Bonded Spirit

by CC Rose

  ***

  Startled by my dream, I gasped awake. Snapping my eyes open, I stared beyond the first shades of morning light, to break my thoughts from the dull eyes that burned behind my vision. Walter’s face forever haunting my dreams, and so to that ghost. I exhaled heavily, slowly calming my sadness. Thankfully, I didn’t scream or cry this morning. It wasn’t getting any better, just always there. I tilted my head the smallest amount. The silhouette of our camp was slowly gaining light, not by much and the gentle sounds of Karson sleeping to my left, told me all I need. I propped myself up, gazing at him in this rare moment. My mentor. He was peacefully relaxed and unguarded as I studied his face, his form, the way he was sleeping. One arm cradled his head, the right hand over his broad chest. His fingers fanned across his torso, reminding me of a lumberjack in Plumridge. They had stamina and their physique similar to Karson’s. Karson was far more appealing, even with the hint of his stubble on his face. It made him appear older by a few years. He murmured in his sleep, which had me raise a brow in surprise. A heartbeat passed, and he slurred.

  “To … ah … ” Whatever the syllable was, it didn’t make me feel good. It sounded closer to a plea, sweet. The smile that tugged his lips wasn’t helping. Maybe he was thinking about food, or a toilet. I could use a decent privy now. And with that thought, I left the camp area.

  Once relieved and fresh, I gathered several fruits nearby. Returning to camp, I nodded to Karson, who had just woken up, alert and ready for the day’s adventure. He looked surprised when I tossed a large orange towards him.

  He caught the falling projectile. “Thought you ran off.” He started to peel the fruit, discarding the skin and popping a portion of sweetness into his mouth.

  “Yeah, and where would I go? The castle has a ghost-girl running around it, and knowing my luck, I’d run into a giant spider’s web.”

  My joke had him cock his head to the side, a frown showed, but he didn’t answer and finished his orange in silence. He rose from his sleeping bag, and dressed in a fresh shirt, pulling it over his body to fit snugly to his lean muscles, to turn and re-buckle his belt, showing off the smoothness of his back.

  Distractions Rehema.

  My lips parted, releasing my held breath. She was right, for the ten thousandth time in the last four days since we started on this camping trip. Yesterday had been another long day on topics of history, religion, my beliefs, my schooling in Plumridge, the crafts and the work I had done. Along with magic and outdoor potion making, we had bonded more. Today, I hoped we were heading to the castle. I was tired of walking, sticky with sweat, and my clean clothes were running low. I was down to my last set of clothes; I’d have to start washing them in the gully.

  “Let’s get started.” He was on his feet and ready as I stuffed the uneaten fruit into my pack.

  “With?”

  “Hand to hand.”

  Gulp! Glancing around the area, the larger field and open space were perfect. If La’Kera were able to get out of the dens, she could visit me. I nodded. “Sure.”

  “Now this is a little bit different. I will hit you if you’re not paying attention. Do you understand?”

  “Um …” I was nervous.

  “Here. Hold this position. Hands up. Elbows loose. Okay, feet. That’s it. Watch me. And move … arch your shoulder, under, and over. With speed and timing, you will be faster. Six-count will be enough for this.” He moved in a fan of simple turns, flex, strike, and turn. Each time I moved my arms out; he nodded and made another move. “Good. That is good. Now this.” He added leg movements, how to circle him, how to keep my position without moving, using my feet and hands to change attack. “Palm your hand like this.” He showed me how to use my palm as an upward force. “Closed fist like this. I think you’re ready?”

  Before I could take on all that he was teaching me, I was backhanding, elbowed and flipped with timing, ducking with fear. His fist was open as he effortlessly blocked my attacks with a grab of my arm, and at one point, my shoulders, holding me to his chest.

  “You need to be less open in this attack. One false move and you’re down.” He shoved me, to start on the combat. It was a hard workout, both on my body and my mind. I had to watch him with narrowed eyes, trying to pin when he would strike.

  “Look into my eyes. You need to see all my attacks from my eyes.” This was true, but I was seeing his hands, his shoulders, his feet, and all the things that were lunging towards me.

