A Storm in the Desert: Dragonlinked Chronicles Voume 3

by Adolfo Garza Jr.

  Aeron carried his deer leg to one of the stands.

  “Make sure it’s in there snugly,” Polandra admonished. “The lesson requires it.”

  Cheddar ran over to help him. “You field-dressed the deer yourself?” He used the leather straps hanging from the stout wooden arm to secure the leg.

  “Yeah,” Aeron said. “Well, I didn’t butcher the whole carcass. I removed the hind legs and let Anaya eat the rest.”

  A happy rumble came from his bond-mate and she chirped. She must have enjoyed the snack.

  The other hind leg was handled the same way. When they were done, each large haunch hung three feet below the wooden arm in their stands.

  Willem stood back. “A bit grisly, and I’m still unsure what we’re going to do with them, but there they are.”

  “As you all know from Magic Craft studies,” Renata said, “spells are built using different kinds of magical foci.”

  Several heads nodded.

  “The spell we will practice with today, and a few of the others we’ll cover later, are designed to be used on animals or people. In the interests of safety, however, we will use animal bodies upon which to practice them. Or legs, in this case.” She gestured to the stands.

  Guildmaster Millinith walked out of the office. The guild’s newest Magic Craft instructor, Adept Liflin, followed behind, carrying two flat wooden boxes stacked one atop the other.

  The Guildmaster eyed the stands as she approached. “Well done. Those should work perfectly.” She turned to Adept Liflin. After lifting its hasps, she opened a small box and removed a set of training bracelets. “Renata, you take one pair.” The second pair of bracelets were given to Polandra. “And you take the other.” She turned back to Renata. “If you would, please demonstrate the spell we’ll be working with today.”

  Polandra felt a pulse of magic, then a haunch suddenly swung to the side and smacked into the thick wooden post supporting the arm. It stuck there on the post as if glued.

  “This spell,” the Guildmaster said, “is a bind spell. The manisi use it to bind people and dragons so they cannot escape. It is similar in concept to Saki’s Binding, but it is different enough that I want everyone to get experience with it. We’ll be binding the haunch to the post, but in practice they’d bind your legs or feet to the ground and your arms to your side.” She glanced into one of the open stables. “They also use it to bind dragons’ wings to their bodies so they can’t fly.”

  “The spell can also be used to break bones,” Polandra said. She remembered the day the manis trainers had explained this aspect. The faces around her now reflected the shock and horror she’d felt then.

  “Yes,” the Guildmaster nodded, “that would be possible. The spell uses anchors that tie to the calcium in bones. As we go over the spells slowly, you’ll get a chance to note the foci involved.” She looked over the students. “Alright, we’ll do this in alphabetical order. Aeron, you partner with Polandra. Cheddar, you get with Renata.”

  After snapping on her bracelet, Polandra held the other out to Aeron.

  He snapped it on his wrist, shook the thin chain connecting the magical bands to be sure it hung free, and moved next to her and the stand.

  When Cheddar was ready, Guildmaster Millinith said, “Alright. First couple of times, cast it slowly, and partners, pay attention as they do. Watch the spell progress, note the magic foci, and find the weak points.” She pointed to Polandra and Renata. “Begin.”

  Polandra built the spell slowly, watching the different foci appear and move around the large leg. When the leg slapped into the post, she removed it and wove it again.

  After the third time, Guildmaster Millinith told them to continue at normal speed.

  Two casts later, she said, “Partners, attempt to counter as quickly as you can.”

  Before Polandra even got close to halfway done weaving the spell, it collapsed and the magic backlash made her grunt. Aeron nodded.

  The other leg smacked into the wooden support.

  “Dammit,” Cheddar murmured.

  “Again,” Guildmaster Millinith said.

  Aeron quickly countered the spell once more.

  This time, Cheddar did as well. “Better,” he said.

  “Again.”

  They repeated the spell five more times before Guildmaster Millinith had them change to new partners. Eventually, all the students had a practice session.

  “Adept Liflin,” Guildmaster Millinith said. “You and I will be next.”

