A Storm in the Desert: Dragonlinked Chronicles Voume 3 (47 page)

“Deaf?”

“Yes. They cannot be tempted or swayed by words they cannot hear, and they cannot spread words they should not hear.” Cirtis glanced about the room. “This place is for special prisoners. Though it has not been used in decades, truth be told.”

“Special?”

“Revolutionaries. Seditionists.”

Aeron grunted and sat on the floor just on the other side of the bars. “Why get help? Don’t you trust Takatin?”

Cirtis frowned. “I do not. His actions worry me, and his motivations are unclear.”

“I think he feels betrayed.”

“Betrayed?”

Aeron nodded. “By the Order.”

“I know he is upset about the Hour of Creation, but—”

“When do you think your friends will be able to help me and Anaya? From what I was told, we don’t have a lot of time.”

Cirtis stared at the boy. “I’m sorry, Aeron, but we can’t save Anaya.”

“What? Why not?”

“The umeri want to make an example of her.”

“We have to save her, Capu.” Aeron gripped the bars.

“There are many arguments that can be made against executing you, but I can think of none for a dragon.”

“She’s a person, not some animal. And apart from her being my friend, our very souls are bonded, her and I, linked magically. If she dies, it may kill me. And even if it doesn’t do so outright . . .” The boy’s gaze lowered. “We can’t let her be killed.” He looked up. “We have to save her.”

The boy’s emotions were clear to see and it pained Cirtis to witness them. “Aeron, she’s enormous, she’s shackled to stone blocks, and an entire hand watches over her day and night. Even could we somehow remove the manacles without being seen, it’s not as if we could just—just tuck her into a sack or something and spirit her away to safety.” He shook his head. “I’m sorry.”

Aeron’s eyes narrowed. “By all the gods, that’s it!” He got up on his knees, close to the bars. He looked eager. “During the execution, where will I be?”

“I . . . don’t know. Still here, perhaps, or if we are successful, you’ll be free.”

“Can you arrange it so that I am with her? Or at least within ten feet or so?”

What was the boy planning? “I can. But you’ll both be in Daelon’s Plaza, surrounded by what will likely be every man, woman, and child in Bataan-Mok, including two hands. How are you going to get away?”

The dragon boy smiled. “We’ll use a giant sack,” was all he said.

+ + + + +

Willem blinked.
That . . . might actually work, Anaya. How is he doing anyway?

He is well, though nervous. Capu Cirtis tried to convince Nesch Takatin to stop the umeri from executing me and Aeron, but he was only able to stop them from killing Aeron. It seems they want to kill me to show that they still hunt dragons.

Idiots. Do you think Capu Cirtis just needs more time to convince Nesch Takatin not to let them kill you?

I am not sure. Capu Cirtis does not trust him. The man’s feelings are shrouded, muddled. He is difficult to read. Aeron is worried.

Willem would be nervous, too, if he were stuck in Bataan-Mok, in gaol, with no friends about. He patted Balam’s shoulder and glanced at Polandra. She was waiting patiently for him to finish.
And you? How are you doing?

I am . . . okay. Not being able to fly is the worst I must endure.

Willem looked up at the star-filled heavens. A dragon not being able to fly, not being able to soar up there was be a terrible thing indeed.

At least I am out in the open, in the courtyard. Aeron is held in a little room inside, with not even a window to see the sky.

Well, if his plan works, you’ll both free of that place two nights from now. Hold on to that thought.

I will.

We’re going to head back to the Caer and tell everyone of the plan. Tell him . . . tell him to be strong. You be strong, too.

And you, Willem. You be strong, as well.

Willem nodded. Yes. He had to be strong, too. He turned to Polandra. “Thanks for letting me talk to her.”

She smiled. “Of course.”

Balam rumbled and rested his chin atop Willem’s head.
We have chosen well.

Willem reached up and patted his neck.
Yes we have, love. And those bastards will not take them from us.

After one last slap on his neck, Willem mounted up. “Let’s get back and let them know.”

+ + + + +

Fillion twisted his lips in a grimace and leaned back against the table. Why did it have to be now?

