Dragonlinked

by Adolfo Garza Jr.

  “What is it?” Sharrah asked, concerned.

  “Aeron, you cast this spell?” Master Doronal stared intently at him.

  “Yes, sir.”

  “And it worked?”

  “It did. That’s how I was able to get Jessip to the infirmary in time.”

  Master Doronal and Millinith stared at each other.

  “Will someone tell us what is going on?” Willem demanded, voice sharp with worry.

  Master Doronal glanced at Willem before looking back at Aeron. “They have created a new spell, and a completely new form of transportation. One unique to dragonlinked. This spell allows a dragon and its rider to travel between any two places instantaneously.”

  “That’s . . . that’s incredible!” Sharrah said.

  Willem raised his brows and stared at Aeron.

  “Even so,” Millinith pointed out, “the amount of animus and spirit this spell requires of the sorcerer is enormous, despite the support of a dragon and hyper-magic. That is probably what caused Aeron’s difficulty.”

  “Yes,” Master Doronal agreed. “However, as he gets older, he will have more animus and spirit to draw from. The effect should be lessened.”

  “Possibly,” Millinith allowed.

  “Aeron, did you realize that this was an active spell?”

  “I did, sir, but I was so busy at the time that I didn’t think about what that meant.”

  “You must always think about your spells and the consequences they could have,” Millinith said, sharply.

  “It’s true,” Master Doronal agreed. “Magic Craft has an inherent responsibility that comes with it. Sorcerers must always remember that. You didn’t close the portal after you went through, did you?”

  Aeron sighed. “No, I didn’t. I was looking up at it, in fact, when I passed out.”

  “This spell is an incredible drain on the caster while it is active, maintaining the portal through the ether as it does. Unlike entanglement, where there are two objects that can be linked through the ether, this spell forces an enormous portal through it and keeps it open. The spell must be ended, the portal closed, when one has passed through in order to reduce the amount of fatigue experienced.”

  “I certainly know that now, sir.”

  “Not to mention the danger to anyone or anything near it should it collapse due to the caster falling unconscious.”

  “Danger?” Aeron asked.

  He is right, you know. We must close it the moment we are through.

  I know, dear-heart. I just didn’t think about it at the time. Do you know what he meant by—

  We must think about it every time! I did not like it when I could barely hear you last night.

  The intense worry he felt from her, heard in her voice, was enough to distract Aeron from his train of thought and make him reach over and hug her. I’m sorry, love. We will remember every time.

  “I’m guessing Anaya is reinforcing that suggestion,” Willem said, watching Aeron.

  “As well she should,” Master Doronal said. “But let’s get back inside where it is warm,” he continued, rubbing his gloves together. “Perhaps there is some hot cider?”

  With Anaya comfortable in her den and after serving out hot spiced drinks, they returned to the investigation office and talked about the portal spell a great deal. Aeron recounted how he had been able to create an anchor at the infirmary even though he was nowhere near the location. It seemed like as long as he had been somewhere, as long as he could picture the location vividly in his mind, he could set an anchor there, could return to that location from anywhere. Master Doronal was very excited by that prospect and proposed a flying trip for Aeron to the surrounding areas so that he could familiarize himself with the major communities and farmholds in their region. They planned for him to start out in a few weeks.

  “One thing I’m still confused about,” Aeron said, “is the hiding spell.” He pointed to the sheets of paper Master Doronal held. “Why is it an active spell?”

  “I can only speculate,” Master Doronal replied, examining the spell. “But I would imagine your mother designed it that way so you could cast it.”

  “I don’t follow.”

  “We’ll get more into this when you advance to your journeyman studies, into beginning magic theory, but for now, suffice it to say that nearly any passive spell can be created in an active form. The converse is not always true.”

  Aeron drew his brows together and tilted his head. “Why would you want to create an active form of a spell?”

  “The active form is generally much, much simpler than its passive form. In the case of this hiding spell, simple enough that even a child, however gifted, could cast it.”

  Aeron nodded silently.

