The Bond (Book 2) (36 page)

“Great.” Jessip’s mouth was quirked in a wry grin.

Aeron smiled at the memories of Anaya’s younger days and all the food she went through.
Remember hunting for cave rats, dear-heart?

I do. We made a good hunting team!

We still do, love. We still do.

“Ah, I’m a little late tonight.” Gregor closed the courtyard gate behind him. “But they aren’t quite finished yet, at least.”

As Gregor joined them near the ravenous young dragons, Willem walked out of Aeron’s study, tray in hand. He set it down on the end of one of the benches.

Having iced cider during the evening measurements was becoming a ritual, of sorts. The start of a dragonlinked tradition, perhaps? Aeron liked that idea.

He raised his glass. “A toast. To dragonlinked. Whether from near or far”—he smiled at Renata—“whether bonded yet, or not, we will honor our purpose, we will protect dragons, and we will will stand together.”

“Hear, hear!” Willem raised his glass, and everyone echoed his words, raising their glasses as well.

As he took a drink, Aeron thought about the Order. Something would eventually have to be done about them. He was positive about that. First, however, they needed to concentrate on the guild and getting approval.

“Alright,” Sharrah said, “let’s get the other measurements done before they get sleepy.”

Fillion, Liara, Sharrah, and Cheddar took turns each day as to whom they would help. Tonight, Cheddar watched from the side, with Gregor, while Fillion made his way over to Anaya, Liara went to Zolin, and Sharrah stepped up to Xochi. They each assisted the dragon’s bond-mate with the measurements.  With all the help, they were done in record time.

I itch.

Sorry, love. I’m late with your brushing today, aren’t I?

You are, but I forgive you.
Anaya sent a pulse of love through the link.

Smiling, Aeron jogged to his study and grabbed the grooming kit. When he stepped up to Anaya, Willem took the second brush and moved to the other side of her. They began brushing, and Anaya let out a happy rumble, followed by her humming purr.

“You want me to brush you, too?” Jessip smiled and turned from Zolin to Aeron. “He says that Anaya and Xochi have both told him of the joys of being brushed. He wants to try it.”

“
I think a grooming kit was placed in each study,” Aeron said. “Check under the worktable, on the left.”

Renata was already brushing down Xochi by the time Jessip returned.

Sharrah pointed in the kit. “Use only a body brush, for now, like Renata does with Xochi. Zolin’s so young, I wouldn’t recommend anything more. Their hides aren’t strong enough, yet.”

“
True,” Jessip said. “A dandy brush could injure them.” He crouched and started brushing Zolin down. “Once you’re older, once your hide has toughened up a bit, you’ll get the full dragon-brushing treatment, little man.”

Zolin started humming his own purr, apparently enjoying his brush-down as much as the other dragons.

A few minutes later, however, he let out a large yawn.

“
Alright, then. Time for sleep.” Jessip stood. “No,” he said when Zolin let out a chirp of protest, “don’t even try. We all saw that yawn.”

Xochi let out her own yawn. She sat back, looking startled.

Fillion laughed. “Looks like Zolin isn’t the only one getting tired.”

“
No, little miss, you are going to sleep, too.” Renata crossed her arms. “Set an example for little brother, hmm?”

A pleading whine came from the red dragon.

“Sweetling, I am
not
going to haul your butt into the den if you fall asleep out in the courtyard. You’re too big for that, now. So, do you want to sleep out here?”

A deep sigh preceded Xochi’s slow walk through the courtyard toward her den, head hung low.

Liara giggled. “So dramatic,” she whispered.

“
Go on, then,” Jessip said. “See? Xochi is heading to her den. You should, too.”

Zolin looked from Jessip over to Xochi and then back. He barked, but Jessip shook his head. With a little sad chirp, Zolin turned and headed for his den.

“Think of it this way,” Jessip said, “when you wake up, it’ll be morning and time to practice flying.”

The dragon paused and looked at Jessip. Then, with a much happier bark, he turned and padded into the stable.

Across the courtyard, Xochi stopped suddenly. She and Anaya faced north.

She returns.
Anaya sounded a little surprised.

Who returns?
Aeron turned to his bond-mate as Renata turned to hers.

A familiar dragon voice spoke to him.
Aeron, you must hurry.

Nenet?
Aeron was surprised.
What’s the matter?
Had she somehow gotten in trouble with the queen? Was she injured?

Another dragon’s eggs will hatch tonight or tomorrow. We must hurry. She waits not far from House Yaot.

“Nenet, whose eggs will hatch soon?” He spoke the words aloud as he sent them to her, so everyone could hear.

Every head turned to him.

A–Another dragon who feels as I do. You must bring your friends. The c–candidates. Two males will hatch soon.

He turned to the others. “Another dragon has two male children that will hatch soon. Candidates, all of you get ready. Put on riding gear and bring a carryall for an overnight stay.”

“Me and Liara too?” Sharrah’s brows were raised. “You said it was two males.”

“
A dragon chooses as he or she will. Every dragon should have as much choice as possible.”

Sharrah nodded. She and Cheddar ran for the dorms. Fillion and Liara raced after them.

I will wait for you outside, where we first met.

We’ll be there soon, once we are ready.

“I’ll go tell the magic masters.” Willem ran for the craft hall. “Get a bag ready for me, too,” he yelled over his shoulder.

Aeron nodded and then turned to Gregor. “Can you go tell Master Canneth?”

“On my way.” The healer made for the gate.

Renata and Jessip stood listlessly. “What about us?” he asked.

Aeron glanced at Xochi, who had walked back to stand by her bond-mate. The little dragon yawned. “See if you can get your dragons to go to sleep.” He looked up at them. “There will be nine people to take to the dragon. We should be able to do that with three trips.”