He turned to Guildmaster Millinith. “The place I left her?”

She nodded and tapped the ‘writer. “That was her request.” She closed the cover and set it aside on her desk. “It shouldn’t take long, she just wants you to drop her off in Delcimaar.”

Fillion crossed his arms. “It’s not that, it’s just that they aren’t back yet.”

She lifted a brow. “Well, if you stop wasting time, you may even return before them.”

He let out an exasperated breath. “Fine.”

With a wry smile, she said, “Go on, then.” She turned her attention back to the work on the desk.

Fillion blew air past his lips and trotted out the door.
We’re going to pick up Gella, big guy.

At the other big city?

Yep. She needs a lift to Delcimaar.

What of Anaya and Aeron?

I know, I know. I want to know how they’re doing, too, but if we hurry, we’ll be back in no time.

Gregor got Coatl ready while he changed. Fillion stripped off his clothes, grabbed the riding gear, and tossed it all on the bed. While quickly getting dressed, he thought about what had happened to Aeron.

The whole thing had put him out of sorts. He felt confused, upset, relieved that Aeron and Anaya were so far okay, but also . . . disrespected. That was the main thing. Dragons and dragonlinked risked their lives to protect people, and something like this happens? Fillion shook his head.

He met them in the courtyard and slipped on the riding jacket. “If I’m not back before they are, make sure you mark well what they say. I want all the details.”

Gregor nodded. “I will.”

Fillion mounted up and started the gateway spell.
Let’s go, big guy.

With a rumble, Coatl leapt into the air. Wings beating, he took them up and through the portal.

They emerged high above the low hill with Stronghold a short distance away.

Well, Fillion amended, the distance was short if you were flying on a dragon. Which he was. He reached down and patted Coatl’s neck.
Can you sense her?

She is below us.

She is?
Fillion searched the area again. Master Gella emerged from behind an outcrop and made her way to a large clear area to the side of the hill. Coatl angled down for a landing there.

“Fillion, Coatl, it’s so good to see you two again.” She smiled at them.

His bond-mate chirped at her.

Fillion nodded and said, “Well met, Master Gella. It is good to see you, too. How goes the investigation?”

“Very well. It’s nearly complete.”

“I see. Was the Korovite being used to counterfeit coins?”

“Indeed it was.”

“And was National Transportation involved after all?”

“Oh, yes. They’re in it like pollen in honey. I’ve got people in Stronghold gathering the last pieces of evidence we’ll need against them right now. They should be finished soon. There’s another team, accompanied by a number of guards and sorcerers, that will ‘borrow’ a train tonight, and begin the journey south to the desert camp. In the meantime, I’m going to start the wheels turning on the case against National Transportation once I get to Delcimaar.”

“Wow. You’ve got a lot happening right now.”

“In a few days we’ll shut them down in the flats, transfer ownership of the mine to the national mint, and arrest Tiberius in Stronghold. As far as National Transportation itself, so much of the company is involved that I’m not sure it will be allowed to continue operations. The High Lady may force them into dissolution.”

“Dissolution?”

“Shutting the company down for good. That happens when too much of it is involved with illegal activities. Otherwise, a stewardship is put in place until the removed management can be replaced.”

“I see. Shutting them down would be unfortunate. I’d feel sorry for their employees who would no longer have jobs. At least those who knew nothing of their illegal activities. I know they’re still having problems here in the East.”

“It would be unfortunate, yes. But we shall see.”

We should hurry. They will be returning soon from the South.

“Ah, yes, Coatl, you are right, we should hurry.”

Master Gella accepted the riding belt from Fillion and began strapping it on. “I didn’t mean to take you from a patrol route. Any dragonlinked could have carried me to Delcimaar.”

“Oh, no, it’s not that. Those . . . people from the Corpus Order have taken Aeron and Anaya prisoner. They’re going to execute Anaya in a couple of days. Willem and Polandra go down there each night to see how they are doing while we plan a rescue. They should be returning from tonight’s trip soon.”

“They’re going to kill Aeron’s dragon?” She looked at Coatl. “No. Fillion, you can’t allow that to happen.”

