I wrote a large portion of this as a prequel to DRAGON STONES for MsKathy's Haitian Relief Project, under the name DRAGON'S BOND. That endeavor raised more than $85,000. She had asked that we not post the pieces publicly until March 1, but then another project came up:
GRATEFUL TO THE READERS PROJECT
It directed authors to post something (a new chapter or one-shot) to THANK their readers on February 28. MsKathy agreed that we could post a little early.
I'm posting today, to take part in that project:
Thank you, most sincerely, for reading my work and supporting me. I appreciate you all very much.
…Chapter 5…
…Bella, ShayTan's Rider…
With a flick of the broom I sent the last bit of debris flying out of the chamber that I had helped clean. The volunteers that Duke Carlisle had recruited had already left the room, leaving Alice and I to make sure it was done. After one more glance around, Alice and I nodded at each other in agreement. It was clean and ready for the Riders and Dragons when they arrived in two days.
I turned to leave and crashed into a warm body. Strong hands caught me before I could fall and I looked up into Edward's laughing eyes.
"First you tried to smother me in dust, and now you try to knock me over, Rider Bella. Are you mad at me for some reason?" He was still holding me close while he gently teased me.
Alice laughed and scurried around us, heading back to the fire. We had planned to take a break before heading to the next chamber. We felt we'd need to regroup before we started clearing Kathea and Xander's home. Because that's what we were doing, removing—respectfully--the bits and pieces of Riders' and Dragons' lives, Riders and Dragons who were no longer among the living, clearing their homes in preparation for others to move in.
"No, should I be, Rider Edward?" I playfully snapped back. Then I caught myself. Would he know that I was teasing him? We had only really known each other for a couple of days, but I felt like I had known him for much longer. I had figured out that it was because ShayTan had known him for a very long time. He had always been in the background of her memories of Volterra.
Volterra…I loved that dragon. He had a subtle sense of humor that made me smile. He loved ShayTan so incredibly much. But I couldn't look too closely at his feelings for her, because between his emotions and mine, I'd nearly drown in love. That wasn't necessarily a bad thing, but I surely wasn't used to feeling such contentment and belonging in my own life. I was working hard to adjust to the changes in my life, changes that had come barreling out of nowhere. I would adjust though, because being without ShayTan was simply not an option. She made my life complete.
Edward brought me back to the present with a gentle squeeze of my shoulders before he released me.
"Well, the only thing that I can even remotely be guilty of is almost giving the Duke a heart attack when I asked him if he'd like to fly into the Castle with me on Volterra to make his announcement this morning." We both laughed at the memory of that moment.
Carlisle had been shocked and then had started to laugh and nod like a small child given a handful of his favorite sweets. He was bouncing on his toes as he rushed to get his yes out. Shay's Tenders had looked on enviously, and then they too had begun to cheer and dance around when Edward had offered them a flight on Volterra in the near future. I had already been told that I'd be flying with them when ShayTan began her flight training. The thought both scared and delighted me, so I know they were feeling the same.
"Well, then I guess I can't be mad at you, Rider Edward." I stepped back and glanced over at the opening to the chamber that was next on our cleaning agenda. Placing my hand over the stone that rested against my chest I tried to pull myself together.
Bella…life goes on. And by your actions in helping my daughter, it will be a good life. I'm happy to see others come to this place again…Happy that through your efforts dragon kind has a chance to live here. Kathea was aware of my feelings and was trying to make me feel at ease.
"Kathea is talking to you, isn't she?" Edward whispered.
"Yes. She's telling me that it's okay to clean out her and Drethsyn's rooms. I really wish that I had gotten to know them all. I feel like Kathea has been a part of my life forever, I just wish that I could have known Alida, too." Edward walked beside me as I headed back to the fire. The only ones there were Shay's Tenders. Esme had the other volunteers, and there were many of them, cleaning some of the public areas of the Caverns: the other newly found bathing rooms, the kitchen and dining rooms.
