The Bond (Book 2) (13 page)

Making her way toward the ledge at one side of the large cavern, she sensed anxiety from most of the dragons that approached. A few had more confidence. None, however, gave off the assurance Queen Ixtab did as she appeared on the ledge ahead. The rock shelf was a few dozen feet ahead of Anaya and rose four feet above the floor.

She strode to the front.
What is the meaning of this? How dare you intrude on House Yaot without welcome! And I was told you brought a human?
The queen looked Anaya over, spied Aeron.
You did! Who are you?

How can I hear her? She’s talking to you, isn’t she?

Anaya ignored Aeron for the moment. She had to handle this quickly and correctly. A few Watchers arrived, running. One of the royal guards stopped to the Queen’s left, another to her right, and a few made their way onto the main floor and took positions about the room. The Queen must have come here without waiting for them to accompany her.

Highest Mother, Queen Ixtab, I beg your forgiveness. My name is Anaya, daughter of Malina, daughter of Tonantzi, daughter of Maya, daughter of Xilonen, and more. All of House Yaot. I come to speak to you, we come to speak to you, to all of you, on an important matter.

The sound of forepaws shuffling on the ground came from all around. It was a sign of confusion, of wanting to know more. Dragons did not speak in the presence of the Queen unless spoken to, so they used their forepaws to show their feelings. Memories from her mother, her mother’s mother, and beyond, filled her with awareness of what was happening, what was expected, what she had to do.

The Queen looked at a dragon to her side. They stared at each other a moment before the queen turned back.

You lie. Speak the truth or I will have my House cleansed.

Would have them killed, she meant. It was not done very often, but Anaya did find memories of cleansing. She swallowed. The Queen was not making an idle threat.

Highest Mother, I have not lied. If Malina is not my mother, how do I know her lineage? How do I know your name? How do I know my father is Naum?

The shuffling grew louder. Naum was from a prominent family, and all in this House knew of them. The Queen looked out at the dragons, head whipping from one to another, wings twitching. She took a step back and glanced at the other dragon again. He must be the Record-keeper.

The Queen turned to Anaya.
E–Even were your story true, you do not have the right to be here, to intrude upon m–my House like this.

Anaya lifted her head.
I claim the Right of Address. The House is in danger.

Dragons scraped forepaws furiously. Some even rose up and landed heavily, stomping the floor. The rhythmic pounding reverberated across the room.

Silence!
The Queen looked at Anaya, eyes boring into her.
Who else knows of this danger? Who else stands before me with this girl?

Anaya lifted her head, drew it back. She had not remembered that rule. Searching her memories as far back as she could, she found that it had only ever been invoked three times. But it was a rule. If none stood with her, the Right of Address would not be granted!

What could she do? She felt no support from any dragons nearby. And why would there be any? They didn’t know her.

Wait. There was one who did!
Where is my mother? Is she here?
Anaya looked around the cavern.
Malina? Is Malina here? She will stand by me!

Queen Ixtab’s voice was cold.
Malina has not been seen in months. She is lost to the House.

W–What?
Though Anaya had not come to House Yaot expecting to see her mother, this news was devastating. Her legs trembled and she felt light-headed.

Anaya?

Dragons started shuffling again, but the pattern was for confusion.

Who else stands with this girl?
Does anyone?

The scraping of dragon paws filled the room.

The Queen, sounding triumphant, said,
If none in this room stands with her, the Right of Address will be forfeit!

Anaya looked around the dimly-lit room. Confusion reigned. Flustered barks and chirps filled the air. To the scrapes, shuffles, and whines, she added her own quiet wail.

The plan was not going to work. They were going to fail. She was going to fail.

Aeron jumped to the ground.
I stand with Anaya. Now and forever!

Dragon paws stilled and the room went silent as Anaya’s heart filled with joy.
Love flowed to her through the link and she sent it back, redoubled.

W–Who was that? Who spoke?
The Queen scanned the room, wings unfurling and furling as she searched the large cavern.

Aeron walked up and stood by Anaya’s shoulder.
I spoke. My name is Aeron, Highest Mother. I am Anaya’s bond-mate.

With wide eyes locked on Aeron, the Queen shook her head.
T–This is not allowed. And how do you speak like us? A human has never—

Right of Address is granted.

