A Storm in the Desert: Dragonlinked Chronicles Voume 3

by Adolfo Garza Jr.

  The footfalls of a dragon accompanied footsteps coming from the large passage. They were almost here. A low level of excitement and worry had come through the link for the past few minutes. It hadn’t seemed dire, so she’d said nothing about it. Now that he was returning, however . . .

  What is on your mind?

  Do you remember when we spent a few weeks flying everywhere nearby for the gateway sketches?

  I do.

  I made a promise to someone while we were out there, and I think we should make good on it.

  She thought back on those weeks. It had been very fun flying everywhere with Aeron. There was only one instance that she could recall that was anything like a promise. Is it because, what did he say, I have had babies?

  Surprise, pride, and humor came through the link. You are so clever, dear-heart. That’s exactly right.

  She rumbled happily just as they walked in the room.

  Balam padded over and touched noses with her. Willem and I will watch over our little ones while you and Aeron are gone.

  She chirped at him and stood.

  “We’ll be back as soon as we can,” Aeron said.

  “Don’t take too long,” Willem said. “We’ve got hand-to-hand lessons in an hour. It’s another bare hand fighting evaluation day.”

  “It shouldn’t take too long, at least this part. And we practiced the moves for today’s assessment. I feel confident about it.”

  Willem grinned. “Alright, though you did seem a little slow.”

  Aeron chuckled and shook his head. Come on dear-heart. Let’s get over there. I’m not sure how to find him, yet.

  She walked beside him toward the passage. That should not be difficult. He will find us.

  Ah, I think I see what you mean. Good idea!

  Once he strapped in, she crouched and jumped. Wings beating, she lifted them higher and higher, to the portal.

  As he closed the portal, she said, How many passes do you think?

  Three should be enough, I would imagine.

  Anaya rumbled and glided down toward Shiver Bend. The village had grown a little since the last time they’d overflown it. There was now a cross-street to go with the main street. A few heads turned, looked up at them each time they flew over the small town. After the third pass, she made her way to the small hill and landed.

  That should do it.

  Indeed it should, at least if he’s still interested. Aeron unstrapped and hopped down. Now we wait.

  Anaya lay down on her belly and Aeron sat next to her, leaning back against her. She felt a little twinge of loss remembering being able to crawl onto his lap and fall asleep. That she could now fly with him made up for it, though. Mostly. She leaned her head over and touched his cheek with her nose.

  He reached up and gave her neck a one-armed hug. These past few days have been good. Relaxing, even.

  They have. When do you think we will go back?

  Aeron leaned his head back against her, eyes closed. He took a breath and let it out. I don’t know. But I do know that we will not go back with our tails between our legs, with our wings trembling. We will go back heads held high and we will show them that they are wrong.

  His words stirred something inside her. She barked. I like that.

  In even less time than she had expected, she felt them. People approach. And he is in the lead.

  Good. Aeron stood and walked along the thin trail in the winter-dried grass.

  Terry came running up the hill. “Gods be good,” he gasped. He was out of breath. “You did remember!”

  Humor came through the link, though Aeron did not laugh.

  A few others trailed after the boy. They stopped much farther back, though, and stared at her and Aeron.

  “Of course I remembered,” Aeron said. “I always remember those brave enough to ask about being a dragonlinked.”

  She looked at him. You only just remembered after Willem reminded you.

  He didn’t turn to her. Hush, you. I’m recruiting.

  Recruiting?

  Yes. It means I am looking for people to join us. I sort of had the idea the last time I was here, actually. Kind of.

  Anaya looked at the boy. He seems a little young. Is there not a minimum age?

  Aeron glanced at her that time. Damn. Good point. I forgot about that. He turned back to the boy. “Terry, how old are you?”

  “Oh, I’m old enough. Fourteen last month.”

  Aeron twisted his lips in a partial frown. The look on his face must have upset the boy because she felt indignation from him.

