Thomas lifted a package onto the table. It was wrapped in dark red velvet and tied with a gold cord. “Right here, milord,” he said.
“Good.” They watched as Thomas carefully untied the package to reveal a large goblet. It was made of gold, and inlaid with jewels. Beside it lay a dagger, with a hilt decorated as lavishly as the cup. Thomas lifted each item and handed them to Max.
“In the absence of any council members, Max will officiate our ceremony here this evening,” Aaron said. He rose to his feet, and strode into the center of the hall, with Max a step behind. Lleland glanced at Lydia. She smiled, and reaching out her hand, squeezed his fingers. He stood, but before turning away, stooped to kiss her. His hand slipped from hers as he strode into the center of the hall and stood before Aaron.
“Are you ready?” Aaron asked.
Lleland nodded.
“Very well.” Aaron extended his arm towards Max, but his gaze remained fixed on Lleland.
Gripping the dagger, Max slashed the blade across Aaron’s wrist, catching the blood in the chalice as it spurted from the wound. Aaron did not flinch, but continued to stare at Lleland. The blood slowed, and Max slashed again, and more of the life-giving liquid flowed into the cup. It was three-quarters full when the blood slowed to a trickle, then stopped, and Max handed the chalice to Lleland.
“The blood of your Master,” he said. Lleland took the cup in his hands, and met Aaron’s gaze. He lifted the cup to his lips and drained the contents without breaking the stare. The blood tasted like a strong liquor that burned on its way down, filling him with flame. He felt the heat flare within him, and saw Aaron through a haze of flames. He could feel the depths of his being reach towards Aaron, securing him to the strength and power of his Master.
He lowered the cup and held it out to Max. “Master,” he said to Aaron. He felt Aaron’s stare probe his depths.
“Hold out your wrist.”
Lleland extended his hand towards Max, but did not move his eyes from Aaron. He felt the sting of the dagger piercing his skin, and the cold metal pressed against his arm to catch his blood. From the corner of his eye he saw Max pass the cup to Aaron, and as Aaron downed the contents, he could feel his life-force slipping into his Master. He heard Max’s voice as though from some far distance.
“You can give your oath now,” he said.
“From this moment forward, I recognize you as my Master,” Lleland said, “and pledge you my fealty and obedience.”
“Welcome to Clan Drake,” Aaron said. “We’re now your family, and you belong with us. You’ll never be without a home, and we’ll not leave you wanting. You’ll share in our successes and in our failures.”
“Thank you, Master,” Lleland said. He stared at Aaron for another moment. For the first time in his life he felt as though he belonged – that he had people, and they had him. He smiled and turned towards Lydia. She rushed over to him and wrapped her hands around his neck, pulling his lips to hers. He kissed her deeply, ignoring the audience, until Zach’s laugh broke through his thoughts.
“It would seem that Master Seaton fits right into this family.” He walked over to Lleland and slapped him on the back. “How does it feel?” he asked.
“Good! Very, very good! I feel as though … as though I’ve come home!”
“You have,” Lydia said with a smile.
Lleland wrapped his arm around her as Keira and Anna walked over to them. “By tomorrow you’ll be part of this family in every way,” Keira said.
Lleland smiled, and pulling Lydia close, kissed her forehead. “I cannot wait,” he said.
Chapter 42
Lleland awoke the next morning with a deep feeling of contentment. He rolled over in his bed and stared out the window. He could feel his bond with Aaron. It demanded nothing of him except loyalty, and offered a place to belong.
He rose from his bed and went in search of Lydia. He’d just started walking down the passage when he saw Max coming towards him. “If you’re looking for Lydia, she’s in Keira’s chambers with Anna. They’re getting ready for tonight’s ceremony. In the meantime, Aaron wants to see you in his study.” Lleland glanced down the passage towards the master chambers. He could hear Lydia laughing. He turned and headed towards the study.
The door was closed, but Lleland could sense Aaron inside and he opened it without hesitation. Aaron looked up at him from his desk, and waved him over to a seat.