The Queen spun on the Record-keeper. Completely still, she asked,
What did you say?

The smaller dragon took a step back and lowered his head.
A–Any who seek the Right of Address must have one in the room who stands with them. The h–human has spoken the words. Right of Address must be granted, Highest Mother.

The Queen turned to face Anaya and Aeron. Her wings trembled and she swayed from side to side as she shifted her weight from left to right.
Speak then!

Anaya touched her nose to Aeron’s cheek.
I love you.

Hooking an arm underneath and around her neck in a brief hug, he said,
And I, you. Always.

Anaya stepped forward. She looked first to the Queen, then around at all the dragons in the meeting room.

I hatched far to the south of here, just beyond the next mountain range. I was nervous, scared, and completely alone. Until Aeron arrived. I was fortunate that he did, for my egg was deformed, thick of shell. I would have died if not for him. He helped free me from the egg and then fed me.

As I ate, I pondered this boy, this human. As I thought about his actions and his thoughts which I heard even while still in the egg, an awareness came over me. I knew. We were one. He was my bond-mate.

Curious shuffling, questioning scrapes, sounded out from several directions.

At that moment, I knew what to do. I stretched out, pressed my face against his hand, and the Bond blossomed from our touch. Blinding magic of incredible beauty spread over us, covered us in tendrils of light, and bonded us. Aeron, my bond-mate, makes me whole. I am not scared. I am not nervous. I do not need to be. We are one.

She looked at the dragons around the room, some in shadows, some not, all staring at her, silent.
This
is what we are meant to be. Not fearful beings hiding in caverns, afraid to go out into the world, afraid of anything not us, and even worse, afraid of each other. We can—

What is this?
The Queen raised to her haunches, wings flapping briefly for balance.
Where is the danger you spoke of? What is it?

The danger is never living as we should. The danger is never learning of our purpose. For we have one. And it is so much more than scrabbling around in caves afraid of our shadows.

Nonsense! Why are you speaking all these lies?

They aren’t lies!
Aeron stepped forward.
I found her struggling in her egg and helped her. We bonded, and now I can feel her, in here
. Aeron tapped his chest.

He turned to her, eyes proud.
She is so strong and so brave and has saved my life, too. I love her. I would do anything for her. We are one.

The heavy breathing from the Queen was loud in the silence.
Get out.

Anaya raised to her haunches.
You must believe us. There is more to living than your fearful existence here. We have a purpose!

You have said your words, now leave.

Aeron looked around the room.
There are many where we live who love dragons, who want to be bond-mates. Don’t you want a better life for your children? We can give that to them.

Queen Ixtab let out an angry rumble and vaulted to the front of the ledge. Enormous forepaws gripped the stony lip as she glared down at them.
Watchers!

The two large dragons moved to the end of the ledge, jumped down, and made for Anaya. Two more Watchers approached, one from the left and one from the right.

Anaya dropped to all fours.
Get on me, Aeron.

But we can’t leave yet!

We must go, Aeron. The Address is over. If we do not leave now, I do not know what Queen Ixtab will do.

Anaya could feel his frustration through the link, but he quickly climbed into the saddle.

The Watchers, growling now, had almost reached them.

Turning to head out of the cavern, she felt anger surge through the link from Aeron as magic began pulsing over her.

Eyes large, she looked back at him.
Aeron, stop!

His features twisted in fury and frustration.
You will
not
harm Anaya.

Four barriers appeared, one in front of each Watcher. Made visible by how they distorted the soft glow from the fungi, the barriers shivered with their own light when the advancing dragons collided with them.

Anaya’s surprise at his being able to raise four barriers at once would have to wait. This act would anger the Queen beyond all reason.

How dare you use magic in my House!
Queen Ixtab spread her massive wings and let out a deafening roar.

Anaya fled. Running down passages as fast as she could, she raced for the main landing and freedom from this House of fear and stagnation.

As she leapt off the ledge into the wide open air, Queen Ixtab’s words came to them.

You are exiled! Never return or you will be cleansed!

+ + + + +

Willem was worried. He’d gone over to the Dragon Stable after finishing up some work on a craft project in order to see Aeron, to spend some time with him. He’d seemed a little down lately, and Willem wondered why. However, after arriving, he’d discovered that Aeron and Anaya were both gone. Not too surprising, really, given all the construction going on about the place. But i
t was now nearly dinner, and Aeron was still nowhere to be found.

