Anaya says to mount up. We will be departing soon.
Chanté turned to the others and whispered, “Mount up, everyone. We’re leaving.”
After reluctant glances at the two queen dragons, the auditors, along with Sharrah, Cheddar, Terry, and Korrie, hurried to the dragons who’d brought them.
Quillan used levitation to quickly get Elizabeth seated, then he climbed up to help her with the straps.
Chanté watched them for a moment, lips twisted, then stowed her crutch and climbed up in front of Elizabeth. By unspoken consent, she was now put in the middle seat when she rode with them, the better to ensure her safety due to the broken leg.
Queen Ixtab. Anaya rose off her haunches and stood. I know not what to tell you about your troubles. I will say that a War of Houses between us is something that I will not allow. I do not wish to have the blood of dragons from the House of my mother on my claws.
Queen Ixtab let out an angry bark, but it was nowhere near as loud or as forceful as before.
Aeron climbed into the saddle.
Anaya looked over the Yaot dragons before her. I give you all leave to rest here before your flight back to your House.
A small smile curved Chanté’s lips. He understood Anaya’s plan, now. She had to be the one who dominated in this battle of wills. She had to be seen as strong, unwavering, and able address the challenge from another dragon queen. The use of magic by the dragonlinked or the others, interference of any kind by humans, would have detracted from that. What would happen when word of what had transpired here began to spread in House Yaot and among the Departed?
We go.
Chanté grabbed the handholds. “Lifting off.”
“Noted.”
As one, twenty-eight dragons rose into the air and turned for the Guildhall.
+ + + + +
“Twenty-eight.” Guildmaster Millinith put a hand on her forehead. “Alandra preserve me.”
Polandra glanced at the huge gathering in the Guildhall courtyard. “Only thirteen are new to us,” she offered and looked back at the guild’s leader. “That’s assuming Chel, Nenet, and Tozi do want to join.”
The Guildmaster’s body began to shake and then quiet chuckles came from her. She looked to the sky as if for support. “‘Only,’ she says.” After a deep breath followed by a slow exhale, Guildmaster Millinith nodded. “Right.”
She searched those below and then called out, “Renata!”
The long-legged girl hurried across the courtyard, up the short rise of steps, and to the Guildmaster’s side. “Ma’am?”
“We’re going to need to know how many of the new thirteen”—Guildmaster Millinith glanced at Polandra with a raised brow before looking back—“are willing to attempt bonding. Those that aren’t will need to be taken to the desert caves and shown around.”
“Actually,” Polandra said, “I think we should show them the caves before we ask them about bonding.”
Guildmaster Millinith turned to her. “Why is that?”
Liara, standing just to the right, said, “I agree. Being asked to live there shouldn’t seem like punishment for not wanting to bond. If we show them the caves and mention that we would like to have dragons living there again, and that those who aren’t interested in bonding are welcome to assist us with that effort, then . . .” She shrugged.
Guildmaster Millinith nodded. “Yes. That does seem better.”
“If we could have a word, Guildmaster?” Adept Oran stood at the bottom of the steps with Adept Komako.
“I never thought I would miss the days when all I had to worry about was studying sorcery.” Guildmaster Millinith looked at Polandra. “I’ll leave the details of all that to you and Liara. Itzel tells me that Anaya and Aeron are speaking with the dragons now, so join them if you would.”
Polandra raised her brows. While she was quite happy to spend more time with her girlfriend, how did one convince wild dragons to bond? Anaya’s words about caterpillars and butterflies came back to her.
Guildmaster Millinith eyed the two adepts. “So, what would you like to talk about?”
The two moved up to the Guildmaster and Renata, and they all began a quiet conversation.
Polandra grunted. “I suppose I can sympathize with the Guildmaster. All I had to worry about this morning was the Investigation Craft test. But now . . . ?” She turned to the dragons and people.
There were more than a few guild members standing about, no doubt drawn by news of the new arrivals in the courtyard.
“Let’s join Aeron and Anaya.” Liara grabbed her hand and pulled her down the steps.
