by Kenna Bardot
“She does, Jarek, yes. But deserving or not, Kimba chose her and we have to respect her decision. If it’s not Yula’s time, then her time will probably come one day.”
“Are you saying, I don’t deserve to be a Dracari, Haisley? Are you comparing me to you?” I spun around, just as Haisley did to see a Byta step out of the station.
“Yula. You know better.” Haisley shook her head in dismay.
“It’s hard when it’s someone so undesirable who gets what I’ve worked so hard for. Do you know her own house threw her out? She’s lucky she had another House who was willing to take her in.” The Goddess Haisley had called Yula walked over and leaned against Arkin, who gave her shoulder rub.
I felt a pang in my chest. I hadn’t been wrong. I wasn’t completely accepted in the Guard, just like every other place I’d wanted to belong.
“Again, deserved or not, Kimba made her choice and the only thing we need to do is respect that.”
“Hey!” Patrick called out, rushing. “I’m here! Sorry I’m so late.”
The trio left with a rush of wings and Patrick narrowed his eyes as the dirt flew into his eyes. “What’d I miss?”
“Just stupidity,” Haisley answered and shook her head. “Don’t mind them, Mireyah. They’re just bitter. But today’s a hard day anyway, so I suppose some allowances have to be made.”
“What’s today?”
Haisley and Patrick shared a sad look. “The ceremony.”
"The ceremony?" I asked, noting that we walked down the path and into a thick growth of trees. I had a feeling we were near where I’d had my induction the day before, but I hadn’t been too aware of my surroundings then. We pushed forward and through a different-looking clearing.
"To lay Kimba to rest finally." She jerked her head forward, and I realized that the dragon who lay in the center of the clearing was the dragon who summoned me. The one who gave me the mark on my wrist and tied me to her baby forever. I smiled sadly, rubbing Hydra's neck as she stared up at me with teary red eyes.
"Zeevar has watched over Kimba's body since her death, waiting for when he felt the last traces of her spirit leave. Now that the time has come, he'll perform a ritual to ensure that her body cannot ever be corrupted or resurrected by magic like the Tovenaars possess. No single House can be allowed to have that kind of power at their disposal exclusively."
"If dragons are so powerful, then why do they need the Dragon Guard?" I asked in a soft voice so that the other Guards who had gathered could not hear.
She smiled at me with a sideways glance. "Your Sires really didn't tell you much of anything about us, did they?" she asked.
"We were distracted with other things last night," I said awkwardly with a giggle. Nothing made them crave me physically so much as a threat to one of our lives. Where we might have once enjoyed each other together and been done with it, someone had to watch the dragon now.
She huffed a laugh. "I'll bet. Five men went without their woman for three days straight. That sounds like a catastrophe." I nodded matter-of-factly.
"There was a time when there was no Dragon Guard. The dragons themselves were wild and dangerous, as much a threat to themselves as they were to humans and Gods. Eventually, after the first God and dragon bound themselves to one another, it just became the norm. Now they live in peace. Harmony with all of nature. Their deaths are rare, and most often just the product of sickness. Kimba was young for her kind," she said sadly. "We aren't sure what kind of sickness took her, but it's most unusual."
I stared at the dragon's body, voicing the words I didn't want to know the answer to. "I know her. She was there during my Sire Trial but we didn’t interact.”
"She might not have interacted with you, but it would seem she certainly felt you and knew what you would become to her baby. At any rate, the Dragon Guard don't protect the dragons once they're grown, but rather act as companions. Hand in hand to serve whatever duty you’re assigned.”
"It seems an odd coincidence," I admitted sadly. I wished Hydra could have her real mother there to see her grow. That and to help me raise her, because fuck if I knew what the Hell I was doing. The other Guards who attended the ceremony turned to stare at me when we walked closer. There were curious looks, some friendly and welcoming. But, as Jarek, Arkin and Yula were there, not all of them were.
Another friendly face walked over, and Haisley wrapped an arm around Jas, who cried with hard sobs. “Hi.”
