Xochi! The mother dragon ran toward them, but suddenly stopped as if she had slammed into an unseen wall.
XOCHI! With an incredibly loud roar, Nayra reared back and slammed her forepaws upon the barrier as she desperately tried to reach her daughter. Each ferocious strike caused luminescence to flash, briefly making visible a kind of dome over Renata and Xochi.
Mildly surprised at how unconcerned she was, Renata looked back at the little dragon and smiled. She felt magic from an incredibly powerful spell, saw veins of radiance growing and branching over both her and Xochi’s skin from where they touched. She could sense the hatchling, the little dragon’s thoughts and emotions, her body, and most of all, her happiness.
Renata had to close her eyes then because there were so many lines of brilliance, still spreading, that the light was now too bright. But now she understood. They were supposed to meet. They were supposed to be together. And they would be, forever.
She wrapped her arms around Xochi’s neck and hugged her tight, bruise be damned. We are one, sweetling. We are one.
+ + + + +
Aeron sat bolt upright in bed. He looked through the door in his bedroom that lead to Anaya’s den. She stared at him.
Did you feel that? he asked her.
She blinked and said, I did. We are not alone anymore.
No, dear-heart, we aren’t.
Chapter 4
Minday, Secundy 13, 1874.
Afternoon.
Renata sat in a shaded spot outside the cave. In the sky above, Xochi and Nayra were flying. Nayra insisted her daughter start working her flying muscles.
Children must start flying the day after they hatch, Nayra had said. They must be prepared to fly, if needed.
In case the Order came after them, Renata had thought.
Can you see the different kinds of air?
Renata looked up and spotted Nayra, her daughter, much smaller, flying at her side.
Different kinds of air?
Some air is heavier. That air is sinking. In order to continue gliding, you must use the light air, the air flowing upward, to lift you so you can glide to the next column of light air. Every child must learn to tell the difference in the air.
I see it now. Do we have to speak in group?
Embarrassment came strongly through the link.
Renata is your, ah, bond-mate. She must learn these lessons so that she can monitor your progress as well.
Fine.
Renata sympathized with her bond-mate’s feelings. Learning something new in front of others could be distressing. Everyone must learn new skills at their own pace, sweetling. I’m proud of how quickly you’re learning to fly. A feeling of happy satisfaction came through the link.
Lead on to the next light air, daughter.
Last night, Nayra had been a firestorm of desperation, concern and deadly purpose when the invisible dome had dropped with the fading of the odd light. Renata had had the presence of mind to quickly step away from Xochi, to not be between her and her mother.
Luckily, the nervousness that seemed to be a part of dragons, at least before bonding, kept Nayra from immediately tearing Renata limb from limb in her worry for her child. Instead, she had run to Xochi and spent some time making sure her daughter was unharmed. The fact that Xochi had repeated over and over that she was fine, that Renata had done nothing, that Nayra should not hurt Renata, also may have helped.
The remainder of the evening and even this morning had been full of surprises. Xochi had access to a great deal of information, information that was revealed little by little.
She knew, for instance, that dragons were meant to bond with people, that bond-mates were meant for a purpose. What the purpose was, however, she wasn’t entirely sure.
Nayra was of the opinion that this purpose was why Renata and Xochi were supposed to meet.
For herself, Renata wondered who exactly it was that ‘meant’ for them to be together. She had come to the conclusion that the voice in Nayra’s dream might be this individual. Was it another dragon who had flown Nayra’s dream?
And then there was the powerful spell that had brought her and Xochi so much closer together. The Bond, Xochi called it. It had created an invisible link between them. It was an odd thing to be able to feel Xochi, hear her thoughts if the young dragon was thinking hard about something, and even feel her emotions. And the link worked both ways! Xochi felt the same things from her.
The young dragon also had the ability to ‘remember’ things her mother knew, as well as her mother’s mother, and so on, back through her mother’s line for a great number of generations. Some of the memories were pleasant, some not as much.
Xochi!