As she walked with Liara, Polandra glanced at Ikan where he lay to the side. Are they more calm?
The desperation and panic from earlier has subsided from the three. The former Departed, however, are anxious. Likely because of all the people here.
I see.
Polandra had an inkling of what the three must have felt when they were exiled. Abandoned. Deceived. Betrayed. And worst of all, alone. Those had been the feelings roiling around inside her chest after learning the truth of the Corpus Order. She, at least, had someone to turn to in Isandath. These poor dragons, who were by nature anxious beings before bonding, had no one to turn to except each other after having been banished from their home.
As for the Departed, she could see them being more than a little nervous. It wouldn’t surprise her if most of the Guildhall was out here, so many people milled about the courtyard. It was the candidates who seemed the most excited. A number of them stood around the perimeter eagerly eyeing all the newly arrived dragons. Each time a dragon spoke, they turned, almost as one, to listen.
You need not worry. Anaya, Aeron at her side, sat on her haunches before Chel, Nenet, and Tozi. House Mochyehua is happy to receive any good dragons who wish to join. You are welcome to do so should you desire. If not, I am sure Uchu can take you to speak with the Departed. Is that not so? She turned to the green and red dragon.
O–Of course, Highest Mother. I would be happy to assist them should they decide not to join.
That is v–very kind of you. Chel dipped her head. But we are not young dragons. Would we be of any use to your House?
“It is true that we need young dragons who wish to bond with our young candidates,” Aeron said, “but not all candidates will be young, and besides, there is more that a dragon can contribute than just that.”
Indeed. Anaya chirped. I intend my House to be different from any dragon house before. One way it will differ is that House Mochyehua is not a place so much as it is its people. She turned and pointed to the Guildhall with her nose. That structure is not House Mochyehua. She looked at those around her and spread her wings. We are House Mochyehua—brothers and sisters, dragon and human, people supporting each other and working together to achieve our purpose of helping where we can.
Polandra smiled. That was a lovely vision of what the Guild and House stood for! She gripped Liara’s hand tighter and felt an answering pressure.
“Hear, hear!” Aeron wasn’t the only one in the courtyard to raise a fist in agreement.
Dragons, too, barked and chirped.
Gregor said, “Once our rank of choice is achieved in Dragon Craft, most of us will likely move away to find employment, or to continue our education in another craft or specialty.” His smile was a little sad as he glanced at Fillion before looking at Anaya. “But as she so eloquently put it, we will remain part of House Mochyehua no matter where we live.”
“That we will.” Fillion put an arm around Gregor’s waist and nodded.
There will always be need of dragons for newly arrived candidates. Anaya glanced at Chel, then looked over all the new arrivals. And as Aeron mentioned, even should any of you not be interested in bonding, there are other ways to help. For example, flight-ready dragons and their bond-mates are busy with patrols, so even should any wish to, learning and dedicating time to moss-tending, caring for our growing garden, is difficult. That is something a dra
gon could take on should bonding not be something he or she wishes for.
Anaya let out an excited bark. Also, work has begun on a Dragon Craft Hall at Bataan-Mok. We will— She lifted her head as if just realizing something and looked at Aeron.
He chuckled. “It’s fine. Go ahead and tell them.”
With wings lifted and almost bouncing on her forelegs, Anaya turned back, large eyes sparkling in the sunlight. We will need some of House Mochyehua to live near the new Hall—experienced dragons who can lend their support and guidance to those who have not yet flown for as many seasons. She glanced at Polandra. There are caves not too far from there, away from all the activity of Bataan-Mok. Those caves are the site of a former dragon House. We will work to make them comfortable again. Anaya’s words grew louder and more rushed in her excitement. Those caves will be the Desert Wing of House Mochyehua—perhaps the first of many wings!
Polandra drew her brows together and glanced at Ikan. Wing?
I do not remember such a thing. Excitement came through the link from Ikan and, at the same time, reverence. Highest Mother Anaya is bringing many new ideas to the world.
“Well done.”
