Dragonbound: Blue Dragon

by Rebecca Shelley

  All the dragons fell silent, gazing between their new leader and the dragon who had bought their freedom from Stonefountain many years before.

  Dharanidhar flew swiftly to land in front of Akshara. He bowed low. His victory and new position forgotten in the sudden honor of being called to the Akshara's feet.

  Akshara rested a claw on Dharanidhar's forehead and spoke so only Dharanidhar could hear his thoughts. You have accomplished a great thing today, rising to the top. I'm proud of you. Long have I watched you grow and progress. You have the capability of being the greatest leader we have even had. Or . . . you could destroy us all. Your forbearers paid a great price for our freedom. Many died to bring us safely to these shores. I commend you to freedom, Dharanidhar. You must fight for it always. Never surrender to slavery. Never use your own power and position to enslave others. This I require of you as you take command. Your oath forged from the battle cry that saved us from oppression. Freedom or Death.

  Dharanidhar bowed lower in acceptance of Akshara's demand. I swear it. I will fight to maintain our freedom to the very last breath of my body. I will not destroy what you have given us.

  Dharanidhar's mind snapped away from Kanvar's, leaving Kanvar suddenly alone with his own thoughts except for the Dharanidhar's connection to Kanvar's sight.

  I swear it, Dharanidhar told Indumauli. Kanvar will be free. On my life and honor.

  Indumauli hissed and eased his fangs away from Kanvar's skin. When they were free, he pulled his head back and snapped his jaws closed. The great coils loosened from around Kanvar's body.

  Indumauli shot off into the trees at the same moment that Dharanidhar blasted the air with his fiery breath. Indumauli was faster, and Dharanidhar only managed to singe the end of his tail.

  Dharanidhar growled in annoyance.

  "You, you tried to kill him even though he let me go," Kanvar protested.

  Dharanidhar licked his teeth, wishing he could have sunk them into Indumauli's hide. I didn't promise to let him go alive, only to free your mind.

  Dharanidhar lowered his head to look Kanvar in the eyes. But all Dharanidhar saw was his own face. Like looking into the mirror. He couldn't see Kanvar while Kanvar stared at him. He only saw himself. He tried to picture what Kanvar looked like, but the only time he'd seen Kanvar was the flash moment that he'd come out from behind Devaj's back to stab Dharanidhar in the eye.

  "Sorry about that," Kanvar said. "I couldn't let you kill my brother."

  No. It seems you would do anything to save him, Dharanidhar grumbled. Did I hurt your mind? Indumauli seemed to think I was torturing you.

  Heat rose to Kanvar's face. He didn't want to admit that he had been so weak and sensitive to the power of Dharanidhar's mind. But he found lying to Dharanidhar as difficult as lying to himself.

  Yes, I see I did hurt you. Dharanidhar let a spurt of hot breath into the sky. I was angry. I let my hate for Rajahansa and his followers cloud my judgment. I took my anger and vengeance out on you. He paused as if the admission came hard for him. I am sorry.

  Kanvar shrugged. I was angry too. Angry because I'm crippled. Furious that it bothered them so much.

  Rays of sunlight fanned across the sky and tipped over the ridge, spreading down into the edge of the trees where Kanvar and Dharanidhar stood.

  It's nice to see the sunrise, Dharanidhar murmured. I haven't watched it with full sight since the Maranies first came to this continent. Thank you for bonding with me. Truth is, I don't know how not to hurt your mind. It is so . . . don't get angry . . . fragile.

  Kanvar laughed. "And I thought my mind was the strongest part of me. It always kept working even when other bits of me slowed things down." He rubbed his short left arm and stared off into the charred greenery where Indumauli had gone. "I hope Indumauli makes it back to the river before the sunlight filters through the trees."

  I hope he doesn't, the worm. Rajahansa's little foot-licker. Too stupid to recognize we're free from the gold dragons' oppressive rule. Dharanidhar let another spurt of flame into the trees as if he still had a chance to toast Indumauli alive.

  I'm just fine, Indumauli's thoughts drifted back to Kanvar. I've a dark place to stay until nightfall. Can't tell you where it is since you're bonded to that savage oaf.

  Dharanidhar growled.

  Kanvar rubbed his aching head and formed a shield around the private parts of his mind like Parmver had taught him to.

  Vines, Dharanidhar prodded him, trying not to break through Kanvar's shield and overwhelm his mind. Help me find some, so we can tie you down safely and get out of here.

