“Let’s all remain calm,” Master Doronal said, “shall we?” The man nibbled on his lip as he glanced back and forth between the line of dragons in the sky and all the angry ones around him.
Fillion couldn’t blame him for being concerned at their upset. Even those not bonded to dragons could likely sense the undercurrent of rage. A look at Quillan, Elizabeth, and the two auditors confirmed it. They appeared uneasy.
We will be calm. Anaya looked around at those gathered in the clearing. Despite the fire in her gaze, she was composed, almost regal. She turned back to the approaching dragons. But we will also be resolute.
Anaya says we should try not to use magic.
Barbs and pissing blades. Fillion looked up at the approaching Yaot dragons. If Anaya felt the need to warn them of that, it meant she thought something could happen where they might want to use magic!
He was apparently not the only one concerned by her words. Balam moved closer to Anaya, on her left, one pace back. Itzel and Huemac moved forward, to one step back on Anaya’s right. All around, the rest of the dragons stood and watched, waiting.
Closer and closer the dragons from House Yaot drew.
Fillion let out a breath of frustration. What were their intentions? Why had Anaya sent out that instruction about not using magic? Was that part of her plan?
Soon enough, fifteen pairs of wings beat the air over and over as the Yaot dragons hovered, two dozen feet ahead.
Gregor took his hand.
Fillion glanced at him, gave his hand a quick squeeze, then turned to the nearly three handfuls of dragons hovering before them.
Anaya, sitting on her haunches, lifted her head. Queen Ixtab. I welcome you all to House Mochyehua.
Everyone in the clearing, dragon and human alike, turned to Anaya.
Fillion raised his brows. There was a House?
+ + + + +
Chanté blinked. In the silence, he murmured, “Oh, ho.”
My daughter is a fine, brave dragon!
Chanté nodded. Yes, she is.
Queen Ixtab, hovering slightly ahead of the others, stared at Anaya. Moch . . . Mochyehua?
Every guild dragon in the clearing let out a simultaneous, bark of agreement.
Queen Ixtab looked taken aback.
Chanté glanced at Anaya. Nantli, when did Anaya come up with that name?
As far as I know, just now.
He chuckled.
Quillan leaned over and whispered, “What’s going on?”
Chanté murmured, “Anaya just insulted Queen Ixtab.”
Adept Oran whispered, “What? How?”
Chanté glanced from him to Adept Komako and back. “I’m not sure you noticed, but Anaya is extremely upset with Queen Ixtab. House Mochyehua roughly means House of Brothers and Sisters, or House of Family. It so happens that House Yaot is going through some internal strife right now, and by using the name House Mochyehua . . .” He shrugged.
“I see.” Elizabeth stared at Anaya with what looked like respect.
Quillan grunted and looked at those gathered in the clearing. “I don’t know that she chose it just to upset Queen Ixtab.”
There is no need for ceremony. Anaya gazed at all the dragons hovering before her. You must be tired after the long flight to my House. She pointed with her nose and looked at the ground below the hovering dragons. Please, land. Take your ease.
Half the dragons landed, and Queen Ixtab let out an angry bark.
By accepting Anaya’s offer, those dragons had implicitly acknowledged Anaya as Queen of this House.
Chanté did not laugh, though it was a close thing. I really, really like your daughter.
I am so proud right now!
Queen Ixtab landed along with the remaining Yaot dragons. After furling her large wings on her back, she walked over, stopped ten yards in front of Anaya, and looked about. Two large dragons, Watchers no doubt, stood to her left and right, one pace back.
To what do we owe the honor of your visit, Queen Ixtab? Anaya stared at the slightly hunched dragon.
Queen Ixtab stood a bit taller. Gaze on the three dragons she’d exiled, she spoke in haughty tones. Does House Mochyehua take in any cur that wanders along?
Coatl and Balam didn’t take well to the insult directed at their blood-mother. They began rumbling angrily.
Anaya looked at them and barked. It was not an angry bark, but it was a stern one.
