Blood Bond

by Susan Leigh Noble

  His father’s eyes traveled over Soren, lingering again on the metal cuffs. “He is my son.” He spat the words.

  “And when did you notice the journal missing?”

  “A week ago.”

  Maddock looked curiously at Joran. “Why did you take so long to report it missing?”

  His father shrugged. “At first, I thought I merely misplaced it in my room. When I realized it was gone, I spent time trying to track it down on my own.”

  “And you suspected your son might have it?”

  “It is something he’d do. He was always a disrespectful child, and it’s only gotten worse. He delights in causing me problems. In fact, he got me fired from a job just the other day.”

  “Excuse me,” Rodar said. “Why would Soren want to steal this?”

  “I don't know,” Joran said with a shrug. “Does he need a reason? He also stole some of my tools recently. Maybe he broke into my room to steal something else and found the journal.”

  Maddock held up the journal and turned to Soren. “Did you steal this?”

  “No.”

  “It was found in your bag. Are you going to deny you had the journal as you denied having the dagger?”

  Soren shook his head. “No, I had the journal, but I didn’t steal it.”

  Maddock frowned. “How did you get it?”

  Soren shifted his weight from one foot to the other. He looked down for a moment before meeting Maddock’s eyes. “Someone gave it to me.”

  “Who?”

  He didn’t dare look at Rodar. He wouldn’t, couldn’t say anything.

  “I did,” Rodar said.

  “No!” Soren cried.

  “What is this?” King Arden asked. He whipped his head around to stare at Rodar.

  “I am sorry, Your Majesty. When I saw it, I knew it would benefit Soren more than his father. What no one has asked yet is why this journal is important. The journal belonged to Soren’s grandfather who happened to be one of the last dragon riders.”

  The crowd gasped.

  “That isn’t an excuse,” King Edric said. “Stealing is wrong.”

  Rodar inclined his head. “You are correct, Your Majesty. I did not fully think about my actions before I did it, but the blame is on me, not Soren. I took the journal.”

  King Arden shook his head. “I am disappointed in you, Rodar. You have served my father and me for years, but I cannot overlook this.” He motioned to one of the guards. “We will discuss this later.”

  The guard grabbed Rodar’s arm and escorted him from the room. The old man glanced at Soren as he passed, offering him a weak smile. Soren opened his mouth to object, but Rodar shook his head.

  The King waited until the door closed behind them. “We have heard statements on both incidents. I have spoken with the leader of the dragons. Warnox confirms Dex could not have Blinked to and from the center of town so soon after his journey back from Sholar. That coupled with Bevin’s testimony, I doubt Soren was the one who stole this man’s dagger.” He held up his hand before Risley or King Edric could speak. “I don’t doubt your word, Captain Pratt, but we are going to have to attribute this to a case of mistaken identity.” Now he addressed Soren. “You are cleared on both theft charges. You are free to go.”

  A guard came forward and unlocked the metal cuffs from his wrists. He rubbed them. Suddenly, Emery was hugging him, whispering in his ear that they should leave. Soren stood there, looking from her to the King and then at Bevin, Darvin and Kincade, who crowded around him. His eyes went to the door Rodar and the guard had used. He fought the urge to go after him. Emery pulled his hand, leading him outside as the others followed. Dex, Warnox and Rakkah waited for them in the main square. Dex lowered his head. Soren threw his arms around his dragon.

  “I am glad you are free again,” Dex said.

  “You and me both.” He swung around to the others. “What are we going to do about Rodar?”

  “What can we do?” Kincade asked. “He admitted he stole the journal. There is nothing we can do. He will be sentenced for his crime.” His eyes met Soren’s. “Did you know he did it?”

  “Yes,” Soren said as he paced. “I can’t believe my father had me arrested over the journal.”

  “I don’t think it was his plan,” Kincade said. “I think it was someone else who is behind this.”

  “King Edric,” Bevin suggested.

  Kincade nodded.

  Soren frowned. “Why would he do that?”

  “To embarrass you,” Darvin said.