  I forced myself to stare into his eyes, the green hue of many shades. His pupils were dilated wide with excitement, his hair was loose, gathering sweat as we wrestled and fought around the open area. He was half hunched, ready to lunge. Seeing the glint in his eyes, he went right. I went left. He saw me coming, I twisted and went right at the last second to knock him in the shin, which he diverted to block and in the mix of our feet, we were falling.

  Him above me, his palms either side of my head. My breath was harsh as he glared at me. “And that goes for your eyes also.” His husky voice vibrated as he propped himself above me. He’d yet to move. “Your eyes tell me when you’re going to attack and that makes you open.”

  “Uh-Hu.” I stared into his face.

  The stubble on his face, his mouth parted, his breath mixed with mine. He was so touchable. His brow creased, and for a fleeting second, he was staring—staring at me. The small clench of his jaw and the knowledge I was under his broad chest sent tremors through me. The awareness he was straddling me, had my face flush instantly. He swallowed, the small ball of his throat moved up and down, as his sea-green eyes looked deep into mine. Oceans of green.

  “I …” What I was trying to say, didn’t come out. It was the knowledge we were in a situation that made all my desires jump to the forefront of my mind. Heat flushed my skin, which raised my awareness of how sweaty I was.

  “Rehema …” He sounded like he was calling me, not questioning me. He parted his lips, here they were thick, a glisten showed as he held a breath, so kissable and touchable. The shadow passed above us, distracting me from the possibility of more. I was seeing a dragon, not unusual, just that this was much closer than any other dragon.

  “Why is Blade’Dur above us?” My question was calm considering my position.

  Karson blinked, turned towards the dragon above us, angling lower, until it was fifty feet away. Another shift of Karson’s body and he pulled himself together, standing a foot from me, as I slowly rose to my feet. Slowly releasing my breath and gathering my thoughts. The knowledge we had been in combat and something almost happened was soon passing, though doubtfully forgotten.

  “That’s not Blade’Dur. It’s Raid’En.” All unease vanished from his face as he smiled to the approaching dragon.

  I watched as this forty five foot dragon landed in the field. It was large enough for the dragon to land. Karson had gained control and showed little emotion. Staring at the dragon, he heaved a deep breath. “This will be interesting.”

  Taking in the rumbling dragon as it shuffled its wings, I realised it wasn’t alone.

  A man climbed from the crest, tossing a pack to the ground as he shuffled his way with ease down its leg to stand and give the dragon’s front leg a pat. I’d seen farmer’s treat their dogs in the same way. Not that the dragon would have felt it. Loyal came to mind. The Ryder shouldered his pack and watched as the Roo’Bineyes took to the sky, and then looped his way towards us. The Ryder was to my surprise just like Karson.

  Two Karson’s? Oh, um … this is new?

  Not identical, but clearly a look-alike. Tall, lean form, not as muscled. The new arrival was less tanned. His long onyx hair was wispy and loose, hanging past his shoulders. His clothes were worn; leathers of deep browns and darker hues of red lined the edges of his clothes, boots, and vest. He unclipped his cloak, stuffing it into his pack as he dropped it on the soil, six foot from us.

  “Hello brother.” He was chirped and the knowledge sunk in slowly.

  “Corbin? What in the brown drag
ons are you doing here?” Karson was no longer affected by our encounter as he walked towards his brother with a gruff embrace, he held him at the shoulders. “Thought you were staying in Mildura for the festive this time.”

  “Oh, no big brother. Not this year. Stone Heart is the place to be.” He winked, ruffling his brother’s hair with a cheeky smile.

  My mind tumbled to last week. Tobias mentioned Karson’s brother, Corbin, the man of shindigs … something about Royals. Oh, why didn’t I listen more? My heart was racing as the brother’s exchanged greetings.

  “It’s been a couple of years, and besides, heard you had a new tutelage.”