“I hope you had a good night’s sleep,” Aaron said as Lleland sat down. “It may be a while before you have another.” He laughed at Lleland’s shocked expression, but then became serious. “You’re a good man, Lleland,” he said. “I know that becoming a dragon was not your choice, but I’m glad Lydia has found someone who can match her in strength and be her equal.” He paused. “You’ve embraced what you’ve become. Now embrace all that Lydia is as well.”
Lleland nodded. “I will.”
Aaron leaned back in his seat. “Have you given any thought to your future?”
Lleland frowned. “I must return to Civitas to complete the year of teaching. Indeed, I’ve already extended my absence too long. I have no independent wealth and need to earn my living. I must also find a place to live. I’m sure you know I cannot bring a wife to the college, nor do I want to.”
“I’ve already spoken to my cousin about you and Lydia living at Drake House,” Aaron said. “And I have a proposition for you. You’re a well-read and well-educated man. I have need of such a man to be my scribe.”
“You already have Thomas.”
“Thomas is getting old, and cannot travel as he used to. But what I have in mind is not the duties of a steward. I want someone to travel through our territories and create a record of our history. You’ll meet all the dragons of the clan, and set down their records. My territory extends far beyond the human kingdom, and some dragons live in far-flung places. You’ll travel to these locations and remain with the dragons as you transcribe their histories.”
“What about Lydia?”
“She’ll travel with you, of course. Her curiosity and adventuring spirit almost matches yours.”
Lleland smiled. “I think you already know what I wish to say, but I won’t make a decision without first consulting my wife.”
Aaron smiled. “There’s no rush to make a decision. Just let me know when you have. And now, I’ve been instructed to keep you away from Storbrook for the remainder of the day, so I’m taking you down the mountain with Zach and Max to see Richard.”
“Master Carver? The man who thinks I intend to kill you?” Lleland had seen Richard a few times while he was staying in the village, but the man had refused to speak to him despite his efforts to offer an explanation. Instead, whenever he saw Lleland, he scowled and walked away.
“When he sees you with three dragons,” Aaron said, “he’ll realize that he reached the wrong conclusion. Now I’m just going to check if Keira and Lydia need anything before we go, and you’re going to meet us outside.”
Lleland gave a wry smile. “Very well, Master,” he said.
A few minutes later he was launching himself through his large window into the frigid winter air. The snow of the previous day had stopped, leaving a glittering blanket of white over the towering peaks. Lydia’s laughter flooded through the huge window of Aaron and Keira’s chamber, but before he had a chance to draw near he saw a flash of light, and Aaron emerged from the room. He pulled back as Aaron glanced at him, his expression amused. “Let’s go,” he said. “Zach and Max are already waiting.” He lifted his chin, and Lleland saw the two dragons circling high above the castle.
They landed in a clearing on the shores of a small lake a half hour later. Frost had painted the reeds white, and ice clung to the edges of the pond, trapping water weeds in its grip. The dragons changed form and pulled on some clothes before following a snowy path that led towards the village. As they cleared the thick canopy of trees, Lleland could see Master Carver’s house in the distance, smoke rising from the chimney
.
Zach fell into stride with Lleland as they walked. “When do you return to Civitas?” he asked.
“In the next few days. I’ve already been gone too long.”
“And Lydia returns with you?”
“Of course! I’m eager to have her by my side.”
“I’ll come back with you.”
“I’d rather you didn’t,” Lleland said dryly.
Zach laughed. “Fine. I’ll return to Civitas without you. But I intend to stay at Drake House – my chambers at the college are rather cramped. I trust that meets with your approval?”
“Why didn’t you stay at Drake House before?” he asked.
“I had a notion I’d enjoy staying with my fellow students.”
“And now?”
“I’d prefer to stay with my fellow dragons.”
They reached the Carver house. The door to the workshop was open, and Lleland saw Richard glance up. He left his worktable and came outside.
“This is a pleasure, Aaron,” he said. He turned to the others. “Max. Zach.” His eyes narrowed when they fell on Lleland, and he turned to Aaron with a scowl. “What’s this man doing with you? You know what he is!”
