A Storm in the Desert: Dragonlinked Chronicles Voume 3

by Adolfo Garza Jr.

  “Hello, friends.” He smiled as he slid in across from them. “I have news.”

  “Oh?” Aeron sat forward, elbows on the table.

  “Yes. But first—” Isandath turned around and waved down a server. As the girl made her way over, he glanced back at them and asked, “Same dish as before?”

  Aeron nodded eagerly. It had been delicious.

  “Please.” Polandra smiled.

  When the server left, Isandath lowered is voice. “That third faction within the Corpus Order appears to be working with outside people, a company.”

  “Which company?” Aeron, mindful of Polandra’s request, kept his voice low.

  “National Transportation. The Laminae provided the name to me.”

  “How did they learn of it?” Polandra asked.

  “They secretly control the Observers, remember? And they have their own eyes-and-ears beyond those. They even learned of our first meeting.”

  Aeron glanced about the room. Was someone here, now, a spy? Was there more than one?

  “Have no worries, though. That information will never reach the ears of the Nesch or the Capu.”

  “It’s good that the Laminae believe as we do,” Aeron said. “Do they have their own plans?”

  “They do, I’m sure of it.” Isandath frowned. “They have yet to inform me of them, however. But, I am positive their plans will align with our goal. That is the overall purpose of the Laminae, after all. But with so much unease in the Order, I hope their plans are already in motion.”

  “Where do the factions stand?” Polandra said. “I mean, how many people follow each one?”

  “The old guard is actually gaining popularity because of the deaths near the flats. The claim that dragons are perpetrating them only reinforces what the old guard believes.”

  “We need to—” Aeron closed his mouth. Their server was approaching, a tray with their bowls of stew balanced on her shoulder.

  Isandath followed his gaze. “Ah! Excellent.” He rubbed his hands together.

  Once the bowls were laid out, the girl smiled. “Anything else for you, Uncle?”

  “No, dear, this is perfect. Thank you.”

  “Enjoy.” She left them to their dinner.

  The booth was silent for the good part of ten minutes as they all ate the hearty, warm stew.

  “This,” Aeron pointed at the bowl with his spoon, “is soooo good.”

  “Golden, is it?” Polandra’s lips were curved in a wry smile.

  “Very. I’d even venture to call it . . . gigantic.”

  Her brows drew together. “It’s not just your accent that’s different.”

  Isandath chuckled. “So, Aeron, you were about to say something when Catori arrived with the stew?”

  Aeron turned to Isandath. “Yes. I was saying that we need to find out what is killing those people at the flats. At the very least, it will lessen the growing influence of the old guard.”

  “You believe the reports that it was dragons are false?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “Dragons are afraid of people,” Polandra explained. “As you no doubt remember from Nayra, normal dragons are incredibly nervous, anxious even.”

  Isandath nodded. “That is true. But don’t you think those feelings could drive someone to kill?”

  “No, that’s not the point,” Aeron said. “Dragons would fly away from people rather than be near them for any reason.”

  Isandath grunted. He glanced at the near-empty bowl in front of him. “What if there are dragons that live in the flats? Do you think they’d fight to protect their home?”

  That was something Aeron hadn’t thought of before. Dear-heart. If people got too close to a dragon House, would the dragons fight to protect it?

  I do not have memories of that happening at House Yaot, but it is possible. A dragon House is their home.

  “Anaya says that dragons might do that. So, you could be right. Assuming dragons live in the flats. Which, if they did, would be odd.”

  “How so?”

  He looked at Isandath. “Why are the flats called the flats?”

  “Because they are nearly table-top flat for hundreds of square miles.”

  Aeron glanced at Polandra. After a moment, her brows raised.

  “I think I understand,” she said. “Every place we know of that wild dragons live is either in a mountain, or a spire, or has ready access to some kind of heights.”

  “Exactly,” Aeron said. “This would be the first time we’ve seen dragons living on the ground.”

  “Still,” Polandra said, “we should ask Nayra if she knows of if dragons have started to wander near the flats. Maybe they do while hunting or something.”

