The Bond (Book 2) (43 page)

“Can I help you, miss?”

A pleasant-looking man, perhaps in his mid-twenties, smiled at her from across the table.

“I was just browsing.”

“Didn’t find anything to your liking?”

“No.” She smiled apologetically. “But they all seem like fine weapons.”

“Wait, I’ve seen you at the dragon stables, haven’t I?You’re one of the dragonlinked. Hang on a tick.”

Unsure what that meant, Renata watched as he strode to the other side of the booth and returned with a narrow, open box.

“We have some special items over there, this being one. I think you might like it.”

Inside the box sat a remarkable double-edged dagger. It lay upon a cream-colored cloth, and its blade looked more than anything like a piece of darkness.

“What is it forged from?” she said quietly.

“Black steel.”

“Black steel?” Renata couldn’t actually see the blade, just an area of pitch black, as if someone had cut a blade-shaped hole in the universe.

“It is steel, but the iron used to make it is of a kind that has an affinity for light. It absorbs all light that touches it, reflecting nothing. Thus its color. Or absolute lack thereof.”

“May I?”

“Of course.”

She took the dagger and turned it over in her hand. The black-dyed leather handle felt sturdy, no loose windings. On each side of the blade, inlaid in the narrow quillion, was a gold dragon. They shone against the inky-black metal. A couple of flips showed the knife was balanced well enough for throwing.

With a smile, the young man said, “You seem to know your way around a dagger.” He motioned behind him. “Give it a test.”

The wood target wasn’t very far away, so Renata grabbed the blade end for an easy throw. Her brows drew together. “Is it slightly warm, or am I imagining that?”

“You are correct. The warmth is a consequence of the blade absorbing all light. It is absorbed and given off as heat.”

Though she could see no details, the blade felt smooth and true. She gripped it lightly between thumb and fingers and threw. It struck the target near-center with a satisfying ‘thunk.’

“Nice throw.” Jessip stood behind her, smiling. He must have wandered over while she was admiring the dagger.

“Thanks.”

The young smith returned and offered the knife to her.

Something made from a metal she’d never even heard of would no doubt be expensive. She eyed the beautiful piece, and shook her head. “I really can’t. But thank you.”

“Are you sure? It comes with a nice sheath that can be worn on the thigh or on a belt.”

“Really, thank you, but no.” She smiled and walked over to Liara.

“I think I’ll take this one.” Apparently finally making a choice, Liara pointed to the rosewood paper knife. “I like the grain on the handle better.”

Jessip joined them after Liara paid for her purchase. “How about something to eat?” He smiled. “My treat.”

“That sounds great,” Sharrah said. “I could use a snack.”

Aeron, Willem, Cheddar and Fillion were already eating at the fair’s large central courtyard. They all sat together and enjoyed the tasty offerings, some specially made for the trade fair. Once everyone had finished, they spent the remainder of the day visiting more tents and booths.

Renata had never seen glassblowers working, nor their crafted items. The delicate pieces were incredible. There was also a booth where various wax-related items could be purchased such as candles, sealing wax, wicks, and more. They had a cauldron where you could dip your hand into special wax several times to form a thick mold which they then used to magically create a wax replica of your hand. Fillion had one made. Everyone had a good laugh as he walked around scratching his cheek with his wax hand.

They stopped by a spice trader’s. All about her tent sat sacks, barrels, boxes and tubs. The air was thick with strange and exotic scents from dried flowers, seeds, branches, leaves and more. Renata was tempted to buy a few things, but decided she should save what was left of her money. There was no telling what she might need it for.

Next came a tanner, a few clothiers and gem crafters, a basketry crafter, and others she couldn’t remember. Renata was sure she’d never tire of the trade fairs. Though there were many of the same types of merchants at each fair, there were also several that were unique to the different trade caravans.

Wandering around the grounds soon took its toll, however. Around mid-afternoon, Renata began to feel tired. Thankfully, she wasn’t the only one.

“Alright,” Aeron said, “all this walking around in the sun has me exhausted. I think I’m going to grab a nap before tonight.”

Renata couldn’t agree more. “That’s a great idea.”

“What about the dragons?” Liara said. “It wouldn’t be wise for them to stay here.”

“True.” Aeron frowned. “They’ll have to return to the stables. Any of them who want can return with us later.”

Fillion chuckled. “Any who are awake, anyway.”

Everyone agreed to meet back at the courtyard tables later that evening.

+ + + + +

“You bought her a
knife?
”

Jessip motioned him to silence. “Hush!” Fillion was a great guy, but sometimes he could be a little boisterous. Jessip looked around, but they were the only two nearby. Not everyone else had woken up yet. “A dagger, yes.”

“Yrdra’s tits, man, I told you: girls like jewelry. You had the perfect opportunity!” Fillion shook his head. “Wasn’t she interested in anything in the jeweler’s?”

“Not all girls like jewelry. You’re pigeon-holing them.  Renata certainly didn’t seem to. Sure, she made appreciative comments, but nothing there grabbed her attention. Not like this dagger did.” He smiled. “And you should have seen her throw it! Just when I think I know everything about her, I learn something new.”

Fillion grunted. “Well, lemme see it.”

Jessip opened the box, slid the dagger from the sheath, and handed it over.

A low whistle was Fillion’s first response. “This is a gorgeous dagger. Weird that the blade kind of avoids the eye. I can’t rightly see it. But look, it has dragons!” He turned it in his hands and nodded. “Alright, I can see why anyone would like this. How much was it?”

“It wasn’t cheap.” Jessip didn’t care, though. He was certain Renata loved it.

Fillion chuckled. “I bet not.” He returned the dagger. “When’re you going to give it to her?”