  “Outstanding.” He set the boxes on the ground and took a bracelet from Polandra.

  “It can’t hurt for us to keep in practice, after all.” Guildmaster Millinith moved next to Renata and put on a bracelet.

  As they began, she said, “Keep in mind my instructions to the students, study the foci and look for the spell’s weak spots.”

  Adept Liflin nodded, eyes never leaving the enchantment.

  They worked on countering the spell for several minutes, both of them doing well. Polandra wondered how the junior instructor saw the magic of the weaving. As a flower? A mechanical device? Beams of light? People saw magic in a way that made sense to them, and that usually meant no two people saw it the same.

  When they were done, Guildmaster Millinith said, “Good practice, everyone. But keep in mind what Polandra said.”

  She turned to the haunch. There was a quick pulse of magic and it slammed into the post, but then there was a sharp, loud crack. The slab of meat twitched, and a shard of bone protruded from its side.

  The Guildmaster looked back at them. “The spell can be modified to do more than bind. The bone it is anchored to can be broken.” Her gaze flicked from one to another as she continued. “Your neck, your spine, is made of bones. If you fail to counter in time, you might not just find yourself rooted to the ground, you might find yourself dead. Always remember that.”

  Grim faces stared at the haunch of meat.

  As Polandra made her way with the rest of the dragonlinked to the Dining Hall for lunch, and with death on her mind, she couldn’t help thinking again about Aeron meeting with the Capu. Would he really be safe? She hoped the Capu would do something to protect Aeron should he somehow be discovered, but she had a great deal less confidence in the Order and the people in it since learning the truth about it.

  You worry too much. Ikan’s deep voice held only the faintest hint of exasperation.

  I can’t help it, love. The meeting is important, but so is Aeron. He is the first dragonlinked, after all. She looked over at the boy. He was laughing at something Willem said.

  You will be near, will you not? Now Ikan’s voice held the patient tone of an instructor explaining something to a pupil.

  I will ask to accompany him, yes.

  Then I will not be far, nor will Anaya.

  I know. I’m just not sure the two of us would be able to hold off a patrol until you and Anaya arrived. Five against two is pretty uneven odds.

  Most of the manisi are at that camp in the flats, are they not?

  Yes.

  And the places to be patrolled around Bataan-Mok remains the same?

  Yes, I think so.

  As there are fewer manisi to cover those areas, that means each area will get fewer visits from a patrol. Fewer visits means less chance at discovery.

  Polandra’s brows raised. Oh, I hadn’t thought of that.

  With so many manisi busy at the camp, right now is actually the best time for the meeting.

  “Did Ikan say something silly?” Liara had moved a little closer as they all walked up the stairs at the Dining Hall.

  “No. It was the complete opposite, actually.”

  “Oh?”

  “You know I’m going to meet with Isandath tonight to ask him to arrange the meeting with the Capu, right?”

  “Sure.”

  “The thing is, I’ve been worried about that meeting. What if Aeron’s discovered by a manis patrol?”

  “As long as the idiot doesn’t fly to the m
eeting on Anaya, how would anyone know he’s anything other than a visitor? Especially if you get him to wear one of those cute robes.”

  Polandra’s cheeks warmed. It sounded so different when others talked about it. “I know, it doesn’t make sense, but I’ve been worried that they’ll somehow know. Anyway, Ikan pointed out that with half the manisi over at the company camp, there will have to be fewer patrols elsewhere.”

  “That’s true. Dragons can be so smart, sometimes.”

  “Well, when they aren’t being lazy.”

  The two girls chuckled.

  I heard that.

  Yes, and what are you doing right this moment?

  There was the luxurious feeling of sun–warmed hide and the sense of laying on the ground before Ikan distanced himself from the link.

  Exactly! But I love you just as you are, anyway. She could almost feel his deep, rumbling laugh.

  And I, you.

  A light affair of sliced cold meats, several kinds of cheese, warm bread and butter, with large, soft cookies for dessert, lunch was very pleasant. Though Liara talking about the joys and annoyances of dealing with her young dragon did make Polandra a little jealous.