She turned to the quiet voice. Chanté watched Anaya, a smile on his face.
Polandra.
“Yes, Highest Mother?” Polandra blinked. It had come quite naturally to her lips.
Could you and Ikan and anyone else interested show the caves to our newest family members?
“We would be happy to.” Liara gripped Polandra’s hand in both of hers.
Good.
Polandra stared. The look in Anaya’s eyes . . . There was enthusiasm, but also, a question?
Heart pounding with excitement, Polandra glanced at Ikan. Would you mind if we were asked to be part of those who moved to the desert wing?
Why would I? It is your dream, is it not?
Polandra raised her brows. She’d not realized it before, not entirely. Perhaps believing it was impossible kept her from thinking too deeply about it, but not only did she want to bring dragons back to the caves, she also wanted to live there with them as a big family like they did here at the Guildhall.
Polandra gripped Liara’s hands tighter. “Liara. If we were asked, would it be okay—”
“Of course it would.” She leaned closer. “As long as you’re with me, I don’t care where we are.” She tilted her head. “Besides, once the transition is complete for the guild branch, Benji would be sad if he never got to see Mia or Ikan again.”
“That’s true.” Polandra smiled.
“Can I go with you?” A girl jogged over from the perimeter, where many candidates watched the goings on. “I’ve heard so much about the desert—Bataan-Mok and the fight there—but I’ve yet to see any of it myself.”
“And, you sneaky devil, it would give you a chance to spend some time with a number of unbonded dragons.” Renny walked over and stood next to her.
The girl blushed. “Now come on Mouse, that’s not what I, ah, was trying to do.”
He eyed her. “Mm-hmm. And I told you not to call me that when we’re not alone.” Renny cleared his throat and turned to Polandra. “Apprentice Dragonlinked Polandra, would it be alright if I came along as well?”
She glanced from him to the girl and stared a moment. A fairly good fighter—Polandra could recall that of the girl, but a name just would not come.
Hunter.
Thank you!
“Of course,” Polandra said, looking back at Renny. “You and Hunter are welcome to come with us.”
“I want to go, too!” Eager voices spoke up from all around.
Hands rose into the air as the candidates called out their desire to visit the desert. Everyone wanted to go, it seemed.
“Hang on, hang on,” Aeron said. “There is absolutely no way they can take all of you. And if you’re worried about unfair advantage, I have a feeling all you candidates will be helping care for our new dragon members, and perhaps even doing some work at the caves, too, as part of your chores.”
“I think two extra is the limit,” Polandra said. “We don’t want to overwhelm our dragon friends with too many people just yet.”
Sounds of disappointment as well as a quiet “Aww” or two came from here and there.
“After all,” Adept Oran said. “We’re going along as well.” He turned to Gregor and murmured something too quiet to hear.
Polandra glanced from him to Adept Komako then up to where they’d been talking. Renata and the Guildmaster were nowhere to be seen.
“Polandra.” Adept Komako appeared next to her. “Would Ikan be amenable to another joining you on the trip to the desert?”
Off to the side, Ikan let out a short bark. You are most welcome to join us.
The Animal Craft adept smiled at him. “Thank you.”
“Was Sharrah not coming?” Polandra glanced at her.
“No,” Adept Komako said. “I assured her that I would not need her assistance for this. And I’d rather not stress Mia or Kisa, the younger dragons, with three riders. Besides, as you said, we don’t want to overwhelm the new dragons with too many people around. They appear to be nervous about all the attention.”
“That being the case,” Liara said, “we should go. Renny, let’s get mounted up.” She headed for Mia, who was chirping with her blood-mother, Tozi.
Polandra glanced around at the increasingly nervous former Departed. Liara was right, they should head out. “Hunter, you’ll ride with us,” she said. “Ikan can easily carry three.”
Hunter nodded. “As you say.”
They headed over to Ikan where Polandra removed riding belts from a saddle bag and handed them out.
“Adept Komako in the middle, I think, and Hunter in back.” From what Polandra recalled, the Animal Craft adept had a slight fear of heights.