  Karson’s smile faulted, his eyes turned to me to look away instantly. Corbin narrowed his eyes, but didn’t say anything. His smile was amusing, and on the edge of saying something. He was indeed Karson’s brother, slimmer and handsome. My heart quickened instantly. My cheeks flushed. I was sweaty from the hand to hand lesson and the sudden rush of desire from Karson, now this—I looked a mess. My hair was stuck to my brow, bracken and leaves were most likely stuck to my hair and clothes.

  Corbin graced his green eyes over my form. The smile he gave was of approval, he was admiring my appearance.

  “Oh, Rehema. This is Corbin … my brother.”

  “How do you do?” I said, warily.

  “Ah, I am well. And you are … the Dy’Monian.” He held out his hand politely for me to take it. Not looking away, but holding my steady gaze. “Where is your Bond?” He scanned the area behind me for the smallest of fractions to fall on my face. “Is she here?”

  “She was in the yearlings den,” I pointed out. I wasn’t sure if I was angry with him or not. He had just interrupted us, though, remembering the hard look in his eyes. It was for the best.

  Nothing important was going to happen. He was not going to allow it. He is your mentor. La’Kera sounded restless, as I lingered in her mind, I realised she was flying to keep up with Blade’Dur who was far too happy to slow down; he was seeking the red dragon Corbin had flown on.

  “She is in the sky with Blade’Dur now,” Corbin corrected. His face was a glow of amusement and excitement. “Oh, and a wonderful sight indeed. How extraordinary. Oh to see the Dy’Monian at last. She is something.” He winked, raking his gaze up and down my form.

  Who was he watching—me or La’Kera?

  “Corbin?” There was caution in Karson’s voice. “You could have waited until we returned.”

  “OH, brother. You know me so well.” Corbin turned away from me. Karson raised a brow. Maybe he didn’t want his brother looking at me.

  “Rehema, you can clean up, ready your packs.” Karson ordered and turned to his brother, and both turned away from me.

  I had been shunned. I walked numbly to the camp fire, folding my sleeping bag; I peeked at Corbin and Karson. Karson was taller by two inches; Corbin was slimmer toned, not as muscled, lean, and lanky looking. His face was more pointed, not squared or high cheek boned. His chest wasn’t as broad, while chiselled and defined with a kink to his nose. His lips were thinner as his eyes were more alight with amusement.

  “I came to see how you were,” Corbin sounded hopeful. “I missed you in Rila. Was hoping to see you in Mildura before that, but seems our times are getting shorter.” An air of disappointment lingered, though Corbin made it sound amusing not a bother. “And then of course this Kl’Ors festive brings us both to the great Heart. Couldn’t refuse an early visit.”

  “Where is the party?” Karson wasn’t fooled by his charms.

  “Oh, brother. You know me well enough. I can’t give away all the secrets.”

  “You’re holding it at Draeos!” There was shock in Karson’s voice. “It’s an academy used for housing the Royals, not entertaining them.”

  “And the Guild is too crowded. There are over thirty Royals on their way here and the celebration of Kl’Ors and Eve’s Day. Tora is coming … Eh …” Corbin nudged his brother playfully.

  Karson gave me a hesitant side glance. “Kl’Ors Day is four weeks away.”

  “Oh, yes. But the Royals wish to talk. You know how they are. Lore and laws and more wine to go with their cheese.” Rolling his eyes, it was clear he both loved and hated them for it. He eyed Karson, while holding his forefinger and thumb to his chin. Something Karson did, only on Corbin, it was full of cheek, since he tapped his forefinger several times in thought. “You will join me, won’t you? And besides you have …” with a tilt of his head in my direction.

  “She is seventeen Corbin. Not for Royal parties.”

  “She’s the hot gossip. Everyone wants to meet her.”

  “She needs no party.”

  “I might,” I interrupted. Both men looked at me in silence. “What? You can’t expect me not to know you’re talking about me.”

  “Oh, you are the sweetest thing.” Corbin was all for compliments. “You will have to come. After all, you’re hot gossip across the lands,” He repeated.

