The initial ascent was rough. Innis let out a startled yelp as her dragon lurched upward but within moments they stabilized.
The dragons flapped their wings slowly at first, gaining altitude in smooth strokes before picking up speed.
Before long, all seven dragons were weaving through the sky together in graceful arcs.
Laela glanced over at Piers and Katherine as they flew beside her on their bronze mount.
Both had wide grins on their faces now despite their earlier nervousness.
"See?" Laela called over the wind. "I told you it's fun!"
Rin's smaller dragon shot forward suddenly as she yelled: "Race time!"
Silverwing surged ahead with surprising speed.
Arianna's competitive streak flared immediately. "Oh ho!" she shouted with a grin as Belserion accelerated after Rin's mount.
The other dragons followed suit as their riders urged them onward with shouts of excitement and laughter.
———
