by Diane Rapp
Shariel cringed at the idea of desert riders so near her family.
Andrew noticed her worried expression and said, “Donovan’s sending Marasuta and his Samurai to help surprise the desert riders. He wants to establish a military base at the spaceport. Do you think the dragons will carry humans into battle? Donovan said they can be our air force.”
Shariel glanced at her brothers and sisters. Duncan nodded and his determined expression made her realize her family wanted to help. Perhaps Jarrack’s children would be valuable to Drako’s defense.
“Count on my family to join your air force but we need more dragons to ride.”
The next morning Shariel and Brandon prepared to travel to the dragon cliffs north of Brandon’s seaport domain, while Andrew organized Lauryn’s rescue. Shariel hoped she could coax a clutch of dragons to follow them back to the spaceport. Each child needed a personal mount to train properly.
They hefted packs onto their shoulders and left the caves together. Jordan and Felesia stood next to Blaze and Dazzle. “What’s this?” Shariel fingered the leather straps across Dazzle’s chest.
Jordan beamed with pride. “Last night Andrew designed a new saddle. Hauling extra weight puts too much strain on dragon wings and feels uncomfortable to the rider. The saddle is similar to ones used on horses. By distributing the weight along the upper body, a dragon soars and conserves energy.”
“Very clever but how does it work?” Shariel scrutinized the contraption.
“Leather straps cross over the dragon’s body and connect to the saddle, which sits behind the strong shoulder muscles.”
Brandon said, “Let’s try it.”
“It’s easy.” Jordan said, “Dazzle, lift.” The dragon courteously extended her talon and Jordan helped Shariel step onto the large knuckle. Dazzle raised her claw to shoulder height and Shariel climbed into the saddle. “You see? There’s nothing to it.”
“Not if you have perfect balance and no fear of falling,” Brandon complained.
Jordan frowned. “Don’t knock our work unless you’re prepared to design a better saddle. We worked all night to make it ready for your trip.”
“Okay, I’ll try it.” Brandon approached the other dragon. “Blaze, lift.” The great beast cocked his head at Brandon and white rippled up his wings.
Shariel said, “You’re upsetting him. Project calm and confidence in your thoughts.”
“I thought they only heard telepaths,” Brandon said as he stroked the dragon’s neck. “Sorry, Blaze, I know you won’t drop me.” He climbed onto the offered talon, and Blaze lifted until Brandon reached the new saddle. “Where do I hold on?”
Jordan said, “Andrew designed reins. They’re draped down the side of his neck.”
Brandon found two strips of leather tied to the dragon’s sleek neck. “These? They don’t guide the dragon?”
“No, we guide with our minds. Hold the reins for security.”
Brandon frowned. “I’d rather grab a solid saddle horn. I’m not much for riding, so let’s go before I change my mind.”
The saddle proved comfortable and the dragons flew unhampered. Blaze and Dazzle stretched their filmy wings and banked into a gust of warm air. Wind whipped Brandon’s sun-streaked hair as an updraft lifted the dragons’ large bodies.
The dragons tipped their wings and circled until another thermal pushed them to maximum height. Blaze tucked his legs against his smooth belly and stretched his neck into the wind. He glided effortlessly across invisible air currents. Brandon leaned against the muscular neck to avoid a strong slipstream. The dragons lost altitude until another thermal lifted their bodies but they seldom pumped their wings. Brandon realized that carrying weight over a long distance forced the great beasts to consume more energy. Brandon enjoyed riding on Blaze and Jordan’s saddle felt more comfortable. He examined the great wings closely.
The wings were covered by tiny iridescent scales that shifted with each new color. When sunlight streamed across the wing, a dizzy display of color rippled over the surface. He felt mesmerized by the sparkling scales. Blaze shifted color patterns to communicate with Dazzle, and Brandon recognized Dazzle’s answer in her color patterns.
Could ships use colored lights to signal across the water like dragons? Perhaps sailors could learn to speak with the dragons with the signal lights. Brandon smiled. He felt jealous of Jordan’s mental contact with the dragons, but he might figure out a way to speak with the great beasts himself. Brandon took out a pad and sketched color patterns the dragons used.
