Gale glided through the wind with powerful strokes as Evan guided them back toward Ironwind Valley. The sky had changed since morning. Thin red streaks marked the upper clouds like scratches across the atmosphere. Birds flew in strange patterns circling higher than usual. Even the air tasted metallic as if the mana itself was shifting.
Evan kept one hand on Gale’s neck to steady the wyvern’s nerves. Gale flew true but the beast’s muscles felt tense. The Rootstorm changed the sky. It made even stable currents unpredictable.
When they reached the ridge Evan saw two figures standing near his camp. Both wore deep blue robes with silver trimming the same style as the riders who visited earlier. The High Magister Council had sent representatives.
Gale landed with careful steps. Ember and Strand rushed to the front of the enclosure while Crest shrieked loudly and hopped onto a boulder.
The older mage stepped forward. His beard was short and silver. His eyes sharp and strangely calm. “Evan Drakemarch. You completed the watchtower delivery”
“Yes. But the barrier is still unstable. They need more cores. And the Rootstorm is stronger than reported”
The mage nodded slowly. “We expected the surge to reach the frontier but not this quickly. The council misjudged the depth of the awakening”
The second mage a woman with braided hair and a tall staff studied Evan’s beasts with interest. “Your wyverns are calm even in corrupted winds. This is rare. You train them well”
Evan crossed his arms. “I do not force them. I guide them. They learn to trust the sky not fight it”
The woman nodded approvingly.
The older mage spoke again. “We came with a contract. A formal agreement between Dragon Freight and the High Magister Council. The frontier will need sustained delivery lines. Messages. Cores. Antidotes. Supplies. The land routes are collapsing. Only air routes remain”
Evan exhaled slowly. “I have only four beasts. Gale Ember Strand and Crest. I am building their training but they are still young”
“We know” the mage said “But even four beasts can change the fate of villages. The council offers funding in exchange for exclusive emergency routes”
Evan raised a brow. “Funding”
“Yes. Enough to expand your camp build new enclosures hire handlers and purchase eggs or younglings from licensed breeders. You must grow a fleet”
Evan looked at his beasts. Ember tilted her head as if listening. Strand raised his wings slightly. Crest hopped in a circle. Gale watched him with steady eyes.
He wanted to expand. He needed to expand. But a contract with the council meant responsibility beyond any normal courier.
“What conditions do you ask in return” Evan asked
The woman mage stepped forward. “Priority delivery to all frontier watchtowers. You must respond within hours when called. No delays. No excuses. And you must fly into regions affected by the Rootstorm even if air paths are unstable”
Evan frowned. “That is extremely dangerous”
“We know” she said
“And if I refuse”
The older mage’s expression did not change. “Then the frontier falls faster. The villages die. The watchtowers fail. The Rootstorm spreads across every northern region. Many will blame the mages. Many will blame fate. But some will blame you for refusing to help when you had the power to fly”
Evan felt heat rise in his chest but not from anger. From the weight of truth.
He had the only sky fleet that could grow fast enough to match the crisis. He had Gale the strongest wyvern in the region. Ember and Strand would soon be ready. Crest was already a fast scout.
He could do what caravans could not.
He could link towns villages and towers even when the land dissolved into danger.
A logistics company turned into a lifeline.
“Give me the contract” Evan said
The older mage opened a scroll and handed it to him. “Read it carefully. You will sign with mana ink. Once sealed it binds both sides”
Evan read it line by line.
Funding.
Training support.
Access to controlled breeding lines.
Priority delivery.
Emergency routes.
Mandatory response.
Rootstorm region risk clause.
Everything was clear. Everything was heavy.
Evan took a breath. “I accept the terms”
The mage dipped a quill in faintly glowing ink and handed it to Evan.
Evan signed his name.
The ink shimmered. The contract sealed.
The woman mage smiled faintly. “Dragon Freight is now the official sky courier of the northern frontier. We will send our first supply request soon”
The older mage lowered his staff. “Prepare your beasts. The next surge will not wait for you”
The mages turned and walked down the ridge path leaving only the soft crunch of gravel behind them.
Evan stood in silence for a long moment.
Crest hopped beside him and nudged his leg. Ember growled softly. Strand looked toward the sky. Gale stepped close and lowered its head until its forehead touched Evan’s shoulder.
Evan closed his eyes and rested his hand on Gale’s scales.
“We are no longer just a transport company” he whispered
“We are the sky guardians now”
He looked at his growing fleet and breathed deeply.
Training must intensify.
Routes must expand.
Dragon Freight was entering a war not fought with swords but with flight and endurance.
And the Rootstorm was already gathering its next wave.