The Bond (Book 2)

  “I don’t think that will be a problem.” Master Millinith closed her notebook. “If we arrived with hundreds of dragons and dragonlinked, yes, I could see them panicking. But we will likely have fewer than ten. Just enough, I think.”

  Though there would be more, eventually. Master Millinith couldn’t even imagine the amount of information that could be discovered about nahual with dozens and dozens or even hundreds of dragonlinked helping investigate the horrible creatures. And with Gregor and more healers like him assisting with nahual examinations, what secrets could be learned? Perhaps a way to eliminate the beasts entirely? Though, if nahual were eliminated, they’d have new problems to address. What purpose would dragons and dragonlinked have left to them? And what would her purpose be?

  Master Millinith smiled. It would be wonderful if those were the only problems she had to figure out.

  + + + + +

  Zolin, we should land now. Xochi banked around to land in the Caer below.

  Yes, it is time. Anaya followed Xochi’s lead, and was soon at her side.

  But we have only been out a short while. Zolin was somehow able to send the impression of pouting.

  We have been out longer than yesterday, by the same amount we have increased flying time each day.

  It is better to take short flights now, Anaya said, rather than strain a flight muscle and not be able to fly for days as it heals.

  Ugh!

  Xochi felt the humor from her bond-mate far below. She glanced down at Renata. Zolin is being foolish. Was I like this?

  You were worse, sweetling. And you aren’t even two months older than him, so don’t put on airs.

  A rumbling chuckle vibrated her torso, and she looked back at the black dragon. Little brother had learned to fly quickly. She felt proud of him. He had even figured out some of the flying feats that had upset her bond-mate when she’d first tried them. But Jessip wasn’t as worried about Zolin. Likely because she and Anaya were with him. Little brother could not come to harm. He could try your patience, though.

  Zolin, do not make me chase you down! Besides, they will bring our food soon.

  The three dragons took turns landing in the courtyard. Zolin was first, loud grumbles making clear his disappointment. Xochi landed next, followed by Anaya.

  Xochi padded over to Renata, let out a happy rumble, and touched her nose to her bond-mate’s cheek. A wonderful hug was returned. Zolin’s cheerful barks and Jessip’s laugh and murmured words drew their attention.

  He seems different, now. Happier. And he smiles more, don’t you think?

  He does. Xochi watched the pair. The boy’s hair appeared lighter in the morning sun. Renata was thinking of him too, and his hair. She did that a lot. His hair color is not that unusual, is it? It is similar to my color, yet you think of him all the time.

  A flash of surprise came through the link. Renata turned to her. I–I’ve just never seen anyone with hair that color before.

  Oh?

  I’ve seen blond hair, like Willem, Millinith and Gregor, people with that hair color pass through the villages from time to time. But never have I seen hair his color. Renata turned back to Jessip. Even the hair on his arms is red.

  Confused, Xochi tilted her head as she stared at him. And why would it not be? Like you, I am sure all the hair on his body is the same color.

  She caught a glimpse of the image that flashed through Renata’s mind and turned to her bond-mate. Yes, even that hair is probably red.

  The girl gasped, blushed, and stalked off, muttering, “The link isn’t always that damn amazing.”

  Xochi let out a grunting laugh and lay in the sun.

  + + + + +

  Aeron turned to Renata, wondering if she was okay. She’d made an odd noise and was now stomping off to her room.

  “I wonder what that was about?” Willem said.

  “I was wondering the same thing,” Aeron murmured.

  Anaya lay in the sun, next to them. I caught mixed feelings from her, but now she seems embarrassed and annoyed. Xochi is happy, so it cannot be anything too serious.

  Aeron shook his head. Girls.

  I am a girl.

  You know what I mean. Girls are so confusing.

  Am I confusing?

  Aeron chuckled. No, dear-heart, you are adorable.

  Willem glanced at him, then at Anaya, and smiled. Aeron was glad that with Willem and his friends he didn’t have to explain the silent conversations he had with her. When he was around other people and something she said made him react, he often felt self-conscious. But he didn’t have to watch himself here.

