Merrick - 

We have been on the road for weeks now traveling across the kingdom. Our men are tired, the horses are tired and at this point everyone just wants to reach our destination as soon as possible. The only one who doesn't seem like he is halfway to death would have to be Prince Bastian. He just keeps going with that damned smile on his face and a cheery attitude to go right along with it. I don't understand how anyone could be even remotely excited about going to the dragons keep. Not just any dragon keep either, but the biggest and most prestigious in the entire kingdom. 

I heard Bastian has a friend there so I'm wondering if there are some visiting nobles at the stable or maybe a servant of his was transferred there at some point. I've never been to this dragon keep before, as I generally try to stay as far away from them as I possibly can. Of course though with upcoming battles and the possibility of a war brewing, the dragons will become a necessary factor if we want it to end with our victory. It's just my luck that I got the oh so wonderful job of overseeing the dragons that will be brought to the capital and make sure that the men they are paired with will be compatible.

At this point my only concern is preparing myself to be surrounded by those horrid beasts. It is likely that I'm going to have to mask how I truly feel for the majority of this trip as to not upset or insult the dragon master or any of the keepers. I have heard from other soldiers that the people who run this keep are the best of the best, handpicked for their ruthlessness in training the toughest beasts that reside within the kingdom. I'm not sure exactly what to expect, so I'll have to keep my guard raised until I see what I'm truly up against with this trip.

"Merrick! Do you see that? We're almost there" the prince shouts as he pulls his horse up so he's keeping pace right next to me. He continues to grin as we rise over the hill and the Great Keep of the North is revealed to us, and it really is great. the sheer size of it alone is intimidating, but when you factor in the swarm of dragons flying above and around it, its downright terrifying. No one in their right mind would enter such a place. If it weren't for a direct order from my superiors there would be no way in Darkness that I'd enter that behemoth of a keep.

Yet despite my reservations, we slowly drew closer and closer until we had finally reached the gates that marked the end of their trek across the kingdom. The sun had begun it's descent, so some of the keepers were out front and at the top of the large wall that blocked out entry lighting torches to ward away the dark of the coming night. 

"Marcus!" I shout to get our runners attention. His job is to run errands for me or complete tasks on my behalf if I am unable to. He's a good kid. Was dragged into my office when he was only eight, and five years later he's come to be known as my little shadow who follows me everywhere. One of my most trusted confidants despite only being 13. 

"Yes Captain" he says as he pulls his horse up next to mine.

"Run ahead and tell the gatekeepers to open up. Tell them that Prince Bastians party has arrived".

Without another word he pushed his horse into a trot to get ahead and annouce our prescence. 

"Alright men. We're finally here. you all will wait as I go and talk to the Keeps master".

I turn when I hear the sound of approaching hooves on dirt. Marcus has returned.

"They said to enter. The dragon master is waiting for you."

Perfect.