Dragon Lord (9 page)

Edana and Fen sat under a cluster of trees while their horses grazed nearby.

Edana stared at him in silence, her mind trying to sort out all Fen had told her. “I didn’t even know I had an uncle. I want to meet him.”

“You can’t. I’ve already explained he wants to do everything possible to make your father miserable. And your father feels the same. I bet he’d love to tell Adalric his own daughter visits him.”

“I’m sure I could talk him into keeping my secret.” There had to be a way. She was certain she could convince him.

“No. We can’t risk it. I don’t want anyone putting things together and noticing the age of my dragon and the age of the one your father had stolen. I don’t know how to lie to a direct question from a truthsayer. Do you want your father to end up with River? He wants him because he thinks he’s wild. If he’s a tame grey he’ll have no use for him. They’re a liability. Do you want to risk your father having him slaughtered for parts?”

“What rubbish.” Edana shook her head. How many times did she have to tell him? “Dragon Lords lose grey dragons regularly. It’s rare for anyone to raise them. You can’t prove ownership. No one would even think their dragon was still alive after this long.”

“We aren’t going to risk it.”

“I want to meet him.”

“Not as yourself. I’ll think of a way.”

“Don’t take too long.”

“I won’t let even you put River at risk.”

Edana met Fen’s sharp gaze for a moment then looked away. She didn’t want to risk River either, but Hanun was her family. “I want to meet him. I want to know him.”

“When the time’s right.”

Edana paused. She could be patient for a while. She nodded. “Fine. I’ll hold you to that. But for now, I have to go. I’ve been out longer than usual.”

“Tomorrow morning?”

“I hope so.” Edana rose to her feet and untied the reins of her horse. She mounted, waved to Fen and turned her horse towards home. Fen had better hurry up and find a way for her to meet Hanun, or she’d come up with her own plan.

It was nearly a month before Fen arranged a time for Edana to meet her uncle. During that time, he trained River every day until he was flying steadily and beginning to pick up speed. And also, much to River’s delight, Fen had a fireplace and wooden floorboards put in his pen. River and Pearl also mated and Pearl laid four eggs.

The day Fen collected Edana, River started to learn how to do rapid spins and turns in mid flight. Fen was annoyed he had to call him in to leave in time to collect Edana. Even River was reluctant to come in.

Fen met Edana not far from her home. She was dressed in her widow woman’s clothes and Fen had brought his old horse for her to ride. Both horses were now stabled at the home he shared with Hanun.

“I don’t see why I should have to ride the nag,” Edana complained as she mounted the horse. “I’m the better rider out of the two of us.”

“I’m surprised you didn’t also point out you paid for them, Ed.”

Edana looked at him in surprise. “But that was part of our deal. I give you all the money I can to save River.”

Fen smiled. “With how River’s flying you won’t have to keep giving me money to look after him soon.”

“Then what am I going to spend it on?”

Fen laughed. “You make it sound like it’s going to be a problem.”

“It will. With the amount of money I’ve been getting off my father I can’t suddenly stop.”

“Then I guess I’ll hold onto it for when you leave home.”

“I can’t. Blood trackers, remember?”

“Do you like being owned by him?”

“It isn’t all bad. He doesn’t expect too much from me. Not lately, anyway.”

“He will.”

“How much further until we get to Uncle Hanun’s place?”

“Don’t call him that.”

“He’s my uncle.”

“He’s not to know. Edana! We won’t be going if you can’t remember to call him Hanun.” Fen pulled his horse to a stop.

Edana stopped and looked back at him. “Fine. I’ll remember.” When Fen continued to stare at her, she said, “I promise.”

He told his horse to walk on. “You’re not to call him uncle even in your mind.”

“I’m not an idiot. I can remember not to call him uncle.”

“I don’t want to risk you slipping up. River’s too important to risk him like that.”

“Fine.”

They continued to the Carson Dragon Stables in silence. First Fen took Edana to see River who leaned down to rest his head against hers.

“I’ve missed you too.” Edana rubbed River’s neck. “I had no way to come and see you. I’m sorry. It might be a day of rest for most people, but my father’s been taking me with him when he attends different functions. I’d rather come and see you.”

“What?” Fen asked when Edana laughed.

“He thinks you should organise things better so I can visit more often.”

Fen smiled. He rested his hand against River’s neck. “I’m sorry. I can’t always arrange things to suit what we want. I’ll try and get Eddie here more often.”