  Aeron nodded, though he doubted any did. He turned to Isandath. “Were you able to learn if the Capu is affiliated with one of those groups?”

  “As far as we’ve been able to determine, he is not. That may soon change, however. The Laminae are going to approach him. Secretly, of course.”

  Polandra set her bowl aside. “The outcome of that meeting could prove interesting.”

  Aeron had been of a mind recently that they should just get it over with and meet with Capu Cirtis. The manis had told them how to do so. But Polandra was right. This meeting could reveal more of the man’s intentions. Aeron would remain patient until they learned its outcome.

  “In the meantime,” he said, “we should find out why the Order is working with this company. What are they doing? It may give us a clue as to what that faction intends.”

  “Yes,” Isandath said. “I’ve already asked the Laminae to see what they can discover, and I have some ideas on where I might find information as well. I have not been successful as of yet, but I remain hopeful.”

  “Good.” Polandra nodded. “Well, if you don’t have anything more for us, we should head off. I think we might have another visit to make before we return to the North.”

  Back at their dragons, Aeron shoved the robe into Anaya’s saddlebags. “Were you thinking we should see Nayra tonight?”

  Polandra glanced at him. “I was. Why?”

  Aeron twisted his lips in a half-frown. “It’s just that the last time we visited a dragon House, it didn’t exactly go well.”

  “Oh?” She secured her saddlebag and turned to him.

  He explained the trip he and Anaya took to House Yaot and its apparent failure.

  It turned out well, though. Queen Ixtab was deaf to our pleas, but some dragons heard.

  “That’s true, dear-heart.”

  Ikan rumbled. As we approach, I will speak with my mother and have her meet us outside.

  “That’s a great idea.” Polandra slapped him lovingly on the side. “Unfortunately, I’ve never been to the home of Nayra and Ikan. We can’t open a portal, so we’ll have to fly the whole way.”

  “We’d better get started, then.”

  As they left the ravine, Aeron thought he saw a small flash of light. It seemed to have come from a low hill, some ways to the northwest. Can you sense anyone near us? I thought I saw something in those hills to the left.

  I do not. Those hills are too far, though, for me to sense anything in them that is not a nahual.

  It was probably nothing.

  Polandra and Ikan quickly gained altitude as they headed north, and Aeron and Anaya followed.

  Ikan set a very fast pace. Even so, it was a long flight. Based on how high Hemet had risen since they’d started, Aeron estimated that at least an hour and a half had elapsed. They’d traveled so far, in fact, that he could swear the air itself smelled different.

  You aren’t tired, are you?

  I am not. Anaya turned her head to glance at him with her left eye. You?

  My butt is starting to get sore, is all. We haven’t flown for this long since we finished sketching the gateway destinations.

  Ahead, the land was changing. A line, from as far left as he could see and stretching beyond sight to the right, marked a strange kind of border betw
een the land they flew over and absolute darkness beyond. What is that?

  Anaya turned her gaze forward. It sparkles.

  Sparkles? Aeron squinted in a effort to see better, but his vision was no match for hers. It just looked like a swath of black to the horizon.

  As they crossed the line, Polandra and Ikan changed course to follow that strange border. When they lowered their altitude, Anaya dropped down with them.

  Aeron’s mouth opened in surprise. The line was formed by incredibly high cliffs. And below them, the darkness revealed its true nature. Waves crashed against the sheer cliffs, tossing spray upwards.

  It’s the ocean!

  Ocean?

  Lots and lots of water. You can’t drink it, though, it’s too salty. Aeron stared at it. I’ve never seen the ocean before, outside of paintings or books.

  Is it fun to swim in, like the lake?

  Aeron chuckled. I bet it is!

  They flew over the ocean, along the cliffs, for maybe a quarter hour before Ikan led them up top. Just before they crested it, Aeron caught sight of several dark caves dotting the cliff face farther in the direction they had been flying. That must be where the dragons lived.

  Nayra will be here soon.

  Aeron and Polandra dismounted and waited.

