Fillion’s brows rose. The dragon’s voice was deep, pleasant, and fit the handsome dragon perfectly. His coloration was similar to Coatl’s but lighter, a kind of bronze, shading to darker at the extremities.
My voice might grow deeper as I get older. Coatl sounded a little jealous.
Why would it? It’s not as if you were using a voice box and throat to speak with. Besides, you sound great now, why change?
Ikan turned to Coatl. Thank you for the welcome, brother. It has been a long, cold flight.
Master Doronal cleared his throat. “Yes, welcome, both of you, to Caer Baronel.”
“Oh, right.” Renata shook her head. “Polandra, I’d like you to meet Master Sorcerer Doronal,” she gestured to him, “Master Zoologist Canneth,” she indicated the silver-haired, smiling man, “and Master Sorcerer Millinith, who is also the Dragon Craft Guildmaster.”
Polandra bowed her head to each. “Hello, and thank you for your kind welcome.” She turned to Guildmaster Millinith. “When word reached us of your Dragon Craft Guild, I felt it was time to come find Renata.”
“I don’t understand,” Renata said. “Why did you wait so long?” She glanced at Ikan. “It would seem that older dragons can be bonded, so why did you wait? It’s been months since I asked you to speak with Isandath.”
A gust of wind blew a few dried leaves across the courtyard, kept free of snow for the dragons. Polandra shivered and rubbed her arms through her thin coat. “I wanted to wait until I had more manisi training before I left.”
“Manisi training?” Renata looked surprised. “You’re a—”
“The girl looks frozen,” Master Canneth said. “Why don’t we continue inside?”
“Oh, I didn’t even think.” Renata looked abashed. “You’re not really dressed for this weather. Let’s go to my study.”
As they made their way over, Fillion shook his head. “You flew the whole way in those clothes?”
Polandra glanced at him. “These are perfectly fine where we come from. It doesn’t get so fiercely cold in the desert.” She chuckled. “Though, to be honest, I did lay on my stomach on Ikan much of the time to get as much warmth as I could from him.” She turned to Renata. “How do you stand the cold?”
“For one,” Renata said, smiling, “we dress properly for it.”
“We can get Willem to make you riding gear better suited for these climes.” Master Doronal opened the door to Renata’s study and held it for them.
“And,” Master Canneth added, “a proper saddle for your dragon, Ikan. I’m not sure how you stayed on him. It looks like you just threw a leather tarp over his back.”
“It served well enough,” Polandra said, sounding a little defensive.
“And speaking of . . .” Fillion stopped in the doorway, turned, and spoke to the large dragon. “Ikan, why don’t you take shelter in Xochi’s den for now? It’s much warmer in the stables.” He pointed to the double-doors.
The cold does not bother me as much as Polandra, but it will be nice to be warm again. Thank you.
Xochi chirped at him and he followed her into the den.
Once everyone was inside, Renata, apparently feeling a little guilty, made a show of preparing hot cider.
She served Polandra first. “Here you go. You’ll recognize this, except that it is nice and hot. It will set you to rights in no time.”
Holding the mug with both hands, Polandra said, “The warmth alone is amazing.” She took a sip.
As Renata handed out more mugs, Polandra glanced out the window. “So that white stuff piled along the fences is snow? I noticed patches of it here and there the farther north we got.”
“Yes,” Renata said. “Though much has melted. They tell me there will be more snowstorms before winter is done, so perhaps you will get to see it when it lays thick upon everything. It can be very pretty.”
Polandra looked doubtful. “I’m not sure that would be pleasant. It’s so cold here in the North as it is.”
Guildmaster Millinith smiled. “This has actually been a mild winter. Normally at this time, we’re under at least two feet of snow.”
Polandra shook her head.
Fillion had never been to a desert, but he’d heard they were dry and hot. He could understand Polandra’s amazement.
Once everyone had been served, Master Doronal said, “So, why did news of the Dragon Craft Guild draw you to us?”