*****
Riding dragons proved more enjoyable than Shariel imagined. She glanced at Brandon and saw his eyes sparkle. She remembered warnings Jordan delivered with such a serious face. Brandon didn’t look dangerous. In her presence he acted polite and helpful, like a true gentleman and thought he’d look handsome at the helm of a ship.
Shariel blushed and forced herself to focus on the scenery. The landscape looked rich and green from this distance. Lush mountains rose gently along the horizon, and she wondered where her old village was located. Straining her eyes she failed to recognize land marks and decided they must make maps from the air.
Hours slipped by like minutes. Faster than riding horseback, flying felt more comfortable than bumping atop a saddle. She let her mind absorb the myriad colors the dragons used to communicate and got a sense of their meaning. She saw mental pictures of feelings, some filled with joy, but others filled with possible danger. Projecting images of her own to the dragons, they saw pictures of dragons flying over mountains. Soon the dragons sent back an image of the sea cliffs and knew exactly how their home looked.
This is wonderful! she thought and sent the picture into Brandon’s mind without thinking. At his shocked expression she shouted, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to force an image into your mind.”
He shook his head and grinned. “It’s fantastic to see how the cliffs look from a dragon’s height. Send me more pictures as they share them, please.”
During the rest of the flight they shared pictures from the dragons, and Shariel sent comments of her own. It was easy to hear Brandon’s unshielded thoughts and let him know she heard him.
He grinned like an excited boy. Can you turn me into a telepath?
No. My gift is control, so I can force my thoughts into your mind.
How do you hear me?
She answered the question with reluctance. I hear everyone. Usually, I don’t pay attention to what people think. But you’re trying to talk with me, so I listen.
Brandon’s face blanched and Shariel dreaded the condemnation she expected. It surprised her when he thought, That must be difficult for you. People are afraid of Jarrack and must fear his children.
Yes. They believe we’re evil.
Not me!
I know. Shariel smiled and Brandon felt relieved.
*****
As they reached the dragon cliffs, Shariel felt excited to see so many dragons. Youngsters flew circles around Blaze and Dazzle, craning their necks to examine the strange creatures riding on their backs.
Shariel heard no aggressive thoughts, so she relaxed.
Blaze and Dazzle shouted excitement with vibrant wing displays, and Shariel shared the vivid pictures from different minds with Brandon. His fist pump prompted squawks from a nearby youngster.
The large dragons shared pictures of the strange boat filled with people. Blaze bugled with pride at his aerobatic maneuver and shared his view of plucking the boat from the tiny balcony surrounded by rocky cliffs. His wings swirled with purple and red.
Dazzle sent feelings with her pictures. She enjoyed the sensation of human hands stroking her neck and eye ridges and starbursts of green shot through her wings.
Shariel sent feelings of welcome to the new dragons. She showed them the faces of eager children waiting at the spaceport. Several young dragons crowed and flew happy figure-eights around the large adults.
She thought, Do young dragons feel bored with ordinary life
at the seashore? Would they enjoy more adventure?
Waves of red and blue rippled through dragon wings, answering her mental question. She and Brandon laughed at the dragon antics. Soon the adult dragons turned away from the sea cliffs and flew inland. A dozen new dragons joined them. Adults along the sea cliffs didn’t object, so Shariel felt excited. Her siblings would soon meet new friends.
The youngsters enjoyed their adventure, crowing with pleasure and flashing new color patterns. When hunger prompted them to hunt, Shariel asked Dazzle to drop them off on a mountain cliff. She sat with Brandon and watched the dragons hunt.
The dragons spotted a herd of huskers, fierce giant boars with long curved tusks. The grisly creatures were feared by ground predators, but dragons were no ordinary hunters. Watching the hunt spawned respect for cunning draconic teamwork. They stalked the prey overhead to choose a target.
Aware of danger, the dominant bull drove the herd into thick forest to avoid aerial attack. Undaunted, the dragons landed, folded their wings, and pursued on foot. The dragons crashed headlong through the forest, toppling mature trees like twigs.
