A Storm in the Desert: Dragonlinked Chronicles Voume 3

by Adolfo Garza Jr.

  Kisa turned sad eyes on Fillion. I think I might be too big to sit in his lap anymore.

  Fillion said, “Yes, sweetling. Seeing as you’re as big as him now, yeah.” He gestured to her. “Come on, let him up. He has to change. And we just brushed y’all down. You’re going to get dusty and dirty again if you keep playing on the floor.”

  Accepting Fillion’s hand to help him up, Gregor stood. “I am rescued. My knight in leather armor has come to save his prince.”

  Chuckling, Fillion shoved him toward the bedroom. “Get to it. We’ve only got ten minutes before we leave.”

  The smile faded from his lips. Gregor had received a letter this morning from his father. Lord Eldin and Lady Lora—along with his sister, Elise—were coming to visit. They’d be here in two weeks or so. Fillion frowned, then shook his head. No. He shouldn’t prejudge. Maybe Gregor’s mother and sister were nice. He was amazing, after all. Perhaps he’d gotten it from his mother’s side of the family.

  Fillion grabbed the saddle from the stand and set it over Coatl’s shoulders. Between buckling the front and rear cinches, he checked the sit of the saddle making sure it was proper, and then double-checked the cinches after to be sure they were buckled securely.

  Walking past Kisa—she and Snow sat next to each other, chirping—he grabbed his bo and placed it in the pocket on the side of the saddle. Gregor’s bo he tied onto its back. He hoped with all his might it wouldn’t come to that, but he wasn’t taking any chances.

  “We’ll see you in the yard,” he called as he led Coatl and Kisa outside.

  The courtyard was completely full. Aeron and Anaya, Willem and Balam, Liara and Mia, Jessip and Zolin, Renata and Xochi, and Polandra and Ikan—they all stood about, chatting, yawning (Renata shook her head at Jessip), and checking over their gear. Sharrah and Cheddar stood near Aeron, talking with him. They were not going. There were only six dragons who could carry people, and Master Enora’s message to the Guildmaster had mentioned more than four sorcerers. Guildmaster Millinith wanted to only have three people per dragon, if possible.

  Fillion looked around. It looked like everyone was ready. Well, almost everyone.

  Could you tell Gregor to get a move on? He’s the last of us.

  He is on the way.

  Gregor came jogging out. “I can’t find my—oh, you already stowed it on the saddle. Good.”

  The investigation office door opened and everyone turned. Guildmaster Millinith walked out, speaking quietly with Adept Liflin. The auditors, Adept Oran and Adept Komako, followed behind.

  Guildmaster Millinith made her way over to Aeron and Anaya, then turned to face everyone. “Adept Oran, you’re with Willem. Adept Komako, with Polandra. Adept Liflin”—she glanced at him—“keep an eye on things here for me. If any of the accepted have questions or concerns, address them as best you can until we return. Master Doronal will be available, too, if needed.”

  He nodded. “Yes, Guildmaster.”

  Looking around at all present, she said, “Once we pick up Master Enora and her friends in Delcimaar, we’ll head off to Bataan-Mok. Fillion?”

  “Yes ma’am?”

  “Can you open a portal to the Magic Craft Guild? Above that fountain? Master Enora will meet us there.”

  “Of course.”

  “Alright,” she said. “Let’s get going.”

  Fillion mounted up, and Gregor climbed behind.

  “Good luck,” Sharrah said.

  Cheddar smiled. “Let them know we’re not people to be messed with.”

  “Oh,” Aeron said, “they’ll see that when we arrive, I’m guessing.”

  Fillion supposed that was true. Eight dragons and all the people with them. Speaking of which . . .

  Remind Kisa to keep with us.

  A moment later, Coatl let out an amused rumble, and humor came through the link. She says she knows.

  Fillion concentrated, pictured the incredible fountain at the magic guildhall, and wove the gateway spell. Sorcerous power washed over them, and above, the portal opened. He spoke over his shoulder to Gregor. “Here we go.”

  When they emerged over the Magic Craft Guild, Fillion was disappointed to see only three people waiting below. Master Enora was there with a young man and woman. They all watched the dragons land about them in the circular drive. There was no fear. In fact, they all seemed excited.