“I’m not sure.”

“I’d do it after a couple of dances with her.”

“Dances? With her?” Jessip leaned back against the wall. He hadn’t danced in years.

“You do know how to dance, right?”

Jessip grimaced. “I know a few dances, yes. But it’s been a while.”

Fillion stood. “Here, let’s go over them to refresh your memory. We’ll do them with you leading and following. You never know what your partner will want to do.”

Nearly an hour later, Jessip was familiar with several dances again, and another hour after that, they had all found an open table at the fair.

In the west, the last rays of sunset glowed in the sky as the dragons returned to the same spot as earlier. Jessip could just make out Fillion and Willem, the last of them to arrive, as they  hopped off their dragons.

Will I get to see you doing the dance?

Zolin had watched as he and Fillion had practiced earlier. The young dragon was fascinated by the coordinated movements.
Yes. At least if I am brave enough to ask her to dance, anyway.

She’s nervous, too.

Jessip ran his fingers through his hair.
I am not nervous. Much.

Once Fillion and Willem joined them at the table, Sharrah and Cheddar went off to get drinks for everyone. Not long after they returned, the band played the first song of the night. It was a slower song, but that didn’t stop a stampede of people from heading to the dance floor.

Willem drug Aeron off, and Sharrah and Cheddar were right behind them. The dancers spun around the floor as the band played in the stands behind. Jessip and the others waved and cheered on their friends whenever they danced past.

“Liara,” Fillion said. “Shall we join them?”

She smiled. “Why not?”

As they walked off, Fillion shot him a brief, fierce look.

Jessip swallowed. “Ah, Renata, do you know how to dance?” He grimaced. Idiot! Now if she doesn’t, she might feel embarrassed.

“I think I recognize this dance.” Her eyes followed the people as they swirled by.

“W–Would you like to dance?” Did her cheeks darken a bit? The lightglobes hanging above the dance floor were more decorative than anything, so perhaps he was seeing things in the not-perfect light.

“Alright.” Renata smiled.

Jessip, heart racing, took her outstretched hand. As they walked to the dance floor, he hoped she couldn’t feel his pounding heartbeat through their clasped hands.

Just before joining the dancers, Jessip took a deep breath and was somewhat comforted when he saw her do the same. Staring at each other, eyes large from sheer nervousness, they laughed and then stepped onto the dance floor.

A little wooden at first, his steps became more fluid as he grew more confident. Renata was remarkably light on her feet, and eventually, they both began to flow with the music, stepping in time and rhythm with the song.

One part of this particular dance required the lead, Jessip, to draw the other in close, and every time that happened, Renata dazzled him. Warm in his arms, she looked happy and completely in the moment.

Around and around the floor they danced, Jessip smiling the whole time. He’d have to thank Fillion, later. This was the most incredible thing to happen to him since bonding with Zolin.

When the song ended, he didn’t want to leave. He thought she might feel the same—she seemed to hesitate when releasing his hands—but that was probably wishful thinking. They clapped for the band like everyone else and returned to the table.

“I didn’t know you could dance, Jessip.” Willem looked impressed. “You were great out there.”

“He was pretty good,” Sharrah said.

Renata smiled and took a sip of her drink.

“Dancing is more fun than I anticipated,” Jessip said.

“I wonder if your dance partner has anything to do with that,” Fillion said, a smirk on his face.

Jessip cleared his throat and swallowed half his drink.

“Well, I agree with him,” Renata said. “Dancing is definitely fun.”

Jessip lost count of how many songs they all danced to. It wasn’t important. The only thing that mattered was that he was dancing with Renata.

Another song ended and they clapped for the band. But as they left the dance floor, he squeezed her hand. “Can you go with me back to the dragons for a moment?”

Renata paused, a quizzical look on her face. “Sure.”

Jessip smiled, anxious, and lead her away.

He nodded a greeting to the guard in passing and strode to his bond-mate.

Zolin lifted his head, gold eyes sparkling.
You seem even more nervous.

That’s because I am. Now hush, and let me get in the saddlebag.

He retrieved the item and turned to Renata. “I, ah, got you this at the fair.”

Her eyes widened a touch and she looked at the box. “For me?”

He held it out. “For you.”

She took it and opened it. After a little intake of breath, she removed the leather sheath from the box and stared at the gold dragon on the dagger’s handle. “You
 . . . but . . . why?” She unsheathed the dagger and turned it in her hand.

“I was going to get you something from Trader Delia, but nothing she had seemed to suit you. It was all fancy and, I don’t know, just too
 . . . much.”

She looked at him. “I’m not fancy?”

He shook his head. “No. And that’s one of the reasons I can’t take my eyes off you.”

She looked a little offended, but also confused.

How could he explain?

“Is the sun fancy?” he asked. “Is sorcery? Is fire fancy, or lightning, or a cascading waterfall?” He couldn’t believe he was saying these things, but he meant every one. Smiling, he said, “You are like a force of nature: raw, amazing, and
 . . . and beautiful.” He nodded to the dagger in her hand. “That suits you.”

She stared at him. Her hand holding the knife shook ever so slightly. Xochi let out a little chirp and Renata seemed to come to her senses. She glanced at her bond-mate and at the finely-crafted weapon. After sheathing it, she stepped closer, placed her hand on his arm, and leaned in, her mouth and her lips drawing near.

“Excuse me. You’re dragonlinked, yes?”

Renata stepped back, cheeks flushed. “Y–Yes, we are.”

Ulthis’ damnable dice! Jessip, incredulous, turned to the messenger. Seriously? An interruption right now?

“Master Millinith requests the immediate presence of all dragonlinked for an emergency meeting at the investigation office.”