The Bond (Book 2) (26 page)

“She’s just dry-heaving now,” Sharrah said, stroking the back of  Xochi’s neck.

“Aye. It looks like her body has cleared everything.” Gregor turned to Renata. “She is a gorgeous dragon, illness not withstanding. All she needs now, I think, is water for the dehydration and some rest. Some food would be good, too, but that should wait until her stomach, ah, her stomachs have settled.”

When Willem and Cheddar arrived, their poor horse looked like some misshapen animal. Aeron couldn’t count the number of canteens hanging from the saddle.

“We would have been here sooner,” Cheddar said, staring at the ill dragon, “but we didn’t know how big she was, so we brought as many canteens as we could get our hands on.”

“Yeah,” Willem said. “Sorry for the delay.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Sharrah said, grabbing a few and slinging them over her shoulder. “You actually arrived just in time.” Returning to Xochi, she knelt and stroked her neck. “Sweetheart, can you try and drink some water?”

Renata rushed over. “Let me, please.” She took a canteen from Sharrah and opened it. “Sweetling, try to drink some water. You need it.”

After making a sad little sound, Xochi lifted her head and opened her mouth.

“That’s a girl,” Sharrah murmured.

“Good girl,” Renata said as her bond-mate took a few swallows.

Xochi threw up again.

Renata stood and turned to Gregor, eyes wide with renewed panic. “I thought you said she was fine?”

“She is,” Sharrah said, “she is. Her body still thinks it needs to do that, is all.”

“She’s dehydrated, though,” Gregor said, “and needs to keep down the water. I do know an enchantment that works on people, let’s see if  it does on her.”

Aeron felt a small pulse of magic as Gregor glanced over Xochi’s body.

“There,” the healer said. “Give her some more water. She should be able to keep it down now.”

Renata knelt and sat on her heels. “Come on, sweetling, try some more. Your body needs the water.”

Xochi took a few swallows and lay her head in Renata’s lap, eyes on her bond-mate. A few seconds later, she made a hopeful little chirp.

Good. The spell has helped.

Aeron nodded.
She does sound a little better.

Renata smiled and offered Xochi more water. She drank the canteen nearly dry.

“It looks to have worked,” Jessip said. “Good.”

“She does look a sight, though, doesn’t she?” Cheddar’s whisper to Sharrah was nowhere near quiet enough to not be heard by everyone.

He grunted when she elbowed him in the ribs. “She’s sick, you stupid oaf, did you expect her to look like a stage actress?”

Jessip turned to Renata. “I’m going to stay here tonight, if you don’t mind? I’m going to borrow your horse for a quick trip to the Caer for some things, and I’ll be right back.” He didn’t wait for a response.

“That’s actually a good idea,” Gregor said. “Ho! Jessip! I’ll ride with you!”

“I’m sorry about all the questions earlier, Renata,” Aeron said. He stared at Xochi. “But you have to understand their curiosity—we are a rare thing. At least right now, anyway.” He squatted next to the carmine dragon and gently patted her back. “You must be the two Anaya and I felt when you bonded.”

“I wanted to be sure about you, about you all.” Renata held Xochi’s head in her lap, stroking her cheek. “I could not risk that anything would happen to Xochi.”

Aeron gripped her shoulder and smiled. “You don’t need to explain to
me
. I know
exactly
how you feel.” He stood and looked at Willem. “That being said, we will have to let the masters know.”

+ + + + +

Sharrah had given her some instruction on things to look out for and things that might ease Xochi’s discomfort. They all left when Jessip and Gregor returned, vowing to drop by in the morning. Renata was grateful.

“Alright, then.” Jessip’s arms were full of
 . . . towels? “Let’s get her cleaned up, shall we?”

The alarm she felt through the link was echoed by her own. “I, ah, think I can do that.”

“I am going to help.” Jessip dropped the stack of cloths to the side. “So don’t even try to argue.” His gaze was firm, but kind.

“Y–You can wash her face,” Renata said, “I’ll, ah, do the rest.”

He must have sensed her feelings, because he glanced at Xochi only a moment before he said, “Alright.” He picked up most of the towels and handed them to her. “I suppose all people, including dragons, have a sense of modesty. I would be a stupid oaf to disregard that.”

Xochi lifted her head and blinked at the tall young man.
I like him.