Huskers scattered in panic at the dragons’ teamwork. They cornered their target and drove it into a clearing. They formed a circle and used talons and beaks to strike the boar. It charged thrashing its sharp tusks in defiance.
Heedless of the fate of their cousin, the dominate bull gathered the herd and stampeded down the valley. The dragons lifted a carcass from the valley floor and landed on the ridge. They allowed their human guests to carve out hefty chunks of meat before feeding. The humans roasted their meat over a small fire, much to the distress of the dragons. Shariel sent mental reassurance to the beasts, who glared at the dancing flames until the fire became glowing coals.
“I guess they hate fire.” Brandon mused.
“Would you get near a blaze if your wings were formed of thin material?”
Brandon shook his head. “I’d choose wings of heavier stuff, like sailcloth.”
Shariel said, “With heavy sailcloth as wings, you’d be grounded. Their body structure is marvelous!”
“They conserve energy. I noticed they float rather than pump their wings all the time.” Brandon chewed a piece of tasty pork. “I wonder if a sail built in the shape of a wing could lift me like that. I’d launch myself from a high peak and sail on the wind.”
“Why go to all that trouble when we can ride dragons?” Shariel asked.
“I can’t talk to them like you do,” Brandon said. “It’s safer in a manmade contraption than riding a creature with sharp talons and quick temper.” He gazed at the dragons ripping meat from the carcass.
Shariel said, “They won’t hurt a friend. How could you enjoy meat like this without them to hunt it down?”
“I’d carry my own rations.”
“Each to his own.” Shariel shrugged. “I enjoy the company of dragons. Think of all the ladies who’d beg for a ride. You’d be booked for a year at Havenshire.”
Brandon cast a sidelong glance at the one girl he hoped to impress. “I’d build a flying machine and give you a ride any day.”
“It’s too cold to stay on this ridge much longer. Let’s get moving.” Shariel stood and stretched, but Brandon averted his gaze from her figure.
Finished with their meal, the dragons groomed their talons until the humans climbed into the saddles. Shariel marveled at the docile dragons and tried to forget the carnage of their hunt.
Dazzle spread her wings and caught a strong updraft along the canyon walls. The wing membrane billowed as she banked and changed directions with slight adjustments of wing angle and tail tilts. Could Brandon build a contraption that mimicked dragon agility? She doubted it would be as versatile. Shariel stroked Dazzle’s neck and saw a display of purple starbursts spread across the wings.
I’d rather fly with Dazzle than any machine, she thought. The dragon echoed her feelings.
*****
Felesia relaxed in the spaceport cave and waited for the new dragons to arrive. Marra purred loudly and butted her arm again with her head. “I wish you wouldn’t demand so much attention after my adventure at sea.” Killer chattered and Arrow chirped. “See what you’ve done? Everyone wants attention so leave me alone for a few minutes.”
Suddenly alert, Flash raised her head and waddled outside. Felesia followed. Flash stretched her wings and stared at the sky. “Do you hear them?” Arrow launched herself from Felesia’s shoulder and circled overhead.
Specks winged toward the spaceport, silhouetted against the sunset. Felesia shouted, “We’ve got dragons to train!” Jordan and Felesia climbed down to the flat runway and waited for new arrivals. A whirlwind of beating wings stirred dust as squawking dragons greeted the new flock. Felesia met each new dragon as Marra watched from a safe distance.
“Where’s Andrew?” Shariel asked.
Felesia pointed to the cave. “He’s making plans with Marasuta, preparing for their show. Evidently Marasuta plays a key role in their surprise.”
“When is Salizar expected?” Shariel sounded worried about the desert riders.
“Tomorrow,” Felesia said. “Andrew’s in constant contact with Lauryn since their minds became linked.”
Shariel looked up and saw Aunt Bess speaking with Ronda. The older women stared at the dragons and Bess waved. “I must greet my mother,” Shariel said with resignation.
Felesia said, “Your mother? I thought Bess…”
“She raised me because my mother couldn’t stand to see Jarrack in my face. Don’t worry. I’m used to it now.” She marched up the hill without looking.
