“Good,” Master Doronal said. “We have a limited number of instructors at the moment, so I think it best if we can get a large first group all together at the same point in training, rather than have to add more later. More that will be behind in the lessons.”
“I’ve seen all of you here in the evenings before,” Master Canneth said, “so you probably already know that we do measurements of Anaya at that time, recording the figures in a log book. Part of your chores will be to begin assisting with that, to familiarize yourself with the process for when you have your own dragon to care for.”
“My own dragon to care for.” Cheddar’s whisper sounded awed.
“Those chores will begin this evening,” Master Canneth continued, “after dinner. You’ll all assist with Anaya’s measurements each night. Your Animal Craft training, as such, will begin next week, on Therday.”
“As for Magic Craft,” Master Doronal said, “you all know that it is dangerous unless treated with respect. You will need to be diligent in your studies, and you should come to me, or Millinith, once she returns, with any and all questions. Your lessons with me will begin next week, on Duviday.”
“And that’s all for now,” Master Canneth said. “If you’ll excuse us, Master Doronal and I need to visit the barracks to make arrangements for guards at the sinkhole.”
Dinner was lively that evening, everyone chatting excitedly about being preselected for dragonlinked. Aeron, on the other hand, didn’t feel like chatting.
“Some of us will have a leg up with Animal Craft, right Sharrah?” Jessip turned to her.
She nodded. “I suppose. Though, we learned this afternoon that dragons have differences, some major, from other animals.”
“Dragons aren’t animals,” Aeron murmured. “They’re people, just like us.”
“We’re animals, too,” Sharrah said. “Technically. But I take your point. They are people.”
“It’s the Magic Craft studies that worry me.” Liara’s lips twisted in a frown.
“Me, too.” Jessip poked at his food with a fork.
“Well,” Willem remarked, “once you get dragons, they’ll help with that. Anaya helps you with spells, right Aeron?”
Aeron looked at Willem.
I hoped you’d be next, he thought. I wanted you to be next. But with all these others . . .
“Aeron?”
“Yeah, she helps me.”
+ + + + +
I wonder what he is doing, right now.
Renata looked up. It was difficult to locate her bond-mate in the night sky, especially with the gentle sway of the horse’s gait, but that was the point of traveling at these hours. Even knowing what to look for, all she got was a brief glimpse of the dragon, a fast-moving dark outline against a large patch of stars. What who’s doing?
The dragon boy. Do you think he is having as much fun as we are?
She smiled. Xochi always looked at things in the best light possible. I do. How could anyone with a bond-mate not have fun?
I cannot wait to meet him.
Renata wondered how long that would take. Yesterday, questions at the village had revealed no new information about the boy. Going in had been dangerous, too. Though across the desert from Bataan-Mok, the Order still had influence there. A few minutes had been required to convince Xochi to remain hidden outside the village while she went in.
Even though it was easily double the size of where she was from, walking along its streets and seeing everyone’s daily routine made her surprisingly homesick. Even after all these years, half a life, she missed the simple times from her village. She’d had friends there and a family. It had been home.
Her casual inquiries at the market failed to reveal anything new about the rumor. There were plenty of food staples available, however, and she would return once she acquired a horse. What kind of price she got on the mount would affect what she could afford to buy.
Luckily, she was able to haggle the farrier at the livery down to a decent price on a good, steady mare. Afterward, she picked up flour, sugar, salt, and a little pepper—that one was expensive! She also purchased some potatoes, carrots, onions and dry beans. All were packed away in sacks hanging off Muffin’s saddle.
The mare was remarkably calm when Xochi gamboled out of the ravine to greet them. Muffin merely raised her head a bit as the little dragon scampered about. Renata lead Muffin back to the gully, to the camp. The tiny terror, who stood half as tall as Muffin’s legs, didn’t seem to bother the horse. Would she continue to feel that way once the dragon was full-grown?
Xochi eagerly padded along with them, running and leaping occasionally to keep up. Is this a horse? You said you were going to buy one.
