He remembered one time when she was only a few weeks hatched. She’d swallowed a handful of marbles. The look on Sharrah’s face when they found them in Anaya’s scat a few days later had been priceless.
“Now that’s a very welcome sight,” Willem murmured.
Aeron leaned to his left and quietly said, “What is?”
“You were smiling.”
Instead of making him feel better, it felt as if a giant were squeezing his heart. He’d been so withdrawn that a simple smile made Willem say that?
Aeron?
I’m fine, dear-heart.
You are not fine.
No, I’m not. But I will be.
I love you, you know. So does Willem.
Aeron closed his eyes. This problem needed to be resolved, and soon. But how? Yrdra’s ice–cold tits, how?
+ + + + +
Millinith wondered if not accepting the carriage had been a mistake. Caer Baronel was nowhere near as large as Delcimaar, so she was unused to walking as much as she had this day.
At least lunch with Enora had been pleasant. The meal had been so enjoyable, asking Enora if she’d already taken her mastery exam completely slipped Millinith’s mind. Still, it was good to see that life here seemed to be treating her friend well.
Back at the Gallia family residence, she lay on the bed in the guestroom, glad that there were a few hours before dinner. Her feet could use a rest and so could she.
A soft knock woke her up. After a brief moment of confusion, she said, “Yes?”
“Dinner will be served in a hour. Lady Erindia asked me to let you know.”
She could actually see his smile in his voice. How did he do that? “Thank you, Kaiden.”
“I’ll be back, just before, to show you to the dining room. I couldn’t bear the thought of you getting lost.”
A laugh burst past her lips. He really was a scamp. “You’re most kind.” Fading footfalls signaled his leaving.
She sat up. Alright. Thanks to Kaiden, there was plenty of time to get ready. Luckily, there was a water closet—with a bath—just for this room. After a very relaxing scrub, Millinith sent silent words of thanks to Master Doronal for insisting that she bring a few dressy outfits.
As she put on the second of the pair of obsidian earrings, another soft knock came from the door.
When she opened it, Kaiden stood in the hallway, staring at her.
Millinith stared back, brow raised. But after several seconds of silence, she blushed.
“I do apologize. With your blond hair and skin color, black suits you incredibly well. And now I also see what my aunt saw.”
“What do you mean?”
He held out his arm to her. She took it and accompanied him down the hallway.
“You’re pretty, make no mistake.” He glanced at her and smiled. Not his hyper-magic smile, just a normal smile. Infuriatingly, it made him even more attractive. “But there’s more to you than that.” He returned his gaze to the hallway ahead of them. “Confidence, competence, and a strong will. More importantly, the little girl’s still in there, giggling, blushing, and looking at the world with wonder.”
Millinith had no response. She stared ahead, hoping she wouldn’t blush again.
“He damn well better know what he’s got.”
“I’m sorry?”
The mastery-level smile was back. “Nothing. Just mumbling to myself.”
The dinner table, Millinith noted, was too long to fit in the investigation office. If they tried, at least five feet would extend out the door. Of course, they’d have to knock out the walls around the door. The table was too wide for it.
Three people were already seated. Lady Erindia smiled from the end of the long table. To her left sat a heavy-set gentleman. He had a military air about him. Next to him sat a woman, perhaps his wife. Lady Erindia nodded to Kaiden and he lead Millinith to the empty settings to Lady Erindia’s right.
The meal consisted of a great deal of wine, some kind of roast birds—pheasant, she thought she heard—an assortment of delicious vegetables, and the tastiest dessert she’d ever had: an iced cream confection made with berries, honey, and airy whipped cream.
Coffee was served after, and as she sipped the slightly-bitter brew, she tried to remember the names of the two people seated across the table. They were part of the Gallia family—the woman was indeed the man’s wife, and he was a cousin of of Master Doronal. Lady Weria and Lord Terton! She stopped herself from snapping her fingers just in time.
“Miss Millinith,” Lord Terton said, “tell me, how go the nahual investigations? Doronal hasn’t really sent many details about your exploits to us.”