  “Yeah, sure I’m hot gossip.” I turned my attention to gathering my sleeping bag, since it was clear Karson wasn’t going to help. I narrowed my eyes, wondering what got into him. All I did was stare into his handsome face. Okay, so it was a little more than stare, a breath away from touching him. Partly, I was pleased that the dragon had shown up when it did, and disappointed it had shown up too soon. He was so close. His sweat and breath were inches from me, filling me and making my body want more than it should. It’s not as if he didn’t react to me. He was liking me … sort of. But now, this? His brother? My eyes fluttered at the sight.

  Corbin was watching us. He turned his eyes to Karson, and then to me. His brow rose, though a knowing look touched his eyes. “So, what were you two up to?”

  “Combat.”

  “A discussion,” I hushed.

  “Oh, the lovely teaching days. I do miss Draeos.” He was chirped with fresh enthusiasm, he winked at Karson who ran a hand through his hair and pressed his lips together. A discussion was underway. Both brothers’ were able to read each other. Corbin was relaxed. “So, how is the Queen of Dy’Monian fairing under my brothers ruthless teachings?”

  “Q-Q-Queen!” I squeaked. Both men puzzled my shock.

  “Yes, Queen.” Corbin blinked a little startled. “You know. Last of your herd, first of the return. You do know your status among us mere simple Ryders. Don’t you?”

  “I … I … um … Karson?” I turned my eyes on him. Okay, not the best time to be forgetful of titles.

  “Oh, Karson is it. You change the rules?”

  “No. Rehema is a little rusty on the rules.” Karson’s eyes held with me, a warning was there.

  I ignored it and turned my attention to Corbin. “Do I have to call you Master?”

  Corbin blinked, to glance at Karson with a wry smile. “Where did you find her? She is good. And you my sweet can call me whatever you like.” His wink was rewarding, but it was the first of his words that baffled me.

  Where did he find me? No one found me, apart from Walter.

  Corbin said: “I guess you’re completely unaware of the coming Kl’Ors day events.”

  “I know what Kl’Ors day is about. Sharing gifts, having family and friends around and singing festive songs.”

  “Ah, the dangorian style. Yes. We Ryders do it in style, with fire balls, dragon parades, and Ryder costume balls. To celebrate in the great Nicolas and Kl’Ors, but here in Stone Heart we celebrate it for the entire month. So. You will be joining me on the floor.”

  “The floor?”

  “Yes, the dance floor, the party hall. On top of the Main Building, the Function Hall, where all the Royals will be gathered.”

  “Corbin?” Another warning. “She is only seventeen.”

  I narrowed my eyes. What was it with him and my age?

  “Which is good news. Least she isn’t fourteen. This way she can have a good time … to dance and mingle with all the others.”

  “She is training.” Karson argued.

  �
�And I’m old enough to know my mind,” I pointed out. Anger was rising in me with his words. Was Karson deliberately making it clear I wasn’t allowed to go. “Why am I so important on the floor?”

  “Why everyone wants to meet you silly. You are the biggest news since Sy’Rah was defeated—well, that and a few other viper and delgori slayings. But still, the Dy’Monian and her Bond. Oh, this will make the Royals so happy and pleased. Your Bond …” He frowned.

  “La’Kera.” I filled in. La’Kera had yet to inform his Bond, since he was more caught up with Blade’Dur. Odd. They were bulls, most bulls were not as friendly, but these two were. “Why are the … two of your dragons so friendly?”

  “Oh, they are blood brothers, from the same clutch. Like us.” Corbin was dry in words. “Those two will be hours before they break into an argument. Though, I would ask for La’Kera to keep her distance, she is a bit small at present.” He glanced at me, a haze in his eyes. Amused or unsure, I couldn’t decide. “La’Kera. Such a perfect name for a white dragon. Oh, and she is a diamond. You will be com—”

  “We’re working Corbin,” Karson interrupted.

  “And I will get her home by midnight.”

  “It’s too late to be out.”

  “I don’t have a dress,” I offered. Not that I was saying yes, I just didn’t like the sternness Karson was showing. Did he hate the idea of me going to this party? “And … do I have to know which Royal is which?”