  “And cast doubt on the integrity of dragon riders,” Kincade added.

  Soren sighed. “He has vowed to kill the dragons when this is all done. Why would he risk doing something now? If we can’t defeat this army, his lands are in danger too.”

  Kincade stroked his beard. “He may not be thinking that far ahead. His whole life has centered around killing the dragons. If he can discredit the dragon riders, the people may side with him when he demands the dragons be killed.”

  “If that is his plan,” Bevin said, “all the dragon riders need to be vigilant.”

  Soren sighed again. “I guess this means I still can’t go anywhere alone.”

  Kincade nodded. “We all should travel in pairs or small groups. Safety in numbers. I’ll find the other dragon riders and let them know what happened. We can train after lunch.”

  “Speaking of training, I need to speak with you, Soren,” Warnox said.

  Soren looked around, realizing they were attracting a crowd. “Let’s get out of here. Bevin and Kincade can find the other riders. Darvin, find out what they are going to do with Rodar. If I am not to go anywhere alone, Emery, you come with me.”

  “You wouldn’t be alone if you are with me,” Dex said.

  Soren was sure the words were only for him, and he replied to Dex. “I meant no offense, Dex. I know I am always safe with you, but Emery shouldn’t be alone either. She may not be an official dragon rider, but her connection to the dragons can put her in danger.”

  Emery climbed onto Dex’s back.

  “Wait a moment, Soren,” Darvin said. He pulled Soren’s dagger from his bag. “I’ve been holding onto this for you since last night.”

  Soren took the dagger, running his finger over the handle. “Thanks.”

  “It’s a nice blade. I figured you wouldn’t want to lose it.”

  “Yeah. It belongs to my brother. I am sure he is expecting it back.” He tucked the dagger in its place on his belt. “I appreciate this.”

  Soren climbed on Dex’s back as Darvin hurried into the building. As soon as he latched the strap to his belt, Soren urged Dex into the air. The dragon leapt off the ground with Warnox and Rakkah a beat behind him. Part of Soren felt guilty about leaving Rodar behind. He sighed. He wished Rodar had kept his mouth shut. It seemed the old man meant what he said when he promised to protect Soren. He had succeeded in freeing him, but Soren didn’t like the cost.

  A few minutes later, Dex circled over the dirt area the dragons had designated as their home base. Other dragons lay nearby. Soren spotted Quinn and his dragon Thella as well as a pale Agnot lying near his sister Aria. Her golden hide sparkled in the sun. Barth sat, as he often did, apart from the others. Dex landed beside Warnox and Rakkah. Soren and Emery slid to the ground. Her eyes strayed to Agnot. She put a hand on Soren’s arm, and even before she spoke, he knew she wanted to check on the dragon.

  “Go,” he said and was rewarded with a smile. As she ran off, he turned to Warnox, who didn’t waste time with any pleasantries.

  “I understand in yesterday’s practice,” Warnox said, “the dragons Blinked short distances.”

  “Yes. Our plan has them making small jumps.”

  “There is a danger in doing this. Even though the dragons may not feel the effects of these short jumps, fatigue does add up.”

  Soren glanced back at Dex as he considered his words carefully. “I was led to understand there was no harm in a short jump. Aria did several yesterday
and looks no worse for wear.”

  “She may not feel the effects, but every jump tires her body. You are lucky Dex didn’t attempt one. His body is still fatigued from his long Blink. It takes days to heal and each Blink, even a short one, would prolong his healing.”

  “And too many short Blinks?”

  “The same as Blinking too often with a longer distance. Fatigue. And possibly death.”

  Soren paled. Dex lowered his head. Without thinking about it, he draped his arm over the dragon’s neck.

  “I am not saying you can’t do it. But take it out of your practice so the dragons have the energy to do it in battle. Even then, it should only be used if absolutely necessary.”

  “Okay,” Soren said. “We’ll try to keep it to a minimum.” He climbed onto Dex’s back. Now he addressed only Dex. “What do you think?”

