The Dragon Scales, #2
Emberclaw
by L. R. Lam
Contents
51. Sorin: The Feast of Storms
Overview
During the Feast of Storms parade, the University announces the final Trial: a race to collect three medals in the wilds. Sorin, numbed by Elixir, and Arcady, agitated, mask their fear while a false Head Priest presides. After cautions from professors and a pointed warning from Hayden, the finalists depart by carriage toward the mountains—and toward two dragons, one to save and one to kill.
Summary
The Citadel amphitheater overflows for the Feast of Storms as banners fly and the sky clears. Sorin, unsettled despite Elixir euphoria, notes the two masked Chancellors and a Head Priest impostor, suspecting Magnes’s manipulation. Arcady, dulled by drugs yet restless, stares blankly while the six finalists stand on a moving float.
The Herald announces the third and final Trial: contestants must brave the elements, return with three medals, and win scholarships by speed. Arcady jokes about wings, then slips on a convincing public smile. As the procession winds through Vatra, Sorin feels exposed beneath countless eyes, even as wyverns—Jaculus among them—wheel overhead. The students exchange forced pleasantries; Arcady admits former dreams of this moment have curdled into dread, then resolves to “give them a show.”
Once beyond the gates, professors await beside spell-driven carriages to the mountain foothills. The students receive safety pendants and sober as rivals again. Professor Plink stresses safety over victory. Professor Hayden grips each forearm and, lingering on Sorin, offers a terse “Take care” that lands as a warning, implying suspicion without intervention.
After final handclasps among competitors, Sorin, fighting nerves beneath the drug’s haze, boards a locked carriage bound for the Royal Road. The students hurtle toward the Trial’s start—and Sorin’s private mission: two dragons lie ahead, one to be saved and one to be killed.
Who Appears
- SorinPOV finalist; numbed by Elixir, senses a false priest, heeds Hayden’s warning, commits to save one dragon and kill another.
- ArcadyFinalist; agitated under drugs, masks fear with charm, recalls past ambitions, departs for the final Trial.
- Professor HaydenProfessor who issues forearm grips and a pointed “Take care,” signaling suspicion and concern.
- Edin VayneFinalist; chatty and buoyant during the parade, engaging the crowd with easy charm.
- RahelaFinalist; nervous yet quietly confident among the six contenders.
- JordinFinalist; fidgety and tense while awaiting the Trial’s start.
- CindFinalist; tight-lipped and severe as competition looms.
- The HeraldAnnounces the Feast of Storms and outlines the rules of the final Trial.
- The ChancellorsMasked leaders presiding over the ceremony from the dais.
- Head Priest stand-inImpostor replacing the true Head Priest, signaling Magnes’s interference.
- Professor PlinkReminds finalists to use safety pendants and prioritize survival.
- JaculusWyvern ally glimpsed overhead; Sorin decides not to risk his safety.