We had decided that only the Tenders would clear the private rooms that we would need for the new arrivals. We were keeping the personal items of the dead for a time when their descendents could retrieve them. Some of those arriving would take over their old chambers and we left their things in the now clean rooms.
The dragons were in the arena where Shay was having her second nap of the day. Volterra, of course, was curled around her. I peeked into her dreams: she was snorting air out of her nose and blowing feathers into the air and then watching them float back down to the ground. She had eaten a large game bird earlier. She wasn't sure she liked the feathers or the feet. Volterra had assured her that she needed to eat the entire thing, to grow properly.
Edward chuckled as he caught the dream from Volterra. "Kathea wasn't sure she would like turkeys either."
"What?" I asked as I accepted a mug of tea from Alice, nodding my thanks to her. "Kathea didn't like turkeys?" That question brought everyone's attention to me and Edward.
"No." Edward stepped close and held his hand out toward the gem. "May I?" At my nod he cupped his hand around the stone resting on its chain against my chest.
He spoke aloud so that everyone could hear. "Kathea, would you share your story about your bonding with Alida with Bella and the Tenders?"
I would love to, Edward. They will then know me better and others will bear my memories into the future. Kathea seemed to be excited by the idea.
"How do we do this, Kathea?" I asked. Edward could connect with Kathea by touching her stone, but I didn't think that having everyone surrounding me, keeping a finger or two on the stone would be very comfortable for me. There were seven of us after all and the gem wasn't that big.
Have everyone sit in a circle around you, touching hands. They will release their magic to you and you will send it back to them, along with my memories. Does that make sense?
I agreed and directed the Tenders to sit with me. Edward sat on my right and held his hand up for me to take. A slight blush touched my cheeks at his touch. That happened a lot. I liked it.
Alice sat to my left and the rest of them made themselves comfortable around us. Taking a deep breath, I accepted their magic and then at Kathea's direction I sent it back…along with her story.
… DRAGON'S BOND…
The mare heaved once more and the foal slipped free of her body. I fell to my knees and quickly stripped off the membrane even as the mare got to her feet and started nosing and licking the little one.
I flipped up one long back leg and smiled when I saw that it was a colt. He looked just like his sire, coal black and with one white hoof just like his mama's. The night was cold, and, of course, the mare hadn't wanted to give birth in the barn. I shook my head at her obstinacy. Too bad horses didn't have even a tenth of the sense that dragons had. With a flick of my fingers a breeze began to whisper around us. Another flick and the breeze became warm as it helped to dry the colt.
The mare, after licking the colt several times with her rough tongue, whickered and the little guy raised his head. He knew that there was something good to be had if he could only get to his feet. Some foals work to rise, but this little one gave a huge surge and then he was standing on his long, wobbly legs. Once again the mare made a sweet noise. She sounded just like a mama dragon.
I shook my head. Dragons were on my mind more than they should be, or so I had been told.
The colt made his way back along his dam's side, suckling along her shoulder, her knees, her belly, searching for something. He didn't know what he needed, but he knew he wanted something and it was close. I had to smile at his single mindedness as his lips tasted everything in his reach, including my fingers. When his mouth found the teat he suckled mightily, his diligence rewarded.
I moved a bucket of feed close to the mare's head and wished my life could be so easy. I knew what I wanted, but had been told many times that I should just stick to the horses, cows, goats, sheep and pigs that were my charges as a Herder. I was good at my job, whenever one of them was having a bad time birthing, I was always sent for. My magic had aided me in safely bringing forth the young ones. Yes, I was reminded often that it was my gift and I shouldn't try for anything further.
Of course, those who reminded me of that fact the most often were other young women who wished to imprint with Kathea. She was the young dragon who was now growing in her egg in the hatching arena in the Dragon Caverns at Ruthin Castle. Dragon eggs were only laid about every fifteen to thirty years.
That meant that opportunities for anyone to bond with a dragon were few and far between.
Earlier in the evening I'd heard that Kathea had chosen her mate, the young bronze, Drethsyn. The Riders were preparing to introduce all of the young women with magic to the youngling. Now that she had her mate, she needed her bond. There were so many of us at this point in time, twenty-three women of the right age, with magic.