The shock and anger in Nayra’s voice drew Renata's attention upward. She rose to her feet, trying to locate the flying pair. When she finally spied them, she saw her bond-mate spinning like a pin-wheel, twisting through the air as she flew. Joy and amusement came through the link.
This is fun! You should try this mother!
You need more practice before you start . . . playing!
Xochi, Renata yelled, you must do as your mother instructs until you are more experienced! I don’t want to lose you! Evidently her bond-mate felt her fear through the link, because the joy Renata felt from Xochi turned to worry and shame.
I–I am sorry. I did not mean to scare you. Either of you. Xochi ended her roll and leveled out.
Relief flooded through Renata as she watched her bond-mate fly to her customary position next to her mother. That little dragon was going to be the end of her.
Very well. Nayra sounded less upset, though her tone was stern. Let us continue practicing.
It was going to take some time to get used to this new life with Xochi. Renata used to be alone, with no friends. Well, except for Isandath, though he felt more like a loving uncle. Now, she had to care for this bundle of energy. For the young dragon had changed drastically after the Bond. Initially shy and mostly quiet, Xochi was now outgoing, very talkative, and extremely curious—dangerously so at times.
This morning, they’d made their way up to the top of the heights to look out over The Scars. Xochi walked right up to the edge of the drop-off, nearly giving Renata a heart-attack. Feeling her panic, the little dragon looked around in fright, wondering what threat had scared her bond-mate. When Renata explained, Xochi merely said that the view was very pretty. Why would it be dangerous? The innocent curiosity and wonder about everything, the sheer exuberance the little dragon displayed, endeared her ever more strongly to Renata.
The absolute love she felt for Xochi was surprising in how quickly it had sprung into being after the Bond. Though, to be fair, she had liked the hatchling even before they were bonded. The helpless little thing, stumbling about, not yet used to its wings—how could she not feel for her? Even so, this love, she really didn’t think it was caused by the Bond or the link. No, it was enhanced by them. Being able to know Xochi so well, even her faults, it just made Renata feel that much closer to the tiny little terror.
That is enough for now.
Can we not fly for a little longer?
Not today. You must not strain your muscles. We will fly more each day to build your flying strength.
Renata could feel Xochi’s reluctance and her desire to disregard Nayra’s instruction through the link, but the hatchling followed her mother and they landed a few yards away.
Xochi padded quickly over to Renata and sat on her haunches, forepaws clasped together. I wish you could fly with us.
She does not have wings, Xochi. The humor in Nayra’s voice was clear. How can she fly?
Renata squatted down and hugged Xochi around the neck. I wish I could fly with you too.
I just— Xochi seemed unsure of her words. I think it would help with our purpose.
You spoke of this purpose earlier. Nayra walked over and lay down next to them, eyes on her daughter. What is it?
I do not know, exactly. But Renata and I are supposed to do something. We are mea
nt to do . . . something.
The dream, the voice, Nayra looked at Renata, it wanted my children to meet Isandath’s. Perhaps for this purpose?
Shaking her head, Renata said, I’m not sure. It’s possible, of course, but there is much we don’t know. If I were still in Bataan-Mok, I could search the archives for information. Although, all they would likely have is knowledge on how to harm your people. The Order isn’t exactly friendly to dra—
Xochi gave out a cry, unfurled her wings, and rose up on her haunches. What is it?
Renata turned to her bond-mate. I just remembered something. It is said that there is a boy, far to the north, who has a pet dragon.
Nayra tilted her head slightly. Pet?
Renata shook her head at Nayra. It doesn’t matter. That part of the rumor must be wrong. You aren’t animals. He doesn’t have a pet dragon. She looked at Xochi. It’s his bond-mate.
I felt them! The little dragon’s wings furled and unfurled as excitement surged through the link.
I did too, briefly, but had forgotten with everything that happened after.
Nayra was looking from Xochi to her and back. Felt them?
Just after the Bond, I . . . sensed others, like us, for a moment. It must have been this boy and his dragon.
Maybe they know what our purpose is!
