Board Thread:Fun and Games/@comment-36570662-20181223024110/@comment-34572969-20190103203148

Elder Guy

Initiates were gathered around, excited looks on their young faces. At the same time, a nervous energy was building up among the crowd and their dragons.

"Today will be the day of your final Trial."

The statement elicited confused murmers from the crowd as I raised a hand to silence them.

"This Trial is the one where we will judge whether you are worthy enough to become a Guardians. However, I promise it will be the final one."

Relieved sighs sounded from the crowd of teens.

"To begin with, you must group together into two separate teams. Then, line up at these," I pointed to two identical obstacle courses at the edge of the arena, "courses where you will begin."

Almost immediately the crowd split off into two different teams. I noticed quickly that one of the teams was a group of friends that I had become very familiar with: Aud, Rita, Kate, Aidan, Katina, Isla and Ar.

The groups lined up at their assigned courses as I had instructed, and all looked up to me for their next order. I got down from the platform I was standing on and walked over to one of the courses.

"This is a relay race. Once the Trial begins, you will start by picking up this baton-" I held it up "-and scaling up here." I gestured to a wall with various grips and cracks to hold onto.

"You will then proceed to climb these monkey bars and land here. Avoid these machines shooting arrows, and then your dragon will fire at these targets here.

"Once that is completed, ride your dragon over and under these hurdles," I said, gesturing to a set of wooden hurdles in the arena, "and return to your group. Pass the baton on, and your Trial is complete. The winning team will have the honour of being declared Guardians of the Hidden World!"

The crowd erupted into excited squeals, murmurs and gasps. I headed back to my platform and cleared my throat to gain their attention back.

"As for those with less...rideable, dragons-"

I noticed Katina divert her gaze to her boots, which was understandable.

"...you need only jump the hurdles. Now..."

Everyone in the arena seemed to tense up in anticipation.

"You may start, and may the best team win!"