Trusted: Dragons' Trust Book 1

by Krista Wayment

  Renick shrugged and turned to face the Inner Circle once more.

  "There is much to be considered." At the gold dragon's word, many of the dragons in the hall started murmuring. Images and emotions jumbled in Renick's head and he was glad to realize it did not hurt. His mind had at last become accustomed to the dragons' form of communication.

  "The time for debate is over!" Grane roared into the hall. "I call for a final vote."

  "Agreed." The gold dragon waited for all to grow quiet. "Who favors that the dragon–named be spoken?"

  Renick was surprised to see that all save a few of the dragons on the council lifted their heads and blew a small jet of hot air into the cavern. The walls seemed to writhe behind the dragons' breath.

  "The Inner Circle has decided. The dragon–named will be spoken." There was a conflicting clatter of noise throughout the hall.

  "Plyth," the gold dragon said. Wrytha pushed Plyth forward. "I name you in the dragon hall as Plyth Firetongue of the Trusted Circle." As the dragon spoke, a single blue jewel flickered to life on the wall of the hall. An impression formed in the rock, spreading out from the stone and curving back to form a circle. Renick turned and saw an answering light glowing in Plyth's chest.

  "Lainey, I name you in the dragon hall as Lainey–Kind of the Trusted Circle, and Trusted of the Dragon Kind." Across from Plyth's jewel, a yellow one formed, its light steady and strong. The heart stone hidden under Lainey's blouse flashed with a renewed light and then faded back to its dim glow.

  "Thane, I name you in the dragon hall as Thane–Brave of the Trusted Circle, and Trusted of the Dragon Kind." A red jewel appeared in between Plyth's and Lainey's on the bottom edge of the circle.

  "Renick." As the gold dragon spoke, a strange heat pulsed through Renick's body. "I name you in the dragon hall as Renick–Trusted of the Trusted Circle, and Trusted of the Dragon Kind." A green jewel appeared opposite Thane's—it shone brightest of them all. The heat in his chest dissipated, leaving a tingle that lingered for some time.

  The gold dragon nodded to Derth, who was now seated on his pedestal. Derth rose and addressed Renick and his friends. "Your names have been spoken. You are now counted as kin of the Dragon Kind. The Circle of the Trusted is begun again."

  Grane moved forward. "As part of being named, you will also be marked," he said, "so that all dragons will know that you are Trusted." Grane leapt from his pedestal and landed in front of Renick. The dragon turned first to Lainey. He breathed a wave of hot air on her. The breath pushed back her hair and rustled her dress. A yellow light formed a rune in the hollow of Lainey's collarbones. Renick recognized the symbol from the same book where he had seen Horrin's tattoo. He tried, but could not remember what the rune meant.

  "Thane–Brave, hold out your right hand," Grane instructed. Thane complied, extending his arm with his right hand in a fist. "Other way." The dragon seemed to smile. Thane flipped his hand over and spread out his fingers. Grane's breath caused a red light to draw another rune on Thane's palm. After the light faded, Thane flexed his hand a few times and the rune vanished. Renick looked over at Lainey—her rune had faded as well.

  Finally, Grane turned to Renick. "Remove your … skin?" the dragon asked.

  Renick smiled. Lainey let out a little laugh. "You mean my shirt?" Renick said. The dragon nodded. He peeled the torn garment over his head. Grane blew uncomfortably hot air on his left arm, just below the shoulder. The warmth spread through Renick like it had when he was spoken. A green light, that felt like a finger, gently traced the design of a rune. When the form was complete, the light went out and the rune faded.

  He could still feel the mark on him. Renick wondered if the sensation would ever go away as he pulled his shirt back on.

  Grane returned to his place in the circle. The gold dragon raised his head. "We are entrusting you with our secret. Keep it safe. "

  Renick joined Lainey and Thane in a murmured, "We will." Renick felt the rune on his arm burn and the heat spread through him. He looked down and could see his mark glowing green through the fabric of his shirt.

  "It is done," the gold dragon said. He spread his wings and rose slightly in the air.

