match for him.
The third to appear alongside his own mount was Sheth. The troll was leading a grey orvang by the bridle. The enormous beast, resembling a monitor lizard, sniffed the air curiously, and when it drew near the bess, it hissed and retreated slightly. Draco noticed its bridle, which was the only one richly adorned with traditional patterns. It looked so intriguing that even those who had been staring at Fenrir the whole time took an interest in it.
Right behind Sheth came Noah, who was the only one not holding the reins; yet the rusty-grey wolven walked step for step behind the parthir. The beast looked around curiously, but every few paces it would glance at its rider. Swivelling its wolfish head swiftly, with its elongated front fangs, it sent shivers down the spine as its brown, twisted, ram’s-horn-like horns cut through the air with a whistling sound.
The last to emerge from the stables were Eric and Cedric, both leading horses. The former gently led an apple-coloured, calm steed behind him. Retfield, on the other hand, walked alongside a proud, piebald war stallion. The horse held its head high and seemed to regard the other creatures with an air of superiority. Interestingly, it showed no fear of the aggressive predators that could have torn it to shreds. The dragon had to admit that whoever had trained the stallion had done a brilliant job.
‘At last.’ The shrill voice left no room for even the slightest exchange of words. ‘No one mounts the beast without permission,’ announced Instructor Taumaturge, casting a warning glance around the whole group, focusing in particular on those with their own mounts. ‘Everyone will have a chance to prove themselves in the paddock. Now, follow me.’ As usual, she didn’t wait for anyone and set off up the slope.
Draco, along with the rest of the cadets, followed the woman. The Academy’s mounts reacted even faster than the students and practically dragged them along of their own accord. Fen merely snorted as he watched the wargs’ reaction; with a slight hesitation and a