“Jas, I’m so sorry.” Jas just buried her face in her hands. Haisley tightened her hold and tiptoed to whisper into Jas’ ear.
Patrick, who had been silent the entire time, looked at Jas with tears pooling in his eyes. “Jas was close with Trellis since she works with Madi, that’s Trellis’s best friend.” Patrick looked around. “I don’t see her. But I haven’t seen her around since Kimba and Trellis….” He cleared his throat and looked away.
I nodded, even though I didn’t really know who he was talking about. But I understood the loss. I felt for them all.
At that point, Zeevar walked from around the fallen dragon. I had to wonder if he had been there the entire time. Haisley said he guarded over the body, so it stood to reason that he had to be there physically.
“My children, I thank you all for gathering here today. Yesterday, we celebrated life, but today, we mourn a loss. Kimba and Trellis served us well, and were honorable members of this Dragon Guard. Now we pay them the ultimate respect by preserving their bodies from any disrespect." I'd always thought of all the Gods as seeing themselves as blessed, but there was something more to Zeevar's words, to the way he looked across the clearing at each and every Dragon Guard who watched him.
As if we were truly blessed.
I didn't know enough about the duties of the Dragon Guard, but I couldn't imagine the matrons of the North appreciated a sect of Gods being more sacred than they were. It seemed impossible, but I knew well enough that nothing was impossible.
The branches of the trees bowed down as the wind whistled through the clearing. Where during my induction it felt like a breeze that enveloped me in a warm welcome, this was like a slap to the face. A reminder that even with death before us, there was still a life to honor.
Zeevar’s jaw tightened as he stepped forward, laying his hand on the nose of the dragon's body. I moved forward and the change in position gave me the angle I needed to see that they'd rested the deceased Dragon Guard's body in the dragon's clawed hand. Something about it struck me, the reality of the fact that we truly were two halves of a whole.
We lived together.
We died together.
We were laid to rest together.
Around me, the Guard who had dragons had their hands on their other halves. I reached out to touch Hydra, who nuzzled her snout into my palm. I felt how universal the pain and loss was to them. And I knew without a doubt that when it was my time and I died, I would be mourned.
Could I have said the same of the North?
"Of ashes and flame, of snow and ice, nature reclaims everything it gives." Zeevar said, his magic pulsing into the dragon as the burnished gold of her scales lit as if they were set aflame from the inside out.
“Guard, honor.” I looked up to see the same group of Gods and dragons with the shiny black glinting through their uniform raise their hands before bowing in honor. Their dragons also let out fire and ice before bowing their heads.
Zeevar nodded and wisps of black and gray swirled from his hands to engulf all those who were in the clearing. My circlet warmed on my forehead, and Hydra made a sound deep in her throat. Her sadness blended with mine inside me. I looked around and saw that several stones glinted in the bleak light, like a tribute to the pair who had departed.
As her body slowly disintegrated, it became clear that was essentially what happened. The Gods and dragons watched in silence, bowing their heads as the wind blew through the reservoir and carried the ashes off into the forests beyond the clearing. "Let nature take you and give you new life.
Resurrect you for a new purpose."
When the body of the Dragon Guard disappeared into ash along with the dragon, the crying started in earnest.
“You got out too?”
The words echoed through my head again, feeling significant. But there was no ‘too’ about it, was there? Because she had not gotten out. I bowed my head in respect and allowed the warmth to flood from me, the spear of the cold bleeding into me to the point of pain.
I suffered the pain as we waited until the ashes had completely disappeared.
Nothing but a memory and ashes in the wind.
“Farewell and be well.” Zeevar spoke to an eerie silence. I raised my head to see him looking towards where the ashes had blown. The loss had cost him more than he was willing to admit when he clenched his hands into fists, and he turned and strode from the clearing in the way he always did. Dramatically.
Haisley turned to me when the sun shone down again. I hadn’t even noticed that it had darkened to an extent to rival the night. “An awful first day for you, Mireyah. Sorry.”
