In the old times, this fortress was called Tor-Gaet, which means "citadel of the East" in the language of the Dragons. Like its western twin, Tor-Gaet was a place were Dragon Knights proudly passed their traditions and knowledge on to the new generations. Noble or commoner, man or woman, everyone was allowed a chance to become one of Adan's finest protectors, but only the strongest and most resolute deserved this honor.
Not everyone can endure years of harsh training that tempers one's body and soul. Not everyone is able to conquer their fears and doubts. But not even a single warrior who passed all trials and became a Dragon Knight regrets their choice to spend years in the Citadel of the East.
When the Second Great War ended, an era of prosperity began. It seemed like all troubles remained in the past. Dragons left Adan. People of Tartu founded the United Republic which grew and flourished. However, treasurers of the Republic thought that maintaining Citadels of the East and West took too large a toll on the treasury. It was cheaper and quicker to train alternative troops such as the Guardians of Peace and the Golden Guard. The former glory of the Dragon Knights faded: the influx of new recruits who wished to devote their lives to the Citadels dried out, even though the veterans were still willing to share their wisdom and knowledge with everyone who wanted to become a Dragon Knight. Alas, as years passed, Tor-Gaet became a faint shadow of itself, and its glorious walls and towers crumbled...
Then came the dark times. The United Republic fell apart, and two Empires were born, one of which was called Vaalor, the Empire of the Storms. First Emperor of Vaalor, Veron Dan-Riyad, had quite a biography. Born into a family of poor fishermen, he was, at some point in his life, a slave, a pirate, an admiral of a reemerging country. When he became the ruler of the powerful naval empire, Veron Dan-Riyad ordered reconstruction of the Tor-Gaet fortress and creation of the Vaalor War Academy. This great man foresaw that in the future the world would once again need loyal warriors and fearless knights. Emperor's premonitions were right: Dark Gods of Shaab found a way to break the seal on the gates of Abyss and their dark legions flooded Tartu. In that hour of darkness Dragons, loyal to their oath, returned to Adan and together with the Knights protected the world from the invasion.
The current Supreme Mentor of the Academy is Storm-Brigadier Rand. He personally gives a welcome speech to recruits that come to the Academy every year in hope of becoming Dragon Knights. Rand creates initiation trials which change every year so that prospects have no way of preparing for them in advance. When students train their mind and body, Rand's watchful eye is always on them. When they come to the Trial of Dragons, Rand is there to bless them. During this final ritual, warrior and Dragon choose each other and nothing, not even death, can break that bond.
The training program at the academy consists of four steps: Strength, Steel, Mind, and Spirit. The first step is mostly physical training: Knights-to-be lift weights, throw javelins and discusses, fence with intentionally heavy and poorly-balanced swords. They are trained to maintain balance on hanging bridges and narrow planks, dive from high cliffs and hold breath for extended periods of time, move silently and without trace. In addition to that strenuous training, warriors are also taught hand-to-hand combat and wrestling.
When the first stage of the training is complete, recruits become strong enough to survive a long battle or carry a wounded armored companion from the battlefield. They are now allowed to proceed to the next step, Steel, which involves mastering blades and pole weapons, bows and crossbows, as well as building and operating siege weapons.
The step of the Mind teaches the future Dragon Knights the art of war. They master tactics and strategy, the sciences of building fortifications and using landscape to one's advantage. They're also taught the so-called "language of war", a sign language that allows to quickly communicate with allies in the heat of battle. During this stage, Knights are taught to survive in the wilderness: procure food, set up camps and provide first aid.
The final step of the way is Spirit. Warriors master concentration and control, two things required to use a Dragon Knight's most important skill - magic. They pass sacred rituals that kill their deepest fears. When all trials are complete, Supreme Mentor Rand dubs the graduates Knights.
But that's not the end. One more tests awaits, the most important of them all - the Trial of the Dragons. All warriors must enter the Dragon Chamber and choose a young Dragon. They only have one attempt; there are no do-overs. When they choose a Dragon, they make a cut in their hand and put the sword at the Dragon's feet. If the choice is mutual, the Dragon makes a similar cut and extends its arm to the Knight. When the blood mixes, ancient words are spoken in the chamber. Haden Tar Todr, "loyal until death". And thus a new Dragon Knight is born.