The morning sun rose through a haze of golden mist as Ethan walked across the site with a stack of inspection notes under his arm. Workers were preparing for another cycle test and Emberclaw rested near the loading platform with its wings half extended. The construction area buzzed with excitement because a messenger had arrived before dawn. The king himself was coming to watch the newest demonstration. Word spread instantly and everyone worked with double focus. The king’s approval did not just matter politically. It mattered for funding land expansion and the legitimacy of everything Ethan wanted to build

Ethan stood on the platform reviewing adjustments made overnight. The mana conduits beneath the rails had been reinforced with new stone braces and the dragon pulse markers were repainted to be clearer from a distance. Aradine and two Conclave scholars observed quietly taking notes in thin books. Ethan ignored the tension and focused on safety. He walked the entire track counting steps and checking every support column. The wind carried the metallic scent of mana stones and the faint warmth of the flame tunnel

When the king arrived everyone stopped working. His armored escort formed a wide circle near the viewing post. The king wore a cloak embroidered with phoenix feathers and a ceremonial sword that glowed faintly with magic. He approached Ethan with a look of both curiosity and caution. He said he had heard rumors that Ethan had turned a dragon into something as reliable as a clock. Ethan answered that Emberclaw was a partner not a machine but yes they had achieved remarkable consistency

The king laughed and said he hoped to see this miracle for himself. He climbed onto a raised platform with several nobles who whispered nervously whenever Emberclaw exhaled a hot gust of smoke. Ethan gave a briefing explaining the timing the whistle patterns the fire pulses and the role of the conduits. The king seemed fascinated. The nobles seemed terrified

Workers took their positions along the designated safety zones. Emberclaw moved into the launch position lowering its head and raising its wings in a majestic pose. Ethan approached the drake slowly and placed a hand on its warm scales. He whispered their starting cue. Emberclaw snorted softly and settled into readiness. The air thickened with anticipation. Ethan stepped to the control platform and raised the signal flag

He gave the first whistle pattern

Emberclaw inhaled. The heat wave rolled across the field. The first burst of fire landed perfectly on the acceleration plate. The test carriage shot forward with smooth acceleration. Cheers erupted from the workers. The king leaned forward gripping the railing. The carriage sped through the early curve then into the flame tunnel. Emberclaw delivered the next burst. The conduits flared bright gold. The tunnel glowed like a column of living fire and the carriage vanished into it before emerging on the far side with remarkable speed

The nobles gasped. Some nearly stepped back in fear. The king’s eyes widened with awe. The carriage hit the final bend then reached the ending mounds slowing safely. Dust scattered in a soft plume

The test was flawless

Ethan lowered his whistle and exhaled. Workers cheered again louder than before. Emberclaw lifted its head and released a victorious roar that shook the ground. The king clapped his hands while nobles murmured that they had never seen controlled fire magic behave so predictably. Aradine watched in silence her expression unreadable. The Conclave scholars scribbled notes with frantic speed

The king descended from the viewing platform and walked straight to Ethan. He placed both hands on Ethan’s shoulders and said he had never believed something like this could exist. He declared publicly that the kingdom would officially sponsor the project. Workers erupted in celebration. Ethan felt a weight lift from his chest. Official sponsorship meant land resources labor and protection. It meant the park could grow beyond a single attraction into something far larger

The king then approached Emberclaw. The drake bowed its head slightly. The king hesitated but extended his hand to touch its snout. Emberclaw allowed it. The nobles gasped again. The king laughed saying even he had never stood so close to a dragon without fear. Ethan explained that dragons responded to rhythm respect and consistency. The king shook his head amazed by how much the outsider understood

After the demonstration Ethan met with Aradine near the edge of the site. She said the Conclave was divided. Some believed Ethan’s work could usher in a new age of magical structure. Others believed it would destroy tradition. She warned him that the Conclave was not his greatest enemy. The Ember Priests were growing more active. They saw Emberclaw’s obedience as a threat to their beliefs. Ethan replied that he did not want obedience. He wanted partnership. Aradine said the cult would not see it that way

Later in the afternoon the king invited Ethan to a private discussion. They reviewed future plans including potential land expansions new materials and additional mage labor. Ethan explained that he hoped to build more than a ride. He planned an entire park with themed districts flowing crowd routes and safe controlled magic experiences. The king listened and nodded slowly realizing that Ethan’s vision was far larger than he had imagined. When the conversation ended the king promised his full support

That evening workers celebrated by building small fires and telling the story of the test run. Emberclaw rested peacefully while Ethan sat beside the flames listening to the excited chatter. He felt something he had not felt since leaving Earth. A sense of community. A sense of purpose he recognized from years working in parks. A place where people believed in a shared vision

But the celebration was cut short. A guard approached Ethan with a sealed message. The symbol on the wax was unfamiliar. When Ethan opened it he found a simple sentence burned into the parchment with faint red embers

Fire that bows is fire that dies

Ethan folded the message slowly. The threat was clear. The cult was watching. And they would not stay silent for long