Crest dived first soaring above the ravine with a loud cry to draw the shadow beasts’ attention. The creatures turned upward snarling at the sound. Their bodies flickered with red light.
Gale approached from the west while Ember and Strand circled from opposite sides. Evan watched the beasts’ movements and studied their pattern. Shadow beasts lunged toward sound or heat but reacted poorly to sudden aerial pressure.
“Gale descend to ridge height. Ember flank left. Strand right. Crest distract from above”
The squad moved smoothly as if guided by one instinct. Crest screeched again and swooped low. The beasts leapt upward but Crest veered away just before contact.
Evan leaned forward on Gale’s saddle. “Now. Open path”
Gale roared a deep thunderous cry that echoed through the cliffs. The shadow beasts froze for a moment thrown off by the sudden overwhelming pressure.
That moment was enough.
Ember dived sharply into a low arc creating turbulence along the cliff’s edge. Strand followed with wide wing strokes that kicked up dust and loose stones. The swirling air disrupted the beasts’ senses.
Evan signaled Gale to descend into the ravine. The wyvern landed near the trapped caravan with a heavy impact. Merchants and guards looked up with disbelief and hope.
“You came” one shouted
Evan dropped from the saddle. “Stay close. We are evacuating you in waves. First the child then the injured then the rest”
A woman stepped forward holding a small child wrapped in cloth. “Please save her first. She has not eaten since yesterday”
Evan nodded and placed the child in a secure cradle attached to Gale’s harness. “Gale lift gently. Crest guide from above. Ember and Strand keep the ridge clear”
Gale took off with careful strength. The wyvern circled upward while Crest flew above signaling safe paths. Evan watched until Gale cleared the ridge. Then he turned to the remaining merchants.
“Prepare to move. When Gale returns you will climb onto Ember and Strand in pairs. I will ride Gale for the final lift”
The guard captain approached. “You are risking your life for us. Why”
Evan answered simply. “Because the land has changed. And because someone has to choose the sky when the ground becomes death”
The captain nodded with gratitude.
Shadow beasts gathered again on the cliffs. Evan took his spear and stood between the caravan and the upper ridge. He did not attack. He only observed. He listened. He watched how they moved.
The beasts paced in perfect loops like they followed invisible lines. Their tails dragged across stone leaving glowing streaks. Evan memorized the pattern. “Rootstorm guidance. Not instinct. The pulses direct them”
Crest screeched overhead as Gale returned. Evan guided Ember and Strand down.
“Load two more. Go”
Ember crouched low. Two merchants climbed onto its back gripping straps tightly. Strand took the guard captain. Gale hovered above them and watched the ridge.
“Lift” Evan commanded
All three beasts rose into the air. Crest circled above them as escort.
Shadow beasts leapt upward but the squad flew fast enough to avoid them. The ridge cleared again. Evan prepared for the final rescue group.
A merchant stepped forward shaking with fear. “Are you leaving after us. Will you survive”
Evan did not hesitate. “I survive because I move. That is the rule of the sky”
When Gale descended for the final time Evan loaded the last two merchants. Then he mounted behind them.
“Hold tight. Gale take us home”
The wyvern roared and rose sharply into the sky.
Shadow beasts lunged from the cliffs but Ember and Strand dived in synchrony creating a barrier of turbulence that forced the beasts back. Crest swooped down and slammed its wings into the air to create a sharp shock wave. The sound confused the beasts long enough for all of them to rise above danger.
Once they cleared the ravine the rescued merchants cried with relief.
Evan looked at his squad flying together in formation. Ember on left. Strand on right. Crest above. Gale leading the path.
They were no longer scattered trainees.
They were a real sky convoy.
A fleet.
His fleet.
By the time they reached the camp the sun had climbed high. Villagers gathered around cheering as the rescued group dismounted.
Evan stepped down and looked at his beasts. Their wings drooped with exhaustion but their eyes were bright and alert.
He knelt beside Gale. “You all did well. This is what Dragon Freight will become. A lifeline between lands that fear the ground”
But before he could rest a council messenger rushed into the clearing.
“Evan Drakemarch. The magisters call for you. The Rootstorm has shifted direction again. A new wave approaches from the north. They require immediate courier support”
Evan stood straight.
Gale lifted its wings again despite exhaustion.
Ember and Strand looked toward the sky. Crest screeched a sharp echo across the valley.
Evan nodded. “Tell the council we are ready”
Dragon Freight would fly again.
Because in a world swallowed by the Rootstorm only the sky could decide who survived.