  “No. They mostly only care about you—you can possibly get away with looking elegant for the evening. Hopefully more than one party for the fair Queen.”

  “Why do you keep calling me that?” I turned my eyes from Corbin to Karson.

  He pressed his lips together as Corbin raised an eyebrow.

  “I thought you knew.” Karson had lost his sternness and returned to his mentor ways. “La’Kera is the last of her herd, the first to return. That makes it fair you are Queen of the Dy’Monian sign.”

  “I’m the Queen of all Dy’Monian?”

  “Precisely,” cooed Corbin. “You’re a 1st house Royal who can, and should be among all the discussion of the lands.”

  “Really? I can do that. But …” I frowned. “Shouldn’t I have been voted?”

  “NO. You’re not to be voted. The eldest of the sign is the way it works for the individual lands. You are Queen of The White Lands, the Dy’Monian region, not Dangora. A High King or Queen, usually taking on that task. And at present, it is left to a very reliable Ryder, and heart heartedly voted by the people, and the Ryders of all, and he happens to be a man of Roo’Bineyes.” Both men laughed.

  I had heard of High King Thaddeus. They say he is oddly gentle with ruling.

  “So that makes one of you King of Roo’Bineyes land, right?”

  “Er … no.” Corbin narrowed his eyes at the both of us. “What have you been teaching the poor girl? She knows nothing about us!”

  “Hey!” I shrieked.

  “She is learning the ways, and she is from Plumridge.” Karson offered some defence.

  “OH. That makes more sense. Of course.”

  “I’m new to this,” I pointed out. “It’s not Karson’s fault.”

  “Oh, there it is. I see it now. Hu.” Corbin folded his arms onto his chest, as did Karson, both staring at me with an unreadable expression, such a brother action. “I was told the Dy’Monian was from a dangorian town, I just had no idea she was so … fresh.”

  I rolled my eyes. “I’m not fresh.”

  “No. You are gorgeous.”

  “Corbin?”

  “I give compliments brother. Not tickets.” He rolled his eyes. “And since she is clueless to who we are, she has to come. All will wish to see La’Kera, and meet Rehema. She is the talk. And the talk is where she should be.”

  “I’m working.”

  Corbin waved off his brother’s comment. “Yes, yes. You said that. So, Rehema. You want to know a bit about Royals?”

  “Um sure. Are you kings?” I glanced to Karson. He showed no emotion and turned to his pack.

  “No. We are mere princes of a fourth house Royal.”

  “Hu.” I blinked, unable to make out what he was talking about.

  “OH, this is fun.”

  “Corbin, if you wanted to teach, you should find your own tutelage.”

  “Sure. After this. So, Rehema. You are familiar with the seven houses of each sign right.”

  I nodded, and shook my head in confusion. Corbin put his hand on my shoulder, turning me around. To my amazement, he had summoned magic balls to hover at eye level. “See, each sign is ruled by a power in turn, it is ruled by the elder and the predecessor. As you can see—seven main members, mostly the eldest, and the snobbiest. Then their children’s, children’s, children run along that structure, sometimes just the order of being chosen. Or if one of better voice or value is granted right.” I watched as the orbs of six elements hovered at the top of an invisible line. Each divided into seven balls, but for the white ball of Dy’Monian. Corbin pointed to the red fireball, a fourth house member of Roo’Bineyes. “This is our father. And here are Karson and I.” He touched the two orbs underneath the fourth orb on the main line. There were four others under that, and to my surprise, two more on top. “And this here is you. All by yourself. A first house Dy’Monian.”

  “So … I’m short six members?” I asked.

  “Yes. That you are, but it will grow. Karson is older than I, so he gets higher ranking. We have more say than a prince of the sixth houses’ and seventy-fifth in line. Though, we move progressively onwards when a family member drops off.”

  “Drops off? You mean … die?”

  “Yes. When one is killed in battle, since old age is a giant hole and most likely never going to happen? Though, a dragon who punishes their Bond with age, is one who is judgmental and rightfully ruling in favour. Though a vragon on the other hand, isn’t anything but darkness. You will see few aged Ryders in the lands, though, come this weekend; you will be fine dining amongst the most famous, most sought after of all. The best and brightest are to join us at Draeos.”