Edana spent a little longer with River until Fen reminded her they’d arranged to have lunch with Hanun. Edana said goodbye to River and then walked beside Fen, her fingers worrying at her cloak.

Fen reached out to still her hands. “He’s nice. A bit gruff, but nice. Well, to most people, anyway.” He grinned. Edana’s answering smile was strained. “Come on.” They walked towards the dining room where they found Hanun waiting for them.

Edana’s footsteps slowed as they approached the dining room so she was walking behind Fen when they entered.

“Hanun, I’d like you to meet Yileen. Yileen, this is my partner Hanun.” Fen stepped to the side so Hanun could see Edana.

“You didn’t tell me she was a widow,” Hanun said to Fen as he came forward. “Pleased to meet you, my dear. Sorry for your loss.”

“Thank you, but it wasn’t recent. The veil was part of a vow I took.”

“Surely you shouldn’t be held to a vow you made whilst grieving.”

“It won’t be much longer before I’ve seen out the terms of my vow.”

“Please, be seated.” Hanun gestured towards the table.

Once they were seated, servants entered with food. They served Edana first, moved on to Hanun at the head of the table and then to Fen on his left.

Fen looked across the table at Edana and wondered how she was going to eat with the veil on, but she seemed to have no problem. Wanting to keep the conversation away from her, Fen turned to Hanun. “You should have seen River today. With the way he’s doing flying turns and spins, we’ll be entering him in events before much longer.”

“I’m sure our guest doesn’t want to hear about dragons,” Hanun said.

Edana laughed. “That was how we met, over dragons.”

Fen smiled, meeting Edana’s gaze. “We met about the time I saved River. She helped me care for him.”

“And I’ve been very attached to River since I first met him,” Edana said.

“How rare. A female from the upper classes who likes dragons,” Hanun said.

“What makes you say I’m from the upper classes?”

“Your voice. Royals and nobles have a certain tone to their voice and a way of pronouncing their words no other class has. The boy here has it occasionally, like he was around them a lot. But not all the time, not like you do,” Hanun explained.

Edana nodded. “Fen tells me you have a female dragon.”

“Ah, yes. My Pearl. She’s a beauty. A pure white with silver markings through her wings. You’ll have to see her after lunch. She likes it when people admire her.”

“I’d appreciate that. My family don’t encourage my interest in dragons. They’re the most fascinating creatures,” Edana said.

“Who are your family?” Hanun asked.

There was silence for a minute before Fen said, “E… Yileen is having problems with her family. It’s difficult for her to talk about them.”

“Humph! Families. More trouble than they’re worth,” Hanun grumbled. “I could tell you stories to make you glad you don’t have a brother like mine.”

“I doubt many people would have as many family problems as you’ve had, Hanun,” Fen said.

“I could’ve done without a brother to mess up my life,” Hanun said.

“I was surprised by how much you look like him,” Edana said.

“How do you know my brother, girl?”

“I…” Edana started then turned to Fen.

“Stop trying to terrify our guest, Hanun. I told her who your brother is. I didn’t think it was a secret. As you pointed out, she’s from the upper classes. Doesn’t everyone know each other amongst them?” Fen asked.

“Everyone knows each other and they stick together like burrs. About as annoying as burrs. So, what do you think of my brother?”

“I don’t always agree with everything he says, but surely you’ve been amongst the upper classes. Females are decorative. A show of wealth.”

“Like statues you mean,” Fen said.

“Absolute waste. I don’t know how any of you put up with that,” Hanun said.

“We’re trapped in it by birth. Some of us escape, some are born to modern parents, and others bear it. My mother’s one of those who cheerfully embraces the life. She sees it as a job. She does well with her wooden appearances and my father rewards her with expensive gifts. I’ve learned to mostly remember my place. Sometimes I forget,” Edana said.

“Humph. Don’t deserve a child, your parents. You should be free of them since you’re widowed. You’re welcome to stay here,” Hanun said.

“Oh.” Again Edana looked towards Fen.

“Well,” Hanun asked. “What do you think?”

“It’s complicated, Hanun,” Fen said. “It involves others than herself. She’s caught up in something she can’t easily get away from at the moment. Give it time.”

“Well, the offer’s open. Take it up any time. The boy’s a smart one. I doubt he’d call you friend if you weren’t deserving of the title. You’d be better company than his stableboy. Has a mouth and a half on him.”

