Chapter 3

“The naming ceremony isn’t all that bad Jura. It wasn't for us. Well … come to think of it maybe it will be a little awkward.”

“A little? That’s not helpful in the least,” Jura grumbled reaching for the door of the council house.

“Sorry, I am sure you will do fine,” Jura thought the lack of confidence in Saphira’s voice stated otherwise.

Well, little one. Let’s get this over.

Don’t worry Jura. I don’t like when you worry.

Sliding his neck up against the side of Jura’s leg seemed to give her the final push she needed to go through the door of the council house. As they entered the large rectangular structure, Jura searched the room for familiarity. The long saggy faces of elders Sontar, Targen, and Aubron glared back at her and the new hatchling. It was apparent that this unexpected event was not appreciated.

Jura was already in bad standing with Elder Sontar for some issue with her father that her mother would never tell her about. She could tell that their naming ceremony was not going to be as glorious as it was made out to be.

“Jura, daughter of Cailu and Siyana, it has been told to this council that you have found your companion egg. Is this true,” asked Elder Targen.

“Yes Elder Targen, this is true,” Jura said in a barely audible whisper.

“Speak up child, the whole council must hear,” said Elder Aubron.

Straitening her back to ease the projection of her voice, Jura felt the tendrils of her hatchling at the core of her mind.

Be strong and brave Jura. Show them who we are.

The reassurance from her dragon helped the words come easy as she drew on the strength of their bond.
“Yes, I have found my companion egg and just yesterday he decided to hatch,” the sudden confidence in Jura’s voice caused a slight smile at the corner of her mouth.

“I see that you are already strengthening your bond with the creature. That is good, because there is nothing but solitude ahead for the two of you,” stated Elder Sontar in a less than pleasant manner, pulling Jura’s gaze away from Elder Targen.

“Don’t worry about that now child, you have to name your dragon,” said Elder Targen pulling her attention back to him, “Now are you ready?”

Looking down at her dragon, who was staring up at her, she turned back and nodded to the elder.

“Let it be know that the Elders of Britronia recognize dragon keeper Jura and approve the commencing of the naming ceremony of her dragon. Master Othorion, you may proceed,” the formality in Elder Aubron’s voice stiffened Jura’s back and she stood straight as Master Othorion walked towards her with a large cylinder container grasped between his hands.

Ok little one, here we go. Just listen carefully and follow me. Oh Master Othorion, please don't let me mess this up.

As if he heard her plead Master Othorion stopped mid step and made eye contact with Jura, his eyes reflecting a sense of unease. Jura stared him straight in the eye, pleading for guidance.

“Master Othorion, is everything alright,” asked Elder Sontar.

“Um… yes, my apologies Elder,” the words coming out in short breaths as Master Othorion struggled to gain his composure.

Jura had never seen him like that, usually he was so confidant and, well at least to her, it had seemed that there was nothing that could surprise him. He began once again, closing the distance between them and stood before Jura and the hatchling.

“As dragon keeper, Jura, it is your duty to select the name for your dragon. Please reach into the jar and pull out a peace of parchment,” all confidence and stature returned to Master Othorion.

Reaching into the jar Jura pulled out a rough and brown cloth. Looking it over and finding it empty she searched Master Othorion’s face for an answer.

“Take the parchment to the wall of destiny and choose the symbol that calls out to you,” guided Master Othorion.

Walking over to the wall in the far corner, Jura felt the many eyes that were upon her and her hatchling. The wall took up the entire right, side wall of the council house. There were only six symbols on the wall and they towered of the girl and dragon pair.

Help me little one. We need to choose our destiny symbol. This will decide our future and journey through life.

Slowly they walked past each symbol. The symbol of healing- representing the caretakers of the nests of Hildesea. The symbol of defending , representing the training grounds of K’Jarra. The symbol of learning - representing the isolated towers of the monks of Mount Knoockraha. The symbol for farming - representing the plains of Has-Neth. The symbol of fishing - representing lake Drangavik. And the symbol of growth -representing the forests of Darwaeton.

As they past each symbol, they searched for a pull or something that would guide them to their symbol. They sensed nothing. At the end of the wall they turned from it to find a crowd of old men with confusion and surprise plastered on their faces.

“What is the matter, Jura? Why have you not selected your destiny symbol,” asked Elder Targen.

“I do believe she has misunderstood the instructions, Master Othorion,” whispered Elder Aubron.

“I knew she would foul this up. That child has never done a thing correct the first time,” said Elder Sontar, disgust in his voice.

Master Othorion, placing a hand on Jura’s left shoulder, walked her back to where they had began and spoke.

“Trust in your instincts and that of your dragon. Your destiny will reveal itself as long as you allow it. Now try again and urge your little one to help.”