  Why are girls confusing? Anaya gazed at him, chin on her forepaws.

  I . . . I don’t know. Maybe it’s because I’m not a girl, but it just seems as if some of the things they do make no sense.

  Do things boys do make sense?

  Aeron had to think about that. Well, with a boy, I expect him to think and act like I do, I guess. And, for the most part, they do. He frowned. But not always.

  Girls do not think like boys?

  I don’t know.

  It seems to me that boys and girls would act the same. They are just people, right? Under the same circumstances, would not a girl and a boy act the same way?

  Again, I don’t know. Maybe you’re right.

  Anaya closed her eyes. Only calm contemplation came through the link.

  A faint smile crooked Aeron’s lips. She asked the most interesting questions sometimes, and many times, those questions gave him pause to think. He grunted and turned his attention to Jessip and Zolin.

  Sharrah and Cheddar stood next to them, looking over the newest dragon. Zolin had been fairly patient for his age. He’d stood there weathering their examination for several minutes, now. Aeron recalled how rambunctious a young dragon could be and wondered how long the hatchling’s patience would last.

  Liara and Fillion sat on a bench off to the side, notebooks open and chatting. They seemed to study together a lot, and it was working—they were pretty much caught up. It felt good to see them smiling and having fun again. Having everyone back together, all working toward the same goal, was amazing. It felt right.

  Zolin turned to Jessip, chirped, and butted his head on the older boy’s hip. Jessip looked down at him and smiled. It seemed the little dragon had finally tired of being admired and wanted his bond-mate’s attention now. Aeron smiled.

  Just over a week had passed since the two became one. Aeron didn’t feel bad about it at all. He looked around at everyone and felt nothing but happiness. He’d realized that they were all kind of like a family. There would be disagreements. There would be sad times. But the happy times and the times spent together were well worth it. And having people who supported you, helped you when you needed it, that was special, too. He reached for Willem’s hand. It was warm and comforting in his.

  Little brother is happy here.

  Aeron glanced at Anaya and then looked at Zolin. The little dragon gave off a humming purr, wings lifted off his back, as Jessip scratched under his chin. He isn’t exactly your brother, nor is Xochi your sister. Yet, you all call each other brother and sister.

  That is true, but we are a family now.

  Aeron looked back at her. Of course. We’re all a family now, dragons included. Smiling, he said, Are we our own House, then, with you as queen?

  Surprise came through the link. Anaya turned to him and blinked. I do not know.

  + + + + +

  “Anyone for iced cider while we wait for their food?” Renata walked out carrying a tray with a pitcher and several glasses.

  Jessip wondered why no one had thought to serve cider with ice before Renata suggested it. The cool drink was as refreshing as it was delicious. She’d said it was popular in her village. He wouldn’t mind learning more about the dark-haired girl’s village, wouldn’t mind learning more about her.

  Master Millinith arrived as Aeron helped Renata hand out the cool beverage. “Have they eaten yet?”

&nb
sp; “Not yet.” Jessip took a glass from Aeron. Something bumped his leg, drawing his gaze.

  Zolin let out a pleading, little bark. Tell them to hurry.

  Jessip laughed. “I hope they get here soon, though. Zolin is starving.” Patience, little man, patience.

  Renata chuckled. “So is Xochi.”

  Sharrah handed a glass to Cheddar and turned to Aeron. “Is Anaya still good with her last hunt?”

  He glanced at his dragon and nodded. “Yeah. She says she’s good. I’d say maybe another day or two before she wants to hunt again.”

  “You’re logging everything she eats, right?” Master Millinith stared at Anaya.

  “I do,” Aeron nodded.

  “Good. Sharrah’s preliminary findings were a start, but I’d like to get a better estimate of dragon food intake and how it changes over time.”

  “We’re tracking how much Xochi and Zolin eat as well,” Sharrah said.

  Jessip grunted. “Yeah. Though all Zolin eats right now is what we get from the Dining Hall.”

