The bond of trust

The smooth scales of the flying dragons flashed as they caught the moonlight. The piercing golden eyes of the shiny beasts were focussed on the flute. It was fascinating to see how not a single part of the large creatures grazed their trainer, even when gliding past him as close as they could. The trainer smirked at Artemis who was looking at the dragons in awe.

Artemis hated that smirk. Now that he actually thought about it, he couldn’t remember a single time when Rye was seen without his annoying sneer. Rye was the best, no doubt, but modesty was never a part of his vocabulary. 
Artemis knew he was biased, but he hoped that Tridamos would change his mind about adding the pompous Rye to his Generals’ rank. If only Tridamos saw what he saw; it wasn’t subtle either. Rye’s talent must be shadowing Tridamos’s judgment, for what else could it be. Rye could be a formidable opponent and so- a great addition to the army, but anyone could see that Rye wasn’t a team player.

Artemis wouldn’t give in easily. He requested for Tridamos’s audience and when they were alone, he went straight to the point. There was no point stalling and it was common knowledge that the High Commander looked down on small talk. 
‘Commander, if I may be allowed to put forth my suggestions to the General’s posts- I would rather see any of the other three contenders, than Rye, as the flutist. Rye does have a way with those dragons, but we have seen what the other three can do as well, and I believe that the dragons will serve them completely too, eventually. Rye could continue doing what he’s doing, with hatchlings. Anyone can see how the higher rank would affect his pride. He already looks down on us all; you have surely seen it too.’

Tridamos had expected that his trusted generals would question him about his decision of choosing Rye over the others. He smiled that Artemis, whom he had handpicked years ago for the love for his people, was the first one to show up. He told Artemis, what he was going to tell any other who would voice concerns about his selection-
‘Yes, Rye has an annoying smirk, doesn’t he? He has never trusted anyone, but I see how he is with the dragons. He is in awe of them, takes more pride in them than in anyone else. 
I want him to be close to those wonderful dragons, as they are teaching him much more than what he is training them to be. It is true that the dragons from Nyerein can only be tamed by the best flutists, but very few people know that they bond only with those who trust them completely. The other three flutists are gifted, no doubt, but they can only tame the dragons. I would rather go with a bond that brings the best out of the mighty dragons and the formidable Rye, thus making sure that our army is the strongest of them all. 
And Artemis, as for your doubts about Rye’s disdain bringing our men down, I will see that it does not happen. I will step in if needed, but I believe that it will not come to that. I did mention before that he has never trusted anyone, but, he does respect my men, you included. I want you to work with him just as you do with all the others that I have placed under you.’

Tridamos saw Artemis feeling assured but a little defeated, so he added – ‘I will let you in on a secret- that smirk that everyone hates, Rye uses it to keep people away from him. Imagine how annoyed he would be to know that it was not working.’
They both smiled and Artemis, ready for his task the next day, bowed to his Commander and took leave.