  With an eruption of wingbeats, the dragons departed and the cavern stood mostly empty. Renick scanned the pedestals and found Derth still sitting on his. The dragon glided over to them.

  "Come," Derth said and led them down a passageway.

  As they walked, Renick was deep in contemplation and finally asked, "Why did the dragons react that way to my thoughts?"

  "You used our native tongue instinctively," Derth answered. "No other human has ever done that before. And they were impressed by the depth and intelligence behind your words."

  Renick nodded, an odd mix of pride and anxiety spreading through him.

  "What about these marks?" Thane asked. "If they've faded, how will other dragons know to trust us?"

  "They are magic. The dragons will sense them," Wrytha said.

  "Why is Plyth part of the circle?" Lainey asked.

  "Each dragon circle must have at least one dragon. Plyth is like the dragon ambassador," Wrytha answered.

  "Ambassador!" Plyth squealed, jumped into the air and used his wings to hover there for a moment.

  Wrytha laughed. "Yes, Plyth, it is quite an honor for one as young as you."

  "Where're we going?" Thane said.

  "We are taking you home," Wrytha answered.

  Lainey and Thane exchanged glances, their eyes excited. Renick's heart sank a little. "Home or to Trevinni?"

  Wrytha cocked her head. "Where would you like to go?"

  Renick could not answer her question. He wished to see his family and home again, but that part of his life was over now. Searching inside, Renick found that his fear of striking out on his own was still there. Even after all they had been through, Renick was unsure of his future.

  Lainey's eyebrows scrunched together.

  Everyone seemed to be looking to him for an answer. Renick shrugged and turned away. "I want to stay here," he whispered and hoped that no one heard.

  "We should go to Trevinni," Thane said. Looking up, Renick saw Thane's eyes on him. With a slight tightening of his lips, he thanked the older boy for his assistance.

  Renick turned back to face the others. He stood tall and nodded. "I agree. If anyone is looking for us, that's where they'd expect to find us."

  "To Trevinni it is, then," Derth said.

  "What about … this," Lainey asked, tapping her heart stone. "Others will see it."

  "By the time we reach the edge of the forest the stone will have completed it works and I will remove it." Wrytha answered.

  "Remove it?" Lainey sounded sad.

  "You can keep it as token. In the old times humans used to fashion jewelry out of them," Derth offered.

  "I like that idea," Lainey smiled to herself as they left the confines of the mountain and emerged into the sunlit forest.

  All around them, trees danced in a gentle breeze and the earth smelled wet and new. Lainey took a deep breath and lifted her face to the sky.

  "I never would've thought I'd be happy to see the forest again!" She giggled and ran around a few trees before returning to stand with them. "Isn't it a beautiful day?"

  Derth shook his head and hummed. "Lainey–Kind, you are a creature of air, and not meant to be confined to caves."

  Wrytha dipped her head. "Look how different the girl acts when not enclosed."

  Renick smiled. "You have no idea." He rolled his eyes in mock frustration.

  Lainey crossed her arms and pouted. "I thought you liked me."

  Thane put his arm around her shoulders. "Lainey, you're one of a kind." Together they all laughed.

  "How will we get to Trevinni?" Renick asked when the mirth subsided.

  Derth spread his wings. "We fly."

  Chapter 28: I No Longer Fit

  The wind whipped past Renick's face and made his nose cold. Below him, the forest was just a blur of gree
n. The sun shone bright in the sky, reflecting off the clouds. Above him, Derth's large form glided protectively, keeping watch for danger. Renick uncoiled his hands from around one of Wrytha's neck spikes and let them hover for a moment. He bobbed up and down to the rhythm of her wings beating. When he had steadied himself, Renick spread his arms out wide.

  A thrill of excitement shot through him. Lifting his face to the sky, Renick closed his eyes and absorbed the weightless feeling.

  Lainey giggled. Renick turned to watch her. She too had her arms spread out. When Renick caught her eye, she jerked her head behind her. Getting a good grip on Wrytha's neck spike, Renick leaned over so he could see Thane.