Fen smiled. “There’s nothing wrong with Mouse. He’s as loyal as they come.”

“To himself, maybe. Only completely loyal when food’s involved,” Hanun muttered. “Are you finished eating? Why don’t we see my Pearl. She’d love that.”

When they nodded, Hanun led the way to Pearl’s pen.

“Oh, she’s beautiful.” Edana tried to reach forward with her mind like she did with River but encountered something like a solid wall. Not wanting to force herself on the dragon, Edana pulled back, sending a question to River about the wall.

“Only greys can communicate with humans. All other tame dragons are deaf to you,”
River explained, his words still a little indistinct and hard to understand.

Edana wanted to ask him more, but Hanun was looking at her expectantly. Had he asked her something while she was distracted by River? “Do you think she’d let me pat her?”

Hanun shook his head. “She’s not as friendly as River. She’s had a hard life. No mate until now and no other dragons to keep her company. Nothing. My brother has a lot to answer for. Hey, old girl?” Hanun looked towards Pearl. “But that’ll change soon. You’ll have young ones hatching before you know it.”

Pearl leaned forward, as if to agree.

The rest of the visit was filled by Fen showing Edana and Hanun River’s new flying skills. He loved showing Edana who sent him lots of approval as she watched.

Edana was also able to come to lunch the next three Restdays and Hanun started to expect her.

Hanun was disappointed when on the fourth Restday Edana was unable to attend. The following Halfday would be River’s first event at the competition grounds. He was entered in the novice races.

“Will Edana be there next Halfday?” Hanun asked Fen.

“I don’t know,” Fen said.

“Then send her an invitation. We can collect her on the way.”

Fen shook his head. “She’ll be there if she can. Her life’s not simple.”

“I keep telling her she’s welcome here. Why won’t she come? You know her story. What’s the problem?”

Fen stared at Hanun for a moment, trying to think what to say. “I’m sorry, Hanun. I can’t tell you. It’s not my story to tell.”

“Humph. How convenient. Well, get back to that dragon of yours. He needs to be ready for Halfday.” Hanun waved Fen away.

Fen nodded and went to see River. He hadn’t realised how difficult living with Hanun would be. He had to watch everything he said. Hanun picked up on the slightest slip. He still didn’t trust Hanun to protect Edana’s secret when it could further his own revenge.

Fen and Mouse put River through his paces all afternoon as well as the rest of the week. Mouse had been taught the hand movements most trainers used so their dragons would fly where they wanted them to. River knew them, but ignored them. It didn’t matter how many mistakes Mouse made. River listened only to the instructions Fen sent.

The following Halfday they were busy transporting River to the competition grounds. Too busy for Hanun to enquire after Edana again. They had to sign in, find the pen River had been assigned for the day and make sure Mouse wore the uniform of Carson Dragon Stables. He was disgusted by the lack of colour in the mostly black clothes with a few trims and markings of silver and pearl white. It was nothing like the colourful clothes he wore every day.

Fen watched from the owner’s area as race after race filled the rest of the morning. Novice races were after lunch. He took his lunch in the pen with River and talked to him about what was expected. He was far more nervous than River and grateful for the waves of reassurance River sent him.

“Don’t see why you bother. Never heard him answer you yet,” Mouse grumbled from the corner of the pen. “Dreadful colours.” He tugged at his sleeve.

Fen ignored him and shared his sandwich with River.
“Do your best. I don’t expect you to place on your first race,”
he thought to River.

“What a waste. I’d have eaten it,
“
Mouse grumbled.

There was a firm knock on the pen door and it opened to admit one of the competition grounds’ stablehands. “Time to ready the novices. Their races start shortly.” The door closed behind him and they heard him knock on a door several pens away.

Fen turned back to River. “Come on then. Let’s show them what we can do.”

River followed Fen while Mouse trailed behind and grumbled. They were joined in the corridors by other dragons and trainers. When they reached the race arena doors, they were directed to wait in the cavernous area for those ready for the next race. Outside they heard a round of applause as the race before theirs finished. The doors opened and the official at the door called out the names of the dragons competing.

Finally River’s name was called and he and Mouse moved forward. Fen’s stomach turned over as he watched them. Today the other Dragon Lords were about to see what his dragon could do. He was nervous and excited.