It is, sweetling. Try not to scare it.
It does not feel scared, just . . . calm.
Good. Let’s try to keep her calm. I don’t want to be thrown from Muffin and hurt myself in the fall.
Muffin?
That’s her name, the horse.
A spike of mirth shot through and Xochi emitted a series of clipped chirps, giggling. What a funny name! I like it.
That village was now a day behind them and the rocky waste half a day more. They were fortunate that the desert narrowed here, on its eastern end. Crossing further west in the Whispering Sands, the deepest and most arid part of it, would not have been possible for them.
Renata would miss the dry, dusty region. As difficult as life could be at times, there was a kind of beauty and serenity to everything. And, too, it was what she knew.
She glanced at a group of trees they were passing. One of them was close enough that its branches reached over the hard-packed trail. Like its fellows, the monstrous thing was at least twenty feet tall, and it was doubtful her arms would reach around any one of their massive trunks. The towering giants in these lands made those from home look like nothing more than overgrown shrubs.
There were more and more of these clusters of trees now. In fact, several loomed nearby in the darkness. Were they what were called forests?
Once I get bigger, do you suppose you would be able to ride on me like you do Muffin?
Renata grunted. I hadn’t thought about that. Perhaps. The dragon boy rumor does say he rides his dragon, after all. And If I do, we can sell Muffin. She searched the sky for her bond-mate, but even with Hemet nearly half-full, she failed to spy the rust-colored dragon. We won’t try for a while, though. You’ve still got some growing to do.
I am going to fly a little longer each night to get stronger.
You do that, love.
She checked the constellations. Good. The rough road was still heading north. The next village, a town they’d called it, was several days’ ride along this trail, which was perfect. She wanted to keep going north as much as possible while seeking information about the rumor.
Flicking the reins, she got Muffin to a trot. Though not yet used to riding again, several muscles were complaining, Renata wanted to make up some of the time she’d spent in the village. Trotting Muffin for a bit, with walks between to rest, should let them keep to a decent pace.
The dragon boy would be found. And sooner, rather than later.
Chapter 9
Therday, Secundy 28, 1874.
Morning.
Arms pinned to his sides, he tossed and turned, trapped within twisted blankets.
Aeron.
“No,” he murmured, struggling. “W–What if I fail?”
Aeron, wake up.
“Anaya?” Eyes blinking, he turned over and looked into her den.
We must go see Nenet. She has laid her egg.
What! A half-dead arm hampered his efforts to remove himself from the covers. Pins-and-needles and a dull ache eventually faded after vigorous rubbing. At the wardrobe, he began getting dressed.
When did she lay it?
Just now.
Good. Why did it take her so long? I thought they usually went to their chosen spot a day or two before?
I do not know. Perhaps sh
e was not sure of how we would receive her so came to us earlier than normal?
Aeron nodded. That makes sense. Alright. I’m going to go tell Master Doronal. Ulthis’ Eyes over Yrdra’s Gate he’ll want to go, too.
Ulthis’ eyes?
It’s from dicing. If you roll two ones—uh, never mind. I meant that I’m sure he wants to go, too.
He did.
“This is most exciting!” The magic craft master had to yell over the air rushing past.
Aeron leaned back. “Yes, sir, it is!”
Shades of green and brown covered the land below, spring’s mantle of life. The bright morning light intensified all colors. Flowers and young leaf buds bursting with potential added their own. Spatters of pink, red, yellow, blue and white dotted the landscape.
Far to the left, a hawk soared. It must have spied prey, because it suddenly dove. Not long after, Anaya began her own spiral downward to the sinkhole.
Holding a lantern up, Aeron lead the way down the passage. Master Doronal followed him with Anaya at the rear.
“I’m sure Master Canneth, Sharrah and Gregor will want to come as well,” Aeron said.
“I’m sure you’re right, but let’s see how receptive she is to us before we plan on having a crowd over.”
“Good point.”