Renata smiled at her bond-mate. That is exactly what I was thinking, too. We should go to this boy and his dragon, find out what, if anything, they know of this purpose.
Nayra lay her head on her forepaws and curled her tail around her. The tip was twitching.
Mother. Xochi stood and padded to the large dragon, placed her forepaws on her mother’s arm. The dream, your dream, lead us to this place, to Renata. To our purpose. If this boy and his dragon can help us discover what that is . . .
Nayra whimpered. I–I know. I just never thought that you would have to leave me.
I am not leaving you. I am fulfilling my purpose. She looked at Renata and then back at her mother. Our purpose. Besides, you have my brother and sister. You still have family. You will not be alone.
Nayra lifted her head. How do you—Oh. Your memories.
There is no need to make any decisions just yet. Renata sat next to her bond-mate and placed an arm over her shoulders. After all, Xochi still has much flying practice to do.
+ + + + +
It had been two days, and Sharrah was still in a good mood. How Willem felt about Aeron had been obvious to her for quite some time, and she could tell that Aeron had felt the same about Willem—he just hadn’t realized it yet.
She shook her head, smiling. Boys. Well, Aeron obviously realized how he felt the other night, and showed it in spectacular fashion. Sharrah wasn’t much into the honeyed romance thing, but she had to admit, watching her friends that night had put a lump in her throat.
When she arrived at the Dragon Stable, Jessip was standing outside at the fence. He’d been dropping by a lot lately. Even a few months ago it would have upset her. But the boy—no, he was eighteen—the young man had changed quite a bit since that evening at the fall trade fair.
It had been a surprise learning that he’d transferred to Animal Craft, and, at first, she almost felt offended by his presence. However, after arriving back in the Caer from the Farm, he worked hard, did his chores with an eye to doing them right, and, to top it all off, he loved horses. How could she not warm to him?
Sharrah smiled, looking up at him. “Good morning, Jessip.”
In the predawn light, his short, brick-red hair looked almost brown. “‘Morning, Sharrah.”
The weather was still cold enough yet, that their breath left little puffs in the air. Spring wouldn’t start for another week or so, bringing warmer morning temperatures with it.
The large doors slid open, and Aeron walked Anaya out into the courtyard. She made a welcoming sound, raising her head to Sharrah.
“‘Morning Sharrah, Jessip.” Aeron raised his hand in welcome before walking back into the stable and sliding the doors closed.
Anaya stretched and unfurled her wings, spreading them out. Her breath-clouds were more than a bit larger than theirs.
“She’s such a beauty,” Jessip murmured.
A quick glance revealed longing in his eyes. Interesting. “That she is,” Sharrah said. “But how would you compare her beauty to, say, that of horses?”
“Oh, horses have a beauty all their own.” His eyes never left Anaya. “Gorgeous creatures. Smart too. But, well, dragons are so . . .”
Sharrah chuckled. “Yeah.”
“I almost feel like I understand horses, can understand what they’re saying, in a way. But dragons? They actually talk. Well, you know what I mean.”
Aeron walked out of his study, grooming chest in hand. He walked over to Anaya, placed the chest on the ground, and began pulling out brushes.
“Good morning Jessip, Sharrah.” Liara walked up to the fence.
“Good morning,” Sharrah said.
“‘Morning.” Jessip spared her a quick glance before turning back to Anaya.
“She’s grown so much,” Liara said, watching Aeron as he used a dandy brush on Anaya, “since that first night we all met her.”
Jessip nodded. “She was such a small thing, then. Well, compared to now, anyway.”
Anaya lifted her right wing, and Aeron continued brushing, moving below it.
“It’s kind of impressive that he’s been raising her all by himself this whole time.” Liara was smiling as she watched Aeron.
“Actually,” Sharrah began, “we’ve all—”
“Do you think he could use some help, caring for her?”
“‘Morning everyone.” “Good morning.” Willem and Cheddar had arrived. Willem continued into the courtyard, while Cheddar stopped next to Sharrah.
“Good morning.” Sharrah smiled at Cheddar.