I will try my best Master Othorion. The little dragon sent to him.

Master Othorion smiled at the dragon and pushed them in the direction of the wall once more. Dragon and girl once again walked the distance of the wall failing to stop at any symbol. At the end, Jura spoke to her dragon.

Ok, lets walk back one more time and I want you to try and sense the wall. Tell me if you sense anything my little one.

Walking back towards Master Othorion, Jura feared that they were going to some how miss this up as well. Suddenly the little dragon stopped between the learning and defending symbol. He approached the wall and let out a snort, his warm breath clearing dust and debris from the wall. He placed the end of his snout against the spot and removed it.

This is the spot.

Trusting in her dragon Jura walked up to the spot and placed her parchment in the area that her dragon had indicated. A light began to glow from beneath the parchment paper and it grew in intensity. It grew so much that it lite up the entire room blinding everyone and causing them to throw their hands in front of their faces as they turned them from the source. The light went as fast as it came and the room stood there in silence, all eyes on Jura and her dragon.

“Jura, bring your parchment to me,” instructed Master Othorion, breaking the silence of the room.

Handing it to him Jura stood uneasily as he inspected the parchment. He turned the paper this way and that trying to comprehend the information before him.

“Well, what symbol is it,” asked Elder Sontar in annoyance.

“It… well… it is unknown,” was Master Othorion’s reply.

“What do you mean unknown,” asked Elder Aubron.

Holding the parchment towards the elders, Master Othorion revealed the symbol. A circle with a cross dividing it into four part had appeared on the parchment. The symbol for unknowing. Jura walked up and took the parchment to better inspect it. She knelt down to her dragon and allowed him to inspect it as well. He sniffed the paper and rubbed the end of his snout against it.

Jura looked on in amazement as writing appeared on the parchment, as if being written in light. The name Rhaegos appeared just below the symbol.

“Rhaegos,” Jura said aloud.

“A good name for a poor creature,” stated Elder Sontar.

“Why poor creature,” asked Jura.

“Rhaegos means ill-fated. If your fate is unknown, that can only mean it is set in stone and knowing will be pointless,” Elder Targen informed her.

“Well… I must say that was quiet interesting. I am glad that it can be set aside so we can get down to the important matters at hand,” said Elder Aubron.

Turning back towards the center of the room Jura and Rhaegos were led to sit before the council to receive instructions. This time it was Elder Sontar who let it.

“Jura, you have the misfortune of being the offspring of the wretched Cailu and poor Siyana, our valued healer,” began Elder Sontar, snarling when he mentioned her father.

“I would appreciate it if you didn't mention my father, Elder Sontar. He has nothing to do with me,” she couldn't hide the bitterness in her voice and had to admit to herself that despite the feelings she had towards her father Elder Sontar’s words stung and infuriated her.

“I am sure you wish it so, but he has everything to do with you. You carry his blood inside your veins. There is no denying it. You can never deny it Jura,” the last words came out of Elder Sontar in a hiss.

“This is not a lesson on lineage, Elder Sontar. And Jura, I am quiet sure that Master Othorion has taught you to be silent when elders speak,” Elder Targen finished by looking directly at Master Othorion.

Like it’s his fault. I always speak when I am not supposed to. Thought Jura as she watched Master Othorion nod and bow to the Elder.

“Then maybe, Jura, you should just stay quiet this time,” answered Master Othorion when he had completed his bow.

Jura nodded to her master and stood in silence, wondering if he was responding to her or Elder Targen. The thought formed in her mind and the question beckoned to be asked. Could she speak to Master Othorion in his head like her Rhaegos could? That would be a useful ability. She put the thought aside, determined to bring it up right after the council meetings completion.

“Jura, what I was saying before you interrupted me, is that with the hatching of your dragon so unexpectedly you are behind on your training. The council has decided that in the best interest of the dragon you are to be sent to train alone outside of the village,” stopping to deal with any debate from Jura, Elder Sontar’s eyebrow shot up in confusion when she didn’t. Continuing, “The council has decided that you are to leave before the sun rises in the morning. You will be leaving with my son, Nuvian, and his dragon, Qeenarth. They will escort you to a cottage where you can complete your training in time to return and begin the keeper’s training with the new batch of hatchlings next year in the spring.”

Almost a complete year alone and away from Mother and Saphira. Little one what are we going to do?

At least we will be fine, and we wont be alone. This Nuvian and Qeenarth will be our companions, assured Rhaegos.

“Jura, do you have any questions for the council,” asked Master Othorion when it was apparent that Elder Sontar would say no more.

“No, Master Othorion, ”turning to the elders, “Elder Targen, Elder Aubron and Elder Sontar. On behalf of Rhaegos and myself I thank you.” And with that Jura and Rhaegos bowed and left the room behind Master Othorion.