Fen hurried to the owners’ area since he wasn’t allowed into the race arena. Only competing dragons and their trainers were. There’d been several arguments between Hanun and Fen over that. Fen didn’t trust anyone with River and would have none of the trainers Hanun wanted to arrange. Hanun refused to let Fen be River’s trainer. It was unheard of and Hanun was determined Fen would take his place amongst the Dragon Lords. In the end, Fen decided Mouse would be the trainer since he knew Mouse wouldn’t be annoyed at the lack of attention River would pay him. Anyone else would notice and comment on how River responded.

Fen reached the owners’ area as the race began, dragons with outstretched wings taking to the air. He pictured the race plan they’d been shown when they signed in that morning. He concentrated on reminding River where he had to fly. Owners bumped him as they called out to their own dragons or their favourites. Fen pushed it all from his mind. He showed River the course, bit by bit. He guided him through the rock spires in the middle of the arena that had to be completed in a certain pattern. Then he urged him to the first checkpoint.

“Looks like your dragon’s doing well,” Adalric said from beside Fen, breaking his concentration.

River faltered. “I’m sorry. I won’t be much of a conversationalist at the moment. First race and all.” Fen tried to keep River on track while Adalric continued to stand beside him.

“You’ll get the hang of it. Before long you won’t even notice your dragon flying. You’ll be too busy catching up with friends. I hear you’ve moved to the Carson Dragon Stables. It really isn’t a good move. There’s much you don’t know about the man,” Adalric said.

Fen tried desperately to concentrate on River. But he also needed to focus on the conversation. The dragons were drawing close to another round through the spires in the middle. Fen needed all his concentration. “I’ve been pleased with the way he treats myself and my dragon.”

“Who’s to know what plans he has for your future. You want to be careful what ulterior motives the man has. You should be wary of a man no Dragon Lord wants to associate with.”

The spires in the middle came closer. River was in the lead.

Edana joined them. “Father, I’ve been looking for you.”

Fen sent her a look of relief before he turned back to concentrate on River. He’d lost ground, not knowing which direction to take through the spires. Fen showed him, step by step. They were holding fifth place now. Seven dragons trailed behind them. Edana could’ve said anything to her father, Fen wouldn’t have heard. All his concentration was focused on his dragon. River flew, Mouse directed from below, his movements vaguely corresponding to where River was. Fen barely noticed Adalric’s hand as it dropped onto his shoulder. Adalric was distracted by his daughter again.

Fen urged River through the other dragons as he aimed for the last checkpoint. Fen sent picture after picture to River, showing him how the dragons closed in around him. River streaked through them. He avoided one coming in on his left and flew below one coming from the right. He was now in fourth place, the checkpoint nearly upon them. With a last burst of speed, River wove and ducked, passing one more dragon before he flew past the checkpoint. There was a round of applause and Fen held his breath, waiting for the announcement of the three dragons that placed.

Fen was nearly knocked off his feet as Adalric clapped him on the shoulder. “Not bad for a first flight. Not bad at all.”

Then came the announcements. “First place to Golden Fancy of Renarlo Dragon Stables, second place to Ruby’s Jett of Omanato Dragon Stables and third place to River of Carson Dragon Stables.”

“Better luck next time,” Adalric said. “Not a bad first flight. Now if you’d been at a stable where decent trainers were available you might have even won. If you change your mind about your present accommodations, let me know. We’d make sure you had a good trainer rather than that sorry looking fellow down there.” Adalric pointed towards Mouse who called River to him so they could exit the arena.

“Thank you. Congratulations on first place,” Fen replied.

Adalric shrugged. “It’s no more than I expected. She’s fast, my Golden Fancy. A real streaker. Her mother was the same. Nearly all the offspring of her mother have been fast. I’ve never seen the like of them before and probably never will again. We lost her mother last year. A pity none of her daughters have passed along that streaker gene. At least the number of greys born to my stable has reduced since she died.”

“Father, your guests are waiting.”

Adalric gave Edana a warning glare before he turned to Fen. “My guests will be waiting to congratulate me. Come, daughter.” Adalric turned and started to walk away without checking to see if Edana followed.

Edana stepped closer to Fen to keep their conversation private. “Tell River I was proud of him.”

“He would’ve done better if I hadn’t been distracted by your father.”

“It was probably best. No one takes first place the first event they’re in.”