Some were saying that the field should be narrowed. Maybe knock out the eldest, or the youngest, or make us test to see who had the greatest amount of magic. I had even heard one of the girls say that it should rest on who was the prettiest! That had made me roll my eyes. Who was going to set the bar for that? My Mam, when she heard that comment, had said, "Alida, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and who is to judge?" She also told me that every time a dragon egg was laid, no matter what the sex was, there was always talk like this and to keep my chin up and my mind on the prize.
I had to smile. She knew me well. As much as I loved the horses, and was fond of the other animals under my care, I adored dragons. My Uncle Kade was Rider to Aderyn. I truly enjoyed the time I spent with them both, usually as I helped give the dragon his bath. Aderyn was a deep brown with black tips to his scales.
Once, when his bath was done and it was just Aderyn and I, I had asked him why he didn't want me for his Tender, since he appeared to be so fond of me. Aderyn had ducked his head low, pressing the topaz stone that sat in the middle of his forehead against my chest. I'd had to lock my arms around his face to keep from being knocked over. He had looked at me from his beautiful golden eyes and said that there was something better for me in my future.
I hadn't shared that conversation with anyone but had held it close to my heart.
Although the speculation was rife from those young women who wished to bond with Kathea and from others in the Herder, Keeper and Tender ranks, Riders never said anything about limiting those who should be presented to the youngling. The only comment they offered, when asked directly, was:
The dragon knows, the dragon chooses, the dragon is always right.
My mind was brought back to the present as the colt began to explore his surroundings. Dawn was bright around us and he was curious. His dam followed him step for step. She was very attentive.
"Ah, Alida…colt or filly?" The voice of Bram, the lead Herder, disrupted my laughter as I watched the colt fall at the end of his first wild sprint. Bram joined me as we watched the little guy decide, since he was on the ground anyway, that it was time for a nap as he fell over onto his side in the soft grass. The mare stood over him, guarding him.
"A fine colt, Bram. He looks just like his sire." Bram handed me a bag of dried dragon dung. The mare only cocked her eye at me as I approached her with the aromatic bits. The smell was slightly spicy, not offensive at all. I sprinkled it on the ground around the colt's head. He startled, but then lay down again, too tired to do more than that. We wanted the horses to not fear the dragons and by imprinting them with the smell at this young age, they wouldn't spook later on.
"Did you hear that Kathea bonded with Drethsyn last night?" Bram asked. "They'll be calling for the potential Riders in a couple of months. Are you ready?"
I thought about that. How does one prepare? Since we didn't know what forged the bond, there really wasn't any way to practice for it. No matter what those other girls had said. The Riders' comments came back to me: The dragon knows, the dragon chooses, the dragon is always right. That's the thought I'd hold onto during the wait until we were asked to present ourselves on the hatching arena sands.
"Yes, I had heard. I guess I'm as ready as I can be…" I shrugged my shoulders and he laid his arm across mine and gave me a hug.
"We'd miss you here in the barns, but I want you to know that I think you would make an admirable Rider." Bram released me with a nod and went on about his way, directing those in the care of animals. It was good that our master would miss me, that he didn't begrudge me the chance at bonding with a dragon. Unlike some…
Since I had been on night duty and daylight had arrived, I now headed home. My Mam was waiting on me, a bowl of warm, rich oatmeal, full of nuts and dried fruits, ready to break my fast. I ate heartily before going to bed. She had heard about Kathea's choice of mate and, like Bram had, she told me that I just needed to keep the faith. My dreams were full of dragons, the topaz gems in their foreheads sparkling, their golden eyes weighing me…and I wondered if they would find me worthy.
~!~!~!~
The vaulted room down the hall from the hatching arena was crowded. Three Riders were there to guide us in how things were going to proceed: Dane, red Firroth's Rider; Abran, black Finnick's Rider; and Ynaran, green WynTan's Rider. I had met them all several times since I had joined the Herder ranks eight years ago at the age of twelve. Herders were usually available to help a Rider with their dragon's bath and always when they were going to feed from the domestic flocks and herds.
