'I am terribly sorry, Young Rider, that your saddle is still incomplete. Kind Adrazar has put another job on my hands and it's taking longer than expected. Luckily, I now have a coworker to help me. Your saddle should take up to two days to finish now. If I do not show up at the Tempat Tidur Pengendara at sunrise in two days time, you may punish me anyway you please. Sincerely, Yenmon.'

Frukink's really are more open to punishment, Alaois spoke as he tapped his talons on the grass. Doryu shoved the letter into his leather satchel that lay just before Alaois before returning to Zinreene.

It's what they've been taught their entire lives, Doryu pointed out as he sat on the grass. The princess wore a sage green dress with a brown corset. The clothing moved graciously in the wind, as it always did.

"What was the letter?" Zinreene asked, her voice soft and soothing.

"Just a message from Yenmon is all." Doryu responded. The Frukink smilied before pulling out another herb out of her bag.

"This here is the Kenaf Mushroom." Zinreene handed Doryu the dark blue mushroom with the glowing orange underside. "Not only is this mushroom a great source of food, and that it grows anywhere besides the ocean and desert, but it is one of the main ingredients to Relencadren." Before Doryu could ask what Relencadren is, Zinreene answered. "It's a very useful medicine used to heal bones. Though it may need some outside help such as magic and rest, Relencadren does most of the work."

Does it work on dragons? Alaois asked. Zinreene nodded, her frills resting on her neck and remained perfectly still.

"Though it may require a larger batch, it will heal you if you are to acquire a broken bone, Emerald Scales." Alaois hummed as Zinreene said 'Emerald Scales'. It had been a new name the Frukinks had given him; one he enjoyed being called. To Frukink's, being called something significant to your scale color meant you have a very powerful role and are well respected. Doryu knew he'd never receive a name such as Emerald Scales, but being called Young Rider was just the same as Alaois's new name to the Frukink's. "To our knowledge, Relencadren is able to work on any living creatures aside from plants," Zinreene continued.

"How long does it take to make Relencadren?" Doryu asked as he handed the Kenaf Mushroom back to the princess.

"Finding the ingredients is easy enough, but to make Relencadren? It takes about three weeks for it to properly be prepared. That's why most healers always have some of the medicine ready while more is also brewing. The healing process works straight away, but it takes about a week without much movement to properly heal the broken bones."

"Are there any remedies to heal bones that don't take as long?"

"The only answer I have for you is magic, but you will soon find the answer at our next lesson." Doryu turned around to see Kiragi standing next to Alaois. "May the stars light your path, Young Rider," Zinreene spoke.

"As may they with yours."

"And may your wings carry you far, Emerald Scales."

And may the stars guide you, Alaois responded. He grumbled as he hurled his body up from the ground. Moving his tail carefully around Kiragi, he followed Doryu, who was walking in front of him.

"How was your first lesson with Princess Zinreene?" Kiragi asked, his hands folded behind his back as he walked.

"Medicine and herbs aren't my strong suit, but it was enjoyable. It'll definitely be useful in the future, speaking as I can't heal all wounds with magic."

What if I lended him my strength? Alaois asked Kiragi. Danuška said something about that at my training a few days ago.

"I suppose, if you're willing to have a chance at being vulnerable at a battle, then yes, you could lend your strength to help Doryu heal a broken bone. I wouldn't recommend it though. At least not until you're a few years old and had much more training."

"How do you know this? I'm certain there's no dragon here to teach you that, and us arriving is the first time you've seen Danuška since you were a child?"

"Not all lessons come from teachers, you know. Since I didn't have a dragon to learn anything from, I had to resort back to a new way of learning; books." Kiragi curled his tail as he led the two through the city. "The books I've read have been around way before Bokon, your father, and Adrazar. Made from one of the first Riders, Lathis, he wrote down his teachings from the Wild Dragons when they were still around. His dragon, Irneon, forced him to learn from her species. So, reluctantly, he agreed, later knowing it was one of the best decisions in his life. Not only would he educate centuries after him, but he and Irneon were two of the few well skilled Riders in history."

Guess we have a lot to learn about Rider and dragon history too. Doryu pointed out.