  Thane sat hunched over Wrytha's tail, a death grip on her spikes. His face was ashen and he looked as if he might lose his breakfast. Renick laughed. Thane looked up at him and glared. He yelled something at Renick, but the wind tore it away.

  Wrytha's neck rumbled. "You young ones are so amusing."

  Plyth let go of the end of Wrytha's tail and came to glide next to Renick. He chattered and flapped his wings. "Fly!" Plyth's voice echoed in Renick's ear. "Fly!"

  The young dragon fell back again and flew circles around Thane, who did not look at all happy with his antics.

  Renick called out to Wrytha, "I think Thane needs a break."

  The white dragon arched her neck to look back at Thane. She rumbled again. "Yes. Not all humans are suited to flying, I see. Hold on!" She beat her wings a few times and then dove for the forest. Renick grabbed the spike in front of him just in time. Lainey's shout of glee rose almost to a scream. Thane, on the other hand, did scream. It sounded much like Lainey's—except more terrified. Renick could not keep from laughing.

  Finding a gap in the trees, Wrytha pulled back and hovered above the ground, her tail laid across the dirt. Thane groaned and rolled off her tail, landing with a thump. He lay staring up at the sky, his face a little green.

  Wrytha descended the rest of the way. She lay on the ground and waited while Renick climbed down from her neck and moved to help Lainey off her back.

  "Thank you!" Lainey exclaimed breathlessly. "That was the most wonderful experience of my life. To be flying!" She twirled excitedly.

  Wrytha's eyes narrowed in amusement. Renick bowed to the dragon and offered his thanks also.

  The grass in the small clearing stirred as Derth landed beside them.

  "You two are crazy!" Thane moaned. "That was terrible."

  "What's wrong?" Renick said, unable to help himself. "Are you afraid of flying on the big scary dragon? Or do you always scream like a girl when landing?"

  "Shut up, Renick," Thane grumbled.

  Wrytha turned her head so she could see Thane still sprawled on the ground. "Fear not, little one. We are almost close enough to the forest's edge now that flying any further would put us at risk. So we might as well finish our journey with your feet firmly on the ground."

  Thane let out a little sob of relief. Lainey knelt beside him and helped him drink from his waterskin.

  "There, does that help?" she asked. Thane nodded his head. When he had sufficiently recovered, they set out again—on foot. Derth led the way, weaving a trail through the larger gaps between the trees. When there was not a way that would accommodate him, he simply made one. Wrytha brought up the rear, sweeping her tail along the growth to hide their footprints, although it hardly disguised their trail.

  "I wish you two had been with us from the start. You would've saved us a lot of trouble," Thane said.

  "The only way to travel," Derth answered, "is with a dragon." They all laughed together.

  Just as the sun started to sink toward its final descent of the day, they stopped.

  "Those trees ahead mark the edge of the forest," Wrytha told them. "If you keep walking, you will find the road to your village."

  Renick stared at the line of trees and the open fields of grass beyond. His heart pounded in his chest and his palms turned cold with sweat. He did not want to go. Renick felt like leaving the forest would be like waking from a dream. He did not want to let it go.

  "Lainey, come here." Wrytha bent her head low.

  Lainey complied, stepping closer to Wrytha. The white dragon placed her nose on Lainey's chest and hummed. The heart stone slipped free and fell to the ground. Lainey scooped it up and cradled it in her hands for a few moments before stowing it safely in her healers pouch.

  "Be careful of your magic, young one. Do not let others know you posses it," Wrytha offered in warning. Lainey raised her fist to her heart and bowed slightly to Wrytha in acknowledgement.

  Plyth whined sadly. "Time for good–bye?"

  "Just good–bye for now, Plyth. You and I are staying here to watch over and teach your friends," Wrytha said. She turned to face Renick, Thane, and Lainey. "We will find a safe place to live, and then I will call for you."

  Lainey turned her face up to Wrytha. "Thank you." She knelt beside Plyth and wrapped her arms around him. "Good–bye, Plyth. You be careful out here." She turned and offered Derth a parting smile.

  Thane patted Plyth on the head and mumbled something. He also bid farewell to Wrytha and Derth.

