Dark clouds gathered over Ironwind Valley like a heavy curtain closing across the sky. Evan saw sharp silver streaks inside the clouds the early signs of a magic surge. He leaned closer to Gale and tapped twice signaling caution. The wyvern spread its wings wider and slowed its pace.
Below them the young wyvern in the cage shifted and growled softly. It sensed the pressure change. Evan kept his voice calm. “Easy This is only a short surge”
He guided Gale toward a ridge where the air was more stable. The storm built faster than expected. The clouds rolled in thick circles and the scent of ozone filled the air. Evan felt the edge of the surge press against them.
Gale beat its wings hard and climbed. Evan adjusted the straps so the cage stayed steady. He looked down and saw lightning strike one of the lower cliffs. Blue sparks ran along the rocks.
The young wyvern growled again louder this time. Evan knelt and whispered “Stay still You will be safe”
Gale tilted its wings and caught a new current. Evan tracked the wind flow with trained instinct. He studied the shifting lines of clouds and mapped the storm pattern in his mind. Most merchants fled storms but Evan embraced them because storms revealed the sky’s hidden routes.
The surge hit the ridge below them with a deafening crack. Gale rose above the pressure line. The wyvern shook its head once but kept its wings steady. Evan held onto the saddle and let Gale adjust.
They broke through the highest layer of cloud and reached clean air. The sky above was clear pale blue. A thin band of sunlight broke through the clouds and lit Gale’s wings. Evan exhaled a slow breath. The worst was below them.
But they still needed to cross the valley and the surge would expand soon. Evan considered three possible routes.
The first route was safe but long. The second was short but unstable. The third route cut through the side of the storm and only worked if Gale held a perfect glide angle.
Evan chose the third.
He leaned forward and tapped Gale’s neck twice then once more. Gale shifted posture and angled its wings downward. They dived toward the storm’s edge.
Wind hit them in sudden waves. Evan felt his stomach drop as Gale tilted then stabilized. The young wyvern in the cage screeched but the harness held strong.
They passed the surge line and wind swirled around them. Evan kept his eyes focused on the opening ahead a thin path where the clouds parted. He guided Gale through it with small taps.
When they broke out into calm air the valley looked bright again. The storm rolled behind them like a giant beast closing its jaws.
Evan smiled. “Good We made it”
Gale landed near the camp with a heavy thud. Evan climbed off and checked the cage. The young wyvern was frightened but unharmed.
He fed Gale fresh water and rubbed its neck. “You did well”
There was no time to rest. He needed to bring the second wyvern and the gryphon before nightfall.
As he prepared to take off again a merchant wagon approached the edge of the camp. The driver jumped down and waved. He wore a cloak covered in dust and carried three leather satchels.
“Are you Evan Drakemarch” he shouted
“Yes” Evan answered
“I have a message from Northfall Village. They want emergency delivery medicine for a fever outbreak. They say caravans cannot reach them through the forest. Too many shadow beasts”
Evan’s heartbeat quickened. This was it.
A real job.
A critical job.
A job only he could do.
He took the message and read it. The timeline was tight. The medicine needed to arrive within two days or children in the village would suffer.
He looked at Gale. He looked at the sky still wild from the passing surge.
His company was barely formed but the world was already asking for help.
He tightened the harness and prepared to ride again.
“Tell Northfall Village” Evan said
“Dragon Freight accepts the job”