“You said you were a manis?” Renata gestured to the couch.
Polandra took the offered seat. “Yes. That is the reason it took me so long.” She glanced at Renata. “When you told me you were putting a man’s life in my hands . . . I was nervous. And scared. I had no idea what you meant, but being responsible for someone’s life is not a small thing. I didn’t go to Isandath for almost a month. But I am so glad that I did.”
She looked down at the mug in her hands. “And sad, too. That the Order could get it so wrong . . .” She let out a breath. “At any rate, I read the copies Isandath had of everything and decided to try for manis. Nayra had spoken with Isandath, said her other children were willing to try bonding, but I asked her to wait until I had trained longer with the manisi. With that persistent rumor of the dragon boy in the North,” she glanced at Fillion, “there were rumblings of some kind of actions being planned. I wanted to find out exactly what those were.”
Polandra took a sip of hot cider. “Things were going well as far as training, but finding anything out was difficult.” She glanced at Renata with a smile. “You know how the Order is. Secrets, schemes and power-plays. Learning anything takes time.” She frowned. “Then, a little over two months ago, half of the active manisi disappeared. They were given special assignments and left Bataan-Mok. They have not returned. When I tried to find out more, people either claimed no knowledge about it, or their lips were sealed. I could learn nothing beyond the rumors that the manisi had gone seeking dragons because of the deaths. Then, when word reached us of the Dragon Craft Guild, another manis was given a special assignment. No one knows what. But the manis left a few weeks ago and has not returned.”
Guildmaster Millinith stared at her. “Did anyone know what direction the fighters went? Any clue at all as to their destination?”
“No.” Polandra glanced at her mug. “They were just gone one day. Same with the lone manis. And that’s not even the most worrying part.” She glanced at the masters and back at the Guildmaster. “Patrols were pulled closer to Bataan-Mok, right around the time you left, actually,” she nodded at Renata, “and there are strange undercurrents along with the silence. It feels as if the Order is girding itself for something. Then there are the deaths I mentioned. You know where Ghost Flats is, right?”
Renata nodded.
“People have gone missing there. Also, blood and torn clothing, along with the occasional mangled body part, have been found along the eastern side of the flats. They’re saying dragons killed the missing people.”
“What?” Fillion couldn’t believe it.
Polandra nodded. “I know, it’s stupid, but that’s why the rumor started that the missing manisi are out looking for dragons.” She glanced at everyone. “I’m worried about where the missing manisi actually went and what they’ve been tasked with. Especially that lone manis. So, I met with Nayra’s children, and Ikan bonded me.” Concern left her eyes and she smiled. “That was such an incredible experience.”
Fillion remembered bonding Coatl, and the same smile curved his lips. A glance at Renata revealed her smiling as well.
Thank you for choosing me, big guy.
We are one. Who else would I have chosen?
Polandra set her mug aside. “Isandath said he would continue to try to discover what he could while I was gone. I wanted to come and warn you about the Order.” She looked at Renata. “We should head back and see what he’s learned, and soon. It took nearly four days to get here. It will likely take as long to get back.”
“We can be back in five minutes,” Renata said. Her eyes
were unfocused, as if she were thinking.
“Five minutes?” Confused, Polandra looked at the faces around her.
“Dragonlinked can open portals,” Fillion said. “Think of them as magical doorways to far away places. You pass through and you are there, instantly.”
“You—What?” Polandra stared at him.
“Renata can explain later,” he said.
Guildmaster Millinith frowned. “Polandra’s right. We need to know if the Order has any definite plans against us or Aeron or Anaya. Or any dragonlinked or dragon, for that matter.”
Master Doronal turned to Renata. “You should be able to open a portal to, say, the caves where you stayed in the desert, yes?”
Renata nodded. “Yeah, that’s actually a good idea. It’s far enough away from Bataan-Mok that no one, not even a Manis patrol, should see us.”
“My thinking exactly.”
“I think it would be fun to go see the southern lands,” Fillion said.