“How’s Anaya doing?” Willem asked.
Aeron grinned as Willem approached. “Good.”
Liara, who’d only glanced briefly away from Aeron, said, “I don’t know, maybe I’ll ask Master—”
Having reached them, Willem gave Aeron a quick peck on the lips. He grabbed another brush from the grooming chest and began brushing Anaya as well.
Sharrah saw the exchange and heard Liara stop talking. Turning, she saw the girl had gone pale. “Liara, I didn’t get a chance to tell—”
“I’m late.” Liara stared at Aeron. “I mean, I have to study. I have a test this afternoon.” Without another word, she walked away, rounded the corner of the building, and was gone.
“Must be an important test,” Cheddar remarked. “She looked like she was going to cry.”
Sharrah rolled her eyes. Were all boys completely blind? Letting out an exasperated breath, she said, “Yeah.”
Cheddar walked over to Aeron, Willem, and Anaya.
Jessip murmured, “That’s one of the things I used to hate about him.”
Sharrah, brows furrowed, looked at Jessip. He hated Cheddar?
“Aeron’s so damn likeable. I think I started picking on him because I was jealous. I’ve never been very good with people, not since—well, anyway, it seems to come naturally to Aeron. People just like him. Some, even more than others.”
Okay, maybe not all boys. Sharrah filed away this bit of information. “Poor Liara. Aeron and Willem started going steady a couple of days ago. I knew she fancied him, but I completely forgot to tell her about them. I wonder what I should do. Should I find her now, talk with her?”
Jessip shrugged. “Like I said, I’m not very good at that kind of stuff.”
With the three boys, Anaya’s brushing was finished quickly. Kind of a dragon version of a bath, they brushed her down every two days or so. First with a dandy brush, then, with a body brush. The two kinds of brushes, sort of borrowed from horse use, would do until they could determine if there was a better type for dragons.
As the three lead Anaya back inside, Sharrah turned to Jessip. “Want to join us for breakf
ast?” Despite his self-deprecating comments, he’d known the real reason Liara was upset. Perhaps there was even more to this former bully than was initially apparent.
“Uh, sure. If you think it’ll be okay?”
“Of course.”
As they walked to the Dining Hall, Cheddar said, “Hey, did any of you see the announcement posted about the nahual Aeron and Millinith examined?”
Willem nodded. “Yeah, I saw it.”
Cheddar smiled, a glint in his eye. “More positive publicity for Aeron and Anaya, for dragons, wouldn’t you say?”
Sharrah frowned. “I wouldn’t call it publicity, exactly, it’s not like it’s an ad for dragons. Lord Baronel and the masters are just keeping people informed about what’s happening.”
Arm around her waist, Cheddar pulled her closer and laughed. “True, but you know what I mean.”
“Speaking of dragons,” Aeron said, “Don’t miss the meeting this afternoon. I have some important news.”
Sharrah couldn’t quite read his expression. He seemed concerned, but not alarmed, and maybe a little excited. What was he going to tell them?
+ + + + +
Morning sunlight burnished the tops of buildings as Gregor walked along the cobbled road on his way to the mail station. He’d left breakfast a little early to give himself time before the shift started at the infirmary.
He didn’t get a letter with every week’s delivery, but he checked just the same. Letters from home had come to mean quite a bit to him. In the years since Dayna’s death, he’d relied more and more on them for a sense of normalcy.
A flash of regret made him frown. He’d vowed to join Lord Baronel’s investigation into nahual in memory of her, but had been side-tracked by Healing Craft. Not that his reason for taking up healing arts was frivolous. If there had been a healer on the survey team, they might have been able to save her. And knowing what he now knew about healing, he was sure of it. Even with all the blood loss.
“Ah! Gregor! My favorite customer.”
He laughed. “Master Malho, you say that to all your customers, I’m sure.”
“Not so, not so! You are my favorite customer.”
“My mother is your favorite customer. I send far fewer replies than she sends me letters.”
The Bond (Book 2) Page 8