  “I am, too, fourteen. I just look young for my age. Here.” He thrust out a paper.

  Aeron took it and read it over. “So it seems. Both your parents give their permission for you to apply for dragon craft upon your fourteenth birthing day, Primory 22nd, 1875.” He looked up at the boy. “Why would they put the date of your birthing day? When did you get this signed?”

  Terry giggled. “Two days after you left.”

  Aeron’s mouth dropped open. “You’ve had this for over a year?”

  The boy nodded. “Mmm hmm. I have seven brothers and sisters, see. I’m the youngest of the boys. My parents are more than willing to send a few of us off for guild training.” He giggled again. “And I begged them constantly for those two days. They were more than happy to give permission to get me to shut up.”

  Aeron, a smile on his face, turned to her. I like him. Our craft guild didn’t even exist a year ago!

  She laughed. He is determined. And, as I said before, he is a good candidate.

  Aeron turned back to Terry. “There is one other thing you should know, though. Being a dragonlinked is more than being bonded to a dragon, of flying through the sky with your best friend. We put our lives in danger to protect people. Whether it is fighting nahual, flying during a raging thunderstorm to deliver vaccine, or helping track criminals for days, we do whatever it takes to help where we can. Are you willing to accept that risk?” Aeron raised his hand. “Don’t answer right off.” He leaned forward, met him at eye level. “I’m serious. You could die. Your dragon could die. Think on that.”

  Terry looked away, twisted his lips, and scrunched his nose. “My uncle died last year. A horse spooked and kicked him in the head. Just like that, he was gone.” He looked at Aeron and shrugged. “Any of us can die at any moment. Might as well do something worth-while with your life in the meantime, eh?”

  This boy reminded her of her bond-mate, at least the way he was now. I told you he was a good candidate.

  Yes, well, I want to be sure that everyone understands the full implications of becoming dragonlinked.

  Aeron gripped Terry’s shoulder. “Alright then. You’re old enough, have your parent’s permission, and are willing.” Aeron stood. “That gets us most of the way there.”

  The worry from earlier came through the link again and she turned to Aeron. What are you concerned about?

  He glanced at her. Applications are limited right now. We’re going to have to sneak him in.

  She wasn’t sure she liked that idea. Lying wasn’t a good thing.

  He turned to Terry. “You need to pack. Don’t bring too much, though. Mementos of your family and friends, maybe, and a few changes of clothing along with some smallclothes. If you have any fancy dress, bring that, too, along with any money you might have squirreled away. It will take time to save up money as an accepted. That’s all you’ll really need.”

  Terry nodded. “Alright. I’ll be back, then.” He ran off.

  As they waited, Anaya kept an eye on the people that had gathered at the edge of the small hilltop. They were all curious and interested, much like the people in Bataan-Mok. But at least here there were none who feared her, hated her, and there weren’t manisi keeping an eye, shackles weren’t biting into her limbs, and she wasn’t waiting to be executed. And, too, Aeron was here.

  She turned her head. He lay back against her, seemingly asleep, though she could feel that he was not. She lick
ed him on the cheek.

  Chuckling, he wiped his face, opened his eyes, and smiled. You are a little—no, make that a big—brat. He reached up and scratched her cheek and neck. But I love you anyway.

  She let out a happy rumble. And I, you.

  It was good to lay here in the sun with Aeron. They didn’t have as much time for things like this anymore. Studies, practice, patrols, chores—one thing or another was always needing to be done, it seemed.

  We really need to do something about the clutching room so that Nenet, Chel, and the rest feel comfortable laying eggs there. I don’t like having eggs in different places. I’d rather have them all together to keep an eye on them.

  Anaya tilted her head. Perhaps we should start moss-tending.

  I don’t suppose you know how to do it?

  I have memories of it. Some in my line were moss-tenders.

  Golden! A bit of concern came through the link. I wonder where we can get the moss and fungi from.

  Some of the moss along the way to the egg cavern is the right kind. But there are more types at House Yaot that are not in the caverns.