  Master Doronal went over that spell as well as the nahual spells several times with Aeron, who related his experience, how the spells felt, in more detail. The subject of the nahual-ton being able to counter spells came up again, and after much discussion, they decided that Aeron should be taught some of the offensive and defensive spells, which delighted him a great deal.

  “You must be very careful with the offensive spells, however,” Master Doronal cautioned. “They are designed to kill. And they can kill anything or anyone you use them on.”

  Aeron gulped. “Yes, sir. I will remember and be careful.”

  “You must also be careful whenever you use the portal,” Millinith added. “Always close it. You don’t want to suffer the same fate as last night again.”

  “I know,” Aeron replied, morosely. “And speaking of which, Master Doronal, you mentioned danger to people? What happened after I, uh . . .”

  “After you fainted?” Willem asked, grinning.

  “There was an incredibly loud explosion, which we now know was caused by the collapse of your portal spell,” Master Doronal said. “It even caused some damage to the roof above the infirmary.”

  “What? I’m so sorry!” Aeron said. “Is it bad?”

  “Nothing that can’t be repaired. The stone used in Caer structures is fairly resistant to damage. Though it could have been very dangerous had the portal not been anchored as high as it was. I think that should continue to be standard practice with the portal spell. How high did you anchor it?”

  “I think it was something around sixty feet or so above the infirmary.”

  “In future, let’s standardize on one hundred feet for both sides of the portal, to be safe.”

  Aeron nodded.

  “At any rate, after you fainted, Anaya yowled over and over, wails fit to wake the dead. As if anyone could still be asleep after the portal explosion. No one had any idea what was going on.”

  I was worried. Anaya lowered he head.

  And I love you all the more for it, dear-heart.

  “She was beside herself with worry,” Sharrah said. “The poor nurse was scared to check on you, for fear of her.”

  “I had heard the explosion and could hear Anaya,” Willem said, “but like Master Doronal mentioned, I had no idea what was going on. Then,” and his voice softened at the memory, “she spoke to me; Anaya called me to help you.” He shrugged. “I ran as fast as I could. When I got there I saw how agitated she was, so I calmed her down enough to let the nurse examine you. After a few spells, he said he couldn’t find anything wrong, and figured it was just exhaustion.”

  “Which, in a way, it was,” Master Doronal said. “Though now we know it wasn’t just normal exhaustion. It was also the effects of being drained of animus by the nahual-ton and being drained of animus and spirit by the portal.” He looked admiringly at Aeron. “It’s a wonder you made it as far and as long as you did.”

  “After the nurse determined that you didn’t seem to be suffering anything major,” Willem continued, “we tried to move you into the infirmary. But Anaya was blocking the entrance and was so worried, she wouldn’t move. She just stared at you, making the most pitiful sounds. We didn’t know what to do.”

  Aeron’s heart went out to Anaya aga
in and he felt the love redoubled through the link.

  “That’s when Sharrah and Master Doronal arrived.” Willem turned to the magic master.

  “Yes,” Master Doronal said. “I had heard the explosion, felt it more like, even down in my office, and I was on my way out to see what was happening. When I exited the hall, I could hear Anaya and followed the sound of her, as did other people. Well, when I arrived at the infirmary, she was still in a state, though quieter, and there was a large crowd. She was lying in front of the doorway, making the most despairing little sounds, unfurling and furling her wings, staring at you. No one could get past her.”

  Aeron glanced at Anaya with sympathy.

  “Because the nurse said you seemed to be just suffering from exhaustion, I suggested we move you to your room. It was familiar to Anaya, so hopefully, she would be less agitated there. That would leave the door to the infirmary clear for those that needed to get in and assess the damage to the building. Pieces of stone from the roof were in the street, and there was concern as to the extent of the destruction and its cause. Happily, Anaya followed as we carried you to your room and was calm once we got you here, or at least she was calmer. Once they placed you in your bed, I asked the nurse to stay a while to monitor you while I returned to check on the infirmary. He left this morning. Willem, who had also been here all night, volunteered to stay with you in case something happened.”