  Chapter Twelve

  Kanvar flew effortlessly across the blue expanse. Soaring, instead of shuffling through the dirt, dragging his left leg behind him. The bite of the wind in his face. The sound of it rushing past his ears. The great whomph of Dharanidhar's wings, and the undulating movement of the dragon's body beneath him. Kanvar lost himself in the exhilaration of speeding across the sky on Dharanidhar's back. Though the ride was much rougher than it had been on Rajahansa, Kanvar enjoyed it more.

  Now this is real freedom, Kanvar thought to Dharanidhar. I wish we could stay up here forever.

  The joy of the flight filled Kanvar to overflowing, and more. His connection to Dharanidhar banished the gnawing emptiness and loneliness Kanvar had felt all his life. More acutely after he got the fever, but now that Kanvar was complete, he recognized that he'd always been a shadow. Always felt like half a man. He'd attributed that to his infirmities. Now he knew differently. He'd been an empty glass. A sword without a sheath. A broken pot, desperately looking for his other half.

  Now he'd found it. He cared little for the fact that his life would only last as long as Dharanidhar's, and Dharanidhar was already past his prime. With his new bond, his soul was complete and every moment, every breath he took, he felt more alive than ever. He'd descended into despair and had been reborn, perfect and whole.

  Dharanidhar growled in mockery of his sentiment. Keep thinking like that, and I'll believe you are a poet instead of a dragon hunter.

  I don't care. Kanvar spread his arms as if they too were wings and shouted for joy. I'm flying. I'm flying free.

  Dharanidhar laughed at him, but Kanvar knew he felt the same way about suddenly gaining full sight after so many years of clouded vision and the shock of living in utter darkness for a few days. He reveled in the clear image of the trees below him. He could make out every leaf, individual petals on the great red orchids. He could see the colorful flash of the scaly macaws as they darted between the branches. A wondrous world of color and light and life. I feel young again, Dharanidhar rumbled. Young enough to teach that foolish upstart, Abhavasimha, a permanent lesson.

  Kanvar shuddered at Dharanidhar's memory of the feel of Abhavasimha's claws in his chest, curled around his heart, and Dharanidhar's outrage that the younger dragon had attacked him without the traditional challenge and out of sight of the rest of the pride. Abhavasimha would pay for that.

  Dharanidhar soared up and up, rounded a mountain peak, and flapped down to land on a high precipice overlooking a fertile valley.

  They'd come up high into the mountain range and left behind the dense jungle for sparser vegetation. Tall grasses, dotted with wildflowers, spread out across the rocky ground. Only a few stubby trees with twisted branches grew here, leaving nothing to block the blue dragons' flight. An emerald lake sat at the edge of the basin, reflecting the cliffs that towered above it. Dark slashes in the rock face marked the caverns claimed by members of the blue dragon pride.

  Dharanidhar rolled his shoulders and stretched his wings. The left one still ached where it had broken against the mountain. But it had healed well, and Dharanidhar was pleased that it had not been permanently damaged.

  "I wish human bones healed that fast," Kanvar said.

  Don't they? Dharanidhar questioned.

  "By the fountain, no. It would have taken a couple of months for my arm to heal if I'd broken it like that." Kanvar rememb
ered how quickly Devaj's wounds had healed after Dharanidhar had attacked his gold dragon. "Well, maybe I'll heal faster now. More like a dragon. Do you think?"

  I certainly hope so. Dharanidhar scraped his front claws against the cliffs to sharpen them. Abhavasimha won't be that easy to defeat. He's had plenty of practice in battle, and he's watched my fighting style for years. Are you still secure? If you fall, we're both doomed. I won't be able to see straight to catch you.

  Kanvar checked the vines that held him to Dharanidhar's back. "Yes. I'm tied down tight. Where is everyone?" Kanvar could see dragon tracks down by the water, but other than that the valley seemed empty.

  Sleeping off dinner. Dharanidhar's stomach growled. A good time for us to fight while we're lean and hungry. Not so good for Abhavasimha who has likely fed just a few hours ago and will be full and lethargic. Well, it's time to interrupt their morning nap.

  Dharanidhar lifted off from the cliff and flew across the meadow to a ledge above the lake. He directed Kanvar's eyes to a hole in the rocks near the topmost reaches of the largest cliff. That's my home. Abhavasimha's up there.