Willem checked the Animal Craft Hall. Neither Sharrah, Gregor, nor Master Canneth had seen him. He checked the Magic Craft Hall. Master Doronal had not seen him. He even checked Aeron’s old room in the Magic Craft Hall to no avail.

It wasn’t that he thought something had happened to Aeron—he was sure they were fine. But leaving like this, without even a note, it was a little inconsiderate. What if they got a report of a nahual attack nearby? How would anyone find Aeron or Anaya to tell them?

And what about me, he thought as he sat on the couch in Aeron’s study. What if I’m looking for you, missing you?

The sound of enormous wings drew him to his feet. Moments later, the large doors slid open and Aeron lead Anaya in.

From the study door, Willem said, “Where have you two been? Do you have any idea how worried—” His heart nearly stopped when he saw Aeron’s face. Rushing to him, he said, “What’s wrong?”

Aeron was pale. With wide eyes and a blank expression, he said, “I messed up, bad.” He flung his arms arms around Willem and said, “We can’t go to House Yaot for dragons. They’ll kill us if we go back.” Quiet sobs shook Aeron’s body.

Anaya let out a mournful wail.

Seeing Aeron like this, hearing him cry, gutted Willem. Desperate to help and not knowing what to do, he just held him. “Hey, we’ll figure something out.”

After a few moments, Aeron took a deep breath and let it out. Stepping back, he wiped his eyes and said, “What are we going to do? There isn’t anyplace we can get dragons from now, because of me.”

Willem didn’t know what had happened, but he was going to find out. “The first thing we’re going to do is get the saddle off Anaya. Then, we’re going to see Master Doronal.”

“I don’t think much could have been done differently, even had we planned the excursion.”

Master Doronal, fingers drumming on the table, glanced at Master Canneth. “I agree.”

“This is an enormous setback.” Lord Baronel did not look pleased.

“It is,” Master Doronal said. “Aeron was very upset that he’d failed with the attempt. I assured him that we have plenty of time to consider other options and it seemed to ease some of his disappointment.”

“We have time?” Lord Baronel looked doubtful. “And what options?”

“Construction at the Dragon Stable will take several weeks, yet. There is also the matter of the unfinished rules and regulations which even lack a training regimen for candidates. Additionally, Millinith has to complete her tasks and return. We have time to search for dragons.”

“Speaking of training regimens,” Master Canneth said, “Cheddar has the right of it. Dragonlinked training should start with magic training.”

“And dragon care?” Master Doronal asked.

“We can do some simple dragon care training at first, basic anatomy, measurements, physical care, that kind of thing. It can be part of their chores. Then, if a candidate makes it far enough in training, dragon care lessons can become more detailed. But to be honest, at this stage, we’re
all
still learning about dragon care.”

Master Doronal nodded. Canneth had the right of it. But in light of that, why not kill two birds with one stone? “I suggest we start training now,” he said. “Doing so would allow us to learn what works and what doesn’t with an eye to formalizing the regimen.”

“Alright,” Lord Baronel said, “so we have some time. But what are these options you spoke of?”

“Though they have been exiled,” Master Doronal said, “Anaya and Aeron can still attempt to contact dragons away from House Yaot. After all, dragons leave their House to both hunt and lay eggs. Additionally, Cheddar is looking into rumors of dragons elsewhere. We know there are more dragon Houses, just not how many, or where they are located.”

“Or whether they still exist.” Master Canneth frowned.

“Oh, they do.” Master Doronal was absolutely confident of that. He looked at Lord Baronel. “There are enough dragons out there that various artists were able to make quite accurate renditions of them. There is an art book in your library filled with dragon drawings, sketches, and even a few small paintings. Rest assured, there are more dragons out there. We just have to find them.”

Lord Baronel looked thoughtful. “Okay. You seem to have things well in hand. What about candidates, then? How will we find them?”

“Anaya was not able to quantify everything that makes a person a candidate,” Master Doronal said, “but we don’t need her to. She tells us who is and is not a candidate. As to how to find them, I think it would be best if at the start we operated like a craft. Applicants will be anyone fourteen to seventeen years of age, and we’ll whittle them down as usual. People are familiar with that process and I see no reason to operate differently. Out of those applicants remaining, Anaya will tell us which are candidates. Those will move on to full dragonlinked training.”