Not just about our species, but history in general. Lots of events have happened before us that we don't know about. Alaois spoke as he walked behind Doryu, his talons kicking up dirt whenever he lifted them. He growled at oncoming children, who steered away from the winged serpent. They've been getting better.

They shouldn't have to, Doryu snapped. Remember: these Frukink's are our allies. Don't make them rethink that. Alaois snorted at the comment, but didn't make a remark. Instead, he playfully nipped at Doryu's clothing. With a frustrated yell, he stopped. Kiragi chuckled at the two, then quickly turned his head as Doryu gave him a glance. "I feel like I'm being targeted."

"If that's what you want to call it, yes. Alaois has a playful spirit. Remember, his size may have grown, but his childish behavior still remains. It's a part of the Wiñay Plant. But with time, and training, he'll become a better dragon than he is now." Alaois nudged Doryu forward with his snout.

We mustn't be late, he said.

You're just excited to do training with Danuška because you know you're learning a lot more interesting things than me.

Haven't you heard? Danuška and İzzet are combining training today. Not sure what they have in mind, but it probably has to do with flying, since that was what our last 'lesson' of them together was. Kiragi led the two to the back of Fethprist, where İzzet stood waiting for them holding a large leather pad. Danuška landed next to him a moment later.

Area is secure. We're fine for the lesson, she spoke.

"Thank you, Danuška." The gray dragon flicked her tail in response to her rider. Kiragi said goodbye to Doryu and Alaois as he disappeared back into the forest. "You two ready?"

"For.."

...what? Doryu and Alaois looked at each other with confusion.

"Ah..you two finished each other's sentences! As a Rider, you share your mind with your dragon, you know that. There are some hidden perks to that although, such as finishing each other's sentences, due that you guys basically share the same mind."

Or in other words, you two share the same soul. One could not live without the other. But our lesson is not of the mind, but of the sky.

"We're going to learn..about the sky?" Alaois cocked his head.

I don't think that's what she meant, he mentioned as he turned his head and pointed his snout at the blue, cloudless sky. İzzet handed Doryu the leather pad and instructed him to put it on Alaois's back where his saddle would be. He then told him to get on it. With a little help from Alaois, Doryu sat uncomfortably on the pad.

"You will be learning how to ride without a saddle," İzzet said on top of Danuška, sitting on a black leather pad. "Keep your legs tightened around Alaois's side and hang onto his spines. If you are to fall, Danuška will catch you unless Alaois is fast enough." Unfolding her wings, the gray dragon rose from the ground. The grass below her flattened from the gust of wind. Alaois and Doryu shielded their eyes from the dust and flying branches. Danuška rose fast and hovered when she was around a few hundred feet off the earth.

This is a bad idea, spoke Doryu as he desperately clung onto one of Alaois's moss green spikes and angled his legs as he would with the saddle. They were almost v-shaped.

Just try not to fall off.

Easy for you to say. Alaois gurgled at his remark before taking off. Doryu gasped, as he always did, from the sudden rush of air pushing on his face and entering his lungs. He struggled to keep hold of Alaois's spines. The leather matt kept slipping from underneath him as his legs became loose. Yet, he managed, and Alaois flew gracefully amongst the sky. Danuška came upon them not long after.

"Well done, Doryu!" İzzet laughed. He outstretched his arms and gave another laugh. "This is what it is to be a Rider, Doryu. Just you and your dragon." Danuška folded one of her wings and then turned into a spiral downwards. She then opened both wings and soared up next to Alaois on the other side. Doryu laughed with his father. Danuška spat fire from her jaw and began to flap her wings faster.

Let's test your speed and durability, she called out, her body already feet in front of them. Doryu crouched low behind Alaois's neck and hung tighter to his spike.

Just don't forget I'm back here, Doryu whispered to Alaois.