  “And what do you do?”

  “Oh, my sweet Rehema. You are so much fun. Can I take her home with me Karson?”

  “Not going to happen Corbin.”

  “Oh, she is so … sugary.” He pressed his lips together with a tap on my nose, “And innocent.”

  “Em not.” I wasn’t sure if I was hurt.

  Corbin winked at my comment. “And that is why you can come to my shindigs.” He eyed me over to wave his hand to the campgrounds that were now packed; only the fire remained. Karson shouldered his packs and kicked dust over the smouldering ashes as Corbin rolled his eyes. “You’re not going to stay out here for the entire summer are you?”

  Karson grunted at his brother’s words to turn from him. “We are working, Rehema is in training. Come on Rehema.”

  “Yeah, I’m learning about nature … and how it’s all … natury.” I teased as I half backed up in the direction Karson was walking.

  Corbin didn’t waste time gathering his pack. All three of us set off on the trail. Though Karson didn’t say anything, he clearly didn’t want Corbin following us.

  “Oh, nature and all its majesty. You will wither away before school resumes and only have Karson to keep you company. She needs to mingle Karson. You can’t hold her hostage with the flowers and trees forever.”

  “She is not a hostage. She is in—”

  “Training. I know.” He rolled his eyes, taking me in with a nudge on the shoulder. “He will cave. I know how to make him do what I need.”

  “Not going to happen.” Karson was several feet ahead and still heard his brother whisper.

  “Oh, it will. So, you wish to know more about Karson.” As tempting as that was, and the dark look that showed in his features from earlier had me shake my head.

  “I want to know more about you. What is it you do exactly?”

  “Oh, I am a liaison for Royals
. As you now have guessed. I organise their parties for them, making sure all things are accounted for; food, wine, music, and of course the endless list of guests and entertainment. Most of the Royals discuss the needs within their areas. Some talk about the lands, about the war and so on. It’s all wine and parties in the end.”

  “Don’t they go to the Terrill’s to fight the vipers and vragons. Or … slay the delgori?”

  “Some do. Many of those are the tough Ryders like Karson and myself. You will know a Warrior Ryder from a Royal Ryder instantly when you see them.” He winked. “But the truth is, we are all expected to be at the base of the Terrill’s. Can’t help if one gets cold feet. Most the Royals chat about rules, lore, and other forms of law.” He was tactful in his description.

  I side glanced him as we followed Karson. I assumed he loved and hated his position. He was chirped to fill me in on many things about the Royals.

  “You know Karson. I could learn a thing or two from your brother,” I said to the back of Karson’s head.

  Karson glanced at me, and marched on.

  “That I would assume correct. But you need to keep your wits about you. Distractions will become your undoing.”

  “Oh, distractions?” Corbin teased. “Here. Allow me to open a big distraction. There is a waterhole, couple of dragon lengths in that direction.” He pointed to the north of our location. “The best place for a swim, and you’re overworking the poor girl. Her minds clogged full of nature. She needs to mingle.”

  “You will not win this one Corbin.”

  “Oh, yes. I will. And you will cave.” Corbin turned to me, with a wide smile of amusement. “He caves every time I mention, Tora.” The instant he said it, Karson faulted in his footing. Not a lot, but it was noticeable.

  “You will not let up will you.” A hidden smile was clear.

  “Course not.” Corbin smiled brighter.

  “Are all the Ryders like you?” I blurted out, seeing the playfulness he carried was only half taken as an offence.

  He raised his brow playfully and pressed his hand to his chest. “They wish. Sorry gorgeous, I’m afraid I’m one of a kind.” His wink was confident.

  “Corbin?”

  “Karson?” The brothers narrowed their eyes at each other sternly, to slowly break into a smile. Another childhood joke. Taking them in, both were of the same age. They looked twenty-five. Karson appeared older with his stubble, and Corbin was that little bit too cheeky to be too old at all. What did Tobias say about Corbin? He was ninety years old or something, damn, I wish I paid more attention.