  As they landed, the fountain got more than a few looks. As well it should. It was an amazing piece of art, really. Fillion only spared it a glance, however. He was concerned with the number of sorcerers there were. He’d hoped for much more and Enora had said there would be.

  Guildmaster Millinith leaned forward, said something to Aeron, and dismounted.

  “Master Enora,” she said. “From your message, I was expecting more than this.”

  “Well,” Master Enora said, frowning, “it seems the guild heard about what I was doing. Or at least Adjunct Smarkel did. The only reason these two were still allowed to come with me is that I told him we were all your friends. So, do spend some time at some point getting to know each other, will you? I wouldn’t put it past him to question us when we return.”

  “That smarmy bastard.” Adept Oran looked furious. “Why would he interfere? What reason did he give?”

  “We don’t have time for this,” Guildmaster Millinith said. “It is what it is.” She turned to the sorcerers. “You have my thanks.” Looking at the dragons, she said, “Let’s see. Enora, you’re with me. You,” she pointed to the young man, “go with Fillion on Coatl,” she gestured to them. “And the young lady can go with, ahh,” she pointed, “Jessip and Zolin.”

  As they headed to their assigned dragons, Guildmaster Millinith said, “Dragonlinked, why don’t you spend a minute introducing your dragons and our guests to each other. Once that’s complete we’ll shown them the riding belts and their use.”

  The sorcerer assigned to Coatl was named Journeyman Zaine. He seemed a decent enough fellow.

  “All you have to remember,” Fillion told him, “is that dragons are people. Treat them with the same respect you would a friend, and you’ll not go wrong. This is Coatl, my bond-mate.”

  Eyes on Coatl, Zaine—he looked like he might be seventeen—nodded vigorously, making his light brown hair fall over his eyes. Brushing it away with his fingers, he said, “Pleased to meet you, Coatl.”

  With a chirp, Coatl bobbed his head at the young man.

  A laugh, almost a giggle, burst forth from Zaine. “Gods, but he is the absolute definition of gigantic!”

  He thinks I am large? Ikan is even larger than I am.

  No, big guy, he means you’re amazing.

  Coatl’s ears perked. Magnificent?

  Fillion chuckled. Yes, you big-headed lout, magnificent. Gigantic, at least the way he used it—the context—means amazing, magnificent, golden, and such.

  Amused bewilderment came through the link. So many words for the same thing.

  “And this,” Gregor said, squatting down, “is Kisa. She’s my bond-mate.” He put an arm over the young dragon’s shoulders.

  “Hello Kisa.” Journeyman Zaine smiled and squatted next to Gregor. “You’re adorable, aren’t you?”

  She let out a happy rumble, then bounced on her forelegs and barked.

  “Alright dragonlinked,” the Guildmaster said, “hand out riding belts and go over them.”

  Journeyman Zaine had the belt on in moments and listened attentively as its use was explained.

  “We will be going up to an altitude of one hundred feet on these flights,” Fillion said. “But even at that low height, you would probably die if you fell. The belt will be attached to safety straps that, in turn, will be attached to the saddle. They should more than enough to keep you in the saddle.”

  Journeyman Zaine nodded and tugged at the belt, making sure it was securely fastened. “I understand.”

  “Alright, everyone,” Guildmaster Millinith said. “Mount up!”

  She stood beside Anaya a
nd watched everyone climb onto the dragons.

  Fillion told Zaine to take the middle saddle. The Journeyman was up and in it in moments. Once Gregor climbed into the rear saddle, safety straps were attached, and they were set.

  When everyone was ready, the Guildmaster took a breath and said, “Aside from the Dragon Craft Guild’s founding, this meeting will be the most important event in its history to date. All dragonlinked and dragons should remain alert. There will likely be many among the umeri who are hostile toward us, but we cannot afford to reciprocate. Be polite and answer questions as best you can. As Anaya did before you, let them see you for what I know you are—good people.”

  She clasped her hands in front of her. “All that being said, should things go downhill, I want everyone to be prepared. If such is the case, return to your current groups. All of us are sorcerers of at least some skill except Adept Komako. Polandra? Liara? She’s with your group. Keep watch over her. Bond-pairs, watch over each other. Master Enora, watch over yourself, as should your two friends. Everyone assist when and where you can, but remember to keep safe. We have allies in the Order, and if needed, I’m sure they will help as they can. Use non-lethal force when possible, but don’t hesitate to use any method you need to in order to protect yourselves.”

