodded, his gaze steady and focused. "It feels like the history of all dragon riders is watching us. We have to honor their legacy."
Alaric, ever observant, added, "It's not just the statues. Look at the tapestries. They tell the stories of battles, of bonds formed between riders and their dragons. It's a reminder of what we're striving for."
Isabel followed Alaric's gaze to a large tapestry depicting a fierce battle between dragon riders and a horde of enemies. The dragons' fiery breath illuminated the scene, and the riders, with their unwavering resolve, led the charge. She felt a shiver run down her spine, both from the depiction of the battle and from the realization of the responsibility that came with being a dragon rider.
As they continued down the path, the sound of their footsteps was joined by a low, distant rumble. Isabel's heart quickened. They were getting closer to the keep, where the dragons awaited. She could sense the energy in the air, a powerful, almost electric presence that seemed to pulse through the stone walls.
As Isabel and her group reached the end of the path, they found themselves stepping into a vast open area within the Dragon's Keep. The space was impressive, with high stone walls surrounding it, creating an arena-like environment. The floor was made of smooth, polished stone, reflecting the light of the torches that lined the perimeter.
Candidates were already assembled, standing in orderly lines according to their assigned numbers. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, the candidates' faces showing a mix of nervousness and determination. Isabel and her friends quickly found their assigned places and joined the line, feeling the weight of the moment settle over them.
On a raised platform in the center of the area stood various members of the council who would oversee the dragon choosing ceremony. These council members were distinguished figures, their robes adorned with symbols of their rank and their expressions stern and focused. Each one held a scroll or a ledger, ready to mark down the results of the ceremony.
High above, on a balcony overlooking the entire process, stood the Royals. Their presence was both awe-inspiring and intimidating. Isabel craned her neck, trying to catch a glimpse of who might be there.
She knew that the Royals took a keen interest in the dragon choosing ceremony, as the selection of new dragon riders was crucial for the kingdom's defense and prestige. However, it was unclear which members of the Royal family had attended this year.
Mirael, standing beside Isabel, whispered, "Do you think the king is here?"