Would you let her know we’re coming, dear-heart?
I have. She seems calm enough. And happy.
Happy?
A happy mother.
Ah, yes. Aeron still wondered what had happened to Anaya’s mother, Malina. His bond-mate didn’t talk much about it—whether or not she wondered, too—but there was the sense that she missed her mother in some way. He completely understood.
When Aeron stepped into the cavern, he said, Congratulations, Nenet, on your egg.
C–Congratulations?
It means that I wish you well, that I am praising you on a job well-done or on reaching an important stage.
I see. Thank you.
The three reached the bottom of the ramp. Nenet stood close to the egg, wings partially open. He and Master Doronal drew closer to the nervous mother and her child, but stopped a dozen feet back.
And what a beautiful egg it is! Aeron was amazed. Bold patterns in gold and red mottled the surface and a wide splash of black arced over one side.
“I completely agree,” Master Doronal said. He bowed to the mother dragon. “Well done, Nenet.”
She let out a pleased rumble, then sat and settled her wings on her back.
Anaya stepped closer to her, extended her neck, and then brushed the side of Nenet’s face with the side her own. After a quick touch of their noses, Anaya turned to the egg and said, Nenet has done well!
Both dragons made happy little chirps.
The single egg again reminded Aeron that Willem was now one of five or six candidates. Was the dragon even going to be male?
Can you tell what sex the baby is, Anaya?
I cannot. It is too young.
Aeron stared at the future of dragonlinked. A future he wished he knew more about.
+ + + + +
Sharrah walked with Cheddar as they made their way to the dragon stables. “Something’s bothering Aeron,” she said.
The rhythmic clomping of horses and the sharp sound of horseshoes and metal-shod wheels on the cobblestone road came from a passing carriage.
“What makes you say that?” Cheddar’s arm went around her, hand at her waist.
She put her arm around him and said, “He’s been, I dunno, quieter than normal, lately. You’d think that Nenet laying her egg would be the best news ever, but when he and Master Doronal came back this morning, he still seemed bothered by something.”
“Hmm. I hadn’t really noticed, but now that I think about it . . . he has seemed a little grim.”
“Especially considering how crazy–happy he was when he and Willem started seeing each other. Now, the only time he smiles is when Willem is around, and even then he doesn’t smile much.”
“Do you think they’re having problems?”
Sharrah had considered that, but Willem seemed fine. The only time her blond friend looked concerned about anything was when he, too, took note of Aeron’s somberness. “I don’t think so.”
“You could always ask him.” He looked at her.
“I know that, dummy.” She poked him in the ribs. “I was just thinking out loud, hoping something would come to me.”
As they walked in the courtyard gate, a horse came trotting up.
“Ho, there. Is this the dragon stable?” A boy, perhaps fifteen or sixteen, had called down to them.
Sharrah watched him, wary. “It is.”
“Golden!”
He looked like he was about to dismount, so Sharrah quickly said, “May I ask what your business is here?”
“I’m looking for Aeron. I met him and Anaya last month.” He must have seen doubt on their faces, because he went further, saying, “They came to investigate an attack near Cotter’s Grove.”
“Oh,” Sharrah said. This must be the boy Aeron had talked about meeting. “Are you Fillion?”
“Yes. Aeron mentioned me?” He smiled.
“Sure. He told us everything about the trip out there.”
“Why don’t you stable your horse across the road,” Cheddar said, pointing, “and come inside. I’m pretty sure he’s here now.”
“Yeah. We’ve got training in a few minutes, so he’s bound to be.”
As Fillion rode off, they walked inside.
“I heard you guys talking to someone,” Aeron said. “Was it another person asking about dragons?”
Sharrah glanced at Cheddar and grinned. “Yes.”
“I hope you sent whoever it was away.” Aeron’s voice was a little sharp and he seemed upset.
“Well,” Cheddar said, “we sent him to the east stables, to tie up his horse.”
“Horse?”
“Yeah.” Sharrah nodded. “He rode a few days to get here.”