Your enchanting shift is later today. If we go, you will need to be back before then.
Barbs and blades, I forgot about that in all the excitement. Fillion frowned. “Hang on. My enchanting shift is this afternoon and I need to hit the showers before then.”
“Mine is too,” Renata said. “Fillion and I were actually on the way to the Bath Hall when Polandra arrived.”
“Gods, I’d love a bath,” Polandra said. “We flew straight here and I haven’t had one since we left. But I don’t have anything clean to change into. No chance to launder anything on the way.” She looked at the masters. “Though, I suppose you have more questions for me, first.”
“Not to worry,” Master Doronal said. “As Renata and Fillion pointed out, dragonlinked can return to the South almost instantly, so we have a little time to spare. Our questions can wait until you’ve had a chance to rest.” He turned to Renata. “Stop by the Laundry on the way and pick up some clothing for her.”
“I’ll speak with Willem and have him start on riding gear for you,” Master Canneth said. He then smiled. “Along with a saddle.”
Guildmaster Millinith said, “You’re probably hungry as well. I’ll have the Dining Hall bring meals here for you three.”
Polandra looked out of sorts. “I–I don’t know what to say. Thank you all for your kindness.”
“How about Ikan?” Fillion looked through the door into the den. “Is he hungry? I can have Coatl show him some hunting areas, if so.”
Polandra’s eyes lost focus for a moment. “We caught something for him yesterday and he says he’s not hungry yet.” She smiled at Fillion. “But thank you. Perhaps when he is?”
“Sure.”
“Well,” Renata said, “let’s get going. A hot bath will feel great after your long trip.”
“And I’d love to get really warm again.” Polandra rubbed her arms.
Fillion stood and left with them. He would ask the new girl about the attacks after her bath. He was certain dragons were not to blame. But if not them, then who?
+ + + + +
“What do you think?” Master Doronal seemed concerned.
“About the Order?” Millinith sat back in Renata’s desk chair. “I think it’s high time we dealt with them.” She frowned. “I just wish there weren’t so much going on right now, so I could focus on it. Still, first things first. We need information.”
“I agree.” Master Canneth nodded. “We should see if Cheddar can find anything out about them. He has a knack for that kind of thing.”
“I’ll see if the Magic Craft Guild has ever had dealings with them.” Master Doronal shrugged. “Though, as the Order is so far away, across a desert, even, there may be very little the guild knows about them.”
“Any information would be helpful.”
A knock sounded and a guard stuck her head in the door. “Pardon me, Guildmaster. Messenger here from Lord Baronel.”
Millinith stood. “Lord Baronel?”
A man walked in and bowed. “Guildmaster, Lord Baronel requests your presence. A carriage awaits.”
Millinith raised her brows. He must want her there as quickly as possible. She turned to the masters. “Let’s do as we discussed. I’ll see if I can return shortly to be here when Polandra returns.”
As soon as she and the messenger boarded the carriage, the driver got the horses going. The clacking of the wheels on the cobblestones increased in frequency as the carriage sped up. Why on Lethera would Lord Baronel have need of her? And so quickly?
Perhaps three minutes later, she followed the messenger up the steps to the Residence. He led her through the entry corridor and across the large event hall. Taking a side door, he took her down a few narrow hallways to a nondescript door flanked by two guards. The guard on the right nodded to the messenger and opened the door. Millinith followed inside.
“Ah, Guildmaster. Thank you for answering my summons.” Lord Baronel was seated behind a table. Millinith noticed an ether writer before him. “If you would join me?” He indicated a chair across the small table from him.
Looking at the messenger, he said, “Thank you.”
The man bowed and left, closing the door behind him.
“My lord.” Millinith bowed her head and took the offered seat.
“Master Investigator Gella would like a word with you.” Lord Baronel spun the ‘writer and slid it in front of her. “She works for . . . an individual of import.”