“You’re talking dragons to boys, Master Gella. We’re looking into every possibility to prevent it. Worse comes to worst, we’ll break them out by force.”

Coatl barked in agreement.

“I must get started on this case against National Transportation, otherwise, I’d return with you to Caer Baronel and offer whatever help I could.” She climbed into the saddle behind him. “But for now, get me to Delcimaar so you can return home for any news. Just be sure to tell Guildmaster Millinith to contact me if she needs anything. Anything, hear?”

“Yes, ma’am. I will. And . . . thank you Master Gella.”

“It is you and Coatl and your entire guild who deserve my thanks. I’d be nowhere near where I am now in the investigation without all of your help.”

Pride surged through the link, pride that Fillion felt, too. Coatl crouched slightly, then he leapt into the sky. His enormous wings beat again and again as he took them up and away.

Takatin glanced around the table. The umeri present were agitated. Faint chimes, the tinkling of crystals, filled the room. He disliked being summoned by them, but it appeared they had good reason. Or, at least they thought they did.

He glanced at Umeron Gomda. “Shall we begin? I dislike meeting this early.”

After a few bangs of the gavel, silence fell across the table. With a glance at a few of the members present, Umeron Gomda said, “This delegation brings word to you, Nesch Takatin, from the umeri.”

Takatin raised a brow. “And what do all the umeri want me to know?”

“Not all the umeri,” the Umeron amended, “but a number of them.”

Takatin waited.

“You must move up the execution of the dragon to tonight.” Umeron Yiska pounded the table with his fist.

The skeleton-thin umeron was at least seventy years old, if Takatin had to guess. “Ridiculous.” He waved off the suggestion. “There are three days of viewing before the execution. It has always been so.”

“And with good reason,” Umeron Gomda added. “This allows the people to see the dragon, to witness the evil we protect them from.”

“You,” Takatin continued, staring at Yiska, “more than many, know how many years it has been since the last dragon execution.”

“Fools!” Umeron Yiska leaned forward in the chair. “Have you not sensed the change in the Corpus Order? Have you not heard the whispers in the hallways? All from having that thing here for only one night. It is more dangerous than we imagined.”

There were murmurs of agreement around the table.

Takatin looked back at him. What did he mean, dangerous?

“You talked of this in the meeting earlier,” Umeron Gomda said, “and we listened. But it is still unclear—”

“You didn’t listen closely enough, it seems.” The old man gripped the armrests of the chair. “The mood in Bataan-Mok used to be tense and anxious. People were taking sides again! All that stopped once the dragon was brought in, once they’d seen it.” He grimaced. “There is something wrong with the beast.”

“We must kill it.”

Takatin missed who had spoken, but all around the table heads were nodding.

“There is a consensus,” Umeron Gomda said, though he seemed reluctant about it, “that the dragon should be executed tonight.”

Consensus? Takatin narrowed his eyes. So they weren’t going to bring it to a vote. Then perhaps he could remind them that while they sat in their meetings debating and deciding, he was the one who actually made things happen.

“Tonight?” Takatin shook his head. “Impossible.”

“It must die!” Again the fist-pounding. “This perversion of a dragon is infecting the young with ideas.” The old man’s expression became grim. “Radical ideas, heretical ideas. This change in them is anathema to us and cannot be allowed to continue!”

More murmurs of agreement, some fervent.

“There are a number of sections to coordinate for a change like this,” Takatin said, “not to mention the villages. I’m sorry, but it is impossible.”

“If not tonight, then when?”

Takatin stared at the umeron sitting on the other end of the long table and kept the smile from his face. “Tomorrow night is the earliest it could happen.”

+ + + + +

“Guildmaster Millinith. Do you have a moment?”

She looked up from the most recent draft of the training manual. “Master Canneth?” The silver-haired man stood in the doorway to Anaya and Balam’s den. “Of course,” she said. “Come in, come in.”

Looking a bit sheepish, he twisted his lips in a grimace. “I’m very sorry, but it seems the Animal Craft Guild has sent someone from the branch in Delcimaar to, ah, visit.”