Both dragons stopped rumbling, lowered their heads, and let out quiet chirps. They looked back up at the visiting queen silently, but their gazes were filled with anger.
Having chastised the two, Anaya looked back at the visiting queen. She spoke calmly. Why do you ask? Do you wish to join my House?
Queen Ixtab blinked.
Guildmaster Millinith made a strangled noise, as did Master Doronal and both auditors. Gasps and choked-off sounds came from around the clearing.
Chanté had put a hand over his mouth to keep from outright laughing.
“Goodness.” Elizabeth shook with silent mirth. “She’s a spunky one, isn’t she?”
“And that,” Cheddar said, smiling, “is why we love her.”
“Did—” Quillan, wide eyes gazing at Anaya, whispered, “Did she just call Queen Ixtab a cur?”
“Yes.” Adept Oran’s eyes were bright.
“Yes, she did.” The smile on Sharrah’s face was large.
I do not wish to join! Queen Ixtab unfurled her wings and raised them.
Chanté drew his brows together. With her angry response, more Watchers, three on each side of her, advanced up to the others.
There were now nine dragons ten yards from Anaya.
He was about to ask Nantli to move forward, but before he could do anything, Zolin, Xochi and Mia moved up beside Balam on Anaya’s left, while Ikan and Kisa moved beside Itzel and Huemac to Anaya’s right.
Chanté nodded. That was better. Nine dragons, tails twitching and gazes fierce, now faced the Yaot nine.
I see. Anaya tilted her head. How may I help you, then?
Queen Ixtab settled her wings on her back, and eyed those facing her. You can help me by not taking any more children from House Yaot!
Anaya stared at Queen Ixtab. Itzel.
Highest Mother?
Anaya’s gaze did not leave the visiting queen. Have any of us approached House Yaot?
We have not, Highest Mother. You were the last to, ah, visit there almost two season cycles ago.
Thank you. Anaya chirped at the visiting dragon. Queen Ixtab, I am afraid I do not understand your request. I have not gone anywhere near your House, nor have any of us. We could not have taken a pebble from you, much less children.
Queen Ixtab’s wings trembled and her tail twitched.
The dragon’s increasing upset made Chanté feel uneasy. The older guild members could fend for themselves, but what of the rest? He glanced at the young dragons standing with them. Sharrah and Cheddar were experienced, so they should be able to protect their bond-mates.
“Korrie, Terry,” Chanté looked at them. “Why don’t you two take Tenoch and Nelli to the back, behind Nantli?”
They glanced at each other, then at him, and nodded. With hand motions, they herded their dragons to the back of their group.
“That’s a good idea.” Sharrah turned to Citlali. “You and Xoc join them, okay?”
Cheddar nodded. “Go on, you two.”
With worried chirps, the two padded after their friends.
Chanté looked back at the two queen dragons. If anything happens, we protect the little ones.
Nantli let out a quiet bark. Agreed.
You cannot lie to me. Queen Ixtab looked at those behind her. Record-keeper!
A smaller dragon moved up. Highest Mother?
How many children of our dragons have been born to House . . . Mochyehua?
We cannot be certain of an exact number, but at least four, Highest Mother.
Queen Ixtab turned back to Anaya. What do you have to say to th
at?
Chanté frowned and turned to Elizabeth. “If fighting breaks out, we’re going to have to protect each other, and with your broken leg, it would be best if you were in the back.”
She pressed her lips together, but nodded and hobbled to join Korrie and Terry.
Chanté glanced at the sorcerer adept. “Oran, if there is a battle, you and I will move forward a few steps and protect the others here.”
“Of course.” Adept Oran then chuckled and turned to the other auditor. “Just like old times, eh, Komako?”
The Animal Craft adept didn’t look as excited as her counterpart. “It would seem so.”
Chanté caught Quillan staring at him. “Quillan?”
The young man blinked, seemed to come to himself, and looked at Anaya. “Do you really think it will come to that?”
“I hope not. We’re a little out-matched as far as adult dragons that aren’t exhausted, fifteen versus eleven, but we have the advantage of training and the dragonlinked. Queen Ixtab may not understand that and, thinking she has the upper hand, may attempt something ill-advised.”