  “It took all of us to get you here,” Sharrah said. “The nurse and Master Doronal carried you on a litter while the rest of us followed along, working to keep Anaya calm.”

  “Master Doronal carried me?” Aeron asked, abashed. “I feel so embarrassed.”

  “Nonsense,” Master Doronal said. “You were suffering from extreme exhaustion, and even so you managed to save Jessip’s life. You have nothing to be embarrassed about, my boy. No, you showed great resourcefulness and bravery in your actions, and I will report such to Lord Baronel.”

  Aeron blushed, but he felt proud. He had tried to do the best he could!

  “Now, Sharrah, I think Master Canneth will be most interested to hear about what we have learned concerning Anaya’s new abilities. If you would be so kind as to report to him on them?”

  “Yes, sir. I was already planning to,” she said and dimpled.

  “And Aeron,” Master Doronal said, turning to him. “I know that these new abilities you and your dragon have are very exciting. And I know that even should I ask you not to use them yet, you probably will anyway. Therefore, in order for you not to have to lie to me in the future, I will not. However,” and he looked sternly at Aeron, “I will require you to only practice her fire-breathing and the portal spell while under supervision, mine or Master Canneth’s. At least for now.” Master Doronal was staring at Aeron, not a bit of humor in his eyes.

  Aeron swallowed. “Yes, sir.”

  “Anaya,” Master Doronal said, louder, “you heard him promise. I expect you to assist me in enforcing that promise.”

  I will, you know.

  Aeron’s face expressed shock, and he turned around and looked at her through the door.

  Willem burst out laughing and pointed at Aeron. “What do you want to bet she just told him that she would?”

  “Of course she did,” Master Doronal said, a satisfied look on his face as he glanced out the door at the tawny dragon. “She’s a smart girl. She knows how dangerous it is.” He looked back at Aeron. “But not to worry. Once you have had more practice, once we are satisfied that it is safe, you will be free to use those abilities at your discretion.”

  Aeron nodded, slowly. Then his expression changed, became firm, and he said, “But you should know one thing.”

  Master Doronal raised an eyebrow. “Yes?”

  Aeron stared at his craft master, eyes shining, gaze steady. “If Anaya or I sense a nahual nearby, all rules are off. My mother died saving me from one of those damn things. Her death will not have been in vain. I—” He stopped and glanced at Anaya. He could feel her fierce agreement with him through the link. “WE will do everything in our power to destroy every nahual we sense. No one else should have to lose one they love to those creatures.”

  Master Doronal regarded Aeron a moment before nodding. “Yes. Well, that being the case, you should start practicing your new abilities as soon as you can. Please get with Master Canneth or myself for that. And we will begin on the combat spells this afternoon, say in an hour? That will give us some time before dinner.”

  “Thank you, sir,” Aeron said, relieved. He was somewhat shocked at himself for speaking out as he had and was glad Master Doronal hadn’t called him to task for it. There was one more thing he wanted to check on, however. “Do you think I could go see Jessip?”

  “That is an excellent idea,” the magic master replied. “He could use some support, I think, after his experience last night. Do check with the staff, first, to be sure he has recovered enough for visitors, however.”

  “I’ll go with you,” Willem said.

  “I’d love to go too,” Sharrah said, “but I need to meet with Master Canneth.” She had a glum expression on her face. “I’ll visit him later, I suppose. Please give him my best.”

  When they approached the infirmary, Aeron saw that there was work being done up on its roof. Part of the same building, though its section was two stories taller, the Housing Hall also had workers on its roof. Aeron sighed and reaffirmed his vow to never forget to close the portal in the future.

  A different nurse was at the front desk this afternoon, a pretty lady with rosy cheeks, light green eyes and straight, dark-brown hair.

  Aeron walked up to the desk and said, “Hello. I was wondering whether it was okay to visit Jessip?”

  She smiled and said, “I think he should be awake now. Let’s go check, shall we?”