  “This is a long way from the caves near Bataan-Mok.” Aeron, sitting on the ground with his back against Anaya, tossed a pebble. The air definitely smelled different here. And felt it, too. It was heavy with humidity.

  Anaya turned her head to him. My mother flew even farther when she laid my egg.

  “That’s true.”

  I can remember the dragons flying from the old home in fear. Ikan’s tone was somber. They did not want to be close to where so many died.

  “Yeah. I wouldn’t either.” Polandra had her knees pulled up to her chin.

  Aeron nodded. He could definitely understand that.

  “Still,” she said, “I want to make that place safe for dragons again.”

  Nayra comes.

  Aeron stood and looked to the sky, searching for the dragon. Ikan must have told Polandra, because she was on her feet looking as well.

  From beyond the edge of the cliff, loud wing beats could be heard. As Aeron ran toward them, an enormous dragon rose into view, hovering in the air.

  Ikan!

  Blood-mother! The bronze dragon raised up on his haunches, wings spread, and trumpeted a greeting.

  Nayra flew over, nearly dropped from the air, and wrapped her son in her wings.

  “It’s good to see you again, Nayra.” Polandra stood to the side, a large smile on her face.

  Nayra released her son. It is good to see you, too. Ikan looks well. You have been keeping him out of trouble?

  Blood-mother. I am fully-grown, now.

  Polandra, laughing, said, I have. At least from what trouble can be avoided.

  And Xochi? Renata? How fare they?

  They are well. Fear not, your daughter is happy.

  Nayra let out a breath, almost a sigh. She spied Aeron. A–Are you the dragon boy?

  I am. This is my bond-mate, Anaya.

  The tawny dragon chirped at Nayra and received a chirp in return.

  It is good that they found you and that they are safe. Ikan said you wished to ask me a question?

  We do. Polandra stepped next to Ikan.

  Aeron said, There are stories that dragons have killed humans near Ghost Flats.

  K–Killed humans? Nayra sat back on her haunches. What? A–And where? She turned to Ikan.

  He looked at her. The Salt Waste. Humans call it Ghost Flats.

  The Salt Waste. Polandra nodded. That’s an appropriate name, from what I know of the place.

  “What do you mean?” Aeron was confused. “There’s salt there?”

  “Yes. The entire ground is covered nearly a foot deep in salt. The surface is smaller grains, but there are larger crystals and even solid areas below.”

  “How is there salt there?”

  “I don’t know.” She shrugged. “There just is.”

  And dragons are killing people there? Nayra looked alarmed.

  Aeron raised his hands. I do not believe the stories. Our question was whether you knew of dragons that lived near there, or if that was a place where dragons hunted or passed through.

  Nayra shifted on her feet. It is a place with very little life. I do not know of dragons that live there nor of any that would want or need to go near it.

  Ikan rumbled. And I cannot find a memory of dragons going there since we left the old home.

  Aeron nodded. It’s as I thought. Dragons are not killing the people there. He frowned. So what is?

  Or who. Polandra stared at him.

  Aeron went still. Who would do that? And why? The old guard? In their desire to keep the false purpose alive, would they kill people and blame it on dragons? Would they stoop that low?

  Thank you for your help, Nayra. Aeron walked to Anaya. We must go home for now. He climbed in her saddle and turned to Polandra. “We have to talk to Millinith.”

  “About what?” She mounted Ikan.

  “To tell her that we’re going to Ghost Flats as soon as we can to find out what in Yrdra’s deepest hells is going on there.”

  + + + + +

  Nesch Takatin glanced at the stack of papers. It had been much taller when his pesan had placed it on his desk before retiring for the night. There were only a few reports left. Preparations for bed could begin soon. And a good thing, too. Sighing, he leaned back and stretched his arms above his head. The movement caused the chair to squeak.

  The ornate wooden seat was ancient, as was the matching desk. Of heavy, dark wood, they were intricately carved and inlaid with various stones and metals. He thought them a bit gaudy, but they came with the station of Nesch. At least the velvet-covered cushion was relatively new. It still functioned to keep his backside from getting too sore.