  Renick did not know what to do. Partings were always awkward for him. Not knowing what to say, he simply rubbed Plyth's nose and waved to Wrytha and Derth.

  Together he, Thane, and Lainey turned to leave the woods.

  "Farewell, my friends." Derth dipped his head.

  "Farewell, Trusted of the Dragon Kind," Wrytha said as she, Derth, and Plyth melted back into the forest.

  Lainey took Renick's hand. He turned to see her smiling at him. She took Thane's hand as well and the three of them started walking, slowly at first and then more quickly as they gained confidence. Before long, they emerged from the forest into the fading light of sunset.

  Renick stopped, releasing Lainey's hand.

  "What is it?" she asked.

  "It feels," he shrugged, "different."

  Thane nodded. "I know what you mean. Like the world's changed and we no longer quite fit."

  Lainey shook her head. "It's not the world that's changed—it's us. Our perception has been altered by what we've learned. We may never fit anywhere again."

  Renick thought about that for a time. "I don't mind." He looked at the others. "The not fitting."

  Thane smiled. "I never really fit before."

  Lainey thought that was amusing, Renick could see the laugh in her eyes—even though she did not voice it.

  "Come on," she said. "I want a hot meal, a warm bath, and a soft bed tonight." She linked arms with Renick and Thane and pulled them forward once again.

  Renick looked up to the sky, the day was coming to an end, and the air had a slight chill to it.

  "Do you think the others will be waiting for us?" Lainey asked.

  Thane picked a rock up from the road and threw it ahead of them. It bounced several times before disappearing into the long grass. "I was wondering if they even survived."

  "I bet they're okay," Renick said. He was not entirely sure he believed that, but it seemed to be what Lainey needed to hear. She smiled at him softly.

  "I'm sure your parents are sick with worry. They're probably watching the road as we speak, hoping to see you," Lainey offered.

  Renick's shoulders slumped. "There's too much for them to do. I doubt they travelled all the way out here. It's a critical time in the breeding season—my father could never slip away. And my mother has the little ones to tend." He tried to sound nonchalant, like he was okay with being just one in a crowd.

  Lainey put a hand on his arm. "I'm sure someone's waiting for you."

  The roof of a tall building cut into the horizon. "Look." Renick pointed. They moved closer and more buildings came into view. Some already had candles burning in their windows. "What do we do when we—"

  Lainey was cut off by a shout. Renick turned to see four figures racing towards them from the edge of town. Renick stopped, stunned. Thane's hand went to his sword.
/>
  "Aunt Melatheen!" Lainey shrieked and started running. A short way off, she fell into her aunt's arms, sobbing.

  Thane jogged to meet up with Grahm. They greeted each other with a brisk handshake and concealed smiles.

  Renick almost lost his balance when he recognized the two other people—two of his older brothers, Greyson and Penter. He ran to stand beside them. "What're you doing here?" he exclaimed. He danced on his toes, wanting to hug his brothers but afraid they would think it childish.

  Penter, his oldest brother, bent down and lifted Renick in a big bear hug. "Renick! We came to find you." When Penter released him, Renick saw that tears were shining in his brother's eyes. Penter never cried. Never.

  "Mother's been beside herself with worry. She took to bed after hearing the news of your disappearance. Father would've come himself, but he dared not leave her side," the always calm Greyson explained.

  Penter slapped Renick on the back. "Don't ever do that to us again, you hear?"

  Renick laughed. "I won't." His brothers engulfed him in another hug. Renick looked over and saw Lainey smiling at him as she chatted with her aunt. They all gathered together and everyone was introduced.

  "Nice to meet everyone and all, but I'm cold, and hungry, and tired." Lainey punctuated her words with a yawn.

  "Come." Melatheen wrapped her arm around her niece.

  As they walked into town, Melatheen and Grahm explained what happened to them after the crash. They were thrown far from the passenger basket. They found the wreckage of the flyer two days after the crash. When the children were not to be found, they decided it would be best to head for Trevinni to get help.

  "You weren't hurt?" Lainey asked.

  "Not badly enough to test Melatheen's skill," Grahm said with a wink.