Chapter 12 - Permission Revoked

Ash had just dumped a load of organ meat into Rasp's trough when there was a loud knock from behind, causing him to jump a little.

By the Emperor, what the- He barely managed not to tip the wheelbarrow over. He rolled his eyes into a questioning glare over at his scaled partner.

Rasp should have alerted him if anyone got near their stall. But the starving dragon was obviously prioritizing stuffing his face. He hadn't even hissed after the knock! Or cared that Ash was just silently staring at him.

Setting the wheelbarrow down, the boy turned to find a blasted blue-shirt standing quizzically outside in the corridor. A courier. For me?

“Are you Dragonboy Ash?”

Damnit. Ash was curt, “Yes, that’s me.”

“The General wants to see you. Follow me.”

The boy suppressed a groan. Just like the lieutenant said... The lieutenant had warned him though. Luckily he had hustled to feed Rasp. Ash had just hoped he would have enough time to eat first before someone came to find him. And to maybe clean up a little.

It was only after convincing the messenger to take a brief detour at the Ovens to drop off the wheelbarrow, that the messenger then led to way to the headquarters.

Quickly ushered into the General's stone office, the boy again found himself under the heavy gaze of the imposing bald man.

He doesn't look so red, he was relieved to notice. Is he not mad anymore?

But it was the other person present who caused Ash to suddenly tense up in the middle of his salute. He hadn't noticed him right away with the general's stern presence.

If he's here...this is not good...

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An incredibly tanned and weathered white-haired elder. The head instructor for all the trainees, dragonboys, and rookie-riders. Instructor Vor. None of the boys knew exactly how old the man was, just that he was old, tough, and in charge.

Sensing the dragonboy’s unease General Lukes spoke gently, “You’re probably wondering why you are here, correct?”

Ash nodded mutely.

"Firstly, your report uncovered the existence of an infiltrator. Thanks to you, whatever his goal was, he didn't have time to succeed. Unfortunately the man preferred death over capture, but that doesn't change the fact your actions are worthy of merit. You are due a Medal of Commendation at the next award ceremony."

So they found him. That's good. And he's dead. That's too bad. He should have suffered. A medal? Ash's hopes rose. Is this not about- He refocused on the conversation as the commander fixed a proud look upon him.

"Congratulations Ash, according to Instructor Vor, you are the youngest dragonboy to earn one."

The instructor interrupted with a dry voice, "Specifically, he's the first dragonboy to earn one. Ever. Due to lack of opportunity. Because the Skyfort is supposed to be a safe place to develop future dragonriders..." Vor ended with a pointed look at the General.

General Lukes coughed awkwardly, but moved past the the instructor's jab and forged on, "Secondly, I'm revoking your scouting permissions."

I knew it...goddamnit! He struggled to keep his face calm. He failed. Ash’s face fell and he couldn’t avoid loudly voicing his disappointment, “Why sir?” He then winced. No! Why did I say that?! Shouldn't have said anything... He struggled to regain himself and sat up straight, outwardly displaying a deadpan expression.

Despite the boy's outburst, Instructor Vor took pity and answered matter of factly. “The situation has changed. Considering how a scout was killed so close to the walls, you are judged to be at risk as well. The infiltrator might not have been working alone. Killing you would be quite a coup for any of our enemies, since there's no way to rebond a dragon. And the Emperor would look poorly upon the General if a future dragonrider was lost under his command. That’s just how it is.”

Ash bowed his head in acknowledgement. He didn't like it, but he understood that the instructor wasn't wrong. He cleared his throat, "Yes sir."

General Lukes and Instructor Vor nodded in silent approval as the obviously unhappy youth accepted the changed situation with minimal fuss.

The dragonboy then built up the courage to ask, "If we aren't allowed outside the walls anymore, what should I do instead?" Something besides studying manuals all afternoon, Ash hoped. Something outdoors so Rasp could keep flying.

Vor shook his head, "I'll need to discuss our options with the other instructors, but until then you can-"

Suddenly there was a knock on the door, abruptly cutting the instructor short.

The commander called out, "Enter."

A guard stepped in and saluted before addressing the general, “There’s a runner here from one of the dragonhouses, sir! Houselead Huso of dragonhouse four urgently requests that Dragonboy Ash return to calm his dragon. It's causing a disturbance.”