  “What did Anaya catch, last time?” Fillion stared at Aeron as he sipped some cider.

  “A buck.” Aeron grinned. “She had to be wary of his horns as she took him down.”

  “She wasn’t hurt, was she?” Liara looked over the tawny dragon.

  “No, she’s fine,” Aeron said. “She’s clever and careful.”

  “Do you fly with her when she hunts?” Jessip found the idea of hunting with his dragon exhilarating.

  “Sometimes,” Aeron said. “But it’s easier for her to hunt without my weight.”

  “Yeah,” Cheddar said, “I can see that. They’re more agile that way.”

  I think I would still like you to fly with me to hunt.

  Jessip smiled at Zolin. I would, too. I can’t wait to fly with you.

  It is fun!

  The arrival of the food was greeted with much excitement by Zolin and Xochi, though Sharrah had them wait while she weighed the chests.

  “This is nothing new,” she said, admonishing the young dragons, “so be patient.”

  One chest, Xochi’s, was placed onto the scale and Sharrah took a weight measurement, then the next, Zolin’s, was placed on the scale, and she wrote down their combined weight. Once the dragons were finished, she’d take the measurements again in reverse order, and thus know how much each dragon ate, even if some food was left. Which hardly ever happened. Dragons, Jessip amusingly suggested once, may very well be related to pigs.

  “Alright,” she said. “Dig in.”

  Finally!

  Jessip shook his head at Zolin’s impatience.

  “Ah!” Gregor said as he approached. “I didn’t miss the feeding. I don’t know what it is, but I really enjoy watching them eat.”

  “It is fascinating,” Master Millinith agreed.

  Liara flinched and frowned. “I could do without the sounds of bones crunching and snapping.”

  Cheddar laughed. “I completely agree.”

  Fillion snorted. “Babies.”

  “Once you’re bonded, you will just be happy that they are happy.” Renata’s lips curved in a small smile as she watched Xochi eat.

  “Yeah.” Aeron watched the two dragons.

  Jessip nodded. He’d felt something like this with horses, being glad when they were content. But it was so much more with Zolin. I love you, you know.

  The little black dragon looked up, muzzle somewhat bloody. And I, you.

  “I think I am ready to tell my story,” Renata said. “All of it.”

  + + + + +

  “The horse disease, equine influenza they are calling it, continues to spread.” The woman, Gillian, arranged flowers in his office as she spoke.

  Blossoms, branches and other items Lord Eldin had no name for were arrayed around a vase on a small table. “I understand it has been detected mid-continent?”

  She looked up at him. “My lord is well-informed.”

  “You are not my only source of information.”

  “Of course.” A slight head bow and she returned her attention to the blooms. Small metal snips trimmed stems, and she placed the cut flowers into the vase. “If my lord would not be offended at a suggestion, he might consider limiting horse travel in and out of the Caer, soon. And separating any horses that become ill.”

  He’d already met with his Animal Craft master to arrange matters in just such a fashion. “Any other news?”

  She adjusted the items in the vase, moved them around with no rhyme or reason. “Rumors continue about the dragon boy. But now there is tell of a dragon girl as well.”

  “Oh?”

  “Both are at Caer Baronel.” With a final pull and twist, she stepped back, examining the vase from all sides. “There is a third dragon rumor as well, though I hesitate to mention it, as all versions of it so far lead back to the same source.”

  He waited for her to continue.

  When she didn’t, he said, “Go on,” and kept a tight reign on his temper. Though merely a flower merchant, her ear reached far and wide.

  “Again,” she said, “keep the salt handy, but there is talk that another dragon was seen at Caer Baronel before the girl arrived with hers.” Apparently done with both the flowers and her news, Gillion stood before his desk. “Lord Baronel may have three dragons.”

  “I see.” He kept his face impassive, but the news concerned him. It was not the first rumor he’d heard about there being more than one dragon in Caer Baronel. And with multiple sources telling him the same tale, he could not afford to discount it. “Thank you. Same time next month?”