Millinith glanced at Lady Erindia, wondering how much could be disclosed. The matron of the family wore a little mysterious smile. Millinith looked back at the large man.
“Master Doronal,” she tried very hard not to emphasize his title, “has been quite busy. I’m sure he’d keep his mother and family better informed, otherwise. The investigation goes as well as can be expected. We’ve traveled to nearly every attack site in the region around Caer Baronel, searched them for clues about nahual, and interviewed a number of witnesses and survivors. Recently, we were even able to investigate a nahual den, dug dozens of feet into a small hill. It was dark, close, and thick with nahual stench. And I’ve also had the opportunity to dissect several nahual carcasses.”
Lady Weria let out a little gasp.
Millinith’s gaze flicked to the delicate-looking woman before returning to the man across the table. “We’ve gathered a lot of information and learned a great deal about them. Much remains unknown, however. For instance, we have a theory that the reason they attack people is to drain them of animus. We think it is because they need it to reproduce. Exactly how it is used, however, remains a mystery.”
Kaiden sat forward. “That’s incredible! I have to say, Doronal, at least in the few missives he’s sent Lady Erindia, makes the investigation sound somewhat dull. But you make it seem exciting.”
Lady Erindia lifted her coffee cup. “Indeed. Tell me, how did you get involved with,” she took a sip, “the investigation?” Her lips still curved with the little smile.
Millinith remained unsure of what to make of the woman’s expression. “I actually started in Animal Craft, where I reached adept rank before switching to Magic Craft. Later, I went to Caer Baronel for its opening. Not long after I arrived, a nahual attacked one of the survey teams, killing a girl. Lord Baronel started the investigation efforts to keep something like that from happening again. Master Doronal was my mastery mentor, so he knew of my craft history and felt my dual-craft background was perfect for lead investigator.”
“So you started in Animal Craft. That’s incredibly fortunate, what with the involvement of dragons now.”
Millinith nodded. “It is. And they’re very helpful with the investigation. Well, Anaya is. We don’t have more, as of yet.”
“Is there anything you would do differently, if you could?” Lady Erindia sipped her coffee again, watching Millinith.
“I don’t believe so. We don’t really have a lot of options on how to proceed. We’re doing the best we can, for the moment.”
“Perhaps there will be more options available one day.”
The conversation turned to other things, and Millinith tried her best to follow along and participate. But the food and wine, and all the walking about town earlier, soon had their effect on her. The short nap before dinner and the coffee after were not enough to keep her eyes from getting heavy.
“Miss Millinith, are you alright?” Kaiden appeared worried.
Millinith shook her head. “I’m sorry. Suddenly, I’m quite tired.”
“Kaiden,” Lady Erindia said, “would you be a dear and escort her to the guestroom?”
“I do apologize. Today was very busy, and I’m not used to so much wine.”
“No need to apologize,” Lady Erindia said. “Long coach trips can be exhausting. You’ll feel bette
r in the morning.”
Millinith lay in the very comfortable bed and stared at the patterned wallpaper on the ceiling. Master Doronal’s mother was a puzzle. When they’d first met, it seemed as if they got along well. Then, a strange undercurrent filled all their conversations. It seemed as if the woman was probing Millinith’s defenses, examining her, dissecting her.
That was a strange image. Must be the wine.
She turned on her side and tucked her hands under the pillow, beneath her cheek. The next stage to Caer Baronel wouldn’t leave for two days. She couldn’t wait.
+ + + + +
As they neared the end of their journey, Renata’s thoughts turned to home. Well, to Bataan-Mok, anyway. Had Nayra contacted Isandath? And if so, had he approved of Renata’s idea? And what of Polandra? Had she heard Isandath’s words? Had she seen the truth behind the Order’s lies? Or was Isandath exiled, or worse, dead?
A cool breeze blew past, making her shiver. Above, the stars were bright points of light in a velvet sky.
Sweetling, what do you think of my idea that your brother and sister might still bond one and two years after they hatched?