  I wonder if Nenet could bring some from there for us.

  It should not be difficult. We can ask her.

  Remind me to do that later.

  Terry was on the way up the hill. The boy returns.

  Good. Aeron stood. We’re going to stop off at the Farm on the way back.

  The Farm?

  Yes. That way I won’t have to lie outright.

  Anaya rose to her haunches and stared at him. What was he planning?

  Terry ran up to them and leaned over on his knees, breathing heavily. He had some kind of sling sack on his back, fat with belongings. “Sorry it took so long.” He took a deep breath and let it out, standing up. “As I packed, I let my parents know that I was leaving to apply at the craft guild.”

  “No worries.” Aeron handed him a riding belt. “Here, put this on. We’ll strap in and be off.”

  Terry spent no time snugging on the belt. They mounted up, put on the safety straps and she lifted them into the air. A quick flight through the portal and Baronel Farm lay before them.

  “Wow!” She felt the boy bouncing in the saddle. “Is that the Caer?”

  Humor came through the link and Aeron said, “No. That’s Baronel Farm. I’m going to talk with the Proctor before we go to the Caer.”

  Anaya banked down for a landing in front of the main building. Aeron hopped down and helped Terry with the straps.

  “Come on,” Aeron said. “Let’s go speak with Proctor Josephine.”

  Before they made it up the steps of the building, a tall blond man walked out the door. “Ah! Dragonlinked Aeron. I didn’t think you were on patrol today.”

  “I’m not, Assistant Marcus. I just came by to see if there were any applicants for the guild needing a lift to the Caer.”

  People were stopping as they walked past to look at Anaya. She looked around at them. Everyone was always curious about her, it seemed.

  “You just missed a few. The wagon left about ten minutes ago with them.”

  A large woman walked out the door. It was the Proctor. Anaya was always impressed by her size. She was as tall as Marcus and had as much muscle, if not more.

  “Aeron! So good to see you again.”

  He smiled. “Madam Proctor. It’s good to see you again, too.”

  Josephine had been here the first time she and Aeron had come to the Farm, over a year ago. She’d been very happy that they’d been able to save Jessip’s life.

  “What brings you to the Farm?”

  “He was offering to take any applicants for the Dragon Craft Guild to the Caer,” Marcus said. “I told him about the wagon.”

  She nodded. “Those three are likely the last batch. A girl and two boys. Just as well they took the wagon, you wouldn’t have been able to carry them all anyway.”

  Aeron shrugged. “I thought I would check.”

  Josephine nodded. “Yes, well, be sure those that don’t get approved are sent back. We need all the hands we have here.”

  Aeron smiled. “Of course, Madam Proctor.” He gave a quick bow. “I best be getting back to the Caer. I’ll let Guildmaster Millinith know we have more applicants coming from the Farm.”

  The two proctors waved at them as they lifted into the air. Anaya flew them through the portal and then landed in the courtyard in the middle of the stables. Once again, Aeron hopped off and then helped Terry.

  “Alright,” Aeron said, “time to visit the dormitories.”

  Anaya lay down in front of their stable. I think I understand your plan, now.

  Aeron turned to her, a smile on his lips. A little misdirection will be involved, but no lies.

  As it is for the betterment of the guild, I will go along with it.

  And that, dear-heart, is another reason I love you.

  Anaya rumbled and lay her head down. We will not make a habit of this, however.

  I know, love. I know.

  + + + + +

  “Applications are supposed to only be from those living in the Caer or the Farm,” Aeron explained as he walked with Terry along the cobbled road. The dormitories were just ahead. “That’s because the living quarters in the Guildhall aren’t complete yet, so we don’t have places for dragonlinked to live right now if they aren’t already living somewhere in the Caer.”

  “So how am I supposed to apply?”

  “Like I said, the Caer or the Farm. Those from the Farm will stay in the dorms or the Housing Hall unless and until they are declined. I’m going to let them think you are from the Farm.”