The two had the belts buckled on quickly, but after, Hunter stood staring at Ikan.
“I’ve never sat astride a dragon before.”
“Don’t worry,” Polandra said, “he’s a big softy.”
Ikan let out a quiet rumble, eyes on the hesitant girl.
Don’t scare her off, you big brute.
If a candidate is so easily frightened away, then they were misjudged as a candidate. Besides, the pretty girl is not scared, merely a bit nervous.
Pretty? Polandra eyed Hunter. She was taller than Liara by a few inches but had the same curvy build. She fidgeted a bit as she stared at Ikan. Her straight brown hair was tied back in a pony tail in the same fashion Cheddar usually wore his.
Before, Polandra had only noticed how good Hunter was at hand-to-hand combat training, but she actually was a nice-looking girl. Dragons can tell when someone is pretty?
I know what you like, and based on that, this girl is pretty.
Hmm. I need to be careful, then, about how I act with her
I suspect Hunter already has someone she likes as more than a friend. Ikan turned to Polandra. It is not you.
She drew her brows together. I wasn’t worried about Hunter, you oaf.
Ikan’s halting, almost grunting laugh seemed to end Hunter’s impasse. The girl let out a quiet grunt, shook herself, and climbed up into the rear seat.
Polandra climbed up in front. She turned to help with the safety straps, but Hunter already had them all secured.
Polandra blinked. “I thought you said you’d never been on a dragon before.”
Hunter lifted her brows. “Hmm?”
Polandra pointed to the straps.
“Oh, don’t you recall the riding gear lessons? Where they show us how to properly wear and use all the gear? I spent a few evenings in the practice saddles learning how to attach the straps as quickly as possible.” She grinned and her eyes sparkled when she did. “The faster they are on, the faster you can get off the ground, right?”
Polandra laughed. “That’s exactly right. Those lessons must be something new, though. We didn’t have them.”
She reached a hand down to assist Ad
ept Komako up.
The Animal Craft adept smiled up and took her offered hand. “Thank you.”
Less than two minutes later, they were ready.
Anaya must have been watching, because now that Ikan, Kisa, and Mia’s riders were ready, she let out a chirp. New members of House Mochyehua, these three will now guide you to the caves. The misty portal you will soon see is the creation of bond-mates. Portals are gateways to distant places you may use without fear.
Polandra looked to the sky and wove the gateway spell. A massive amount of magic power flowed over her, through her and Ikan like a torrent, leaving a misty ball of cloud above them in its wake.
Polandra raised her arm up, fist held high. A grunt made her look back.
Adept Komako’s eyes were a little large and her brows were lifted. Hunter’s arms were wrapped tightly around the woman’s waist.
Apparently, Hunter had a bout of first flight jitters. Polandra kept the smile from her lips. Let’s go!
Ikan beat his wings, pounding the air with them as he lifted up. Mia and Kisa did the same only yards away. Tozi followed quickly, moving near Mia, with Chel and Nenet only moments behind.
Polandra looked down at the former Departed, still on the ground. What were they waiting for?
“Come!” Renny waved at them, his other hand on Liara’s shoulder. “You are no longer House-less. You are now brothers and sisters of House Mochyehua. Let’s go together to see those caves!”
Polandra grunted, and a quiet chuckle coming from behind drew her attention.
Hunter, gaze on Renny, was smiling. “You big goof,” she murmured.
Polandra looked down to see what the dragons’ reactions would be.
Uchu let out an excited bark and leapt into the air. We come!
After a moment, the other nine joined him.
Mia says to lead the way. She will follow the last one through.
Alright. Let’s head on over, then.
With a bark, Ikan beat his wings and made for the portal.
The land of flat, rocky soil stretched to the horizon all around, broken here and there by a ravine, or a mesa, or like below, a tall spire of rock. The air was different here, too. Dry, sharp, and smelling of dirt.
Of Gods, Trees, and a Sapling: Dragonlinked Chronicles Volume 4 Page 73