The air was thick with anticipation as the twenty-three of us gathered before the Riders. Our families had already been ushered into the hatching arena. Every one of us were wearing our festival best, which seemed rather silly to me even as I ran my hand appreciatively down the new soft dark brown leather jerkin (decorated with a red and blue beaded border) and pants that Mam had made for me when she heard that a female dragon was in egg. It's not like the youngling could see us. From what I had been told, her mind would search ours. She couldn't see us until she actually hatched. Kathea would be looking for the one that best matched her temperament. Every Rider who had ever spoken of that moment always had a look of utter adoration on their faces as they remembered that magical bonding.
Magic, that's really what it was. Magic had created the dragons and magic brought their mates and bonds together. Each of us gathered here had some degree of magic; some more, some less.
Cara could create fire just from the heat she created by rubbing her hands together; she didn't need a spark to get one started like I did.
Lisandra had been known to bring plants from seeds in just a few hours.
Aillén was highly sought out in cases where truth needed to be discovered. She could pick the truth out of any situation. She rode with the King on his journeys around the country.
Taking that tally of magic in the room made me square up my shoulders. My magic gift was good even though I felt those three in particular were above and beyond me in skill. I had a right to be here, just as the others did, too.
Ynaran, flanked by the two men, stepped up onto a small dais and looked out over the crowd. We immediately fell quiet and I had to remember to breathe.
"Welcome, candidates, you are all women of power, and as such are welcome to this encounter." She made eye contact with each of us. "Drethsyn tells us that Kathea is excited to meet you all today. She's ready to bond and one of you will be hers for the rest of your long lives." I wasn't the only one to stand taller at that reminder. Dragons and their bonds lived slightly out of time. It made for an extended life expectancy.
Dane spoke next, "Abran is passing a bag containing tokens with numbers. Take one, that's the order that you'll enter the arena in. Once on the sands, each of you will approach Kathea's egg, again according to your number, and touch her shell, making a connection with her." His eyes were very warm and compassionate. He knew, as we did, that only one of us could bond with the dragon during this once in a lifetime opportunity. "I've known some dragons to go through the entire group before choosing his or her bond. I've also seen bonding occur the moment a candidate touched the dragon's shell. Dragons are individuals and they prove that time and time again." He and his fellow Riders bowed slightly to us all. "We wish you luck."
By then I had my number in hand and I glanced down to see where I'd be in the line. The round token was a glossy piece of wood with a golden 17 inscribed on both sides. Seventeen…I drew in another deep breath and took my place in the line that formed. Both Aillén and Lisandra were several girls ahead of me, Cara was immediately behind. The pretty girl who thought that we should be weeded out by looks was two back from Cara.
We were silent as we followed the three Riders down the long hallway to the hatching arena. As I entered the room and started down the aisle to the sand I focused on Kathea's dam. Golden Aldyth was flanked by her mate, black Dynal. Their bonds stood beside them, watching us as we approached. Kathea's mate, Drethsyn, was a huge bronze, with golden tips to his scales. He was standing very close to Kathea's egg. His bond, Xander, was standing beside him.
Drethsyn had been hatched eighteen years ago. Everyone had been surprised when Kathea had chosen him for her mate. They had thought she'd go for one of the older unattached males. Yes, as Dane had said, dragons were definitely individuals.
Xander was also watching us closely as we stepped onto the sand and spread out in an arc before them. He had a hand on Kathea's mottled shell. Colors swirled there, making patterns in deep blues, greens and flashes of gold. Dragons mated for life and bonds generally formed close alliances. One of us could be Xander's mate also. That thought caused me to shiver.
After Kathea had made her choice of Drethsyn, Xander had made a point to meet with all of the women who were potential bonds. Some of them, I had heard, had tried to lure him into an intimate attachment. I guess they thought that maybe he could influence Kathea that way. The young women who had tried that path had been met with a polite demeanor and a gentle, yet firm, no thank you. Some of the Riders were quite randy, but I had only heard good things about Xander. He was discreet in his amours.
