by Avril Sabine
“Edana. Stop. I need to know if I can have a life. You’ve taught me to read, write, ride and find information when I need it. It’s my turn to see if I can use what I’ve learned to move onto the next stage. You were right. I’m not one to stay on the fringes. One day I’ll have those servants you spoke about.”
“Fine. But I’m not coming to your execution if you fail.”
Fen laughed and let go of her hand. “I won’t fail.”
“No one can lie to a truthsayer. They can see a lie like most people see words on a page.”
“I won’t be lying.”
Edana gasped. “You can’t mean to tell them you stole him.”
“I’m not stupid.”
“But that’s the truth.”
“What had your father planned to do with him?”
“Kill him.”
“Then I saved his life.”
“They’ll want to know how.”
“It’s all taken care of. Trust me.”
“Huh. Trust you to lose your head.”
“I thought you had to go.”
“I might as well. I’m wasting my time here.”
“Keep an eye on the dragon court notices. I really want you there.”
Edana stared at him a moment longer. “When are you leaving?”
“Tomorrow. I need you to introduce yourself to me after the court hearing. Invite me to dinner or something. We need to meet officially.”
Edana nodded. “Of course, but-”
“No. No more arguments. I’m set on this course.”
Edana sighed. “I’ll see you at the dragon courts.”
Chapter Nine
Fen was calm as he waited for his turn. The wooden bench with the high back he sat on was uncomfortable. He looked around. The dragon court was full, since everyone had heard about the wild dragon that had bonded with a human. It was a rare event. Wild dragons tended to avoid people.
At the far end of the court was an oak dais where the judge sat, a truthsayer on one side and the court scribe on the other. At the entrance of the room were rows of packed benches and people standing along the rear wall. A low wall ran across the room, separating spectators from the judge’s area.
There were several squabbles about breeding rights to be settled before Fen could state his case. He focused on his breathing to keep himself calm. It was the biggest gamble of his life, but one he was confident he could pull off. He’d seen Edana in the crowd earlier. She’d looked worried, almost sickly. He hoped she managed to control herself during the test.
“We now come to the matter of Fenton Walsh and his wild dragon. If you could make your way to the front?”
Fen rose and walked to the bench in front of the judge. He’d chosen the name Walsh after the author of the first book on dragon care he’d read. He knew all citizens had a last name, unlike the poor and homeless. He felt like his name was Walsh. He wasn’t the same boy who’d staggered out of the streets the day Rhone had nearly beaten him to death. And he was fairly certain the truthsayer would hear it in his words.
“State your name,” the judge said. He was an older man, long since bald, the only hair a tightly clipped grey beard.
“Fenton Walsh.”
“How did you come by a wild dragon? Now answer carefully. You do realise the capture of wild dragons is highly illegal,” the judge said.
“Yes, Your Honour. And I didn’t capture him from the wild. I saved his life,” Fen said.
“How did you save his life?” the judge asked.
“I wrote it all down on my application, Your Honour.” Fen continued to meet the judge’s eyes.
The judge drummed his fingers on the table he was seated behind. “We need to hear you tell us in your own words.”
“Like the words I wrote?” Fen mentally urged him to give him the permission he needed.
“Yes.”
“You want me to tell you what I wrote?”
“Don’t be difficult. Tell us what you wrote on the application.”
They were the words Fen needed to hear. He cleared his mind and thought of the words he’d memorised and written on the application. “I was taking a boat up the river when I heard a dreadful noise. It sounded like an animal in pain. I rowed faster. I can hardly believe I rowed to the sound instead of away from it. And then I rounded a corner of the river and saw a wild dragon fighting with a swamp dragon. The swamp dragon was bigger and looked like he was going to win. I raised my bow and arrow, my boat still moving forward. I fired at the swamp dragon and seeing an armed person, it slithered into the water, leaving the dragon on the bank of the river. I rowed forward and saw the dragon was nearly unconscious. He’d been bitten on the nose by the swamp dragon.” Fen paused. The crowd was quiet as they all waited to hear how he had become one of the rare few to have a wild dragon.
“I was certain the dragon had no hope of survival. I mean, a swamp dragon bites a human and we all know they go insane. Well, I took the dragon home with me, cleaned him up and nursed him through a fever. I was amazed. Instead of madness, it caused illness. Once the dragon was well, I told him he could go. Instead, I found I had a shadow. I thought maybe he’d get bored of my company and leave, but he didn’t. In the end, I had to accept he had chosen me to look after him.” Fen remained relaxed, waiting for the judge.
The judge stared at Fen thoughtfully. “Where have you kept this dragon since that day?”
“The dragon’s been with me since the day I saved his life.”
The judge looked over at the truthsayer. At a nod, the judge turned back to Fen. “We can process your application. What are the details you want on the paperwork?”
“They’re all on the application, Your Honour.”
“You’re happy with these details? You’ve named the dragon River? Do you want to stick with that name?”
“You heard my story. What name do you think I should call him?”
There was a ripple of laughter from the crowd.