I think it is a good idea.
What about you? If you and I were not bonded, would you still bond someone that many years later?
I think so. Being linked to you is the best thing, ever. I cannot find anything in any memories that is better. Not even mating! Which seemed to be mostly rolling around, anyway, in cramped—
I don’t think we need discuss that right now. A few images had come through the link, making Renata grateful that the night hid her burning cheeks. She said, How can you be sure you would bond someone if you were older? Having experienced the Bond and the link, you know what it is like. But dragons who have not, don’t know these things.
Oh. I see what you mean.
Renata sighed. Maybe her idea wouldn’t work. Maybe Nayra’s other children wouldn’t bond with Polandra. Even so, at least Nayra and Polandra would meet. And Nayra could—
It was north, ahead of them.
A burst of surprise was felt through the link by both bond-mates before light drew Renata’s attention to her arms. Each arm, just above the wrist, had a band of light, growing brighter. From the sky, she saw similar light from what must be Xochi. The light off her arms became so bright, she had to close her eyes.
Muffin let out a snort and stopped walking.
Renata! We must go, now, quickly.
Go where?
To our purpose!
Our purpose?
I understand now!
The light faded, and she opened her eyes. Xochi paced along the ground below.
We must go, the little dragon said. We must go and . . . and kill this thing. Come.
Xochi padded ahead, then dashed to a near run.
Sweetling, wait for me! Flicking the reins, Renata got Muffin to a trot. Even though horses had good night-vision, she didn’t dare risk injuring Muffin with a faster pace. Hemet was a mere sliver at this time of month, and Duvin wasn’t up yet. It was fairly dark, with only the stars providing any light.
Ahead in that darkness, she could sense . . . something. How, though? Was this like Xochi’s ability to tell when people or animals were near? Was this a person she sensed? Or was it some kind of creature?
Xochi, slow your dragon butt down this instant. We will meet this thing, whatever it is, together.
There were only the briefest flickers of impatience before she said, Okay.
Renata caught up, and Xochi ran beside Muffin.
The little dragon looked up at her and let out an excited bark. We run!
Even as worried as she was, Renata smiled. That we do.
Her bond-mate’s excitement faded somewhat as they continued north. They could tell they were getting closer, but whatever it was they sensed, it was much farther than expected. Nearly an hour passed before they came upon it.
The beast was waiting for them.
It stood in the faint starlight, slightly hunched, in an open area between clumps of trees. The creature looked like it might have black fur, but details about it were difficult to make out. Its dark gaze followed as Renata approached. She looked for a good spot to fight from, an area clear of brush and rocks, someplace with better footing.
Muffin seemed wary of the creature as they drew closer, so Renata dismounted. She and Xochi stood together.
Do you know what this is? Renata did not take her eyes from the disturbing thing. It was almost human-looking, but there was something . . . off about it.
I do not. I only know that we must fight it.
Why?
It is our purpose.
Alright. How do we do that?
I . . . am not sure.
Renata had a dagger, and the ayllu, of course. She’d taken to carrying the throwing weapon on her in case they came across small game. Maybe she could trip the thing up, tangle it long enough to let her get in for a kill. Circling around the beast, she removed the ayllu from her belt. Lifting it over her head, she began spinning it, the leather cords whipping through the air.
Beware!
Xochi’s warning came just as magic pulsed from the creature. A spell wrapped around Renata, locked into place, and a calm feeling began to spread through her. Shock made her stop spinning the ayllu. The leather-wrapped stones spun around, slowed, and bounced to a stop against her raised arm.
There is nothing to worry about, a strange not-thought purred in her mind. Relax. Lay down.
Renata!
Why did Xochi sound upset? Renata wanted to tell her bond-mate that she was fine. For some reason, she couldn’t find the energy to do so. It was just so peaceful. Maybe she would lie down.
The thing turned to Xochi and crouched.
What was it doing? Was it going to attack Xochi? If it did, if it killed her bond-mate, there would be no one else. She’d be alone—without friends, without family, without anyone.