“He’s my future son-in-law.”
“Impossible!” Richard stepped closer and dropped his voice. “He hates dragons!” he hissed. “You know he intends to kill you.”
“Lleland’s had my blood, Richard.”
Richard looked surprised. “You’ve bound this man to yourself? Why?”
“He’s given me his oath.”
Richard frowned. “I don’t understand. I thought only dragons gave an oath.”
“You’re right. And I confess I don’t completely understand it myself. But this former dragon hunter is a dragon.”
Richard’s eyes flew to Lleland. “You hunted your own kind?”
“No.” Lleland glanced at Aaron, who nodded. “I wasn’t a dragon when you first met me. I am now.”
“Show me!” Richard said. Lleland sighed, and flames spilled from his mouth. Richard stepped back in shock, and his eyes flew to Aaron. “How can this be?”
Aaron shrugged. “It doesn’t matter. It is what it is. Now are you going to leave us standing outside all day, old man?”
Richard snorted. “Old, am I? What does that make you?”
Aaron grinned. “A dragon.”
“Well, come in,” Richard said. “Where are the women?”
“They’re busy getting ready for a ceremony this evening.”
“This evening? You dragons don’t waste any time, do you?” Richard said dryly.
“What’s the point of waiting?” Aaron said with a laugh. “We’ve been banished from Storbrook for the day, and we’re taking you back with us.”
“I think I need a strong cup of wine,” Richard said.
Max laughed. “That’s an excellent idea, Richard. Make sure it’s unwatered!”
“I don’t water down my wine!” Richard exclaimed.
Aaron laughed. “You know better than to take Max seriously, Richard,” he said. “And besides, it’s only my opinion you should be concerned about, and you’ve never offered me watered-down drink.”
Richard smiled at Aaron, his eyes intent on the tall dragon. There was something about his demeanor that went beyond mere familial affection, and as Lleland watched, he realized what it was. Richard’s bond to Aaron had been forged in blood.
It was a few hours past noon when the men returned to Storbrook. Lleland was sent directly to his chambers, with strict orders to remain there until summoned. Zach came by a short while later with a pile of clothes in his arms. “You cannot marry my sister in those peasant clothes of yours,” he told Lleland.
“They’re not peasant clothes,” Lleland protested, but when he saw the garments Zach laid on the bed, he had to agree that nothing he owned could compare to such attire. A crimson doublet cut from the finest cloth and embroidered with gold thread, a silk shirt of snowy whiteness, doeskin breeches cut in the latest fashion and moulded perfectly to his legs. Woolen stockings and polished leather boots completed the ensemble.
“Where do these come from?” he asked as he dressed himself in the fine attire.
“We always have extra garments on hand,” Zach said. “And Mother ordered the seamstress to alter these for you.”
“Your mother is an enterprising woman.”
“She is. And here’s a cord for your hair.” He handed Lleland a ribbon that matched the doublet, and he pulled his hair from his shoulders and secured it at his nape. Zach nodded. “Very good. Now that you’re suitably dressed, I’ve been instructed to accompany you to the chapel. Are you ready?”
Lleland nodded. “Absolutely! Lead the way!” He followed Zach from the room and down the stairs. As they passed the hall, Lleland saw that it had been scrubbed clean. Scarlet berries and boughs of greenery decorated the tables, and the room was ablaze with candles.
“The whole castle will be celebrating your nuptials this evening,” Zach said. “Cook has not left the kitchen since yesterday. Your haste to marry my sister has sent everyone spinning.”
“I wasn’t expecting a grand feast,” Lleland said.
Zach stopped and turned to him. “You’re marrying the Dragon Master’s daughter. Even if there are only a few in attendance, do you really think he would allow such an event to go uncelebrated? Word will reach the other dragons that, despite the impatience of the groom, it was celebrated in style.”
He turned and continued down the stairs, Lleland a few steps behind as he considered Zach’s words. By marrying Aaron’s daughter, he was stepping into the ranks of dragon royalty.