The judge glared at them and they abruptly quietened. He bent his head and filled in the paperwork for Fen. Once he finished he beckoned Fen forward. “I now pronounce the wild dragon, River, to be the property of Fenton Walsh, his owner of choice through his own free will. This dragon cannot be sold, only set free into the wild. Any offspring can be sold as desired.” He handed the parchment to Fen. “Any further business?” The judge had to raise his voice to be heard over the excited murmur of the crowd.
Fen tucked the parchment in his leather belt pouch and made his way out of the court. Many of the onlookers followed. They offered him congratulations and handwritten business cards so he could contact them about breeding opportunities. Everyone wanted access to what they thought was a new bloodline, even if River was likely to breed a high percentage of greys. Fen caught a glimpse of Edana through the crowd and slowly made his way to her.
Edana pushed a handwritten card towards him. “My father has a large dragon stable. I’m sure he’d love to meet your dragon. It’s not often you hear a wild dragon is tamed. Actually, why don’t you join us for dinner tonight?”
Fen glanced down at the card in his hand. “I’m guessing you’re not Adalric Serug Perro Renarlo con Vexartian.” There was a smattering of laughter through the crowd.
“No, of course not. That’s my father.” Edana smiled. “I’m Edana Lenita Behira Yileen Renarlo con Crinitie.”
Fen returned her smile, remembering the first moment they’d met.
“Allow me to extend an invitation to dine as well young man,” an older man said. “You already have my card. I’m Bastian Hamar Majid Omanato con Tenaxalen. I’d be delighted for you to dine with me tomorrow night.”
Fen caught Edana’s slight nod. “Thank you. Both of you. I’d be pleased to accept your offers.”
There was a flurry of invitations and Fen smiled regretfully. “I’m afraid I don’t have my planner with me. I’d hate to accept anyone and find myself unable to attend after all. I do know for certain the next two nights ar
e free. But I’m sure I’ll catch up with everyone eventually. If you’ll excuse me though, I’d like to check on my dragon. He is after all a grey dragon. It’s not like I can send blood trackers after him.” There was good-natured laughter.
After a few more cards were shoved at him, Fen was able to escape to the stable where he’d left River. The waves of relief the dragon sent Fen were so strong they nearly caused him to stumble. He hurried inside so he could reassure River they had won.
Chapter Ten
Edana’s father glared at her. He had the same dark brown hair as his daughter, but his features were broader and his eyes hazel. He was a large man, muscle going to fat since there was little physical work for him to do in the management of his stables.
“I cannot believe you’ve invited this man to our table. We don’t know him. He’s probably some upstart forcing himself into our midst.”
“Father, there was little else I could do. Bastian had just given him a business card and was making all sorts of noises about entertainments. I was lucky to beat him to invite Fenton Walsh first. As it is he’s to dine with Bastian and his family tomorrow.”
“Why didn’t you tell me Bastian was there?” Adalric and Bastian had been rivals since childhood.
“You didn’t give me a chance. I knew you wouldn’t want him to be first to invite Fenton Walsh.” Edana grinned at her father. “Everyone knows you don’t like to be beaten by him in anything.”
Adalric returned her grin. “And why should I? He seems to think he’s so far above our family because their family bred dragons before ours. What does that matter when our stables are twice the size of theirs now? Insufferable man.”
“Did I do the correct thing?”
Her father ruffled her hair. “You’re a quick thinker. Let’s hope when you have sons they’re as clever. I’d best inform your mother of tonight’s plans.”
Edana’s grin faded as her father left the room. A son! Always a son. A son wouldn’t be anywhere near as bright as me, Edana thought angrily. “Oh,” she gasped and then quickly ran after her father.
“Father. Father, wait up.”
Adalric turned and frowned. “Really Edana, I tolerate your lack of feminine apparel, which is appalling, but I do expect you to act the lady.”
Edana slowed to a walk. “I’m sorry father, but that’s what I wanted to talk to you about. I don’t have anything to wear tonight. I’m sure Bastian’s daughter will be decked in her finest when Fenton dines with them tomorrow night.”
“Of course. And I’ll have the jeweller send you some pretty baubles to wear as well.” With another pat on Edana’s head, Aldaric reached into his belt pouch, pulled out a bag of coins and dropped them in her outstretched hand before striding down the hallway.
As soon as her father was out of sight, Edana broke into a run back to her room. She gathered up a few items and stuffed them into her shoulder bag and then dashed to the stables.
Her first stop in town was a dressmaker that did alterations. The place was deserted and the woman behind the counter smiled as Edana entered.
“Mistress Renarlo con Crinitie. You’re very welcome to my shop. How can I serve you today?”
Edana pulled an evening dress from her bag and dropped it on the counter. “I wish it refurbished for this evening so it can’t be recognised as the same dress. And the details of this transaction are private, Madame Ursa.”
The tall thin woman smoothed her already smooth black hair towards the bun it was kept in. “Of course mistress. The House of Madame Ursa is always discreet. You’re one of our best customers.”
They haggled over price and Edana dropped the coins on the counter as they settled on a time to collect the dress. She hurried outside and walked towards the Eastern Dragon Stables, which is where she’d heard Fen stayed. She slowed as she came closer, hoping to run into him. Then another thought occurred to her.