  "And Devaj?"

  Most likely. Dharanidhar stretched his front claws, cracking the knuckles and preparing to call Abhavasimha out. I wish you were invisible, my little friend. It could prove interesting explaining your presence to the other dragons. Your plan to rescue Devaj this way only works if they don't think Rajahansa has sent us.

  Kanvar gritted his teeth. Abhavasimha had threatened to kill Devaj instantly if Rajahansa sent someone to rescue him.

  Don't worry. We'll get this started quickly and not waste time with a lot of words. Once the fight begins. Everyone's attention will be on us, not Devaj.

  Dharanidhar reared up on his hind legs, spread his wings, and let out a guttural roar that shook his whole body and rattled Kanvar's bones. The roar rolled away across the valley and echoed back from the mountaintops.

  Kanvar sensed a hundred dragon minds snap awake.

  Dharanidhar roared again, and the pride of dragons came out. The older ones lumbering to the entrance of their caves, blinking in the sunlight. The young ones zipping out of their holes like a flock of blue bats.

  The entrance to Dharanidhar's cave stayed dark and empty.

  Dharanidhar roared again. Abhavasimha, I have returned. I challenge you for rightful leadership of the pride.

  Kanvar felt the surprise of the dragons around him. Their thoughts tumbled through his mind. He's returned. Abhavasimha said he was blind. Why does he have a Naga with him?

  An answering bellow came from the high cave, and Abhavasimha swooped out. He perched on the top of the cliff looking down at Dharanidhar.

  Dharanidhar growled deep in his throat, assessing his opponent. The higher ranking dragon always gets the advantage of height at the beginning of a fight, he told Kanvar. Few young dragons ever figure out how to use the lower ground to turn the fight their own way. Abhavasimha looked splendid and invincible with the morning sunlight reflecting off his chest. He had few scars compared to Dharanidhar and none on his chest.

  It is not customary or comfortable for blue dragons to battle in the morning, Dharanidhar told Kanvar. Like attacking humans at night. But see, from Abhavasimha's high position, the sun is in his eyes. We have the sun at our backs. Note his chest. He's good at guarding it. It is almost impossible to kill an enemy from the flank. Deadly strikes must go to the neck, chest, or gut. In that order of preference. No one has come even close to those marks on Abhavasimha. But then he has not fought me before.

  Abhavasimha reared up, spread his wings, and roared. Dharanidhar, you blind fool. You'd have been wise to stay in exile. Now I will kill you. I accept your challenge.

  Kanvar had read in Raza's book that the blue leaders could not refuse a challenge unless they wanted to give up their position in disgrace and leave the pride.

  Then we will fight. Dharanidhar dropped down to all fours, tensed, and pulled his wings in to his sides. This is where the young ones make their most fatal mistake, he whispered to Kanvar. They launch themselves into the air to start the attack. But from the ground they cannot attain the same momentum as the higher dragon.

  Abhavasimha dove from the cliff toward them, but pulled up mid-way and circled when Dharanidhar did not rise to meet him. What is this . . . human? Abhavasimha demanded.

  My eyes. Dharanidhar remained hunched down, ready to launch himself. He stayed in place, not turning to watch Abhavasimha circle above, but Kanvar kept a close eye on him.

  He shuddered with rage. You've betrayed us and joined the enemy! You've come here for Rajahansa. You've allowed a Naga to ride you?

  That whipped the other dragons into a fury. They spread their wings and leapt into the air to join the attack on Dharanidhar.

  No! Kanvar shouted into their minds. Dharanidhar has not betrayed you. I have betrayed Rajahansa and Amar, my father. They wanted to force me to bond with a gold dragon, but I escaped them and have bonded with Dharanidhar. The power of the Nagas has come to the blue dragons.

  Kanvar felt a rush of fear and denial hit Abhavasimha. A prince of the royal line, bound to you?

  Yes, Dharanidhar answered. Are you having second thoughts about accepting my challenge. Since you so kindly granted me exile, I will give you the same option. Fly away now, and I won't kill you.

  Abhavasimha let out a furious roar and dove at Dharanidhar.

  Dharanidhar chuckled. I love fighting them when they're in a blind fury. He stayed hunched and tense while Abhavasimha sped straight down. His great jaws opened wide to sink into Kanvar and tear him from Dharanidhar's back.