  Fillion’s heart started beating faster. He felt as anxious as he had the first time he had to dance. It had been exciting, worrisome, and terrifying. He’d thrown up beforehand. That better not happen here. He took a couple of deep breaths to calm himself.

  We are one, we will succeed.

  He patted Coatl’s neck. I hope so.

  Guildmaster Millinith climbed up and sat behind Master Enora. After strapping herself in, she glanced at Polandra and nodded. A portal appeared in the sky. Ikan leapt up, enormous wings beating.

  Fillion watched him rising up to the gateway. Well, big guy, let’s go.

  + + + + +

  Polandra took a few breaths to calm herself. Guildmaster Millinith’s speech had increased her earlier worry. Make for Daelon’s Plaza.

  As you wish.

  Ikan hovered a moment, however, and Polandra wondered why. When Mia emerged from the portal, Ikan gave her a friendly bark, then turned in a glide that took them over Bataan-Mok.

  Ah, yes, of course.

  Looking back, Polandra saw Anaya emerge from the portal, followed by Balam and the others. Seeing all these dragons flying together eased her worry somewhat. Perhaps her dream might come true.

  She closed the portal.

  Mild interest through the link drew Polandra’s attention downward. She was surprised to see that there were a great number of people gathered at the south, west, and east ends of Daelon’s Plaza, more even than the day Aeron and Anaya had escaped. A look through binocs revealed manisi there, too. What looked like three hands stood along the edge of the crowds. She also caught the shimmer of barrier walls between the manisi and the people. Sorcerous light rippled into brief existence at each touch. How long had the crowds been waiting?

  Polandra unsnapped the flap on the inner wrist of her left glove, revealing the chrono-bracelet strapped to her arm. She didn’t like that name for the devices. She much preferred what Fillion called them, wrist-watches. He said he named them that because everyone was always looking at the devices on their wrists.

  “People can’t help but watch the incredible things,” he’d said, “as the second hand ticks, ticks, ticks . . .”

  Aeron and Willem had both laughed at the comment, but they were just as taken with the mechanical wonders as Fillion was. The things were even thinner and smaller than pocket chronometers.

  Whatever they ended up calling them, a glance at hers showed they had less than a quarter hour before the meeting. Guildmaster Millinith’s timing was perfect. Over the last two days, the Guildmaster had met with Master Doronal and Master Canneth several times, and Polandra heard that she’d even met with Lord Baronel at the Residence, all in preparation for these talks with the Corpus Order.

  Securing the flap, Polandra took a deep breath and let it out. We will prevail. We have to.

  Isandath had instructed them to land anywhere in the plaza there was room and to make their way to the seats that had been set up under a make-shift pavilion near the north end.

  There, near that . . . floating tarp.

  Ikan rumbled and adjusted his glide to head for the spot she’d indicated. The crowd must have spied them because there was the occasional shout of ‘Dragons!’ and people looked up and pointed, watching them all descend. Two individuals stood in the tiered seats and made their way to the pavilion.

  Once near the ground, Ikan beat his enormous wings to hover. He then stepped down with his rear legs, stilled his wings, and set down on all four legs carefully so as not to jostle their riders.

  That was a great landing, love.

  He rumbled happily as he furled his large wings.

  Polandra patted him on the neck and dismounted.

  The manisi near them kept glancing between the crowd and the dragons landing in the plaza. They seemed nervous being near so many dragons.

  Polandra frowned. If you sense anyone that may try to harm any of us, let me know.

  Of course.

  Liara hopped off and bent down to pat Mia on the shoulders.

  Polandra assisted Adept Komako with removing the safety straps and then helped her dismount. Around them, the remaining dragons landed and the dragonlinked assisted their passengers.

  “Welcome to Bataan-Mok.” Capu Cirtis inclined his head in a short bow. He and Nesch Takatin were the two who’d approached from the seating section.

  “Capu,” Polandra and Renata said at the same time. They glanced at each other, smiled, and then returned his bow.

  “Thank you,” Guildmaster Millinith said as she approached him. She bowed her head. “I am Guildmaster Millinith. We are pleased to be here under happier circumstances.”