Renata nodded at Jessip, not trusting her voice. Gods dammit, why am I so close to tears?

“Can you roll over this way, little one?” Jessip’s voice was gentle, soothing. “That way you are clear of all . . . that.”

With a grunt, Xochi rolled onto her left side and even scooted a bit further away from the messy ground.

“That’s a good girl.” Jessip smiled and patted her.

“Ah, good.” Gregor walked over and handed them a few canteens. “Nothing like a bath to improve one’s outlook. Thanks to their over-zealousness, we have more than enough water so that some can be spared for the task.” He winked at Jessip and headed back to the campsite.

Despite her best efforts, a sob escaped her throat. They were all so damned kind!

“Hey, now.” Jessip turned to her. “She’ll be fine. She already has better color.” He patted Xochi’s neck. “You’re a good strong girl, aren’t you?”

Though short, Xochi’s rumble sounded happy.

Renata nodded. Xochi being sick had thrown her badly, and this would hopefully give her time to regain control.

As she worked at her task, she’d glance at Jessip every now and again. He was surprisingly gentle as he cleaned Xochi’s face and neck, constantly murmuring words of encouragement. He caught her watching him.

Cheeks warming, she refused to look away. I
will
get control of myself, dammit. “You’re good with her.”

A shrug lifted his shoulders. “I like animals.” He gave Xochi a loving pat on the neck and told her, “Not that I think of you as a mere animal.”

He glanced at Renata. “I haven’t always been the nicest person. I never had many friends.” He looked at Xochi, used a clean towel on her neck. “Aeron helped me a while back, helped me see some things about myself and helped me stay in the Caer. Soon after, animals, horses especially, took my interest. They weren’t judgmental, didn’t know my history. They took me at face value. I really appreciated that.”

Tossing the towel aside, he examined Xochi’s face. “When you care deeply about something, you see things, realize things you never did before. It changes you.”

Renata thought on his words as she finished up. It wasn’t only his hair that was remarkable.

With a final, unneeded swipe, Renata stood and stretched her legs. “There.” She dropped the towel atop the others. With her nose scrunched, she said, “I do not envy the launderers their task.”

“I can take care of that.” Jessip spread the towels out on the ground.

Renata felt pulses of magic from him as he moved from one towel to the next. With each weave of magic, soil lifted from a towel and settled to the ground next to it.

“You know sorcery?”

He turned to her and smiled, and her heart beat a little faster. “I worked at the Farm. Spot cleaning is a task everyone is required to do there now and again.”

“The Farm?”

“Yep. It’s further east of here, where most of the food for the Caer is raised or farmed. I worked there for several months as part of a, ah, trial period. But I was able to return to the Caer, thanks, in part, to Aeron.”

“I see.”

When he was done, he gathered them up. “I’ll return these to the laundry tomorrow. Right now, though, I think Xochi should try to walk to the camp.” Looking around the area, he said, “She’ll be more comfortable away from here.”

“You’re probably right.” Renata turned to Xochi. “Do you think you can walk, sweetling?”

“Don’t stand up too fast,” Jessip cautioned. “I know when I’ve been sick, I get light-headed. Stand up slowly; take your time. We’re in no hurry.”

Xochi rolled onto her belly. Then she sat up on her haunches and blinked a few times. With hardly any shakiness, she got to all fours. Looking at Jessip, she said,
You are very kind. Thank you.

It took Renata by surprise. Her bond-mate must really like him. She glanced over at Gregor, though she doubted he had heard it. The sending was limited in strength. Whether that was deliberate or due to weakness, she didn’t know.

Jessip, apparently, had also been taken by surprise. After a quiet intake of breath, he said, “Y–You’re welcome, little one.” He smiled broadly and they followed Xochi as she made her unsteady way to the campsite.

Once there, Renata saw what Gregor had occupied himself with as they’d attended to Xochi. There were two additional bedrolls laid out. One was a few feet from hers, and the other was set apart, across the campfire from those.

“Oh,” she said. “Good. I didn’t have any spares.”

“
Jessip thought to bring those,” Gregor said.

“
W–Well, I figured we’d need them to stay here. You know, to keep an eye on Xochi, make sure nothing happened overnight.”

“
Exactly.” Gregor smiled.

Renata plopped down on her bedroll and sighed heavily. “You people are so
 . . .”