“
Actually,” Jessip said. “I’d like to stay here. With Anaya gone, I wouldn’t want to leave the two little ones alone.”

“
You think something could happen to them?”

Jessip glanced at the ground. “Well, ever since I heard about the Order, I’ve worried for Zolin.”

Aeron looked at Renata. He felt bad for doing so, but he couldn’t help it. She saw him staring.

“
I’m sorry,” he said. “I didn’t mean anything by the look. I’m just remembering what you told us.”

“
It’s okay.” She straightened her shoulders. “He does have a point. The Order has heard of you, Aeron. I came here chasing the rumor of the dragon boy. So make no mistake, they know there is at least one dragon here in the north.”

Aeron’s heart sank. “Do you think they’d send someone?”

Renata frowned. “Patrols are generally within a hundred miles of Bataan-Mok. And though there was talk of increasing patrols before I left, I never heard of any plans for excursions to the north. Of course, that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t.”

“
That’s what I’ve been worried about,” Jessip mumbled.

Aeron glanced at the two guards, one near the door to his study, the other across the courtyard near the door to Renata’s. They had appeared last week, and he hadn’t thought on them much, thinking they were there to help with the increased crowds. “Millinith plans ahead, doesn’t she?”

Jessip followed his gaze and chuckled.

“
I had wondered what they were for,” Renata said, staring at the nearby guard. “Good. But even so, I agree with Jessip. While Anaya is gone, we should stay here, even with the guards. And the gods help anyone who tries to harm our babes.”

“
The gods wouldn’t be able to help them,” Jessip said, eyes fierce.

They would not live long.

Aeron turned to Anaya.
Who?

Any who try to harm us.

Aeron smiled.
Protecting little brother and little sister?

We are all a family. We stand by each other.

Always.
Aeron turned to Jessip and Renata. “I’m going to pack while we wait.”

“
Where’s the dragon?” Master Doronal sounded slightly winded when he arrived several minutes later. “Willem told us most of it.”

Aeron looked over from saddling Anaya. “Near House Yaot.” Master Millinith and Willem stood near Master Doronal. Aeron tossed Willem his carryall.

“House Yaot?” Master Doronal appeared worried for a moment. “Ah, you’ll gateway there.”

Aeron nodded. “Yes. Then we’ll follow Nenet to the other dragon. I’ll open a gateway from there to bring the others. Willem and Sharrah will go with me first, then I’ll send Anaya through alone. She’ll pick up Cheddar, Fillion and Liara. One more trip should get us Master Millinith, and Gregor, too. Anaya would be able to carry one more, if you or Master Canneth want to come?”

“No. I don’t want to strain her or you. Your choices are sound.” He stared at Aeron, a glint in his eye. “Once again, you’ve handled things quite well. It almost makes me wonder why you summoned myself and Master Canneth.”

“
I thought you’d both want to know we were getting two male dragons.”

“
Two?” Master Millinith’s brows rose.

Willem smiled. “I thought I’d let Aeron give you that news.”

“This is good news,” Master Canneth said as he walked up. “That will more than meet the four dragon requirement.”

Excitement thrummed along the link from Anaya.
None of this would have been possible had we not gone to House Yaot.

You’re absolutely right, sweetheart.

Everyone else arrived a few minutes later, including someone from the Dining Hall, two sacks over his shoulder.

“
For the hatchlings,” Master Doronal said.

Aeron shook his head. “I forgot about that.”

Master Doronal waved his hand. “Don’t fret. You took care of everything else. At least I was able to contribute
something
.”

Aeron grinned at him.

“Is that everyone?” Master Millinith looked around. “Good. Let’s get going. The eggs won’t wait forever.”

+ + + + +

Jessip watched Anaya lift off with her three riders. They were going to meet with Nenet at North Gate.

“Alright, Xochi,” Renata said. “Let’s take Aeron’s advice. Come on, you can hardly keep your eyes open.”

With no protest, Xochi followed Renata on sleepy, unsteady legs.

Jessip smiled. The dragon was two months old, and that meant Zolin would still be as much of a joy when he was that age, too. Not that he wanted to rush anything, Right now, Zolin was a precious little thing, still able to be carried, if only just. Once he was Xochi’s age and size, however, Jessip wouldn’t be able to anymore.

Master Doronal and the others chatted about the imminent hatching. Jessip was interested in it, too, was interested in who would be bonded next, but not having anything to contribute, he went to check on Zolin.

Squatting next to him, Jessip placed a hand on the sleeping dragon’s side, felt it move with each gentle breath and was once again amazed. This tiny life, this
 . . . this absolutely priceless gift was his charge. Moving his hand to Zolin’s neck, he stroked the small cheek with his thumb and felt the strong, pulsing heartbeat under his fingers.

“It’s a little overwhelming, isn’t it?”

The quiet words drew Jessip’s gaze. Renata stood in the large doorway, smiling.

He nodded. “It is. But in an incredible way.” Looking at Zolin, he said, “He means so much to me. I never thought I could feel that way again.” Feeling he may have revealed too much, he stood and turned to her. “Sorry. I get a little sentimental with him.”

Renata stared at him a moment. “You don’t have to apologize. Any dragonlinked will know exactly how you feel.” She motioned to the people outside. “So, who do
you
think will be bonded?”

Jessip joined her at the door. “Honestly, I thought I was the last person a dragon would choose, so my thoughts on the matter are obviously not worth a damn.” He chuckled.

A faint smiled curved her lips, and her eyes sparkled as she looked at him. “The dragon chooses who the dragon will.”

“So it would seem.” He glanced at those waiting for Anaya’s return before looking back at her. “Can I ask you something?”