“Because there is much we don’t know about dragons,” Master Canneth added, “this makes the most sense. If it turns out dragons will bond with people older than that, we can adjust.”

“Why not filter applicants through Anaya first?” Lord Baronel looked from Master Doronal to Master Canneth. “If a person isn’t even a candidate, why waste time training them?”

“Organizations are filled with those who do not excel at its primary purpose,” Master Canneth said. “There is more to the running of a concern than that. Much like a caer, there are administrators, accountants, legal advisers, archivists, various laborers, and more.”

“True enough,” Lord Baronel said.

“And Doronal has the right of it, we’ll start dragonlinked training immediately. The sooner we complete the initial rules and regulations, the sooner we can submit the other application.”

“Just make sure you don’t tell anyone of our true plans as of yet.” Lord Baronel sat back in his chair. “Someone out there knows a great deal about our activities and has already begun to interfere with them. Let everyone, including those who would hinder us, continue thinking that those two businesses are all we are interested in.”

+ + + + +

Though Nayra tried to hide it, it was obvious that the dragon was more anxious than usual. At least, it was obvious to Renata. She made no mention of it while she walked about the cave packing the last of her meager belongings.

“As I told you before,” she said, “Isandath had nothing more specific about the boy’s location other than ‘far in the north.’ So there is no telling when we’ll be able to return.”

I understand. But Xochi is so young.
Nayra turned to her daughter and touched noses with her.
None of my children has ever left these lands.

Mother
, Xochi sounded embarrassed.
Do not forget that I have your memories. I know everything you do. We will be fine.

“
How many children do you have?” Renata found it easier to speak out loud than to ‘speak in group.’

Xochi is my third. Isandath did not send anyone the first year and he again did not the second year.

“Why didn’t you bring your first child the second year? Did the man in the dream tell you that only hatchlings could meet Isandath’s children?”

Nayra tilted her head, slightly.
H–He did not. It never occurred to me to do that.

Renata stood and settled the backpack on her shoulders. “The reason I ask is that Isandath may have another sooner than next year.”

Another?

“
Another child to meet one of your children.”

Nayra looked at Xochi, then back at her.

“Hemet will be new in a couple of weeks,” Renata said, “so nights will be their darkest before Duvin rises. If you are careful, you should be able to get close enough to Bataan-Mok to speak with Isandath, unseen. Ask him about Polandra, ask if she is ready to meet your two children here in the caves. If your first or second child bonds with her, all the better. If they can’t, you can, ah, do what you did before.”

That is a good plan. I will try to speak with him.

After a glance around the cave, Renata grabbed the four large canteens and slung them over Xochi’s back. “You sure these aren’t too heavy?”

Not at all. I could carry more, if you need.

“No sweetling, that’s all we have left to carry.”

The three left the cave and stood outside, looking across the rocky desert.

“We’ll come back,” Renata said. “I can’t say when, but we will be back.” Leaning over, she patted her young bond-mate on the shoulder. “Xochi knows the way to your home. If no one is here, we’ll check there.”

Nayra let out a quiet whine.

Xochi padded quickly to her mother and butted the dragon with her head. Nayra leaned down and touched her nose to the top of her daughter’s head. It looked remarkably like a kiss.

Renata ran up to Nayra and threw her arms around the dragon’s neck.
Thank you for bringing Xochi to meet me. I’ll take care of her, I promise.

We will take care of each other.
Xochi looked up at her, amber eyes sparkling in the sun.

That we will, sweetling.

Two hours later, the cave and the rocky cliffs which contained it were no longer visible. Even so, Renata caught Xochi glancing back every now and then.

She couldn’t blame the little dragon. Only out of the egg for seven days, here she was leaving her mother and the caves,
the only place she knew of as home. At least leaving was her choice. And this time, it was Renata’s as well.

They needed to talk to this boy, ask him what he knew about dragons, about the purpose Xochi spoke of. There was much they didn’t know. Hopefully, he had answers.

One thing she was worried about was their welcome. Would he be glad to see them? Having a dragon was an amazing thing, and up to now, he’d been unique. Would he be upset when she arrived with another dragon?