Millinith narrowed her eyes. “Oh?” It appeared that the review of the training manual might have to wait.

“I wish they’d told me. Then I could have warned you in advance.”

She waved off his concern. “I expected a visit soon, anyway. Curiosity about dragons is nearly universal. I only wonder that we haven’t had visits sooner from our co-primaries. And, too, I’m guessing that Animal Craft wants dragons to be in their purview.”

Master Canneth frowned. “Dragons aren’t animals. Well, they aren’t mere animals.”

“Exactly,” Millinith said, “so it’s just as well the representative is here. The sooner the Animal Craft Guild realizes the truth of dragons, the better. Where is our visitor now?”

“Sharrah took her to the Housing Hall to get a room for the duration of her stay. They’ll be here momentarily.”

Millinith nodded and sighed. Too many things—

“How are they?”

She glanced at him. “Willem says that they are doing well, all things considered.” She tugged on a lock of hair by her cheek. “Maybe I shouldn’t have let them help the manisi find nahual.”

“They would have anyway. Those kids, especially Aeron, once they get something in their heads . . .” He shrugged.

She let out a humorless chuckle. “True enough. I just feel like I let Aeron and Anaya down, somehow. We were a team, before all . . . this.” She gestured at the guild paperwork on her desk.

“You train them as best you can, but eventually, you have to let them go out on their own. They’ll do great things, perhaps, but they will also make mistakes, and they will have to deal with the unexpected. That’s part of life. As long as you help them learn from their mistakes and give them support when they need it, you’ll be doing right by them.”

She nodded and a small smile curved her lips. “I think I know how Enora felt.”

“Enora?”

A knock on the door drew their gazes. Master Canneth ducked into the den as the door opened.

“Excuse me, Guildmaster.” Sharrah led a woman into the office. “Auditor Komako has come from the Animal Craft Guild for a visit.”

The woman looked to be of an age with Master Canneth. Eyes bright, she took in the room and then turned her gaze upon Millinith, a smile on her lips.

Millinith returned the smile. “I was wondering when our co-primaries would stop by. I was actually in the middle of reviewing the latest draft of our training manual.”

The auditor nodded. “I would like to see it at some point, but first, I’d like to examine your policies and procedures. Once I look those over, I think I’d like to spend some time with the dragons and the, ah, dragonlinked, I believe they are called?”

“That’s correct.”

“Yes, good. I’ll look over the manual after, and then perhaps a tour of the Guildhall would be in order.”

Millinith stood and walked to a shelf. “Well, you’ve set yourself a busy schedule for the next few days, so perhaps it would be best,” she pulled down a heavy leather folder, “if I got you started right away.” She set the folder on her desk, unsnapped the strap holding it closed, and opened it to reveal all the pages within. “We have not had time to have it printed, but the policies and procedures are all in here.” She closed the folder and handed it to the auditor.

“My thanks, Guildmaster. I shall return to my room and begin reviewing these immediately.”

“Of course,” Millinith said. “You can find me here most of the time if you have questions for me, and Sharrah,” she gestured to the girl, “is a dragonlinked, though unbonded at the moment, and can answer your questions in that regard. She can also introduce you to her fellow dragonlinked and the dragons, when you’re ready.”

“Excellent.” The woman turned to Sharrah. “If you could guide me back to the Housing Hall?”

“Of course, ma’am.” With a glance at Millinith—there was only the slightest hint of panic in the girl’s eyes—Sharrah led them out the door and closed it behind her.

“Delegate, delegate, delegate.” Master Canneth walked in the room.

Millinith nodded. “I’ve learned the immense value of delegation, recently.”

He smiled. “Sharrah should be able to handle the auditor, but call on me if you need anything.”

“Oh, you can be sure I will.”

With a chuckle, Master Canneth left her.

Millinith returned to her desk. With that dealt with, she could get back to reviewing the manual. She’d like to have the review of the current draft finished before the auditor left, so the woman would have a chance to examine it as well. Running her finger down the page, she found where she’d left off.

“Guildmaster!” The shout had come from outside, along with the sound of running.

