Gale stepped out of the cage with slow careful movements. The wyvern’s wings stretched wide and made a rustling sound like giant sheets of fabric. Evan checked the leather harness again making sure every strap lay flat against the wyvern’s scales. Gale moved its tail and shook its wings once as if testing the weight.
The sky above Ironwind Valley changed from dull gray to a thick swirl of silver. Mana particles drifted in the wind and made the air shimmer. Evan lifted his hand to feel the change in temperature. Good He expected this shift. He had tracked its pattern for weeks. This was the window where flight was possible.
He climbed onto Gale’s back using the lower wing joint like a step. The saddle had no metal stirrups because metal attracted lightning in magic storms. Instead he used woven straps of iron thread mixed with cloth so the mana current would flow evenly. Evan adjusted his balance and tapped Gale’s neck. The wyvern crouched ready to leap.
The moment Gale pushed off the ground Evan felt the world drop away. Wind roared past his face and the pressure changed as Gale caught the first updraft. They rose above the cliff and into open sky. The wyvern’s wings beat in slow deep rhythm steady and strong. Evan felt each movement through the saddle.
From above Ironwind Valley looked like a maze carved by storms. Rock pillars rose from the ground in jagged clusters. Some peaks glowed faintly with blue light where mana condensed. Evan studied these peaks with care. They were natural markers for safe currents.
Gale glided along a narrow air stream that Evan wanted to test. The wind was rough but manageable. The wyvern kept its wings steady and Evan adjusted his posture to match Gale’s movement. The air smelled sharp like metal and cold rain. Magic storms left that scent.
As they moved deeper into the valley the wind wolves below howled. Evan looked down and saw their pale shapes moving through the canyon. They sensed the pressure change from Gale’s flight. A few wolves leapt at the cliff walls but they were far too low to reach.
Gale tilted its wings and climbed higher. Evan felt the shift in temperature. Mana particles brushed against his skin like tingling dust. He reached back to touch the small cargo box attached to the saddle frame. Inside was a simple package of herbs. It was not valuable but it was symbolic. If Gale delivered it Evan could claim that his company had completed its first official job.
The clouds above began to twist. Evan saw flashes of white light inside them. This was the magic surge he predicted. Not dangerous if timed well but deadly if rushed. Gale circled in a wide arc as Evan watched the surge form.
A thunderbird screeched in the distance. Evan turned his head and saw the massive bird gliding through the storm as if it were calm breeze. Its wings sparked with electricity. It did not attack. Thunderbirds rarely bothered wyverns unless provoked.
Gale kept its distance while Evan studied the bird’s flight. He imagined one day having a thunderbird division for storm resistant delivery. For now he only watched and took mental notes.
The surge passed and the air stabilized. Evan tapped Gale’s neck to signal descent. The wyvern folded its wings and dropped in a smooth controlled dive. Evan kept his body low to reduce drag. The wind roared past them as they skimmed the top of the canyon.
They approached the landing point where Evan placed a marker earlier. Gale extended its legs and touched the ground with a thud. Evan exhaled a long breath as the wyvern folded its wings.
He climbed down checked the package and confirmed nothing was damaged. It was still dry and intact. Gale breathed warm air on him and nudged his shoulder as if asking for approval.
Evan smiled and rested his hand on Gale’s head.
“This is the first delivery in the history of dragon freight”
He placed the package on a stone and recorded the exact time. Then he attached a small brass token stamped with the symbol of his company a wing shaped crest.
This was proof of concept.
This was the start of an industry no one believed possible.
As he and Gale prepared for the return flight the sky began to clear. The valley looked almost peaceful though Evan knew peace here never lasted.
He tightened the harness again.
“One delivery down” he said softly
“Thousands more to build a future”
Gale spread its wings and the wind lifted around them.
Evan mounted again ready for the next stage of a dream that would change the continent.