Wyvern Hatching

One of the many special forces within the Hyperion Empire are the Wyvern Riders, one of the most-coveted positions within the military and one only select few are permitted to join.

History

Wyvern Riders are known throughout the Empire as their draconic mounts are instantly recognizable. They can be seen darting through the sky, doing their sovereign's bidding quickly and efficiently no matter where they may be sent. For these individuals, failure is not an option, and they would sooner die than let themselves get captured.
The art of wyvern taming and riding is a closely guarded secret in the Hyperion Empire -- a secret that others desperately yearn for. Once every five years -- or whenever the High Vanguard deems it necessary -- nearly every half elf under the age of 13 in the Empire is inspected. It is exceedingly rare, but, occasionally, other races than half-elves may be chosen as wyvern riders, though these are few and far between. If the High Vanguard, or one of his Vanguard assistants, sees potential in the child, they will be presented with a wyvern egg. Once they receive the egg, they are given a year for the egg to hatch.
Each Wyvern egg is unique, but it typically resembles thicker layer of scales around what looks like an otherwise ordinary egg, though somewhat larger. When they are handed out to the individuals chosen to receive one, each is branded with a magical ward that will alert the High Vanguard when the egg hatches -- if it hatches. This also allows for the wyvern within the bond with the individual to whom the egg was bequeathed.
If it hatches before the year is up, they are deemed worthy, accepted as a future wyvern and brought to The Citadel to begin their training until they turn eighteen.
When a wyvern rider is chosen, it is a great ordeal for their town or village. Ceremonies are held in their honor in the days leading up to them being brought to the Citadel, ending in lavish feasts that all inhabitants are welcome to join. Typically it lasts an entire week, the festival consisting of different games and booths hawking all sorts of wyvern themed foods and merchandise. All the while, the child and the wyvern begin their bonding process, ensuring that they are no further than a few feet apart so that their magical energies may properly intertwine. If they venture too far apart, the bonding process will not take hold, and the wyvern may get loose to eventually wreak havoc.