“Hello,” Ronda said. “I see you’ve made good use of your skills.”
Shariel glanced back at the dragons and smiled. “They’re beautiful. I love seeing pictures in their minds and learning to understand their color patterns.”
Ronda cast an uncomfortable glance at Bess, who frowned at her friend. Finally she said, “I’m sorry, Shariel.”
“About what?” Shariel snapped. “That you deserted me or that you branded me evil because of my blood?”
Her mother stiffened and her eyes narrowed. “I guess I deserve that. I’m sorry I didn’t take time to know the woman Bess raised. You’re a good person. Those children need a good role model, just like you needed Bess, and I’m proud of what you’re doing.”
Shariel’s mouth popped open, but she couldn’t say anything. Tears filled her eyes, and she nodded acceptance.
Ronda brushed hands against her pant legs. “Guess I’d better get my team in order. We’ve got a battle to wage in the morning.”
Shariel watched the lean woman amble down the hill, feeling astonished. “What did you tell her?” she asked Bess.
The small woman wrapped an arm around Shariel’s waist. “I explained how you summoned the dragons to rescue us and kept the guards frozen. I told her it was all because of the talent you inherited and said she was a fool to doubt your good heart. She needed to know the truth.”
“This time I saw something in her eyes. It wasn’t love. Last time I saw fear and hatred but now…”
“Respect is what you saw, and it’s well deserved, my girl. You’re doing something good for these kids, giving them a home and pride in their abilities. That’s a valuable gift. It helps them become good people, just like you.”
“I love you, Bess!” Shariel hugged her foster mother and their tears mingled when faces pressed against each other.
“I’ll always love you, my daughter,” Bess mumbled.
*****
As the caravan approached the spaceport, Lauryn scanned the sky above the escarpment for wings, and listened with half an ear to Tamarind’s dialogue. Salizar kept aloof, riding well ahead. Lauryn felt Andrew’s mind, a reassuring strength. She relished the touch, allowing Andrew to shield her from harsh thoughts from Salizar’s mother. Comforted by his touch, she forgot the real world.
“You didn’t hear a word I said!” Tamarind huffed. “What’s so fascinatin
g about those hills?”
Lauryn blinked and jolted upright. “I’m sorry. I was daydreaming.”
Tamarind brooded. “Salizar didn’t come to my tent last night. He drank and gambled with his men.”
Lauryn said, “I injured his male pride when I spurned him.”
Tamarind nodded. “His mother told me about her vision.”
“What did she say exactly?”
Tamarind cast a wary glance at the old woman riding ahead. Lauryn projected comforting thoughts to help the girl speak. “Salizar’s sons will raise a mighty army to defeat the infidels. All the great houses will sing praise to his memory.”
Hot tears stung Lauryn’s sun-burned skin, but Tamarind remained oblivious as the story spilled from her lips. Ancient promises will be fulfilled and great houses will rise from the sand.
The image of Salizar dying flashed into her mind. Have I marked Salizar for death? I don’t want him dead but I can’t warn him about the ambush. I can’t live as his captive so I must escape!
A flutter on the horizon caught Lauryn’s eye. It looked like a bird but Lauryn wondered if dragons prepared to attack and kill. She whipped her horse. The animal charged, responding to his rider’s panic, and Lauryn’s heart pounded. The thunder of hooves mixed with a yelping trill from eager warriors.
They chased her with savage emotions that beat upon her mind. Glad for a break in the tedious journey, the riders raced to catch the crazy witch.
Lauryn clung to the sweaty neck of her horse. Its braided mane whipped her face raw and the salty taste of blood mingled with the coarse grit of sand in her mouth. Her mind screamed when the riders caught her.
Hooting and howling, they circled her horse, jeering at her feeble attempt to escape. White teeth flashed against gnarled beards and ropes snaked through the air. She struggled in vain, biting, scratching and kicking, which added to their excitement. Dragged from her horse, she was smothered by a rainbow of rough linen and thrown across a horse like a bag of meal.