“That’s a worrying point.” Sharrah frowned.
I have an idea for that.
Chanté glanced at Nantli. What—
Actually, seven children have hatched here from dragons of House Yaot.
Chanté turned to Anaya. She wasn’t going to dance around the topic, it seemed.
She stared at Queen Ixtab. Eight if you count me.
Though you later exiled her. Aeron sounded a bit less calm than Anaya appeared.
Anaya chirped. In a moon, three more will hatch.
Queen Ixtab leaned forward. So you admit it!
That some of House Yaot, of their own free will, came to have their children here? And that those children then wished to remain here? I do admit that. But how is that taking them from you?
Queen Ixtab took a step forward. My dragons have been instructed to not venture beyond our mountain range. They have been instructed to not associate with . . . with outsiders. All for this very reason. You are corrupting them with ideas that will only bring their downfall!
Anaya did not turn around. Itzel.
Highest Mother?
How many of us have died?
None, Highest Mother.
How many of us suffer from despair?
None, Highest Mother.
How many of us live with no purpose?
None, Highest Mother.
Many of the Yaot dragons began scraping their feet on the ground and glancing at each other.
How many of us are not happy?
None, Highest Mother.
Queen Ixtab. Anaya tilted her head. I believe your use of the word ‘downfall’ to be incorrect.
The milling sounds behind her drew Queen Ixtab’s attention. She looked back and let out an angry bark before turning to Anaya. You do it even now! You try to lure my people away from me, from my House!
Anaya stood. With a low growl, she took a step forward. If your House cannot withstand word of how others live, of external ideas, then its principles are nothing but smoke and twigs. Her sending pulsed with anger. If its ideals were correct and true, they could survive anything, but you struggle to maintain control by banning contact with those not of your House, by not allowing discussion of your deeds, and by exiling any who disagree with you or do not follow your increasingly unreasonable and mistrustful demands.
Anaya took another step forward and lifted her wings high and wide. By your own actions you reveal just how unsteady and false your principles truly are!
Queen Ixtab took a step back. At the sound of movement, she glanced behind. The other dragons had all taken steps back as well. She faced forward and roared at Anaya.
After only the slightest hesitation, the Yaot dragons hastened to protect their queen, running up to stand on either side of her.
Anaya did not move. With wings still raised and legs planted solidly, she stood facing the fifteen dragons only yards in front of her.
Aeron had remained behind when she moved forward, but he quickly jogged to her right side and faced the dragons with her.
Damn! Chanté scowled. The situation was deteriorating rapidly. As much as he agreed with Anaya’s brutal overview of House Yaot, he didn’t want an all-out war between them. Dragons were precious to him, even the misguided ones.
He looked around. Unlike the Yaot dragons, members of the guild, both human and dragon, had been trained in sorcery and were much more adept at it. Why weren’t they using it? They could at least put up a few barriers.
Anaya asked us not to use magic if we could avoid it.
What? He glanced at Nantli. Didn’t you think that I should know that?
If you had tried, I would have warned you.
He closed his eyes and shook his head. I can cast very quickly, you silly dragon. In the future, could you tell me things like this beforehand, please?
Nantli let out a non-committal rumble. As you wish.
He looked at those near him and spoke quietly. “Things are looking bad. Prepare yourselves. Also, I understand that Anaya would prefer we not use magic—”
Adept Oran grunted.
“—so, we’ll see.”
Chanté turned back to Anaya. What was the idea behind her request anyway? Why would she not want the use of sorcery? It made no sense.
The pounding of wings, a number of them, drew his attention. He looked behind and up.
Forgive us, Queen Anaya. W–We were delayed but are here now.
The ten Departed hovered in the air.
Eyes wide, Chanté stared at them. How did—
Anaya let out a welcoming chirp and looked from them to Guildmaster Millinith. A moment later, she looked back up. There is nothing to forgive, my brothers and sisters. She furled her wings and turned back to the visiting queen. Queen Ixtab and I were merely having a discussion. Please, join us.
