Gareth couldn't resist a tease. "So, Kaelan, how does it feel to be the favorite child now? Don't let it go to your head."
Kaelan rolled his eyes. "I'll try not to. But if I start getting too full of myself, just remind me of that time you fell into the pig trough."
Gareth burst out laughing. "Touché, little brother. But don't forget who taught you how to climb out of it."
Duchess Beatrice joined in the laughter. "Oh, those were the days. Kaelan, you always had a knack for finding trouble."
Kaelan groaned. "Thanks for the reminder, Mother. I was hoping everyone had forgotten about that."
Duke Drakemont chuckled. "And let's not forget the time you tried to ride that wild horse. It threw you off in less than a minute."
Kaelan grinned sheepishly. "Well, I guess I've come a long way since then."
Gareth smirked. "Yes, you have. But I'll always be here to keep you humble."
The next morning, Kaelan sat with his family at the long, ornate dining table, enjoying a hearty breakfast. The excitement from the previous day had not yet worn off, and the air was filled with a sense of anticipation.
As they waited for the other candidates to arrive, Kaelan couldn't help but wonder how his friends were faring in the Dragon's Keep.
Gareth nudged him playfully. "Nervous for your friends, little brother?"
Kaelan nodded. "A bit. I just hope they come out soon and with their dragons. We've all trained so hard for this."
Duchess Beatrice sipped her tea and smiled reassuringly. "I'm sure they will. Every one of you has shown remarkable dedication and bravery."
Duke Drakemont, seated at the head of the table, looked thoughtful. "The bond with a dragon is a powerful one, Kaelan. It's not just about skill; it's about connection and trust. Your friends will succeed if they believe in themselves."
Kaelan's eyes drifted towards the balcony, and he mumbled under his breath, "I hope Isabel is fine."
Duchess Beatrice's sharp ears picked up his words. She turned to him with a curious look. "Who is Isabel? Last time I heard, you only had two friends, Alaric and Eamon."
Kaelan's face turned a shade of red. "Mom, she's a new friend. And there's Mirael too. We became friends not long ago..."
Duchess Beatrice's gaze became more inquisitive. "But your eyes are telling me something else. Who is she, Kaelan?" she asked playfully.
Kaelan's stuttering became more pronounced as he tried to explain. "She's just... we met... during training... she's really skilled and... um..."
Gareth smirked and leaned in. "Sounds like someone's got a bit of a crush."
Kaelan shot his brother a warning look, but Duchess Beatrice's expression softened with understanding. "Ah, I see. Isabel must be special if she's on your mind like this."
Gareth couldn't resist. "So, Kaelan, does this mean we should expect a grand romance story soon? You know, the young dragon rider and his lady love?"
Kaelan's blush deepened. "Gareth, stop it. It's not like that."
Duke Drakemont chuckled. "Well, if it is, make sure it's a story worth telling. We've got a family reputation to uphold, after all."
Kaelan groaned. "You too, Father?"
Before Kaelan could respond further, a loud, echoing roar reverberated through the castle walls, causing everyone to pause and listen. Kaelan's heart skipped a beat. "That sounded like a dragon!"
Everyone stood up and hurried towards the balcony, eager to see which dragon had arrived. Nobles from other balconies also craned their necks to catch a glimpse of the new arrival.
The view soon became clear as a green dragon came into view, its scales glinting in the sunlight. This was no ordinary dragon; it was a rare, poisonous breed, known for its deadly venom and fierce loyalty to its rider.
The rider slid off the dragon's back gracefully, and the Grandmaster's voice boomed across the courtyard. "Presenting the second candidate, Lord Thaddeus of House Marwood, with his bonded dragon, Venomwing!"
Kaelan couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment. As impressive as Thaddeus and Venomwing were, they weren't the ones he was hoping for.
Gareth noticed his brother's reaction and nudged him. "Don't worry, Kaelan. There are still more to come."
Kaelan nodded, but his eyes kept drifting towards the entrance of the Dragon's Keep. "I just hope Isabel comes out soon."
Duchess Beatrice placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Patience, Kaelan. The bond with a dragon is a deep and personal one. It takes time."
The third candidate, Lady Seraphina of House Ainsley, emerged next with her brilliant gold dragon, Sunflare. Then came Lord Cedric of House Valtor, with his formidable stone dragon, Stoneclaw. Both were impressive, but neither were the ones Kaelan was waiting for.
Kaelan's heart sank a bit with each new rider, feeling the pressure of the wait. But just as his spirits were waning, a distinct, powerful roar filled the air. This one had a darker, more ominous tone, and it sent a shiver down his spine. The crowd's attention shifted back to the entrance as a dragon emerged, unlike any Kaelan had ever seen.
Its scales were a deep, iridescent black, shimmering like obsidian in the faint glow. The air around it seemed to thicken with a palpable sense of dread, and its breath billowed in dark clouds. Kaelan's eyes widened with recognition and hope.
"Eamon!" he shouted, unable to contain his excitement.
The rider dismounted, and the Grandmaster's voice announced, "Presenting the ninth candidate, Lord Eamon of House Varrock, with his bonded dragon, Onyx!"
Kaelan's heart soared with joy as he watched his best friend approach with the imposing dragon.
Eamon also received a nod of approval from the king. He bowed deeply in the presence of the king and accepted his wishes.
Eamon walked towards the resting area, trying to find his family or at least his friends.
Eamon spotted Kaelan and waved, a wide grin on his face.
Gareth clapped Kaelan on the back. "Looks like your friend's made it through in style."
Kaelan rushed down to meet Eamon. He reached Eamon just as he started walking towards the building, his face beaming with pride. "Eamon! I knew you'd make it!"
Eamon laughed, the sound full of relief and triumph. "Thanks, Kaelan. Meet Onyx. Quite a pair, aren't we?"
Kaelan nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely. Onyx is incredible."
Onyx grunted, and Eamon's eyes widened as he heard the dragon's arrogant comment. "Why is your friend so overexcited? Hasn't he seen a mighty dragon like me before?" Onyx snorted, adding with a hint of sarcasm, "Must be a first for him. Poor lad."