Millinith glanced briefly at Lord Baronel, wondering what he’d meant, before looking back at the sorcerous device. It was a bit more elaborate than the one she’d seen before. It must be his personal device. What was going on here?
Lifting the stylus, she began writing.
This is Guildmaster Millinith. I understand you wish to speak with me ~
Guildmaster. Thank you for your prompt arrival. I wonder if the Dragon Craft Guild could send an investigator to Delcimaar. A man was apparently killed by a nahual last night and I understand the DCG is expert in these things ~
Apparently? ~
Apparently, yes. All evidence seems to suggest it ~
But you don’t think so ~
I wish to reserve my opinion on the matter and will explain when you arrive. I’ve done my own cursory examination (I’ve not touched the body much) and will have it moved to a corpse-keeper to preserve it for your own examination ~
No. Do not move the body or anything else. I want to see everything exactly as it is should I agree to your request. I’ll speak with my people and let you know our decision in half an hour ~
I don’t understand. It will take you a month to get here ~
If we agree to this, we will be there within the hour ~
How is that poss Never mind. And never mind your meeting. The only thing you need do is decide who to bring with you. I’d prefer you came alone, but if you must bring someone, be sure that they are trustworthy in the extreme ~
I must meet with my people to discuss this venture ~
No, you do not. In fact, the fewer who know of it, the better. Confirm my identity with Lord Baronel and select your people. I expect to hear back from you within half an hour ~ ~
Mouth open, Millinith stared at the end conversation symbols. She looked across the table to Lord Baronel. “Pardon me, my lord, but who in Yrdra’s deepest hells is this person that she orders me around as if I worked for her? She said you could confirm her identity.”
“She is the head of High Lady Hasana’s special investigators. She speaks with the High Lady’s own authority.”
Millinith raised a brow and looked down at the ‘writer. She’d heard rumors of the special investigators. Rumors were all anyone had. Though there were tales of fancy written over the years that romanticized special investigators, the group, thought to be small in number, was highly secretive. It was said that each ruler selected an individual to work with the group as its head. Of course, no one knew what was real or not about the investigators. It seemed she would soon learn about at least one of them.<
br />
As if there weren’t enough on her plate at the moment. “I need to take care of a few things and then I will return. Master Gella is expecting to hear back from me within half an hour.”
+ + + + +
Fillion walked back to the stables with Renata and Polandra. The girls had finished much faster than he’d expected. He thought for sure Polandra would have wanted to spend some time soaking in a hot bath. She explained that she’d made use of the showers, which she found amazing, so that they could return to the masters quickly. Fillion told her she could have taken as much time as she’d wanted, but she said enough time had been wasted getting her clothes and the coat beforehand.
Fillion shook his head. They’d only ‘wasted’ ten minutes. The people at the Laundry could take your measure at a glance and know exactly what size you were.
He looked at Polandra. She had the sack of clothing thrown over her shoulder and looked much more comfortable in the winter coat. It was second-hand, or third, or fourth, as was all the clothing she’d been given. But they were clean, sturdy, and well-mended and would serve her until she could buy her own.
The girls were very similar, he noted, as they talked with each other, catching up on lost time. In fact, they looked like they could be sisters. They had the same straight black hair, for one thing. Polandra’s was shorter than Renata’s, but it was of the same style—shorter in the back by a couple of inches, and cut along the sides at an angle down to the longer length in front. Polandra’s came down to about her chin. If he remembered right, that was how manisi wore their hair. They also had the same skin tone, though Renata’s appeared to have faded somewhat. Probably due to being covered up because of the winter weather. Their eye color was slightly different, too, a different shade of the same hue. Even so, the two were equally as exotic-looking.
“So, you live in these buildings with your dragons?” Polandra nodded at the stables.
“We do.” Renata smiled. “Not as roomy as the caves down in the South, but much more comfortable.”
“Once we move into Dragon Hall,” Fillion said, “we’ll each have a little more room.”
A Storm in the Desert: Dragonlinked Chronicles Voume 3 Page 3