  Everyone gathered in a half circle facing Capu Cirtis and Nesch Takatin.

  “Yes,” Capu Cirtis said. He did not glance at the Nesch. “We have prepared this pavilion for you.” He gestured to the shaded seats. “I understand that dragons do not mind and even enjoy the sun?”

  “They do, Capu,” Aeron said.

  “Excellent. They can take their ease anywhere they like in the courtyard.”

  Polandra glanced around the plaza. She was surprised to see a pool where the execution stand had been. The corners of the stone platform were all that remained. At their center was a large pool of water with yellow flowers floating on its surface.

  “Please,” Capu Cirtis said, heading under the tarp, “come and sit. We have refreshments as well, food and drink. Just ask the pesani and they will bring your desire.”

  Four pesani stood in the shade, two on each side of the seats. There were twenty chairs in four rows of five. The pesani smiled and bowed.

  Polandra was surprised to see that three of them wore armbands of woven cloth just below their shoulders. Those were not part of their uniforms. Even more surprising, she noticed that Capu Cirtis wore one as well. What did the armbands represent?

  “I see that you are dressed differently today, Aeron.” Capu Cirtis glanced at all the dragonlinked.

  “Yes, Capu,” he said. “These are a uniform, of sorts, though it is functional rather than ceremonial. The riding gear protects us as we fly at high altitude on our patrols.”

  “Patrols?”

  “Hunting for nahual, mostly,” Guildmaster Millinith said. “Though we also have a contract with Continental Transportation Company to patrol their rail lines for wreckers. Vandals intent on destroying their train tracks.”

  “A contract?” Nesch Takatin looked surprised.

  “Yes,” the Guildmaster said. “There are many who understand the value in what our guild can provide.”

  Polandra kept her face expressionless, though she wanted to smile at Millinith’s subtle jab at the Nesch.

  “Indeed,” Capu Cirtis said. “I ha
ve to say, it is a pleasure seeing all the dragonlinked here.”

  “Oh, we didn’t bring them all,” Guildmaster Millinith said. “This isn’t even half of them.”

  Polandra glanced at her. The woman wasn’t lying. Not technically.

  Guildmaster Millinith said, “We also brought a few observers from the Magic Craft Guildhall.”

  Polandra’s brows lifted. Phrasing it that way made it sound like the Magic Craft Guild had sent the sorcerers. Again, the sentence was not technically a lie. They had literally brought them from the guildhall. Polandra smiled. Guildmaster Millinith was being exceedingly clever.

  “Additionally, we brought our Magic Craft Auditor,” Guildmaster Millinith indicated Adept Oran, “and our Animal Craft Auditor.” She gestured to Adept Komako.

  Capu Cirtis glanced briefly at Nesch Takatin, turned to Guildmaster Millinith, and smiled. “Well, you are all welcome here.”

  Nesch Takatin looked pensive.

  Capu Cirtis said, “I understand you have a few words you’d like to say?”

  Guildmaster Millinith smiled. “I do, if it isn’t a bother?”

  “Not at all,” Capu Cirtis said. “I have a few words of welcome and then I’ll hand over the talks to you for yours. Please, make yourselves comfortable.” The two men turned and headed back to the seating section.

  Guildmaster Millinith made her way to one of the chairs in the front row. Everyone else took seats as they saw fit.

  Nesch Takatin had not looked at Aeron or Anaya the entire time. Polandra wasn’t sure whether that was good or bad.

  The older man is excited and nervous. The other seems to be conflicted.

  She glanced at Ikan. He’d sat not far from her, to the side of the pavilion. Conflicted? Interesting.

  Capu Cirtis stopped at the podium, while Nesch Takatin continued into the seating section. The speaking stand, Polandra noticed, had been rotated to face east, so the speaker could address the crowds, the seating section, and the pavilion.

  “Members of the Corpus Order, friends from the villages, and honored guests.” Capu Cirtis smiled at everyone. “Today marks an important date in the Order’s history.” He gestured to the dragons around the courtyard. “I’m not sure there have ever been this many dragons in Daelon’s Plaza, no matter the circumstances. But that is only one of the things that will make this day important. Today, we host special guests.” He raised a hand to the pavilion. “Members of the Dragon Craft Guild, Guildmaster Millinith, I welcome you all to Bataan-Mok.”