“No need to apologize. I’m so sorry. I didn’t know her, but I am sad that she’s gone.” Jas raised her head to give me a slight smile.
“You’d have liked her. Trellis and Kimba were joys to be around. Serious about their duty but a joy to have around. I envy your seeing her for that last time but perhaps it’s better that I’m left with memories of her in my mind.” She sniffed and Haisley squeezed.
“Remember the good, Jas. And look to Hydra. Kimba left us with her girl and already you can see what a bright light she and Mireyah will surely be.” Patrick nodded and threw me a cheeky grin.
“You ask me, it dishonors Trellis and Kimba to have someone so unworthy replace her.” Jarek said it softly, which was worse than just straightforward animosity.
“You’ll never live up to her.” Yula’s hair started lengthening, and I had to wonder that she would not be overwhelmed with it.
“Jarek, Arkin, Yula, shouldn’t you three be going to your duty.” Yula started and immediately reverted to her normal state as Chett walked up. He shot the three of them a hard stare. “Go on now.”
The three left, but not before their damage was done. I questioned whether I deserved to be there.
“Mireyah?” The voice cut through the thoughts in my mind as I answered, “Yes?”
“It’s time to go.” Chett gave me a gentle smile, Haisley’s hand in his. His wife said something to him under her breath, to which he nodded. “We’ll ride Thorus.”
And like a thought had summoned him, Chett’s red fire dragon landed softly - or as softly as a creature as grand as a full-dragon could - beside Chett. He held out a hand for me. “Come, you can ride with me. There’s nothing as glorious as your first time up on a dragon.”
I hesitated and shot a look towards Haisley, who nodded encouragingly. “You go on, Mireyah. Patrick and I can walk there. I have a few stops to make, but Chett will take care of you.”
I thought about it and decided there was no harm in it. I made sure Hydra was secure around my shoulders before taking Chett’s hand. With a gentle boost, he settled me behind Thorus, who made it very easy on me by being still. I gave his neck a pat. “Hello, handsome. Take it easy on me, it’s my first day.”
Chett settled in behind me. “You can hold on to his scales. As long as you don’t pull, he’ll be fine. Are you ready?”
I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. Calm settled over me, and I knew it was Hydra’s influence more than me calming myself down. I reached up to thank her.
“Hold on.” The wind whipped through my hair as Thorus’ wings stretched to their full wingspan and with one graceful up and down motion, we were halfway to the sky.
We climbed steadily, and I chanced a look around. The view was stunning. One had to question if flying was not the best method of transportation there ever was. Thorus’ wings folded back, and we swooped through the sky. Somehow, I knew that we shouldn’t have been flying for that long but, probably for my benefit, we went around a bit and I saw the entire Reserve.
It was larger than I thought it was, but there weren’t as many dragons as I had thought there would be even given the rarity of them.
We slowed down and behind me Chett shouted, although the sound of his voice did sort of fade with the breeze blowing around us. “Where are you off to?”
I looked to the left to see Corban on his own dragon, flying side by side with us. He smiled and pointed downwards. Chett chuckled. “Fine.”
“Mireyah, we’re heading down.” Hydra let out an excited yip, and I reached up to make sure she was still securely wrapped around my neck.
We landed towards the Southwestern area of the Reserve outside a one-floor building built of dark, charred stone. I slid off Thorus' back, giving him a pat as thanks. “That was great, Chett! I felt so free.”
Chett gave me an ear to ear grin. “Best thing about being around dragons all the time.”
I touched Hydra briefly, thinking that perhaps it was fine that I allowed her to ride on my shoulders until she no longer could. After all, when she was full grown, I would be the one riding her.
Corban and his dragon landed a moment later, and Corban jumped off with a flourish. “My dragon, Anguisa,” he introduced with a glance towards me.
“He’s gorgeous.” And I had to agree. His dragon had the same swagger and arrogance that I could see just bubbling under the surface of his affability. Unlike most of the rest of his House though, I liked him for it.