  “If you want us to join your party I ask you leave my tutelage out of your games.” Karson retorted over his shoulder.

  Corbin punched the air with distinct pride. “Yes! Told you he would cave.” I was holding back a fit of laughter, since Karson stopped in his tracks to turn to Corbin who ignored the puzzled look. “So. To the waterhole, and then to Draeos.” He winked as Karson shook his head with a wry smile. Nothing got either of them down.

  “You should head to the castle Corbin. Get set up.”

  “Please. You know how Croft scares me. Besides, my visitors don’t arrive for four days. And that gives us plenty of time to catch up. So, will you be joining me, Rehema? And not to worry about a dress, I can have something brought to your room.” He patted my shoulder as we headed north. Corbin was filled with excitement, gossip, and tenderness.

  La’Kera was caught, between seeing the two Roo’Bineyes dragons mock fighting and taking off on her, to me, witnessing Karson and Corbin acting in a similar way yards from me. Their aura’s danced in our view. It was easy to see they were happy, all four of them. And their bond as brothers was strong. They were blood related brothers, who teased and mocked each other easily, with heart and laughter. I smiled wryly as the brothers talked of all things brotherly. Karson relaxed more and the incident from earlier was slowly leaving my thoughts. It was as it should be, forgotten.

  The conversation with Karson from the other night flashed in my mind. Hope, happiness and peace. It’s all one man needs and here it was. The men were happy, and so I kept my questions limited and my eyes on the path. Leaving Karson and Corbin talk about all things dragon Ryders talk about. Corbin didn’t leave me out of the conversation; he deliberately added phrases to discussions. At one point, he was talking about a kraken. My open mouth gave away the unknown.

  “That’s a large water giant with sixty-four legs, and can reach over fifty feet long, hides in water caves in the north, but can be found in the south. They usually are around Crofts Cove …” Corbin didn’t stop with his tales. He had slayed several delgori in the past few weeks alone and taken on six vipers in the past couple of months. Karson was proud of his brother as Corbin was of him. They held a bond that lasted forever. His main focus was the parties and as he winked and teased me endlessly. It was clear he was a ladies man.

  I blushed, unable to hide his attempts at flirting with me. Karson narrowed his eyes, though didn’t say anything. He wasn’t jealous, just annoyed. The clench of his jaw didn’t go unnoticed.

  It was an hour’s walk until the waterhole came into view. The inviting pool was glistening from the morning sun. Eyeing it with tempting eyes, I hesitated and side glanced to the others.

  Corbin was pulling his vest over his head, tugging off his boots and diving in, with little care of who was watching. “Wooh-Hoo!”

  My face brightened seeing his broad muscled body. Toned and flexing of the skin as he stroked through the water playfully. “Come on in Rehema,” he called. I dropped my pack at my feet, spying Karson watching his brother.

  “How much younger is Corbin?”

  “Seven years. He acts fifty years difference at times.”

  “I heard that,” called Corbin from the waterhole.

  “Hu. Least he’s happy.” I turned, taking in Karson. Our eyes locked.

  “Yes. He is happy.” He turned away with a nod. “You can freshen up,” he added as he stepped away.

  “Karson …” I paused, unsure I should say something. “I—Er … about before …”

  “Let’s leave that discussion for another day.” He tilted his head towards Corbin; he didn’t want to get into it with his brother around. Was he even referring to the incident from earlier? Suggesting to talk about it … later, or, was he actually avoiding the idea altogether. I turned to Corbin swimming partly naked in the waterhole. Hmmm. Later will do just fine.

  Distractions? Now you have two of them … La’Kera wasn’t helping. And Karson was going to put a stop to whatever it is you were thinking.

  I spied Karson walking off along the bank; a little surprised he wasn’t joining his brother.

  Pressing my lips together, I headed towards Corbin bobbing in the deep pool.

  “You need to bathe Rehema. Come on in. The water is perfect. And I know a heat spell if you get cold.” He teased.

  Tossing my boots to the side, I splashed into the waterhole, washing away the last four days of camping.