The horns and trumpets could be heard loud and clear and even at the distance. Colorful music strongly hypnotized Bartant's mind. He could almost feel how warm and magnificent the music was. He glimpsed to the sky trying to see how far the gate stretched, and he could only see clouds merging with the gate. The gate was imbued with silver and gold and colorful gems emerald, amethyst and ruby. It was carefully tailor made with an impressive level of details. The gate was also covered in ancient runes, in a language he could not read or speak, but he knew what it was, an old spell meant to prohibit the entrance of malefic beings into the Holy Castle. Bartant was so concentrated on the gate that he did not perceive the Royal Army coming at a steady pace. The Royal Knights were amazing Angliks covered in beautiful and strong armors. They were the finest warriors of the Kingdom, excelling in either melee combat or top warlocks, and they were at the command of the Royal Prince Jostrias, first son of the Emperor Magnus. Suddenly, the drums stopped, followed by the trumpets and horns. And then, Bartant regain consciousness. He felt like he was waken up from the perfect dream, just to see what it was next to come. A Royal messenger blew up the Royal Horn and announced prince Jostrias, who removed his helm and begun to speak to the young Dragons.

This is the moment you all have been awaiting for. This is the time to make your families proud. The time to show our Kingdom you are worthy of becoming Dragons. Go forth my warriors, and show me the pride in your hearts and the strength of your souls. Show me the power your dreams conceal.

Everyone was riled up, filled up with joy and motivation. The words seemed to penetrate the minds, heart and soul directly, and as soon as he ended up speaking, the young Dragons run fiercely to the forest ahead.

The trial was not easy, especially for dragons who could not yet fly. They had to cross the forest, climb the mountain and defeat the final trial. What mysteries lie ahead for Bartant? Would he be able to surpass all the tests ahead of him? Suddenly he felt so pressured since he had to stand up in the memory of his father, one of the best warriors of the whole history of the Kingdom. He stood there, paralyzed, while everyone else just flew directly to the forest. And then, he heard a voice, a very calm but powerful voice:

Are you really willing to taint your family legacy? We always heard that the Cesc’s main strength was willpower. It would seem that is a skill you have not inherited.

Bartant moved his head trying to find the source of the voice, who could even know his family name was Cesc, and at his surprise, it came directly from the Prince, and when he was getting ready to reply, the Prince spoke again:

It makes me wonder, if you are still the strong lad who used to beat me in every challenge we threw at each other. Don’t disappoint me Cesc, I have great faith in you.

Memories struck Bartant’s mind like a thousand lightning bolts He remembered when he was a kid, and always beating Jostrias. He remembered how the Emperor used to say he would be one of the bests knights in the whole Kingdom, as his father was, and he would be delighted to have him at Jostrias side. And then, the same energy everyone had filled Bartant up, he would not let his father go to shame, nor would he live dishonored. All the energy was rapidly flowing through his veins, his body, his mind. His felt his power rising, he felt it had no limit, he could not be stopped. Jostrias quickly glanced at his old friend, he was glowing with a strange light, he smirked, and then shouted in Ancient Draconis:

Bartant …… Ventus Fortis.

Bartant did not understand what he said but felt more powerful than even a few seconds ago, and then he commanded his body to dash forward, and when it did, it was not his usual dash, it was faster, stronger, he felt he was part with the wind and that he could dash even further. And then, the words used by Jostrias kept resounding inside his head Ventus Fortis … Ventus Fortis … Ventus Fortis, and so he went ahead and spoke with his heart and mind, and shouted:

Ventus Fortis

Bartant became one with the wind, and his dash felt almost like flying. He was dodging birds, animals, and trees. He kept at this unbelievable speed at he was quickly catching up with everyone else. He could see the forest ahead.

He knew very little of what lied in the forest, Dragons are taught from the very moment are of age, that it is forbidden until manhood arrives. He knew the forest was challenging, but he did know how strong enemies in the forest were. He was very trained in the combat, he could use any kind of weapon and even low level magic spells, but he has never encountered serious enemies, he only had spar training within the Castle's walls.

But this was not a time to be wondering or feeling doubts, it was a time to fulfill the prophecy, a time to make his own path, and he was willing to do it. He had the power and the expectation of his best friend to defeat what lied ahead.

Suddenly, Bartant stopped the dash. The forest entrance was before him. Again, the entrance was very high up to the sky, it had no door, but it had two ancient roots covered in green leafs and climbing plants forming an menacing entrance. He respectfully bowed to the forest, and entered slowly with a determined mind.