The Dragon Scales, #2
Emberclaw
by L. R. Lam
Contents
19. Arcady: The First Trial
Overview
On Trial day, Arcady, rattled by Larkin’s blackmail, seeks support from Kelwyn and enters the arena. A hazardous first task requires off-god magic; one student is severely injured, and several withdraw. Sorin and Rahela excel. Drawing on Everen’s distant bond, Arcady sculpts fire into a dragon and advances among the twelve.
Summary
At dawn, Arcady battles sleepless anxiety, tempted to flee the university and the pressure from Larkin and Wren. He visits Kelwyn at the Last Golden, admits Larkin is blackmailing him to spy on Professor Hayden’s research for the Struck, and accepts Kelwyn’s steadying support as Kelwyn reveals he bought a ticket to the Trials.
In the Citadel amphitheater, dignitaries and professors assemble as the Herald announces the first task: demonstrate a different god’s magic than one’s own. Early rounds show mixed results; then third-year Olwyn Biela loses control of molten metal and is severely burned. Officials offer students a chance to withdraw, and several do.
Momentum returns as capable students perform. Edin Vayne shows flawless control with stone, and others impress. In Arcady’s group, Sorin conjures a contained storm and splits a rock with lightning, while Rahela grows vines that flower into peonies, both earning rousing applause.
Arcady steps forward, nerves frayed, and attempts fire. His first sparks sputter until a faint golden chime from Everen’s distant bond answers his plea. Stabilized by that connection, Arcady strengthens the flame, then shapes it into a small dragon of fire that beats its wings before dissolving, and he staggers to recover his strength.
After deliberation, the Herald names twelve who progress: standouts among the upper years, plus Rahela and Willem from the seconds, and, notably, first-years Sorin and Arcady. The chapter closes with Arcady silently thanking Everen as the bond glows in response.
Who Appears
- ArcadyFirst-year protagonist; confides Larkin’s blackmail to Kelwyn and, aided by Everen’s bond, shapes fire into a dragon to pass.
- KelwynInnkeeper ally; feeds and encourages Arcady, attends the Trials as a supportive face in the crowd.
- SorinClassmate and wyvern racer; conjures a storm and cracks a rock with lightning, advancing to the next trial.
- RahelaClassmate; grows vine armor that blooms into peonies, impressing the crowd and advancing.
- Olwyn BielaThird-year; loses control of molten metal during off-god magic and is severely burned, prompting withdrawals.
- HeraldAnnounces rules, addresses Olwyn’s injury, offers withdrawals, and names the twelve advancing students.
- Professor HaydenAlchemy professor; present among evaluators. Target of Larkin’s demanded espionage.
- Professor PlinkProfessor and evaluator, keenly observing students’ performances during the first task.
- Head PriestCeremonial overseer on the dais, consulted after the injury to allow Trials to continue.
- ChancellorsMasked leaders observing impassively from the dais during the Trials.
- WillemSecond-year; forms water into complex shapes, advancing despite a slip.
- Edin VayneFourth-year standout; demonstrates precise stone control with calm focus.
- Teasel MitiFourth-year; safely manipulates metal and advances.
- Delin SanronFourth-year; blooms a rosebush using green magic and advances.
- Lowe BalcilFourth-year; displays controlled water rings and advances.
- Iona LynStudent; produces a strong flame in early rounds, later named among those advancing.
- Kala JonrirStudent; summons wind and rain, advancing to the next trial.
- Jordin MitiThird-year; borderline fire display but selected to advance.
- Cind MelodyThird-year; uses green magic in Arcady’s group and advances.