I'll try, he responded jokingly. With a loud roar, Alaois zoomed across the blue sky. As he got close to the trees, they bent from winds he created with his wings. Below them laid a river. It also rippled from the winds. Animals scattered from both the size and sound of Alaois. The two flew endlessly without stopping until they came upon a large stone archway. Danuška was already sitting at the top, her large, long tail draping over the side. İzzet stood on her back, his feet placed firm on her shoulders. Alaois flapped his wings and clung onto the stone next to the gray dragon. Doryu's hands ached from holding onto his spikes for a while. It didn't help that they were a little sharp too. So, with Alaois's permission, he stood on his shoulders where his wings attached to his body. Overtowering the dragon's head, he could see what lay beyond. Millions of mountain ranges covered the area, most reached the horizon. Lush, green trees were packed together like fish in a bucket. Rivers separated islands from the mainland. The waterways disappeared into the trees, where it would reappear throughout a different end.

It's bigger than the Goderath Peaks, Alaois pointed out.

And more beautiful, Doryu added.

"What lies beyond this rock is the Picneau Woods. Inside resides a kingdom called Naxaeterra, also known as the home of the elves."

"So, Frukinks and Elves are neighbors?"

More of allies. This rock is named Luqibia, and it separates the border between the two kingdoms. But it was a gift from King Vulwin of the Elves. It signifies the peace the two species have had for more than four thousand years, Danuška spoke.

He must've had such a mastery skill in stonework.

"He used magic, but yes, he was very skilled in masonry. It's been a while since I've visited the gorgeous kingdom, but I do believe his grandson is still running it."

"King Vulwin's grandson?" Doryu asked. İzzet nodded. "But..that's impossible! The average lifespan is not even a hundred!"

For humans.

"For Elves, their lifespan is much longer. Some may think they are immortal of old age, as Rider's are, but that fact has not yet been proven."

Wait! You're saying that...

"...Rider's can't die?!" Alaois glanced at Doryu.

"No, we're not eternal. Nothing is. But we cannot die of old age. I can still take an arrow to the heart and die, but I am able to live long."

"Then...how old are you actually?" İzzet laughed as he turned to look at the Picneau Woods and whispered something. "I'm still under a hundred, Doryu. I can assure you; I haven't been here forever." With a sigh, İzzet patted Danuška's neck. "I'll have to take you to Naxaeterra sometime. You'd love it. Your mother would've loved you to see it too. Perhaps they could train you as well."

"Why would my mother like for me to see it?" İzzet didn't respond.

You'll learn within time, Doryu. I promise. Alaois blinked before warning Doryu to hold on. He then jumped from Luqibia, rolled underneath it, and continued his way back to Fethprist.

They're hiding something.

Knowing your father, he's probably hiding more than we know of.

Everytime I bring up something about Enania, he completely shuts down. When he told me about his past, he told me Bokon took away my mother and me. Maybe he has her imprisoned somewhere. Alaois took another flap before responding.

Why hasn't he done anything for the past sixteen years? He has Danuška and magic. All he's doing is postponing the rescue and making it harder. He knows Shahzad is after us, and Bokon is more likely training him unspeakable magic. Doryu laughed.

You are wise for your age. Even with the Wiñay Plant's usage. Alaois shaked his head. His neck twisted to the sudden motion, and Doryu swayed from side to side a little whilst hanging onto his spike.

It's a gift, he responded. The two flew alone in peace until they heard a gut wrenching scream. Doryu clung onto Alaois as the dragon quickly headed for the direction they heard the cry for help. When they arrived, Zinreene was laying on the ground, stiff. Doryu hopped off of Alaois while he was still airborne and searched the Princess for any injuries, though he could hardly do anything. I don't smell any blood. Though, I do smell something else.

You're probably going to. Can you carry her to Fethprist? Alaois shook his head.

No, I can't carry both of you.

You carried me and Kiragi!

Not all the way! he growled. You didn't notice Danuška underneath me, giving me a rest, because Kiragi refused to ride Danuška. She basically carried me the entire time!

Okay, okay! Doryu moved his hand under Zinreene's head. Can I put her on your back and you carry her back to Fethprist?

What about you?

I'll walk. Smoke bursted from Alaois's nostrils.

I'm not leaving you!

And what other choices do you have? Please, I'd like to hear 'em. Alaois didn't respond. There's no other option to get Zinreene back to King Adrazar without you and me separating, unless you'd rather wait for a possible patrol to come, but I don't know what's wrong with the Princess. Alaois moved past Doryu and looked at the sky.