  “She got so big, so fast,” Liara said.

  “It’s been less than a month,” Polandra pointed out.

  “True. But flight training with her mother is done. Mia’s been staying with her sister and Coatl, and while the playing around they do is fun to watch and be a part of,” the raven-haired girl glanced past Polandra to Fillion and Gregor and lowered her voice, “I can’t help thinking that we’re imposing.”

  Polandra sighed. “I envy you, I think.”

  Liara raised her brows. “How so?”

  “I never got to enjoy Ikan as a babe.” Polandra shrugged. “As much as you say Mia’s actions sometimes annoy you, the love you have for her is obvious.”

  A warm glow lit Liara’s face. With a small smile, she said, “I really do love her, as much of a rapscallion as she can be.”

  Polandra tore off a hunk of bread and spread butter on it. She took a bite, chewed and swallowed it, and looked at Liara. “I don’t suppose, ah, that is, would you mind it too much if I spent more time with you and Mia?”

  Liara’s eyes widened slightly, and her nostrils flared a touch. “Spent time with us?”

  “If it would be too much of an imposition, I understand. It’s just that if I could hang out with you both, I could experience a dragon growing up, if only vicariously.” Polandra cleared her throat. “And, we might even be able to practice some combat things. You’re pretty good at that.”

  “I would love it.” Liara’s smile was enormous.

  Polandra smiled back. She felt a strange expansion in her chest, like her heart was growing larger and . . . floating?

  “Mia would, too.” Liara leaned in closer, as if imparting a secret. “I think she likes Ikan.”

  With an equally conspiratorial whisper, Polandra said, “Well, don’t tell him I told you, but he thinks Mia is adorable. As do I.”

  “She is adorable, isn’t she?”

  “Hey.” Fillion, to Polandra’s right, elbowed her and looked at her tray. “You gonna to eat your cookies?”

  “Hands off,” she said. “Those are mine. And, as there is no chocolate in them, one is actually for Ikan.”

  Fillion, frowning, said, “I should have saved one, too.”

  And Ikan did enjoy the tasty baked item, at least based on the pleased rumble he emitted later while eating it.

  Polandra then spent some time in her study trying to come up with ideas for their afternoon combat practice to talk over with Renata, but thoughts about Mia and Liara kept intruding.

  You feel strangely happy.

  She looked out the door to the den and raised an eyebrow. Me feeling happy is strange?

  You feel happier than usual, is what I meant.

  Thinking about it, she realized that he was not wrong. You like Mia.

  He blinked, hiding then revealing large golden eyes. As I have mentioned before, she is less annoying than most whelps. The little pulse of warmth through the link belied his casual attitude.

  Well, I asked Liara if it would be okay for us to hang out with them more often.

  Hang out with them?

  It’s an expression. It means spend time with them.

  Why not say that, then? Humans have so many ways to say the same thing.

  She rolled her eyes. Anyway, Liara said she would love it if we did. Spend time with them, that is.

  The warm feeling came even more strongly through the link. It might be fun.

  She smiled. I think so, too.

  Later, Renata said that she thought it was high time she and the others started practicing how to slide.

  Leaning back on the desk in Renata’s study, Polandra crossed her arms and frowned. “Are you sure?”

  “Absolutely. It’s not that difficult. We’ve memorized the enchantment, and they’re all well along in combat training. Their sense of balance should be good enough to handle it.” She grinned. “Besides, we’ve been dying to start using it.”

  “I suppose we could, then. I was just thinking about when I first started learning it.” Her butt and back had been sore for a few days, not to mention the lumps on her head.

  Renata nodded. “I’ve thought about what you said regarding that, and this,” she held up a very strange cap, “should help.”

  “What is that?”

  “A padded helmet. It’s used to protect your head while playing lacrosse.”

  “La—what?”

  “Baaga’adowe. The people here play a game similar to it called lacrosse.”

