Chapter 16 - Transfer?

Ash and Rasp's sudden afternoon nap came to an equally sudden end. The thump on the door saw to that. Hiss! Hiss Hiss! Rasp uncoiled to hiss loudly in discontent and thumped his tail while Ash rolled out of his bunk with a groan.

A nap was too much to ask for, he groggily supposed. He smooshed his hair down before sticking his head out into the corridor. It was another damned blueshirt.

"Are you dragonboy Ash?"

"Yes."

"Report to the Commander's office as soon as possible. He's expecting you." Having delivered the message, the messenger turned and departed swiftly.

He splashed his face with water and then returned to the stall. At least this time it wasn't possible to make the same mistake again, Ash snorted to himself. Rasp was keeping a grim eye on him and had the quartz well in claw.

Ash we ushered in to see Lukes as soon as the commanders' guards saw him. He wasn't even surprised at seeing Instructor Vor seated off to the side.

This is probably about Rasp again. Or maybe my new afternoon schedule? The dragonboy saluted, "Dragonboy Ash reporting in as instructed, sir!"

General Lukes swept the remains of his lunch to one side of his desk to clear a view to the boy. He pointed a calloused finger to an empty chair. "Take a seat dragonboy."

Ash nervously sat down under the gaze of his two superiors.

Vor was the first to speak, "As you've probably guessed due to my visit earlier with Magus Gus, this is about your dragon. But before we go forward, I just want to know. Be honest. Did you know it could use magic?"

Ash shook his head emphatically and blurted, "No sir! I would have reported it had I seen it, sir."

"Good! We-"

The commander abruptly interrupted, "Actually, finding out about your dragon's new ability has solved a potential issue for us. According to the analysis of your instructors, it is doubtful your partner will be able to bear a rider for at least another two years. By then-"

Ash slumped slightly with despair. I don't want to know that!

"-your squadron will be just about finished with their training. Meaning they will be ready to serve the Empire along the border while you will be two years behind in aerial practice.

He pinned the crushed boy with a pointed, but sympathetic look. "Theres no way I could accomplish my duty as Commander by holding back nine fully trained dragonriders from the frontlines for the sake of a single dragonboy. Because that is what I would be doing if I allowed you to catch up. So to be clear, as of right now, you should no longer consider yourself part of that squadron."

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The blood drained from the dragonboy's face. It was what he had been dreading for months. Ever since Rasp's growth had become an issue. Everyone was going to be making fun of him, he just knew it.

Seeing the boy go pale, Instructor Vor kindly interjected, "Its better that you hear it now. Better to prepare yourself with the truth than wishful thinking."

General Lukes steepled his fingers, then nodded in agreement. "I was prepared to try and slot you into another squadron once your partner was large enough. Even if it took-"

But joining another dragonflight is nearly impossible! They can barely stand their own clutchmates!

"-years. The Empire is not so wasteful as to discard a potential dragonrider, just because it took an extra few years. But the fact that your dragon can use magic changes things. Instead of having you just waiting for two years, Instructor Vor and I have come up with an alternative. Luckily, thanks to you earning a commendation, I have grounds to grant you a military recommendation to enroll you into the mage academy in Ollu City. Many of the finest mages in the Empire teach there. And they will surely be extremely interested in your dragon's capabilities."

The capital?! Mage academy? What? Ash sat in shock.

"It will only be a temporary posting however. You will only be stationed there until your dragon has grown large enough, at which point you will return to finish your training with a new dragonflight. This is just an opportunity to see if there is any possibility for your partner's magic to benefit the Empire. I've already had Magus Gus convey my request to the capital for your transfer."

Having said everything that needed to be said, Lukes and Vor looked at Ash expectantly.

I'm getting transferred, Ash thought while numbly staring at his knees. Looking up he realized they were staring at him.

Ash hesitantly asked about what was most relevant to him, "What do I do now that I'm no longer part of the squadron? Before the transfer. Sir."

The general thought it over briefly. "Until I get word back, you will continue your duties as usual until your transfer is ready"

“Yessir!”

“Good, dismissed.”

The sad, confused, yet excited dragon-boy pushed his messy feelings aside and stood with a salute. Ash then spun on his heels and shakily left the room.

After the boy departed, the commander reached into his desk and pulled out a bottle and two mugs. Pouring two drinks, the General pushed one over to his old friend before downing his own.

Pouring himself another round, the bald man leaned back and relaxed. “You think the dragon can actually be taught?”

Instructor Vor shrugged while swirling his drink. “Who knows. But if it can, it’s a good thing. And if it can't, it’s still a good thing.”

General Lukes' eyebrows shot up momentarily before he fell into thought. He eventually agreed with the instructor’s assessment, “I guess that does make sense, doesn’t it? If it learns magic, the Empire gains a powerful mage immune to magic. And if it fails, the Empire still gains a dragonrider. Truly no downside. How about the boy? I think highly of the boy considering the past few days, but how well do you think he will do without instruction? That was why you were trying to get him used to doing things on his own, right?"

Vor spoke well of the boy, "I'm sure he'll do well. That one has always been rather level-headed for his age. You already saw how well the boy performed yesterday. You should have seen how he handled his bonding. The dragonling was so fussy that it's mother almost got involved."

Lukes quirked an eyebrow in amusement. "Like you haven't told me that story like ten times already."

The instructor ignored the dig. "Yet he still pulled it off with some quick thinking under pressure. So I don't think he'll struggle too much in new surroundings. And he's loyal. As Wartorn are. Honestly, I'm more worried about the dragon, but luckily his is slightly more acclimated to humans than normal."

"Well, sounds to me like they are both up to the task. You're the one who knows them best afterall."

Pouring the both of them another round of drinks, the two men raised their cups.

“To the Empire!”