“Guys,” Aeron rubbed his face and let out a breath. “We don’t need more people who want dragons hanging around. It’s bad enough that more people drop by and stand around the fences since Nenet showed up, but now you invite one in?”
Turning toward the den, he said, “What boy, Anaya?”
“Don’t ruin the surprise, Anaya.” Sharrah laughed.
“Surprise?” Aeron looked at Sharrah, then Cheddar. “What do you mean?”
Chuckling, Cheddar said, “Oh, you’ll see.”
There were voices outside and the investigation office door opened.
“—should be here,” Liara said, walking in. She was followed by Jessip, and then by Fillion.
“Fillion!” Aeron ran up to him and grabbed his hand, shaking it. After a quick hug, he stood back and said, “This is a surprise!” He shot a grin at Sharrah and Cheddar.
“Well,” Fillion said, blushing, “I heard that another dragon was here.”
“You heard about her, already?” Aeron looked concerned.
Fillion nodded. “Yeah, news got to Cotter’s Grove three days ago. I took a day to make sure it wasn’t a crap rumor, then I rode here as fast as I could.”
“What about your dad, Elder Cayo?” Aeron said. “Is he okay with you coming all this way?”
Fillion shrugged. “Sure. I told him I wanted to get away for a while and see this new dragon, maybe visit with you and Anaya. He was fine with it. Besides, I needed to get away from there.”
“What do you mean?” Aeron said.
Fillion looked at the people around him, then back at Aeron. “Well, I haven’t forgotten you and Anaya, haven’t been able to stop thinking about your visit, or talking about it. Everyone calls me dragon-crazy. Some even think I made the whole thing up.”
“Surely they remember that we went there to investigate the attack at the farm.”
“They do! And still they make fun of me. So, I decided to come visit.”
“Well,” Liara said, smiling. “I’m su
re you’ll have a pleasant stay.”
“Besides,” Jessip said, “we’re all a little dragon-crazy here. You’ll fit right in.”
They all shook hands with Fillion and started talking about—what else?—dragons. Sharrah was glad to see that Aeron’s mood had lifted.
Willem walked in then, saw Fillion talking with Aeron, and looked at Sharrah. “We have a visitor?”
“Willem!” Aeron strode over to him. “You remember when I told you guys about the trip to Cotter’s Grove? This is Fillion.”
The brown-haired boy walked over to Willem, hand extended. “Nice to meet you.”
Willem shook hands. “Likewise.” He moved next to Aeron, put his arm around him. “What brings you to Caer Baronel?”
Fillion’s gaze flicked to Willem’s hand at Aeron’s waist. After glancing at Aeron, Fillion looked back at Willem, smiling. “I came to see this new dragon we heard of back home. And to see Anaya again, of course.”
Sharrah watched the exchange. Poor Fillion. He was quick on the uptake, though. Looking at Aeron, she wondered just how many hearts he would break.
It wasn’t as if he was stunningly handsome, and he certainly didn’t flirt. In fact, she doubted he even knew how. He was just a really nice guy, for the most part, and you liked being around him. She glanced at Jessip. The older boy was right about that point.
“Have you seen Anaya, yet?” Willem asked Fillion.
“Not yet.”
“Well, let’s go see her!” Willem lead them into her den.
Anaya made a little happy bark and extended her nose toward Fillion.
“She remembers me!” He reached out his hand and stroked the side of her face. “Gods, but she’s just the most golden thing on planet Lethera.”
Anaya let out a happy rumble.
“She really is,” Jessip said.
Liara nodded. “Dragons are my new dream. I know that boys are usually the ones interested in them, but I think girls who aren’t just haven’t met one yet.”
New dream, huh? Sure that she knew what Liara’s old dream had been, Sharrah glanced at Aeron.
The sound of a door opening back in the office drew all their gazes.
“Ah, we have a visitor.” Master Canneth walked into the den area followed by Gregor.
The Bond (Book 2) Page 16