The green and red dragon barked happily. Of course, Highest Mother!
When they landed, twenty-one fully rested adult dragons now faced the Yaot fifteen. And there were the dragonlinked and their friends to consider, too.
Chanté smiled. Nothing he had ever done before, save perhaps creating the universe, had been as difficult as keeping himself from jumping up and down and cheering right that moment. He turned to Nantli. This was your idea?
She chirped. It was.
I love you!
Nantli stared at him then tilted her head. Pride and joy came through the link as she touched her nose to his forehead. And I, you.
W–What is the meaning of this? Queen Ixtab glared at Anaya. Who are they?
They are recent additions to House Mochyehua. Anaya glanced back at the ten and chirped. Former Departed who are now members of my House.
T–They were not already here?
Anaya faced forward and sat on her haunches.
Chanté frowned. He’d heard of the dragon that watched the guild from somewhere nearby. That dragon must have been reporting on their actions to Queen Ixtab.
Your information seems to be as unreliable as your definition of downfall.
Queen Ixtab let out a quiet whine which cut off with an angry bark. She wasn’t the only one of them caught off guard. The twitching of their wings and their darting glances spoke volumes of how all the Yaot dragons felt.
When you strip everything else away, a parent wants nothing more than for their child to be happy. Anaya looked back—to her children, Nelli and Xoc, one would presume—before returning her gaze to Queen Ixtab. The way dragons used to live, the way you and yours still do, is not conducive to happiness.
Queen Ixtab leaned forward. Happiness makes you weak. Fear keeps you safe from the dangers outside the warrens. Fear makes you strong!
Anaya let out a short bark of disagreement. What helps keep you safe is knowledge, attention, and caution. So all else being equal, would you not rather be happy than afraid? Chel, Nenet, and Tozi want their children to be filled with joy, not fear, wh
ich is why they brought them here.
Anaya tilted her head. That being said, all else is not equal. Dragons are meant to be bonded. When we are not, we feel as if a part of us is missing and that makes us fearful. Though I only experienced it for a few days before I hatched and then bonded with Aeron, I still remember that feeling and how it made me think.
Queen Ixtab rumbled angrily. You spoke of this when you visited my House moons ago. It was utter nonsense then and it is utter nonsense now.
Anaya let out a quiet breath, almost a sigh. How can a butterfly explain to caterpillars who have never changed, who refuse to believe they can change, that the metamorphosis is not only possible but that it is good?
You need not explain.
Chanté, brows raised, watched Chel step forward.
After a glance at her sons, she looked at Anaya. We can see that the change is good. No other dragons are like the bonded dragons of House Mochyehua. Your shoulders are not hunched. Your wings do not slump or tremble. Your eyes are not shadowed. Instead, you are strong, proud, and joyful dragons!
Chel turned to face Queen Ixtab. Anyone should be able to see that.
Anaya chirped at Chel and then faced forward. I understand your concern, Queen Ixtab, but you cannot blame me for those who want to better themselves. Change is a part of nature. Would you also blame me for the phases of the moons?
T–That is not the same! Queen Ixtab raised up a little on her hind legs, then stomped down with her front paws. If not for you, none would have left!
Let me be sure I understand you. Anaya tilted her head. Dragons had never left House Yaot before Aeron and I spoke there. Is that what you are saying?
D–Dragons were content before you began spreading your lies.
I have never lied, but setting that argument aside, what of the Departed? Do you intend to ignore them, pretend they do not exist?
Those dragons were exiled!
Anaya let out an angry bark. Why would content dragons need to be exiled? Your arguments are as dry leaves against the fierce wind of truth.
Queen Ixtab let out a quiet, rumbling whine, and her wings began twitching. The Yaot dragons didn’t seem to know what to do. Some cast worried glances at each other, some stared at the ground with slumped wings, and some rocked side to side.
Of Gods, Trees, and a Sapling: Dragonlinked Chronicles Volume 4 Page 72