  The young lady lead them down a hall to the left and past several doors. Jessip’s room was on the right, about halfway down the hallway.

  “We’ve got some visitors for you,” the nurse said as she walked in the door.

  Aeron and Willem stood in the hall just outside the door.

  “Visitors?” Jessip looked out the door and saw them. “Aeron?”

  “Hi Jessip,” Aeron said and walked inside, Willem following behind. He saw that Jessip’s left shoulder and upper arm were bound with bandages that extended over his chest.

  “Wha . . . uh, hello.” Jessip looked from Aeron to Willem and back.

  “We just wanted to see how you were doing. Sharrah sends her best.”

  “Oh. I, uh, feel okay. A little weak.” Jessip rubbed his nose with his right hand. “Do you, uh, do you know what happened to me last night?” He stared at Aeron, confused.

  Aeron looked at the nurse and then to Jessip. “Do you remember me being at the stable last night?”

  Jessip thought a moment and then nodded. “Yeah. I had heard someone at the stable doors. But when I went to look, I saw no one. Something . . . happened, and after that, I remember seeing you outside, with Anaya.” Jessip paused, thinking. “And there was something else too, something on fire. But then it was gone.”

  “It was a nahual,” Aeron said. “Well, actually it was a nahual-ton, but—”

  “Is that what happened to him?” the nurse asked, surprised.

  “Yeah,” Willem replied. “Aeron and Anaya flew to Baronel Farm to find the nahual-ton.”

  Aeron nodded. “We got there just in time. It was attacking Jessip and we fought it off and killed it.”

  Jessip looked around the room and frowned. “How did I get here, though?”

  “I flew you here on Anaya.”

  Jessip raised his brows. Suddenly, he frowned. “I got to ride on a dragon and I can’t even remember it?”

  “Well, when you get better, I could take you up again,” Aeron offered.

  “Would you?”

  “Of course,” Aeron said.

  Jessip’s face lit up and he smiled. Aeron was somewhat startled to note that when Jessip wasn’t sco
wling or angry, when he was genuinely happy, he was actually quite handsome.

  Jessip tried to sit up, using only his right arm to lift himself. The movement apparently hurt because he winced, fell back, and groaned.

  “Careful, Jessip,” the nurse said. “You don’t want to undo all the work Master Inndrus did. Just lie back, don’t try to sit up. Besides, you need to rest. You lost a lot of blood.”

  Jessip sighed and nodded. He turned to Aeron and asked, “But why did you fly me? A wagon could have brought me.”

  Aeron twisted his mouth. “Actually, no, a wagon was too slow. And speed was important. The healer at the Farm said you would die if we didn’t get you here fast, so we flew you.”

  Jessip’s face paled. “Die? I could have died?” He looked at the nurse, who stared at him solemnly, nodding.

  After a moment, he swallowed and stared at Aeron. “You saved my life.” It wasn’t a question. He nodded and said, “Thank you.”

  “Alright,” the nurse said. “I think that’s enough for today. Jessip needs his rest.”

  “Get well soon,” Aeron said, as they turned to leave. “Then I’ll take you on that ride.” He saw Jessip smile as they exited the room.

  Aeron and Willem walked along the cobbled road back to the dragon stable. The late afternoon sunlight was starting to turn orange as others walked along the road to their own destinations.

  “He seems to be doing well,” Willem said.

  “Did you see him when he smiled?” Aeron asked.

  “I was a little shocked. He was like a completely different person.”

  Aeron nodded.

  “I’m sorry,” Willem said a few minutes later as he avoided a muddy pile of slush.

  Aeron looked at him, brows furrowed. “For what?”

  Willem quirked his mouth, sighed and said, “For ever questioning why you were being nice to Jessip.” He looked sideways at Aeron as they walked. “He’s just a kid, like us. Yeah, he was a bully, but he’s . . .” Willem shrugged.

  Aeron smiled. “Most people are good, inside. I saw that Jessip might be too after we talked that night in the trees.”

  “And you’re going to take him up on Anaya?”