  She bowed. “As my lord commands.”

  Once the door closed behind her, Lord Eldin drummed his fingers on the desk.

  He’d done so five times when the quiet knock came. “Come in.”

  “Did the florist bring good news or bad?”

  “Good news. For you, anyway.”

  “For me?”

  “You’ll be making another trip to Delcimaar.”

  “A private train is a wonderful thing. What do you bid of me?”

  “Apparently, our previous obstacle isn’t slowing Baronel enough. He may overcome it. I want you to find out where we are with the Investigation Guild.”

  “Ah, yes. I will take care of it.”

  “See that you do. Take whatever steps you need, short of starting riots in the streets. But discreetly, understand? Discreetly.”

  “As you say, my lord.”

  When he was alone again, Lord Baronel rose and began pacing.

  Why hadn’t Gregor mentioned anything about there being more than one dragon? And why was he sending letters less frequently? Those he wrote only contained the barest mention of Baronel’s dragon plans—the same nonsense about a business focused on investigating or fighting nahual. Instead, they were mostly filled with his findings about Anaya and, by extension, dragons in general. Gregor seemed to be more focused and genuinely interested in his new vocation than in anything he’d ever toyed with before.

  As his father, Lord Eldin was happy that Gregor had finally displayed an interest in something that didn’t involve getting naked and into bed with someone. While Lora hadn’t worried overmuch on Gregor’s many dalliances, Lord Eldin was happy that his son seemed to have moved beyond that. Gregor could make a career out of this, a future.

  But why did it have to be dragons?

  Frowning, he returned to his desk and drew out an envelope and sheet of paper. He’d ask Gregor about the rumors. They were likely true, and the boy could tell him exactly how many dragons there were.

  After a bit of warm wax and the press of his seal, the letter was ready to be sent.

  + + + + +

  Jessip’s stomach was in knots and his chest felt tight. There was something Renata had been holding back all these weeks, and though he was sure there was good reason, he was still anxious about what she would reveal.

  Renata’s suggestion that they summon Master Canneth and Master Doronal had been set aside by M
aster Millinith. She would let them know what she felt they needed to know.

  “This is Dragon Craft business.”

  While most had nodded, Aeron had stared at her. Jessip had also felt a little surprised, but was impressed, too. She was to be Guildmaster, after all, and this was guild business. The sound of the investigation office door closing caught his attention.

  “Alright, then,” Master Millinith said, sitting down. “Tell us your story.”

  “Take your time,” Jessip said.

  Renata smiled at him and his heart jumped. She looked around the table and said, “As I’ve mentioned before, I am from far to the south, from a village on the eastern end of the Shining Sands, a vast desert that covers many hundreds of miles. There are a few villages in the area, and a place, a building almost of a size with Caer Baronel. It is called Bataan-Mok. There are monks that live there, men and women of the Corpus Order.”

  A little crease formed between her eyebrows and she cleared her throat.

  “Go on,” Jessip said. “You are amongst friends.”

  She nodded. After a quick look at the faces around, she stared at the table, gaze unfocused. “The Order has existed for over a century. They send out scouts, Ojoni, looking for new recruits. Many consider it an honor for someone from their family to be chosen.”

  She let out a breath. “My parents gave me to them when I was eight.”

  A little gasp from Liara drew her eyes for a moment. “I was sad to be leaving my home, but I was not surprised. It happens all the time.

  “Life as a Pesan, the first position a new recruit is given, is . . . desperate, highly competitive. Children grasping for rank and power. Cruelty, humiliation and pettiness reign supreme. True friends are few to none. They can’t be afforded, you see, as they might betray you for a chance at better standing.”

  Muscles moved in her jaw. “Eventually, you are sent down, made a Crusan. Lowest of the low, Crusani are barely even allowed to speak to those above them. Now, the humiliations must be endured with no chance at recourse.

  “The Order raises children up to this imagined pinnacle of power and then tosses them down into a dank basement of subservience.”

  Jessip stared, wide-eyed. How could someone do that to Renata? To any child?