  “Oh. Well, a helmet would definitely help with that. And for sure while training to slide. Let’s go ask Guildmaster Millinith what she thinks.”

  She seemed all for it. “As I said when Polandra first mentioned teaching the spell, anything that could give an edge is worth looking into. If you both think they’re ready, then you have my approval.”

  “As long as we take some precautions,” Renata glanced at the helmet, “we should be fine.”

  “Good. Besides, what the spell does sounds fascinating. In fact,” she turned to the young Adept Sorcerer, “Liflin, keep an eye on the office. I’m going to talk with Master Doronal to see if he’d like to be here for the practice.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Polandra watched Guildmaster Millinith leave. The young woman usually delegated tasks unless they had to do with the Guildhall construction. So why was she running this message herself?

  “You’ll be there, too, Adept Liflin?” Renata asked.

  “Absolutely. It’s an interesting spell, and I’ll have to learn it at some point, yes?” He smiled. “It wouldn’t do for me to fail at the thing while trying to teach it.”

  “True enough.”

  When he wasn’t in instructor training, Adept Liflin spent time with the Guildmaster, apparently trying to learn all he could about the part magic played in dragon craft. Polandra’s brows lifted when his words reminded her of his position: someday soon, he would be teaching magic craft lessons to newly accepted.

  “I’m going to see if I can get a few more helmets.” Renata tossed the one she had to Polandra and headed off.

  After catching it, Polandra turned it in her hands. These should serve well enough to protect their heads from knots, but what about their backsides?

  Polandra and the others waited in Ikan’s den. As he did when they practiced indoors, the large dragon lay in a corner of the space, giving them as much room as possible to practice in. The weather outside was still cold, and the courtyard was damp and a bit muddy with slush, the remains of the last snow. Apparently, when the snow was over a foot deep, they didn’t bother clearing it.

  When Renata returned, Polandra stared at what floated behind her a few inches above the ground. “Is that a . . . door?”

  “It is.” Renata dumped several items from her arms onto the floor. More helmets. �
��I also brought some padded cuffs for elbows and knees.” She gestured to items piled on the wooden door. A rope had been tied to the hole where a doorknob would normally go. Renata had been dragging the door with it.

  “You could have just brought all that with a moving chest.” Aeron grabbed a helmet from the ground and looked it over.

  “Ah, but we need to the door for the first lesson.”

  “Huh?” Fillion looked from Renata to Polandra and back. “I thought we were finally going to actually cast and practice sliding?”

  Renata grinned. “We are. But there’s something we have to do first.” She grabbed a padded leather cap and a set of elbow and knee cuffs. After slipping them all on, she cleared off the door and stood atop it, arms lifted a bit for balance. “Polandra, grab the rope and pull the door a few feet.”

  Unsure why they were doing this, Polandra nevertheless did as instructed. Moving in front of Renata and the door, she grabbed the rope. She looked behind and said, “Ready?”

  Renata nodded. “Go ahead.”

  Polandra gripped the rope and pulled while walking forward. It took a little effort at first, but once the door started moving, it almost went on its own.

  Renata, with a slight twitch of arms and upper body, kept her balance as she rode the levitating door. After a moment, she let her arms fall to her sides.

  After six feet, Polandra stopped pulling, but the door kept going.

  “Oops,” Renata said. “I didn’t think of that.”

  Polandra jumped to the side and stuck her foot out to try to stop the door. When the door met her foot, it just rotated around it and continued, but now with a spin added.

  “That didn’t help!” Renata flailed with her arms, trying to keep her balance.

  A pulse of magic came from the side, and the door collided with something. A muted flash of light at the collision briefly revealed a barrier. The sudden stop made Renata lose her balance, and her feet flung the door in the opposite direction of her fall. It crashed into the wall between the den and Polandra’s bedroom.

  “Ow.” Renata had managed to land on her butt.

  “That was not what I expected to see demonstrated.” Master Doronal, with Guildmaster Millinith and Adept Liflin at his side, stood in the open dragon door. His brows were raised and a wry smile twisted his lips.