I had always found him to be very kind during our interactions as I helped bathe his dragon and when Drethsyn came to feed. Xander was also very handsome. He was much taller than me, with dark brown hair that shone bronze in the sunlight. His brown eyes had golden flecks in them. Before Kathea had come into being, I knew that I may never have a chance to bond with a dragon. Riders tended to be with Riders and Xander would be off limits to me. Knowing that, I had tried to keep my attraction to him under control. It had been difficult.
Xander smiled kindly at Milla, who was holding token number one, and gestured her forward. She took a deep breath and stepped close to place her hand on Kathea's dappled shell. I watched carefully as her eyes closed and she connected with Kathea for the first time. Her expression was awestruck as she heard the young dragon in her mind. After a moment her eyes opened and she stepped back to her place and the girl holding the next token went forward.
As each girl took their turn at the egg, I found myself holding my breath until she had returned to her place. Was Kathea going to go through all of us before making her decision? Had she already decided on Milla or Aleya or any of the girls who had already gone?
Suddenly sixteen girls had touched the egg and returned to stand with the group…and now it was my turn. Xander was smiling warmly into my eyes, eagerly motioning for me to come forward. I held his eyes for a moment longer before dropping my gaze to the egg. The colors were mesmerizing and I felt something gently brush through my mind. Unlike the other girls, I fell to my knees on the warm sand, drawn closer by something I couldn't name. Taking another deep breath I reached out and touched the shell with the palms of both hands. The colors stopped swirling and I was worried that I had done something wrong.
No, you didn't do anything wrong, Alida…I've been waiting for you…You are my bond, my life, my heart. You are mine and I am yours…
My mind was instantly aware of awe, amazement, joy…and love. A sense of coming home, of being whole, filled me as Kathea's mind joined with mine.
I leaned forward and wrapped my arms around her warm egg, laying my cheek on the now rapidly spinning colors as tears slipped from my eyes. My ears were filled with the sound of dragons bugling and humans clapping and yelling Kathea's and my name. I was surrounded with a cacophony of joyful noise.
Kathea, it's me? You choose me?
There was never any doubt in my mind. I've sensed you since I became aware. It was like you were just beyond my reach until today. I feel as though I have known you forever through my Drethsyn and Xander's hearts. They've both been thinking about you since I became his mate months ago.
Through our connection, our bond, I could see myself as Xander and Drethsyn saw me and what they had shown Kathea. There was a very strong memory of when I was about fourteen. It was from the first time I was allowed to help wash a dragon. Drethsyn was the third dragon I'd had the pleasure to assist that warm, spring afternoon. In the memory my cheeks were flushed, my auburn hair disheveled and slipping from its long braid, my blue eyes sparkling. I had been in perfect bliss to be so near dragons, to be helping them and assisting their Riders. More memories from over the years poured through our connection. Apparently my attraction to Xander had not been one-sided.
You were a pretty girl, but you are gorgeous now. I can't wait to get out of this shell and really see you with my own eyes…you are so smart too, and dedicated and kind and loving. Kathea was running through my memories at an amazing pace. Oh! The black colt was so cute! I have to remember that we don't eat the horses, just the sheep, goats and pigs. Those things are turkeys? I don't think I'd like the feathers…Do you think I'd like the feathers? I'm looking forward to eating, just maybe not the turkeys…
Even as she went through my mind, commenting as she found each new thing, I could see and feel her memories from the time she became self-aware. I sucked in my breath at her joyful memory of bonding with Drethsyn. I felt her anticipation of our meeting today. She knew that I was coming and she had barely been able to contain herself. Although she had kept her choice from Xander, Drethsyn had known. He had shown her memories and his impressions of all of the other girls who were available. Yet I was the one she felt drawn to each time he thought of us.
A hand rested on my shoulder and I lifted my face to look up at Xander as he knelt down next to me. We were close enough that I could see the small flecks of gold in his brown eyes. I could hear the murmurs of his and Drethsyn's mental voices through my connection with Kathea.