They reached the courtyard and walked across the icy flagstones to the small chapel across from the prisoner’s tower. Lydia was not there yet, but Keira stood with Anna and Max near the stairs, and the priest stood shivering in his surplice at the door. Richard stood a short distance away. The priest nodded at Lleland as Zach led him to the bottom of the steps.
“You look very handsome,” Keira said with a smile. “I was right in thinking those garments would become you.”
“Many thanks for your care in ensuring I was properly prepared, Mistress,” Lleland said.
Lydia’s scent wafted through the air, and he turned to see her step into the courtyard, Aaron at her side. She was dressed in a long, sweeping gown of pearl gray. A gauzy veil, decorated with tiny seed pearls, hid her face while on her brow rested a thin circlet of gold. Lydia looked up at Lleland, and through the thin veil he saw her golden eyes shining as she stared at him. The breath caught in his throat as his gaze met hers, and he stared as she made her way towards the chapel. She stopped a few steps from Lleland, and turned to look at Aaron.
“You look lovely, my daughter,” he said. He lifted the veil and kissed her forehead. “I love you,” he whispered. He lowered the veil and turned to Lleland. Their gazes met and Aaron nodded, then stepped back to stand beside Keira.
Lleland took Lydia by the hand and gently caressed her fingers. “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered. “Ready to become my wife?”
She smiled. “Yes,” she said. She turned towards the priest, and Lleland led her up the chapel stairs.
“Dearly beloved …” the priest began. He barely paused when he asked if there was any impediment to hinder the marriage, then led Lleland through his vows.
“I do,” he averred, his gaze on Lydia. When she answered the same, it took all his effort not to sweep her into his arms then and there.
“You will now share a bond of blood,” the priest said. Lleland glanced at Lydia in surprise – he had not expected the dragon binding at a human ceremony. The priest held a small knife, and he gestured to Zach to step forward.
“Extend your arms, please,” the priest said.
Lleland followed Lydia as she held out her hand, palm up. The priest nicked each of their wrists, bringing a drop of blood to the surface. Lleland smiled. The blood bond they were participating in was an ancient pagan ce
remony – perfect for a dragon wedding.
The priest stepped back as Zach tied their wrists together with a gold cloth. The wounds had already healed, but the drops of blood mingled and smeared on their skin. The priest opened the door of the chapel, and served them the nuptial mass in private, then led them back out to the courtyard. “You may kiss your bride,” he said.
Lleland stared into Lydia’s eyes for a moment before lowering his lips to hers and kissing her softly. Their hands hung at their sides, the cord still binding them together, and he twisted his fingers around hers as he trailed his mouth to her ear. “Later,” he whispered. He pulled away to see the flames burning in Lydia’s eyes, and knew that they mirrored his own.
“Yes,” she breathed. He stared at her a moment longer, then turned to grin at his new family.
Chapter 43
Lleland kept his fingers around Lydia’s as they walked across the courtyard back to the hall. The loose knot in the cloth was already slipping, and Lydia pulled it free as they walked. They entered the hall to see the servants lined up in two long rows on either side of the doorway. They clapped as Lleland and Lydia entered, and threw grain over them as they ran, laughing, through the rows to the dais, ducking the showers of grain. The room glittered from the many candles that flickered and shone around the walls, and the huge fire that roared in the enormous fireplace. The main table had been decorated with holly and pine, and wide swathes of fabric tied into bows lined the sides. In one corner of the room a small group of musicians were tuning their instruments, and Lleland glanced at Thomas, wondering what wizardry he had used to bring them to Storbrook in such short order.
Lleland and Lydia took their seats at the raised table, while around them gathered Aaron and Keira, Max and Anna, Zach, Richard and the priest, who remained on his feet until silence fell in the hall. He lifted his hands and blessed the meal, then took his seat as the hubbub rose once more. Servant girls, laughing and smiling, brought in huge trays laden with delectable dishes and spiced fruits. Fish followed fowl, and when that was cleared, succulent roasted venison was placed on the tables. Wine flowed freely into the cups on the tables, and laughter and gaiety filled the hall.
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