Renata shook her head. Stop making imaginary problems for yourself! The boy had to be found first, and that might prove to be difficult. ‘Far to the north’ was beyond vague.

Sure, Renata had Isandath’s hastily sketched map, showing how to get to the closest village north of The Scars. Beyond that, however, was unknown country. Still, she could stop at farms and communities and ask questions. The rumor of the boy and his dragon had spread all the way to Bataan-Mok, so picking up more details shouldn’t be too hard. That was her hope, at least.

A misstep caused Xochi to flap her wings for balance.

Of course, Renata would have to leave the little one hidden somewhere while she went into villages, but that shouldn’t be a problem.
You sure you’re okay carrying the water?

I am fine. I was not looking where I was going.
Xochi raised her head a little taller and strode forward.

Hey, did you do your flying exercises today?

The little dragon stopped and looked at Renata.
With the excitement of leaving, I forgot!

Renata grabbed the canteens by the straps, removed them, and slung them over her shoulders. Their weight made her grunt.
Off you go then. We can’t have you missing your flying exercises.

But—

Go on, we’ll keep going as you fly for your exercise.

With a happy bark, Xochi sprang into the air, beating her wings and gaining altitude.

Smiling, Renata watched the little dragon rise higher and higher into the sky.
You’re beautiful!
The happy surge she felt from her bond-mate was followed by a distant roar.

Laughing, she adjusted the canteen straps and walked on.

A shadow passed near her. A minute later, another shadow passed by. The next one passed over her. She eventually realized they were not hawks, or buzzards, or any kind of bird at all. Through the link, she felt mirth and mischief.

With a grin, she looked up and saw her bond-mate gliding above.
Having fun?

The impression that Xochi was giggling was strong. Could dragons actually giggle? Perhaps a tickle-attack later would
answer that question. Hiking up the straps on her shoulders, she continued north.

As they plodded along, the still air made the day hotter. Heat shimmers were everywhere, making anything distant appear distorted. A glance at her shadow revealed that the sun was almost directly overhead. The worst part of the day would be upon them before long. They needed to find shelter.

Sweetling, do you see any shaded spots ahead of us? I think we should take a break for a few hours, until it gets cooler.

There are trees ahead.

Though the mesquit’s tiny leaves wouldn’t provide any shelter from the sun, the branches would be a good scaffold for blankets. She just had to be careful to avoid spearing herself on the large thorns. They really, really hurt.

These will do, love.

She lifted a set of straps from sore shoulders and dropped two canteens to the ground. The remaining two hit the dirt next to the others. The satchel followed, then the backpack, and she sat on the ground.

Xochi landed and padded over, lively eyes sparkling.
Our adventure begins now.

Massaging one shoulder and then the other as she looked at her bond-mate, she asked,
Why now?

I cannot see the caves anymore, not even from the sky. Everything we know is left behind.

Renata turned her gaze south. Xochi was right. Her village, the home she’d been forced to leave, was far behind them. So, too, were the Corpus Order, Isandath, and even the caves. It was all back there.

Excitement and a tiny bit of fear came through the amazing magical link. Renata smiled.
Not everything, sweetling. We have each other.

+ + + + +

A cool evening breeze blew past as they stood in the courtyard. Aeron glanced over at Willem, who was brushing down the other side of Anaya.

Gentle swipes with the soft body brush were followed by a stroke with his hand. As he stood back to look over the area he’d just finished before moving on, he caught Aeron watching him. A smile lit up his face.

Warmth flooded Aeron’s cheeks and he smiled back. His face grew warmer when he remembered that he’d cried in front of Willem.

There is an itch on my left flank, just past the hip.

“Sorry, dear-heart. I’ll get that itch.” He jumped to it, using the body brush around the area until he felt her relief through the link. “There. That was the spot, wasn’t it?”

A happy rumble was her confirmation.

“Don’t slack off, Aeron.” Grinning, Willem got back to work. “Just as with horses, we have to check her over every day or so to be sure there aren’t any problems with her hide, or from parasites. She’s a big girl and can’t see every part of herself. Plus, brushing keeps her hide healthy and happy, and it feels good too, doesn’t it Anaya?” He patted her side.