  “Warnox is a wise leader. He would not say it if it wasn’t true.”

  Soren supposed that was correct, but it would hamper their afternoon plans to practice retrieving the scepter. And as he expected, he wasn’t the only one who felt that way.

  “No,” Royce said, shaking his head. “That isn’t acceptable. We need to run through this exactly the way it will happen in battle. It is too dangerous not to practice.”

  “Well, according to Warnox, it is too dangerous to continue as we have.”

  Dex stared at Aria. She bowed her head.

  “We will honor Warnox’s words,” she said.

  Kincade and Royce looked at each other. Kincade nodded his agreement.

  “Royce?” Soren said.

  “Aye. We will follow Warnox’s recommendation.” He pulled out a map. “Gather around,” he said to the others as he spread the paper. “There is this plateau area, which will give the wizard her best vantage over the battle. It is a little off center and there is a grove of trees about twenty paces to the east. If I was looking for a place to set up,"” he tapped the location on the map, “this would be it.”

  “What if they choose somewhere else,” Drake asked.

  Royce shrugged. “Whatever we practice can be adapted.”

  He strode out to the middle of the practice field and with his heel, he drew a large circle. He gestured to Emery to stand at the center. She had agreed to be the stand-in for Samaren. Emery held in her hand a wooden stick. Royce called Soren, Kincade and Quinn over. He laid out a plan for the three of them. The other dragon riders would represent the Southern dragons.

  It seemed a straight-forward plan Soren thought as he climbed on Dex. He had Dex circle the training field as the others got in place. And as Kincade and Quinn provide a distraction, Dex flew in low from the other direction. Before he could get close enough, Emery turned toward them.

  “She said she heard my wings,” Dex told him.

  Royce gestured for him to land. The man hurried over before Soren could dismount.

  “I think a small Blink may be in order,” he said, holding his hand up before Soren could object. “We can simulate it. As soon as he Blinks, you need to be prepared to leap to the ground. Dex will continue and fly over the wizard.”

  “Won’t she see no one is on his back and wonder?”

  Royce shook his head. “I think it will be fine. I will have Kincade make another pass at the same time. His arrows should draw her attention away from you and Dex.”

  They tried it again. Dex flew in low. He announced when he would have Blinked, reappearing a dozen paces from the plateau. But it took Soren a moment to unlatch his belt from the harness and jump to the ground.

  “I would have heard you,” Emery called.

  “Unhook yourself from the harness before Dex Blinks,” Royce suggested.

  Soren’s stomached tightened. He recalled falling through the sky and the ground rushing to meet him.

  “It won’t be like that,” Dex said. “I’ll be there. You don’t have to unhook until I get ready to Blink, and I will be low to the ground.”

  Even though he still hated the idea, Soren agreed. They ran through the drill again. This time he unhooked from the harness before Dex pretended to Blink. He jumped to the ground, rolling into a crouching position. He took a moment to orient himself. He crept forward, standing up when he was close to Emery.

  She turned and smiled at him. “I didn’t hear Dex this time. Well…not until I should when he flew over me.”

  Royce clapped his hands. “Better. Let’s do it again.”

  They ran through the drill three more times as Royce tweaked the timing. Then they did it another two times as he changed up how the wizard might react. Finally, he seemed satisfied.

  “Looking good. I’ll find more challenges for tomorrow. And Dubbin and I may accompany Quinn and Kincade as part of the distraction.” His eyes sought out Soren. “If you are free tomorrow before training, we should fly over the battlefield.”

  “Sounds good,” Soren said. “We are done for the day. Go unharness your dragons and we will meet back at the dining hall.”

  “Remember, no traveling alone,” Kincade said.

  Soren met Kincade’s eyes. “No traveling alone.”

  “Drake and I’ll come by in a little while, Soren,” Quinn said.

  “Or you could move back to where everyone else is,” Royce suggested.

  “Not happening.” Soren waved to the others as he walked back toward Dex.