  Terry frowned. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea. I don’t like being here if I’m not supposed to be.”

  “It’s not that you aren’t supposed to be here,” Aeron said. “The restriction on applicants right now is only because there isn’t much room. But one applicant will easily fit. They just didn’t want dozens and dozens of people applying with not enough room to house them.”

  Terry grunted. “I guess it’s alright, then.”

  Honesty was absolutely a requirement of dragonlinked, Aeron thought. But gods be good, this kid was making it difficult to keep a promise.

  “Just follow my lead when we talk to Proctor Jarvis or Assistant Shelton.” He took the steps up to the hall in two quick strides. “I’m not asking you to lie about anything, just see if you can talk around it if you get asked.”

  Shelton’s hair was exactly as Aeron remembered it. Slicked down and parted with razor precision.

  “Assistant Shelton,” Aeron gave a quick bow of his head. “I’m just back from speaking with Proctor Josephine at the Farm. I thought I would let you know that there are three applicants for the Dragon Craft Guild coming via wagon. A girl and two boys.” He glanced at Terry. “I brought Terry here myself.”

  The boy bowed his head. “Assistant Shelton.”

  The assistant proctor sniffed. “I see. I will have four cots readied.” He turned to Terry. “If you will come with me?”

  Terry took a deep breath and nodded, then followed Assistant Shelton out of the office.

  Aeron smiled. That was easy as pie.

  He headed back to the stables. This afternoon’s training would start soon, and he wanted to let the Guildmaster know of the applicants on the way.

  “I stopped by the Farm to see if they had any applicants,” he told her. “They had already left on a wagon and are on the way.”

  “That’s fine. We can do another interview session before diner. Then, after dinner, we will announce today’s approvals.”

  “Anaya and I can monitor the session, if you’d like.”

  “Oh, alright. I suppose Jessip and Zolin could do with a break.”

  Aeron smiled. Golden.

  I will not give the boy special treatment.

  I wouldn’t ask you to do otherwise, dear-heart. I only want you to overlook his nervousness about coming from outside the Caer. I’ve given him the chance. It’s
up to him, now.

  Fair enough.

  Aeron glanced out the dragon doors in passing. The others were already sparring. He best get a move on and change for the combat evaluation.

  + + + + +

  “Capu Cirtis!” Isandath feigned surprise. He bowed his head and asked, “How can I help you, Capu?”

  “I wonder if I might view one of the restricted texts?”

  “Of course, Capu. This way.” Isandath led him to the room at the back of the floor. As they walked, the few people there, two archivists and three others viewing various documents, turned to watch them pass. Isandath spared them nary a glance, focused as he was on his own thoughts. The session must have gone well. He had not detected any ill humor from the leader of the Corpus Order.

  After closing the door behind them, Isandath went to one of the chest of drawers and removed a document press. He’d selected a restricted document at random. That was not the purpose of the Capu’s visit, anyway. He grabbed two pair of gloves and returned to the table where Capu Cirtis sat, handing the man one pair.

  After donning his own, he opened the press in front of the Capu to one of the pages near the middle. He then sat across the small table from him.

  “So,” Isandath said, “how did it go?”

  “Even better than my most hopeful expectations.” Capu Cirtis carefully turned a frame. “The only resistance to the meeting had come from the old guard, as you so aptly call them, and that, only token. I was a little heartened that they weren’t as vocal in their opposition as I had anticipated.” He looked up at Isandath. “Our first meeting with the Dragon Craft Guild will be in three days, on Sulday, at one hour past noon.”

  Isandath nodded. “Excellent. I shall let Polandra know tonight.”

  + + + + +

  Sharrah stared at the applicants. There were sixteen of them standing together in the courtyard. The last group had been interviewed just before dinner. They’d all returned for the announcement of who’d been approved. Most looked around at the dragons, some of whom lay near their dens in the courtyard. A few stared at the door to the investigation office. All were waiting.