No. Being alone was terrible. I don’t want to be alone again!
Renata looked again at the spell wrapped around her, and a memory, a routine took over. There, there, and there. With weak spots located, she broke the enchantment and the terrible tranquility cleared from her mind.
The creature spun on her. It somehow knew that she’d lifted the spell.
Months ago, learning how had seemed ridiculous. Why would a Manisi need to know how to lift a spell? She’d figured all they needed to know was how to kill dragons. Well, the reasons for teaching them that particular lesson were still unclear, but she was thankful that they had.
Do not harm Renata! A pulse of magic came both through the link and from the direction of Xochi. A spell snapped around the dark creature.
Renata was stunned. Dragons could use magic?
The beast had started to turn to Xochi, but was now still, unmoving.
Had Xochi’s spell done that? She’d figure it out later. Right now, Renata had to focus on killing that beast. Its mind-numbing enchantment was very effective. The thing needed to die before it got a chance to use it again.
Eyes narrowed, she assessed the beast before her. It had no wings, but it did have legs. She cast a spell, locking them in place, rooting them to the ground. Removing her dagger, she approached the fearsome thing.
It must have broken Xochi’s spell then, because it suddenly hissed and looked at Renata.
Another cast of her own spell and the creature fell backward, to the ground, its arms rooted now as well. She had to hurry, before it broke her own spells. Renata ran to the beast.
It stank. Horribly. She had to hold her breath when she got within arm’s reach of it.
Hissing and frothing at the mouth, the beast struggled, twisting and writhing. Its legs were suddenly loose, and a sharp jolt felt like a punch in Renata’s gut.
Hurry!
Renata didn’t answer. Her arm shot out, and with a quick stroke, she slit the beast’s throat.
Hissing turned to gurgling, and its struggle exploded into a
frenzy. Spittle shot from its mouth, some of it dark, as blood gushed from the wound at its throat. Its body bounced upon the ground, thrashing, legs kicking wildly. Muscles in its arms bunched and strained as it tried to free itself.
Within a few moments, however, its movements slowed, weakened, and then ceased. A last gurgling sigh escaped its monstrous mouth.
A massive twitch shook Renata’s entire body. “Gods! That was the most disturbing thing, ever!” She turned to Xochi.
The little dragon ran to her. I am sorry!
Renata squatted and wrapped her arms around Xochi. Whatever for?
I did not know what to do! I was so scared when it put that spell on you. It wanted to kill you. It wanted to kill us! Separating herself, the little dragon ran to the dead beast and stood over it. A strong pulse of hatred came through the link. We will kill you all!
Renata stood just as a blast of flame shot forth from her bond-mate’s opened mouth. Xochi!
Surprise came through the link, but her bond-mate quickly recovered and hunched lower, closer to the creature. The fire breath didn’t last for very long, ten, maybe fifteen seconds. It was enough, however, to disfigure the beast, burn off much of its fur.
Afterward, Xochi turned to her. I can help next time.
Still twitchy and full of energy from the fight with the creature, this latest shock didn’t affect Renata as much as it may have another time. Yes, sweetling, you certainly can.
She examined the smoky remains, but due to their charred nature, and the fact that the light was poor, she didn’t really learn much.
It was shaped similarly to a human. It’s legs were a little too long, as were its arms, and all of them ended in ugly, sharp claws. Its head was . . . wrong. A touch too long, the narrow skull made its unnaturally wide mouth, filled with large, sharp teeth, even more disturbing. The entire beast was a nightmare.
Blowing stink from her nose, Renata backed away from the burned carcass. It was dead. What more did she need to know? She tossed aside the stick she’d used to poke at the creature. Enough time had been wasted here.
Muffin didn’t seem like she’d been affected at all by the fight. She walked along as if she’d just witnessed them fill a bushel of apples. Renata was grateful. There had been so many surprises this night that having nice, trusty Muffin still act like nice, trusty Muffin was a relief. A pat on the mare’s neck was rewarded with a soft nicker.
The Bond (Book 2) Page 18