Millinith closed her eyes. Alandra’s merciful heart, what now? Worry about Aeron and Anaya already made it difficult enough to focus on reviewing the manual without some new crisis adding to her concerns every ten minutes.

Jessip ran into the office from the den. “Nenet’s coming to lay an egg.”

Millinith stood. “She spoke to Zolin?”

He nodded. “Yeah. When she couldn’t find Aeron or Anaya, she spoke to him.”

Of course. Zolin was her son, after all. Millinith just wished Nenet had arrived a few days from now, after the difficulty with Aeron and Anaya was resolved. “That’s some good news, at least.”

“Yeah.” Jessip scrunched his face up. “I was wondering, though. Now that the clutching room is finished . . .” He stared at her, expectantly.

Millinith supposed they might as well get to using it. “Have you broached the idea with Nenet?”

His gaze went flat for a moment and then he chuckled. “She didn’t want to at first, but Zolin said he convinced her to at least see it before making up her mind. She’s going to meet us at the road north of the Caer.”

“Good.” Millinith thought briefly of inviting the auditor along, but decided against it. She glanced at the enchanting schedule. “Have Zolin speak to Xochi. I’d like her and Renata to join us at the clutching room.”

“Done.”

“Get ready. I’ll meet you in the yard in a few minutes.”

He nodded and dashed out.

Once he’d left, she scratched her head furiously and flung her arms out. Gods! Could a girl not get a break? She ran a hand down her face and took a breath. Too much was happening at once. The actions of those idiots in the Corpus Order were at the top of her worry list, but though it sounded a little dangerous, Aeron’s plan should work. There would be enough dragonlinked there to ensure one of them could get it done. The two should be back home in a few days, removing one item off the list.

And now there was the Animal Craft auditor. It had taken almost three months, but one of their co-primaries had finally sent someone to gauge their progress. At least Sharrah was handling that, allowing Millinith to get back to her current task: reviewing the latest version of the training manual.

She frowned down at the thing. The draft of it, anyway. She wanted it patterned after the ones from Animal Craft and Magic Craft, but doing so was proving difficult due to how different Dragon Craft was. Not to mention having to weave in bits of Investigation Craft and hand-to-hand combat training. What gave her and the masters the most trouble right now was organizing the lessons logically while dividing them into accepted and apprentice levels. Liflin’s suggestions were actually a big help in that regard, and she hoped this would be the last draft, at least until they addressed higher rank lessons. She placed a marker-ribbon and closed the large notebook. She’d have to return to it later. Right now, she had a nervous dragon mother to settle in. Speaking of which . . .

She eyed a writing board tucked into a corner next to her desk. It wasn’t used much because there were large boards already mounted on the walls. The thing was two feet by three, so it would be awkward to carry, but she’d take it anyway. She grabbed a writing stick and tucked it in a pocket.

In the courtyard, Jessip eyed the board.

“Let me mount first,” she said, “and then hand this to me.”

“Uh, sure.” He took it from her and did as asked.

Once mounted, he looked over his shoulder. “Hold it tight, we’re off.”

She nodded, wrapped one arm around him, and gripped the board as best she could with her other hand.

It didn’t take long to meet up with Nenet. She barked a greeting up at them and then followed through a portal to the Guildhall. Down below, on the ledge that was the dragon entrance to the clutching room, Renata and Xochi waited.

Millinith leaned forward. “Please land quickly. I don’t know how much longer I can hold on to this stupid board.”

Jessip nodded and Zolin banked down.

Once on the ground he dismounted quickly and took the board from her.

“Thank you!” She flapped her hand trying to ease slightly cramped muscles. “I nearly dropped it a few times.” She hopped down.

Nenet landed nearby. The brown dragon did look nervous, casting glances about and moving closer to Zolin.

“Nenet,” Millinith said, “we would be honored if you would clutch in our Guildhall. You would be the first, but it is up to you, of course.” She turned to Jessip’s bond-mate. “Go ahead and show your mother in, Zolin. Let her see the place we’ve made for dragons.”

Zolin chirped.
Come, blood-mother. I think you will like it.

Nenet turned to Millinith, ducked her head, and chirped. She then followed her son.