She thought hard of River and hoped he’d hear her amongst all the other people on the street. She was about to give up when she felt his butterfly touch on her mind. She pictured Fen and the bag of coins she had for him. Minutes later she saw Fen step onto the street.
“Why Mistress Renarlo con Crinitie, what a pleasant surprise it is to see you again,” Fen called out. He came to her side. “Might I carry your bag for you? It looks rather heavy to be lugging around in this heat.”
“Why thank you, Mister Walsh.” Edana pushed the bag of coins secretly into his hand as she gave him the shoulder bag to carry.
“Please call me Fen, Mistress Renarlo con Crinitie.”
“Oh, then you must call me Edana,” she replied with a grin.
“Really? So very kind of you.” Fen’s eyes twinkled as he suppressed his own grin. “Ed,” he murmured.
Edana looked away. She bit the inside of her lip to prevent herself from bursting into laughter. She turned back. “You are still looking forward to dining with us this evening?”
“I’m counting the minutes.”
“Yes and they’re rapidly vanishing. I should continue with my shopping.”
“Good idea,” Fen muttered. “All this rubbish is giving me a headache. Just like it did when you first taught me it.”
“Hush, even the cobblestones have ears. The most silent whisper is the one they most want to hear,” Edana whispered back before laughing out loud. “Really Fen, you do have a unique sense of humour.”
Fen gave her a short bow. “Until tonight,” then more quietly, “I have to meet you without the ears.” He returned her bag.
“I look forward to your company,” Edana replied, and then lowered her voice, “I ride along the river at sunrise tomorrow.”
There was the slightest of nods from Fen before he turned to head down the street in the other direction.
Edana sighed and set off to wander through the markets. She’d kept a few coins from the bag of money her father had given her so she thought she might see if she could find anything interesting.
* * *
Edana tried not to glare at her father. The meal was going well, if you didn’t count the number of times she’d been ignored and the comments made by her father about the benefits of having a man run a stable. Particularly when Fen mentioned where his dragon was stabled.
“I know the merchant classes do things different and some of their women act like men, but in the royal classes, we allow our women to be themselves. There’s no need for them to work like a man.”
Edana clenched her teeth together so she wouldn’t tell her father he didn’t have a clue about how to let her be herself.
“I’m happy with Mistress Bertrisa and the way she runs the Eastern Dragon Stables.” Fen glanced towards Edana.
She immediately dropped her eyes to the food on her plate, hiding the anger she knew filled them. She wanted to warn Fen not to argue with her father. He didn’t make a good enemy.
“It’s a public stable. You need to have your dragon in a private one. I have a private pen coming available in a few weeks. Let me know if you’re interested,” Adalric offered.
“I’ll consider it.” Fen lifted his glass of wine and took a sip.
“We might be able to come to terms on breeding arrangements,” Adalric continued.
“Wild dragons breed a high number of grey offspring.” Edana worried she’d have to rescue more grey dragons.
Adalric turned to his daughter, anger in his eyes. He opened his mouth as if to speak.
“I’ve read that too.” Fen drew Adalric’s attention from his daughter.
Adalric nodded. “I’m sure I have a book on that subject in my library.”
“Father, you have a book on every subject relating to dragons in your library.”
Adalric placed his cutlery on the table as he glared at Edana. “Enough. Eat your dinner quietly or you may retire.” He turned back to Fen. “She’s a good girl, a little flighty, so she’s not accustomed to joining us when we have company.”
“Good!” Edana burst out. “But not so g
ood as to have been born the son you need to run your empire.”
There was a moment of silence at the table, which was broken by Edana’s mother, Behira. “Edana please see if the servants are ready to bring in dessert.”
Behira sat at the foot of the table, silent throughout the meal until now. The only movement was her hand as she occasionally picked at her food. Her blue eyes stared vacantly, her body erect and her light brown hair was arranged in the latest style. The diamond jewellery she wore with her pale blue dress had more fire than she did.
Edana stared at her mother a moment before she rose, hands pressed against the linen covered table. “Yes, Mother.” The words came out between clenched teeth as she tried to hold back a flow of angry words. She strode across the room, nearly tripped over her long skirts and her boots came down hard on the wooden floorboards. She froze, hoping the sound hadn’t been as loud as she though it had been. Hoping they didn’t realise she wasn’t wearing the expected slippers under her gown.
“It might be time to retire to your room for the evening. Obviously the excitement has been too much for you,” Adalric ordered.
They’d heard. Edana crossed the room, hearing her father continue as if she’d already left.
“I fear we’ve spoilt her terribly. But she’s my only child. What can a man do?”
* * *
Fen watched Edana leave the room, wishing he could have said something to let her stay. “It seems like she wants to learn more about dragons.”
“No. She was showing off. Young girls like to be part of every conversation,” Adalric dismissed lightly. “Ah, here comes the dessert.”
The rest of the meal passed in conversation about dragons until it was time for Fen to leave. Adalric walked him to the front door. “You must return tomorrow and tour my stables. They’re the best in all of Kalla.”
“Thank you. I’d like that. I hope to have my own stables one day.”