"She'll hatch in four days," He whispered as leaned in close to me, his voice soft in my ear as the tumult continued around us. "We've waited for you, Alida, for a very long time."
"You've waited for me? She said you didn't know which she would choose, so how could you be waiting for me?" I was thrilled at the way he was looking at me, yet I was confused, too. Kathea was echoing his loving sentiments, her glee loud in my mind.
"I didn't know when we first met you, but we hoped that a female dragon would be created. And once Kathea chose Drethsyn, oh how we hoped that it would be you." Xander raised his hand and cupped my cheek, his thumb lightly touching my lips. "I didn't let myself choose another, in the hope of being able to eventually choose you."
I leaned into his touch and felt the connection between the four of us. Drethsyn's voice was a lovely counterpoint to Kathea's in my mind. The joy and love that formed between us became permanent and nearly tangible. Kathea's egg suddenly rocked forcefully beneath my hands.
I want out now!
We all hastened to assure her that she needed the next four days to finish growing in her shell. We also offered her assurances of our love and devotion. Once she was calm again I stood to be congratulated, first by all of the Riders who had gathered, and then by family and friends.
My Mam waited until the Riders stepped back. Bram was standing with her. As she wrapped her strong arms around me, she told me that she knew I would reach my dream, that I would be a Rider. She'd had faith in me from the beginning. Kathea was agreeing with her. She knew that I could do anything and everything that I had ever wanted. She wanted to tell my Mam that too, and asked me to help her make a connection.
I led Mam to Kathea's shell and she placed her hand there. The three of us had a lovely conversation, mostly consisting of the two of them agreeing that I was wonderful and perfect in their eyes. That made me laugh, they were a lot like gossipy aunties in their pride of me.
Bram took that moment to sweep me into a hug. "We'll miss you in the Herder ranks, but this is where you belong." After a quick glance around he leaned close and whispered in my ear, "I'll be watching out for your Mam now, don't you worry about her." I looked up and saw a slight blush on his cheeks. Apparently I had been focused on other things recently and hadn't seen this state of affairs. But it was a welcome one. And I nodded my own approval. Mam deserved joy, too.
Through all of the long afternoon of celebration, Kathea and I shared ourselves. She was always there, either actively engaging my mind or just humming along in the background. I would never be alone again.
After the meal, Xander led Mam and me to my new apartment in the caverns. It was beside his and Drethsyn's and we had an outside access.
"It's easier when the hatchling is very young. She'll need to eat often and this will facilitate that." He pointed out the sandy bed for Kathea and told me that my things would be brought from Mam's house later on and that I could decorate any way I wanted. Then he moved to an opening in the wall. "This leads to our apartment, we'll be available to you both at any time."
The smile he sent me caused me to feel warm. I liked it and smiled back at him.
With a wink, Xander picked up an armload of blankets from the bed. "You are welcome to sleep here each evening until Kathea hatches, but my guess is that you'll feel more comfortable sleeping in the arena with her. I know I felt that way after I bonded with Drethsyn. We've been sleeping in the arena since Aldyth laid her egg here. Drethsyn wouldn't leave her and I won't leave him."
I nodded in agreement and followed him back to the arena. Even though I could hear Kathea clearly in the apartment, I did want to be close to her, to be able to touch her shell. When we entered the arena it had finally cleared out except for the egg and Drethsyn. He was lying with her egg tucked between his front legs, his long neck curved protectively around it.
Drethsyn wants you to touch him, Alida…Kathea's mental voice took on a soft tone when she said her mate's name.
I walked forward and the huge dragon lifted his head, pressing his face with its glowing topaz stone to my chest. As we made the connection I could hear him directly, and also through an echo from Kathea.
Bond of my mate, I welcome you…Kathea will hatch, and grow and we will fly high and far together.
I could feel his love for Kathea, for Xander…and for me and I hugged his head close to my heart. I would never be alone again and that thought filled me with joy.