Jessip raised his hands and said, “If we’re imposing—”

“So nice!” Tears fell from her eyes, brushed her cheek, and made little damp circles on her pants. “Gods dammit, I promised myself I would stop crying!”

Xochi let out an inquisitive chirp.
Why do you cry? I am better.

I don’t know!

She looked at her bond-mate and realized that perhaps she did know. “Xochi is all I have. She’s my friend, my family, my everything. If I had lost her . . .” Renata looked at Gregor, at Jessip. “I am and will ever be in your debt.”

Sympathy in his eyes, Jessip handed her a towel.

Using it to dry her eyes, Renata said, “It would be a comfort to have you both stay. Thank you.”

She pulled her knees up to her chin and wrapped her arms around them. “Though, I don’t think I’ll be able to fall asleep anytime soon. Which, I suppose, will give me time to tell you the truth of our journey, of where we are from. I owe you that much at the very least.”

“No.” Jessip’s gaze held hers. “Do not tell us because you think you owe it to us. When you
want
to tell us, I will be more than happy to hear your tale.”

Gods. Was he real? “You need to stop.”

His brows furrowed. “Stop?”

“
A girl can only take so much.”

He shook his head. “I don’t—”

“A smile like yours
and
you’re a gentleman?”

Jessip’s expression alternated between confusion and embarrassment, though his cheeks maintained their deep crimson shading throughout.

There are those shoulders, too. And his—

I don’t know what you’re talking about!

Gregor burst out laughing. “Yes, well, I must say, I agree with Jessip. Tonight has been very difficult for you. And while I am exceedingly interested in hearing your story, I do think you should take some time to recover.”

She nodded, though her mind was already made up. She’d spend the time thinking of how to tell them, but she would tell them.

They are good people.

“
They are the two Aeron and Anaya sensed?”

“Undoubtedly, my lord.” Master Doronal leaned back in the chair, fingers tented, thinking. They really were going to have to formalize candidate selection and training attendance.

“They must be,” Master Canneth said. “Only one bond has been sensed.”

“It’s unfortunate this new dragon is female.” Lord Baronel frowned. “It would have made things more convenient had it been male. A breeding pair would be nice. At any rate, they’ll be moved into the Caer, of course.”

“Absolutely.” Master Canneth sat forward. “We’ve already started preparing the third stable.”

“The third?”

“Yes,” Master Doronal said. “I imagine Anaya would like her partner to be housed next to her. As would Aeron, I’m thinking.”

“Oh. Oh, yes. Good point. What’s she like?”

“The girl? She seems nice enough.” Master Canneth drummed his fingers on the table. “She was attentive in class, curious, and seemed self-assured. According to what she’s said, she’s from the south and traveled here in search of ‘the dragon boy.’ We’re going to her camp after breakfast to check on her and Xochi, her dragon.”

“She apparently arrived on Hemday,” Master Doronal said, “and attended Animal Craft training yesterday, where Canneth met her. It wasn’t until last night that we discovered the entirety of who she is.”

“Why was she in training, and how?” Lord Baronel looked from one master to the other.

“I invited her to attend,” Master Canneth said. “Anaya said she was a candidate. Besides, we haven’t really spelled out how we add candidates, nor who can attend training.”

“I thought all that was going to be specified in the rules and regulations?” Lord Baronel raised his brows.

“It will be,” Master Doronal said. “But we have not formalized the rules as of yet.”

“We just need to explain how to handle applicants,” Master Canneth said. “We’ll keep the instructions in line with how it will work eventually.”

Lord Baronel nodded. “Good. You two need to keep on top of this. While we do need enough members to satisfy requirements, there is no need to have open invitations at this point.”

He looked to Master Canneth. “What of Nenet’s egg? Do we know the sex of the dragon?”

“No.” He shrugged. “It’s too young, as of yet, for either dragon to determine.”

“Gods be good it’s male. I could use some good news.”

Master Doronal glanced at Lord Baronel. Yes, they needed a male. It would be best if they could provide their own dragons instead of having to find them.

The man’s last words finally impressed themselves on him. “What do you mean, good news?”

Lord Baronel sat back in his chair. “From what I hear, the Animal Craft Guild may vote against us.”

“What?” Master Canneth nearly stood.

