Sky Knightand the Raptor Trials: Sky Knight, #3

By Matt O'Connor

Training has begun.

Fresh from his adventures, Ed faces his greatest test yet. School! Bullies, strict instructors and new friends await.

The challenges are many and one false step could see him kicked out of the Raptor Trials.

Join Ed as he once again flies into danger intent on becoming a Sky Knight.

• Language: English
• Publisher: M.J. O'Connor
• Release date: Jul 23, 2019
• ISBN: 9780987301154

Book preview

1

Ed stood at the front of the Jolly Adventurer as it rounded the bluff towards Whitecliffe. Victoria stood next to Ed smiling, her black hair pulled into a ponytail. She was Princess of Westra, but to Ed she was just his friend Vicki.

It was hard to believe that just days ago he had faced down a bunch of the most dangerous pirates to fly the skies. But Ed had prevailed, using quick thinking and a bit of luck to outsmart Dragon Eyes, the Pirate Captain.

Whitecliffe finally came into view, houses and shops running from a small bay at the base of a large cliff, all the way up to its’ top. At the highest point stood a large square castle and just below that sat the docks for air ships and the Aviary, home to Ed and the Giant Hawks he helped to care for.

Used to care for, he thought, suddenly excited.

For his actions in saving the Princess from the pirates, Ed had been given a place at the Raptor Trials. Raptors were the elite troops of the Westran military, knights of the sky, who rode massive hawks into battle. He was now a Sky Knight in training and had to start at the trials when they landed. If he completed his training he would be promoted to Squire, and ride Giant Hawks in defense of the Kingdom.

I’ll be the best Sky Knight ever, he again promised himself.

Home, Ed said aloud.

Vicki had invited him for a ride on the Jolly Adventurer and Ed had jumped at the chance. Not only did it get him out of a last morning of chores before he was due at the training area where the Trials would be held, but he had been on a number of adventures with the crew of the ship already. Not only had the Jolly Adventurer been the airship that had come to their rescue with the pirates, but he had also gone with them to save a missing Raptor.

It’s a shame that you couldn’t come to the Hawk School in the capital, Vicki said. I could have come to visit you.

I’d have liked that, Ed said. The capital’s trainees almost always went on to join the Royal Guard, the greatest Sky Knights of all.

Vicki’s smile grew bigger, I bet that’s my father waiting for us.

Ed followed her pointing finger to a large group of people on the air docks where their ship was preparing to land.  Sure enough, Ed could see the glint of gold as the sun touched the King’s crown. He was a big, strong looking man with a dark brown beard and moustache. He was wearing a very expensive cloak, as was his wife, Queen Lianna. She was a lot smaller than the King, but looked like an older version of Vicki.

They were both smiling widely and waved as their daughter returned.

Next to them stood Earl Whitecliffe, and his wife. They were the nobles in charge of Whitecliffe, and Ed had seen them on various celebration days when they left the castle in their carriage. Other nobles stood around with their servants waiting for the Jolly Adventurer to land.

After a small wait the airship came alongside the large docks jutting out from the cliff. Long, thick ropes were thrown from each end of the ship and it was fastened to the metal frame, as a gang plank was lowered for them to walk across.

Vicki sprinted down the gang-plank when it finally touched down and into her father and mother’s arms. They hugged as a family before the King turned her around, standing her between them. Thank you for letting me go flying one last time before we leave father.

Ed followed her down as Captain Andrew and the rest of the Jolly Adventurer’s crew followed.

Of course my dear. And I’m glad you asked your new friend along, said the King.

Yes, father, Vicki responded.

Excellent. I’m expecting great things from you at the Trials, Edward, he said. He had a kind face and a big smile which he directed at Edward.

Th-th-thank you, your Highness, Ed stuttered before blushing. Everyone was looking at him. He still didn’t know how he had gone from being a simple Hawk Minder to having the King speak to him.

Excellent. We need brave souls like you in our service.

Ed could think of nothing to say, which was just as well. The King moved away, his arm around Vicki’s shoulder and many of the nobles followed in his wake. Vicki gave him a small smile and wave as she turned and was swallowed by the crowd.

"Well then, get moving lad. Off to the