Fen smiled. “It would’ve been nice.” He paused, his smile fading. “Golden Fancy’s ma, was that-”

Edana interrupted. “Yeah. She was River’s mother. But Golden Fancy, she’s not like River. I don’t know why it’s only the greys who can talk to people. And I wonder if all the other greys were the same as River. I should’ve paid more attention to them. Saved them somehow.”

“At least you saved River.”

Edana nodded. “I’d better go before they wonder where I am.”

“Tomorrow morning?”

Edana nodded before she pushed through the crowd.

Fen looked around at the people discussing the next races. He wasn’t interested. He wanted to check on River. He threaded his way through the crowd and was nearly barrelled over by Mouse who ran into him as he reached the door that lead to the pens.

“Rhone’s here and he’s seen you,” Mouse whispered to Fen.

“I’m heading to River’s pen. That’ll be a quiet enough place to meet up with him. Keep Hanun busy. I don’t want him walking in on us.”

“What’ll you do?”

Fen stared at him thoughtfully. “I don’t know yet. Just keep Hanun busy.”

Mouse ran back the way he’d come and Fen made his way to River’s pen. Fen let River know he was there without going inside. He didn’t want Rhone any closer to River than he needed to be. River assured him he understood.

“So here you are. I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw you out there. You think you’re an important man now, don’t you?” Rhone sneered. He stopped in front of Fen who turned so he could lean against River’s door.

“You saw the race?” Fen asked mildly. He was glad everyone was interested in the rest of the races so the area was deserted.

“I haven’t come to discuss some damn race and you know it.”

“Possibly you’ve come to apologise for your treatment of me the day you kicked me out?”

“You deserved every bit of that beating. You failed and I don’t tolerate failures. So, where did you hide my dragon? You stole him and passed him off as yours, didn’t you?”

“Haven’t you heard? He’s a wild dragon. Not some tame one you sent me after.” Fen kept his tone light.

“Rubbish. I don’t believe in coincidences. He’s mine.”

Anger coursed through Fen, and he struggled to keep it under control. “River’s mine. You beat me nearly to death and although it changed my life, I’ll never forgive it. You see, I crawled off into the swamp, half dead. A kind person found me and nursed me to health and it was while I was living in the swamp I saved River. I really should be thanking you for the turn my life took, but I can’t bring myself to.”

“You lie. I’ll have a truthsayer find out. You can’t lie to them.”

“What are you going to tell them? Will you have them ask me if he’s the dragon you sent me to steal? How do you think Adalric will take it that you tried to steal one of his dragons? He’s an important man.” Fen forced himself to relax against the door of River’s pen.

“Don’t go getting too smart. A quiet word here and there and rumours will run wild.”

“So they will. It works both ways, Rhone.”

Rhone pointed at him with his walking stick. “I’m not finished with you.”

“I didn’t think so.” Fen smiled, no joy in it. “I look forward to it. We have a score to settle. I believe I owe you a broken rib or two.”

“You deserved that you slimy little-”

Rhone’s words were cut off as Fen moved swiftly forward, grabbing him by the throat. “I’ve come a long way since you considered yourself my master. I won’t tolerate you talking to me like that. I believe our conversation is over.” Fen pushed Rhone roughly from him.

“For today. Only for today,” Rhone spat before he stalked off.

Once he was certain Rhone was gone, Fen slipped into the pen and tried to calm himself. When footsteps sounded outside, River sent him a wave of reassurance.

Hanun entered River’s pen. “That boy of yours talks some nonsense.”

Fen calmed himself before he turned to Hanun, a smile on his face. “But he did well by us today. Him and River. They brought a third placing to our stables.”

“So they did.” Hanun’s mouth turned into a cheek splitting grin. “I’ll have to organise a feast for that boy. He certainly deserves it. Never seen a lad put away as much food as he does.” Hanun shook his head in amazement. “So, first next time?”

Fen laughed. “Why not? What do you think, River? First next time?”

River dipped his head and Hanun laughed.

“Anyone’d think he agreed.”

“So they would,” Fen said softly, amused at how everyone thought dragons no smarter than a horse or dog.

“Have you been up to collect your third place prize money yet?”

“I thought you might like to.” Fen didn’t want to leave River’s side while Rhone was about.

Hanun rubbed his hands together. “That I would. That I would.” He hurried out of the pen, his step brisk, and whistled cheerfully.