“If either of you know of anyone with influence there, now would be an excellent time to contact them.” Lord Baronel frowned. “The person or persons working against us must have someone in a high position. I don’t see why else the Animal Craft Guild would be so against us, so quickly. And that’s not all.” He looked at Master Doronal. “This morning I received a ‘writer message from your mother.”

“My mother? What did she have to say?”

“Our applications have had an additional requirement added to them. Owing to the nature of the businesses, the Bureau is requiring us to have at least four dragons at the approval meeting.”

“Four? That’s preposterous!” Master Doronal slammed his hand on the table. “Why would they put such a requirement on the applications?”

“The businesses are dragon-focused,” Master Canneth said. “So I can understand the reasoning. Even so, this smacks of further interference.”

Lord Baronel nodded. “As it does to me.” He turned to Master Doronal. “How go your efforts?”

“Millinith should arrive soon, and my other, ah, efforts are proceeding quite well. Especially with all this grim news from Delcimaar, it is good we’ve kept most aspects of dragons to ourselves. This other approach should remain unexpected.”

“Good. Your mother also informed me that the petition to Investigation Craft has been submitted, so, barring more interference, that should take care of our secondary.”

Master Doronal nodded. He’d spent some time trying to think of other craft affiliations that could be made.  There were a few weak affiliations he’d come up with, but he wasn’t sure any of them would pass muster at the approval meeting.

If all went well, his plans for a primary would remain undiscovered, and the Investigation Craft Guild would approve their petition as secondary, rendering his worries moot. Still, he’d like to reverse their fortunes with the Animal Craft Guild.

“What about you, Canneth? Do you have connections with anyone high in your guild? I’d like to have another craft at the ready, just in case.”

“I have some friends and acquaintances at the Guildhall, but they are not in positions of authority. I will see what they can do, however. Perhaps one of them has some influence.”

Master Doronal nodded. It didn’t sound promising, but at this point, he’d take anything. Their opposition had a disconcerting habit of keeping pace with their efforts.

+ + + + +

I hope the little one feels better today.

The rushing air made whips of the longer locks poking out from under Aeron’s riding cap, making him glad of the goggles. He needed a haircut, and soon. Still, even with the occasional lash to his face, it was good to be flying with Anaya and Willem.

Me too. I wouldn’t wish what she went through on my worst enemy.

The sad little moans Xochi made had been wrenching. She wasn’t even Aeron’s bond-mate, and they’d still twisted his heart. How much worse had it been for Renata?

He gripped one of Willem’s gloved hands and squeezed. The blond boy’s hands, resting on either side of Aeron’s waist, returned the gesture with a quick squeeze of their own.

Willem yelled over the wind, “Thinking about Xochi?”

Aeron nodded, turning his head slightly. “Yeah!”

There was movement. Arms wrapped around him, held him, and something brushed his ear. A glance revealed the back of Willem’s head. Cheek resting on Aeron’s shoulder, the blond boy was facing away.

He said something, then, but Aeron couldn’t hear it. The vibration from Willem’s chest pressed against his back had been the only clue. It didn’t matter what the words had been, though. Willem was with him and Anaya was with him. That’s all that mattered. He leaned back into the embrace as the rising sun shone in their faces.

“Good morning!” Aeron said as they dismounted.

“
Morning!” Willem smiled as he helped unpack the saddlebags. He pulled out a backpack while Aeron worked at getting the other one.

“
Morning.” Gregor seemed to have slept well. He sat at the fire, tending it.

Jessip was making up a bedroll. “Hey.” His hair was smashed a bit on one side.

“Good morning.” Renata sat next to Xochi.

The little dragon, who Aeron now saw was a very pretty shade of red, dark and bold, let out a happy chirp of greeting.

Aeron smiled at her.
I’m glad to see you’re feeling better.

We all are, little one.
Anaya let out her own happy bark.

All heads turned to them. Gregor’s brows were raised, Jessip stared, mouth slightly open, and Willem chuckled.

T–Thank you.
Xochi ducked her head at Anaya and turned to her bond-mate.

“
I don’t think I will ever get used to hearing a voice in my head,” Gregor murmured.

Renata patted the little dragon on the neck and looked at Aeron. Her eyes were no longer red and puffy, and she seemed
 . . . happier. Smiling, she said, “I’m glad she is better, too. We have all of you to thank for that.”

“
Don’t be silly,” Willem said. He carried his backpack over to the fire. “She would have been fine without our help. All she needed was some water and rest.”