“And he knows it. He’s arrogant enough as it is.” I laughed, thinking it only made him a perfect match with his handler.
“Corban, I thought you said that Mireyah was my responsibility?” Corban strode forward with a shrug as his dragon flew off. “Sure, but I’m interested and I’ve got some time free.”
“Well fine. But all you can do is sit still and be quiet.” Chett pushed open the door and gestured inside.
I sneezed when we stepped inside and into a dusty hallway. Hydra’s annoyance fluttered as the dust tickled her nose and she blew out a harsh breath.
“Well, you certainly keep this place clean, Chett. I’m sure Haisley isn’t too pleased with it,” Corban observed, and I looked back to see him running a finger down the side of the hallway with a look of disgust.
“She doesn’t come here. Besides, we don’t use this area too often.” Chett pushed open a large, heavy wooden door, and we all walked inside. “Because, really, how often do we have fresh recruits?”
“Not that often,” Corban agreed. He dusted off one of the chairs before sitting on the very edge. “You should also sit, Mireyah. The chairs aren’t broken, just dirty.”
I copied the way he dusted off the seat of the chair and sat down gingerly. Hydra pranced around in circles, trying to find the best place to settle in.
“Today won’t be such a busy day, Mireyah. I’ll just give you some literature to read about the Dragon Guard so you’re aware, but before that, I’ll just give you an overview of what you’ll do.”
“Okay.”
“Since you came into the Dragon Guard blind, we’ll take it a little slow for you to acclimate so your training will take about two months. At the end of this, you will undergo an examination to assess your Dragon Guard standing.”
I nodded. “Okay then. Is there a pass or fail?”
“Not really, no.”
“Yes, there is,” Corban interrupted. At Chett’s glare, he just shrugged. “What Chett means is that at the end of your examination, you will be graded. It’s possible that you will need to undergo basic training again. If you do well enough you can move on to a duty you choose, however, some duties require that you pass basic training at a certain level and do so on your first go.”
“Very few.” Chett paused and sighed. “Certainly only one.”
“What duties does a Dragon Guard do?” I asked. I was curious to know the answer to it, given I knew nothing.
“Most duties fit the original
house. As a Kald, you can serve at the armory. Making armor and weaponry.”
I remembered something and had to ask, “Ah. And that group that did the honor for Kimba and Trellis earlier? I saw that it wasn’t just one house and not what Trellis was. Who are they?”
“The one Chett vaguely implied to earlier,” Corban spoke up with a laugh. “I’m not surprised you’d ask. That was such a display, was it? Kimba and Trellis were a part of that. They’re the Cadre.”
“What do they do?”
“Their primary duty is tied to the Unwanted Lands. They ensure that it keeps those inside it safe and make sure no one who shouldn’t be there can go in. To put it simply, the magic of dragons stabilizes it.” Chett was quick to answer before expelling a breath. “Corban was part of it before he left it to do administrative work.”
“I can’t deny this,” Corban admitted.
My heart thudded loudly in my chest. “The Unwanted Lands?” I had been wrong. I could see her again.
“That’s correct. It’s a job most suited to Vides just because Vides are already those geared towards serving in the Unwanted Lands, anyway. But in the Dragon Guard, if you pass the training then you can serve. It’s unpleasant enough that as elite as it is, it comes at a cost.”
“Okay.” But I didn’t really hear much of what Corban said because I thought of Lys. Lys, who I was sure would go to the Unwanted Lands. Soon, she would be there. And now, there was a way for me to get there too.
A cloud of dust puffed in front of me with a dull thud as a pile of books appeared before me. “Reading materials.”
I let out a breath and met Hydra’s eyes. “Wanna split it?”
She didn't seem amused.
Eight
Mireyah
Chett gave me a smile that was far too bright and energetic early the next morning when I met him outside the same one-story building where he and Corban gave me their orientation the day before. “Did you read the books I gave you yesterday?”