  A distant knock made him frown. He glanced at the chronometer sitting on the desk. Who would be calling at this hour? Curious, he stood and made for the outer rooms. It would be a welcome distraction from the reports, if nothing else.

  The knock would have been answered by his pesan, who’d have risen from her simple bed in the tiny room near the door. She’d talk with the visitor before speaking with Chu’a. Then, if Chu’a felt it was important enough for the visitor to be granted a meeting tonight, he’d come to the office and inquire whether a meeting was possible. All that would take far longer than if he himself just went to the door and saw who the visitor was.

  His pesan stood with . . .

  “Captain?” Why was the captain of the manisi here? Takatin waved off the pesan, who bowed and headed for her room.

  “Sorry to disturb you this late, Nesch Takatin.”

  “No matter. Come.” He turned and headed to the waiting room. As he did so, he hand-spoke to Chu’a for chilled wine. “What brings you to my rooms at this hour?”

  “An incident during one of tonight’s patrols.”

  Takatin sat in his usual chair. The captain remained standing. Chu’a handed out two goblets and took his place against the wall.

  “An incident?” Takatin sipped the wine.

  The captain stared at the goblet in his hand and then took a large swallow. “A manis swears he saw a dragon, maybe even two, earlier tonight.”

  Takatin’s eyes narrowed. “Where?”

  “East of here. He says he was looking at the sky, the stars, with his field-glasses when he caught a glimpse of them. He tried to find them again, but could not.”

  “A glimpse.”

  The captain fidgeted. “Yes, sir, only a glimpse. But with so many of our manisi patrolling Ghost Flats, I worried that the dragons may have started hunting farther away. I thought you’d want to know about the sighting.”

  “You are correct. I do want to know. Good work. Tell the patrols to be ever vigilant. The more sightings we get of dragons, the better we can pin down where they come from. Then,
we can eliminate the threat to the people.”

  The man stood taller. “Of course, sir.”

  “Have all sightings marked on a map. We’ll find them soon enough.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Takatin stood. “Have a good evening, Captain.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  Watching him leave, Takatin wondered what Pivin was up to. Had the man somehow orchestrated the sighting as a way to keep dragons on people’s minds without killing anyone? Was it a way to draw some of the unwanted attention from the flats? At the very least, it seemed that everyone, even the captain, still believed the tale of the absent manisi looking for dragons.

  Takatin set the goblet down and returned to his office. A thought made him pause in front of his desk. What if it was the dragon guild? Dragons were rumored to be fast. Had enough time elapsed for the manis to reach Caer Baronel? Had he succeeded, or failed? Either outcome could bring the guild here if the man’s true identity were discovered. Could the sighting have been them?

  The chair protested again as Takatin sat. Perhaps another meeting with Pivin was in order. If he wasn’t behind this, the man might still know something about the dragon guild. His people had an irksome habit of sharing news of the North. Now, Takatin could make use of that propensity. And, too, a meeting would be an opportunity to ask about progress at the mine.

  Takatin drummed his fingers. Coordinating his efforts was turning out to be more challenging than expected. Hopefully, the song he’d sung to the birder had reached appropriate ears.

  + + + + +

  Aeron frowned. Millinith, the Guildmaster, wasn’t as keen on investigating the flats as he was.

  “You’re welcome to see what you can learn there,” she said, “when you have time. But our focus should remain on working with Isandath and learning all we can of the Corpus Order. I will not rearrange your shifts for you two to go sight-seeing. Scheduling is going to be nightmare enough, soon.”

  “It wouldn’t be for sight-seeing,” Aeron said. “Something suspicious is going on at the flats. I want to find out what’s really happening. I don’t like that people are blaming deaths on dragons.”

  “I agree with him,” Polandra said. “There are indeed odd goings on.”

  “I understand that.” The Guildmaster looked from one to the other. “And as I said, you two are welcome to explore the place. On your own time. And be careful when you go. Dragons may not be killing people there, but apparently, something is.”