“
You may make light of it, if you wish,” Renata said, “but I was in no condition to help her. I panicked and was out of my mind with worry.” She frowned, looked at Xochi, and stroked her cheek. “I will try not to let that happen again.”

Looking up at Aeron, she straightened her shoulders and said, “So, what happens now?”

Whatever lay ahead for her and Xochi, she was obviously prepared to accept it. Her tightly clasped hands betrayed some nervousness, though.

Jessip turned to him. “Yeah. What now?” The older boy looked more worried than she did.

Aeron hitched the backpack higher up on his shoulder. Why did they think he knew what was going to happen? He’d certainly do all he could for Renata and Xochi. The desire to protect your bond-mate was completely understandable. As far as what was going to happen, however, he was as much in the dark as they were. The masters would be here soon enough to make that decision. In the meantime . . .

“
Now?” Aeron walked to the fire and set his backpack down next to Willem’s. “Now,” he said, opening the carryall, “we eat breakfast.”

Sharrah and Cheddar arrived soon after. She conferred with Gregor as the two of them hovered around Xochi munching on their breakfast wraps. Cheddar sat with Willem and Aeron. Jessip sat between them and Renata, chatting with her a little as they ate. Both kept glancing at Xochi and the two studying her.

Aeron watched the red-haired boy and the raven-haired girl talking and smiled. He glanced at Willem who turned to him and grinned.

“
We weren’t that obvious, were we?” Aeron looked back at Jessip and Renata. “Tell me I wasn’t
that
blind.”

“
No.” Cheddar took another bite of his wrap. “But you two were damn close.”

Aeron turned to him. “Really?”

Cheddar chuckled. “Yup. It was clear to anyone who hung around you guys enough.”

Aeron sighed. He leaned over a little and bumped shoulders with Willem. “Thanks for waiting for me.”

He bumped back. “No worries. I didn’t really have a choice, though. I fell for you kinda hard.”

D–Did you bring some food for me?
The little red dragon lifted her head and looked longingly at the backpacks.

Aeron’s mouth dropped open and he turned to Willem. “Oh gods!” he whispered. “I forgot about her!”

I am really hungry.

I will bring you something, little one.
Anaya leapt into the air, wings beating as she rose higher and higher.

Thank you, love! I can’t believe I didn’t think to bring her anything. I’m so stupid.

Then I am stupid, too, for I did not think to do so either.

In a remarkably short time, Anaya returned, a young doe dangling from her mouth.

Thank you, big sister!

A spike of surprise followed by the warm glow of happiness came through the link. Aeron glanced at Anaya.

You are very welcome, little sister.

They touched noses, and then Xochi dug into her breakfast with gusto.

“She certainly looks like she feels better.” Jessip was smiling.

Aeron wasn’t the only one to glance twice at the older boy. Sharrah looked from him to Xochi, then to Renata, and finally, back to him. She turned to Cheddar, brows raised. He grinned and walked over to her.

It is good to have another like me.
Anaya hummed happily as she watched Xochi eat.

Aeron grunted. She was right. It was good. He looked at all the people around him. Renata was smiling at some comment Jessip made. Gregor, too, chuckled at whatever he’d said. Cheddar stood near Sharrah, both watching the little dragon eat as they spoke quietly. And Willem sat next to him, munching on a wrap, knee touching his. A warm feeling like what he’d felt from Anaya suffused Aeron.

All these people and dragons from different places and different backgrounds, all of them were here, together, drawn by their own hopes and desires. They were all together, bound by friendship and purpose and, well, whatever else.

Aeron smiled and ate his wrap.

Xochi was just finishing up her own breakfast when the masters arrived. They tied their horses a little distance away from the dragons before making their way into the camp.

“
Renata.” Master Canneth nodded to her. “I’d like you to meet my counterpart, Master Doronal.”

She bowed her head slightly. “A pleasure to meet you, sir.”

“Likewise.” Master Doronal smiled at her. “I understand there was quite a stir last night.”

“
I’m sorry for that.” Renata looked embarrassed.

“
No need to apologize,” Master Doronal raised his hand. “Your dragon was in severe distress. You did what you needed to.” With a look of polite curiosity, he asked, “I understand you come from far to the south?”

“
Yes, sir. We traveled nearly a month to get here.”