  He noticed someone sitting under a nearby tree. The person stood as he approached. His hand automatically touched his dagger as he glanced back at the others who were mounting their dragons.

  “It won’t work.”

  A petite figure stepped out of the shadow. At first, he thought it was a child but then Soren recognized her. It was the girl who had stolen his bag. Dex glided over, landing beside him.

  “Who is this?”

  “A thief. She works for my father.”

  The young woman eyed the red dragon. “I didn’t know you were the dragon rider when we last met.”

  “Would it have mattered?”

  She shrugged. “A job is a job.” Her eyes traveled back to the other dragons who leapt into the air, flying over them. “Magnificent.”

  Soren grabbed Dex’s harness and raised his foot, preparing to mount.

  “It won’t work.”

  He stopped and turned back toward her. “What won’t work?”

  “This,” she said waving her hands toward the dirt field. “I watched your practice. I see you sneaking up on the woman holding the stick. That is where your plan seems to end. And if that is all you want, I guess it works. But I assume you want more. The stick, perhaps?”

  Soren stepped away from Dex as he studied the young woman. “Yes, I want something.”

  “The stick?”

  “It is actually a scepter,” he said figuring there was no harm in sharing this. “Why are you here?”

  “Curiosity.” She took a step toward him and laughed when he took a step backwards. “Your arrest was news. Of course, I didn’t know it was you when I first heard about it. I recognized you at your trial this morning.”

  Soren raised an eyebrow. “You were at the trial?”

  The young woman smiled. “As I said news of your trial spread fast, and I was curious. I don’t make a habit of hanging out near the Questor’s court. Your trial had a great turnout. Most trials have very few attendees.”

  Soren shook his head. “Why? Why were so many people there?”

  “You’re quite well-known.”

  “How?”

  “You’re the dragon rider, of course.”

  She moved closer. He fought the urge to step away again. Instead, he watched her as she walked around him. “Still working for my father?”

  “No.” She stopped in front of him, leaning slightly forward. “What is that?” She reached out, touching the strap around his neck. “A necklace?”

  Soren slapped her hand away. “Don’t even think about it.”

  His hand tightened around the tiny charm. The young woman laughed and as she s
tepped back, she held up her other hand which now held his dagger.

  “That is what you need,” she said. “Someone to take the scepter while someone distracts your mark. That is unless you are going to kill her.”

  Soren held out his hand. She handed him the dagger, and he slid it back in its holder. “She is a powerful wizard. There is more of a chance she will kill me than of me killing her.”

  He climbed onto Dex. The dragon leapt into the air. He glanced back, noting the girl still watched them.

  “What do you think?” he asked Dex.

  “Her suggestion is a good one.”

  “I agree. I originally wanted to take Cane or Elden, but they think they are needed here during the battle.”

  “So, take the girl.”

  “Dex, she doesn’t have magic.”

  “I know but she is a thief. She's sneaky. Perhaps she can get close enough to steal the scepter.”

  Soren shook his head. “It’s too dangerous.”

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  It was an hour later when Soren, Quinn and Drake entered the dining room. Soren’s eyes widened when he saw Rodar sitting at one of the tables near Bryce and Tyrus. He rushed over.

  “What are you doing here? I thought they were holding you for trial.”

  Rodar smiled. “No trial since I confessed.”

  “But,” Soren said as he sat on the bench across from him. “I don’t understand. They released you?”

  “It pays to have a long-standing relationship with the royal family. King Arden gave me a stern lecture and levied a steep fine.” Rodar shrugged. “No harm done. I am sorry to say the journal is gone.”

  Quinn sat a plate in front of Soren as he and Drake joined them.

  Soren took a bite. “I am glad you aren't in jail, but you should have kept silent.”

  “And if you hadn’t given them a name, and I know you wouldn’t, then you would still be under arrest or worse yet sentenced for something I did. I couldn't let that happen. I’m not important. No one would miss me. Now you on the other hand that is a different matter.” Rodar held up his hand to stop Soren before he interrupted. “The deed is done, and it has all worked out. I would do it all again without hesitation.”