  Still Dharanidhar waited.

  Kanvar ducked as Abhavasimha's teeth came toward him.

  He's moving too fast, Dharanidhar's thoughts flashed through Kanvar's mind. He'll have to flare back, or crash.

  Abhavasimha flared his wings just as his jaws snapped shut. In that flash instant, instead of taking to the air, Dharanidhar rolled onto his back, jerking Kanvar out of Abhavasimha's jaws and almost crushing him in order to rake his great hind legs down Abhavasimha's chest with a horrible sound of shattering scales and tearing flesh.

  Abhavasimha wheeled aside before the claws could sink in deep enough to kill him. His sudden movement tilted him into the ground, and Dharanidhar leapt on him. Closing his jaws on Abhavasimha's throat.

  Kanvar gasped as he whipped back upright after being rolled so close to the ground. The thought that Dharanidhar had finished the fight so quickly and easily exalted him. He was wrong.

  Abhavasimha used the momentum of his fall to whip Dharanidhar off of him, before Dharanidhar's teeth could do more than graze the scales that protected his throat. The unexpected movement, so close after Dharanidhar's first roll and leap, left Kanvar dizzy and disoriented, and Dharanidhar lost sight of Abhavasimha.

  Abhavasimha launched into the air while Kanvar blinked and tried to get his bearings.

  Dharanidhar let out a frustrated growl. He'd had his enemy in his clutches and could have finished it if Kanvar hadn't faltered. Dharanidhar leapt into the air. The battle would be harder to win now.

  Shaken, Kanvar clutched the vines that held him to Dharanidhar's back. He was not used to twisting and turning and fighting dragon style. Human bodies just didn't move like that. Dharanidhar rumbled his understanding of Kanvar's difficulty. But it couldn't be helped. If Kanvar could not adapt, Abhavasimha would triumph.

  Dharanidhar jerked into another spin as the two dragons met in mid air. Their claws raked each other, but neither could hit the death points.

  Abhavasimha broke off, went higher, and circled again. He sucked in a deep breath, igniting his fires. What's he doing? Dharanidhar's mind flashed. It's a fatal waste of energy to breathe fire on a fellow blue dragon. It would bounce harmlessly off my scales.

  Spin! Kanvar screamed at him. Dharanidhar's body responded instantly to Kanvar's command. He spun away, and the flames licked his shoulder. I'm not fire proof. My armor isn't good enough to
repel blue fire up close, Kanvar corrected him. Abhavasimha's figured out he doesn't have to kill you. He just has to kill me.

  A shock of fear went bone deep through Dharanidhar. He hadn't realized it, but it was true. He had a new death point. One unguarded by scales or claws. Mounted on the back of his neck, Kanvar was an easy target. Dharanidhar cursed as Abhavasimha dove at Kanvar.

  Chapter Thirteen

  To protect Kanvar, Dharanidhar had to roll again. Abhavasimha anticipated his move, and struck as Dharanidhar's chest came up. He clawed for Dharanidhar's heart, tearing the scales from Dharanidhar's chest and digging into flesh. Dharanidhar pushed Abhavasimha off him and flapped clear.

  Kanvar felt a burn in his chest and blood seep under his jacket.

  Abhavasimha blew another burst of fire, forcing Dharanidhar to retreat farther, licking his chest while keeping Kanvar away from Abhavasimha.

  Abhavasimha came at them again while Dharanidhar's head was down staunching the wound. Dharanidhar flared back and lifted his back legs to tear at Abhavasimha. Abhavasimha turned at the last moment and threw his whole momentum against Dharanidhar's left wing.

  The newly healed bone snapped.

  Dharanidhar spun around and started to fall.

  Kanvar screamed.

  Dharanidhar let out an echoing roar. He put all his strength into a last huge flap of his right wing. This spun him in range of Abhavasimha. He reached out with both his foreclaws and hind legs and latched onto Abhavasimha, pulling him down with him.

  Abhavasimha clamped his jaws around Dharanidhar's neck.

  Kanvar gasped. He could only breathe in the barest trickle of air.

  Abhavasimha flapped to slow their fall. He had a death grip on Dharanidhar now. Though Dharanidhar struggled, Abhavasimha's jaws were locked in place, and Dharanidhar could not break their hold. In turn Dharanidhar refused to give up the grip he had on Abhavasimha, knowing Abhavasimha could not keep both of them in the air for long.