Lorcan! he called. There was no response, nor any sight of the tan colored owl. Alaois called again. Loud enough that a little growl escaped his throat. That time, Lorcan came in a hurry.

What?!

We need you to find Danuška and İzzet. And quickly! We don't know if Zinreene is in pain or not. The owl flew off without warning. Alaois quickly jerked his head around and faced the opposite side of flat land he and Doryu were on. We're not alone. With a loud roar, Alaois said; Show yourself! From the trees rose a figure. It had two large wings and two hind legs. Its body resembled that of a dragon. Alaois stepped in front of Zinreene as Doryu joined his side. The creature then landed on the earth a few feet in front of them, followed by a loud thump. On his back, he carried a saddle.

I think I know who's dragon this is, Doryu said. Tightening his fists, he called out the invisible enemy. "Come on out, Shahzad!" To his surprise, Shahzad did reveal himself, along with a black Frukink accomplice.

"I might have been wrong about your smarts, cousin," Shahzad spoke with a grin. "I will say, it was hard trying to find you. First tracking you, then getting past the forcefield protected by the Frukink Döyüş Qüvvələri. Allowing them to let us in was hard enough. But, I did have help from Iessai," he gestured his hand to the Frukink on his left, "so I could go unnoticed in this territory." Shahzad walked as he spoke, each step drew him closer to the winged creature. "Oh, introductions! Of course." He then stood directly in front of the beast now. "This is Valdhoadior, my dragon." The orange winged reptile bellowed. "He hatched for me two weeks ago, and he's been quite fantastic."

He's not like any dragon I've ever seen or read about.

Our species come in all different shapes and sizes. I believe Valdhoadior is a wyvern. Danuška told me something about a dragon with wings for front legs.

"What have you done to Zinreene?" Doryu growled. "What spell have you put on her?"

"Just a spell that keeps her still is all, but Lord Bokon isn't interested in the Frukink Princess, though it would make good use to hold her hostage until we win the control over the entire Tribe."

"Then what is he interested in?" Alaois stepped closer to Doryu, and his wings expanded as far as they could go.

"He wants you, cousin." Valdhoadior released a thundering bellow and jumped into the sky. The black Frukink, Iessai, swiftly ran off to the side and attempted to reach Zinreene, but Alaois stopped him. Taking a glance into the sky, Valdhoadior was diving at great speeds.

Alaois, look out! he cried before leaping to the side. Alaois was quick and grabbed Zinreene before the rival dragon slammed into the ground. Whipping his tail, Valdhoadior lunged towards Alaois, who dodged his attack with Zinreene in his jaw. He ran towards Doryu, who climbed onto his back and held onto his spike. With a flap of his wings, Alaois took off to the sky. Valdhoadior followed soon after.

I thought you couldn't carry both of us? Doryu ducked behind the dragon's head and wrapped his other hand tighter around the spike. Alaois growled through gritted teeth, but was careful not to harm the stiff Zinreene.

I can fly for a few. I'd rather have a better chance at fighting in the sky than the ground. He then did a barrel roll and turned to face the wyvern, who was racing towards them quickly. As he approached, Alaois did not move. It's Shahzad! Valdhoadior then rammed into Alaois's stomach, causing him to let go of Zinreene. Doryu released his hands from Alaois's spike from the sudden push and was falling from the skyline. With his wings tucked tightly against his sides, Valdhoadior dove towards him. Grabbing his shoulders, he opened his wings back up and soared with the wind. A crash was heard in the distance. Doryu saw Alaois tumbling along the land. He smashed bushes, caused holes, and broke trees.

"Alaois!" Doryu cried. Reaching his mind to Alaois's, he could tell he was alive, but severely injured. Valdhoadior brought Doryu back to Shahzad, where he dropped him a few feet from the ground. A growl excited his mouth before landing next to his rider.

"Sweet dreams." Shahzad lifted his arm. His hand glowed the same color as Valdhoadior. Last thing Doryu could remember before he blacked out was soldiers appearing from the forest.

~~~