~!~!~!~
The next couple of days were very busy for me. I was given an intense course on dragon husbandry. As one from the Herder ranks, I already knew quite a bit, but getting it first hand from Riders was very exciting. The Riders of Kathea's dam and sire assured me that they, along with Xander would shepherd us through the next couple of years. They also assured me that they were confident in Kathea's choice, that they had utmost confidence in me. Their belief in me made me feel really good.
After loaning me his spare Rider blue jacket, Xander and Drethsyn took me for my first flight. It was exhilarating as I sat before Xander, his arms tight around me, as we took to the skies. Kathea, feeling the flight through me was entranced.
Kathea was such a welcome presence in my mind. She had a sly sense of humor. When she discovered that one of the girls had wanted to limit the field to the prettiest girls she said that it would have been a field of ONE…just me. And then she made a comment on the other girl's countenance that shocked me because I had thought the same thing about her at one time. I tried not to laugh at hearing that comment coming from my sweet baby dragon's mind. I immediately asked for advice from Xander and my Uncle Kade on how to keep thoughts to myself and hidden from Kathea. They laughed and gave me some tips.
Each night I fell asleep in the arena, curled close to Kathea's shell. Xander would curl on the opposite side and from the very the first night, our fingers would twine together. Drethsyn would curve his huge body around us all.
~!~!~!~
Alida, today I will see you! I'll be able to look into my beloved's eyes. I'll feed for the first time…no turkeys, please.
Kathea's excited thoughts woke me from a light sleep. I had been too excited to sleep well. At one point Xander had brought his blankets around and cuddled me close to his chest. The sound of his heartbeat, steady and strong beneath my ear had finally lulled me to sleep just before dawn.
Yes, my sweet, today you will open your eyes to your new life. I can't wait either. I wonder what color you'll be?
Nearly every person who had spoken to us during the last couple of days had speculated as to what Kathea would look like. Each group, Riders, Tenders, Herders and Keepers had a betting pool going on. Generally dragons took on some characteristic of their bond. Hair or eye color or some combination of the two for hide and scale tips.
My hair was dark auburn, with golden highlights from working out in the sun. My eyes were dark blue, with flecks of gold and green. The betting pools had lots to work with.
With a sigh I raised my face from the warmth of Xander's chest to look into his eyes. "Thank you, for being with me and helping me. It's been exciting, but it's been a bit scary too. Kathea and I are grateful to have you both with us."
He pulled me closer for just a moment before leaning back to look into my face. "It has been a pleasure, more than I can even say, to be able to help you, to be with you." His eyes rested on my lips and he leaned closer and kissed me for the very first time. I heard our dragons as they made a sound that thrummed through my mind and body. Their approval was loud in my mind. And then Kathea's egg rocked firmly at my back.
I want out NOW!
Kathea's anxiousness was nearing the boiling point and Xander and I both laughed out loud at her tone. We broke apart and stood, quickly folding our blankets and setting them aside. Drethsyn started crooning and suddenly the arena began filling with dragons and people. My Mam came running from my apartment where she had been staying while we waited for Kathea to hatch.
Rider Ynaran, two other female Riders and my Mam swept me out of the arena and into one of the bathing rooms. I had protested but the Riders said that I had time to prepare before Kathea actually hatched. I rushed anyway as I continually assured Kathea that I would be right back, that she was fine, that Drethsyn and Xander were standing right there with her.
Ynaran presented me with a leather jacket in Rider blue; the other Riders gave me a blue jerkin and pants. Mam helped me into the new clothes and placed a lovely, jeweled belt around my hips and then she brushed and braided my hair, her fingers racing to get the job done.
The crooning from the dragons stepped up a beat and we hurried back to the arena. I didn't have time to really notice the many people and dragons that filled the large cavern. My entire focus was on Kathea's egg as it rocked and wobbled on the sand. The striations on the shell had grown larger every day. Now the colors were more like condensed bands as they still moved over and around the ovoid shape.
Drethsyn had stepped back to give her some room. Xander had been kneeling beside the egg when I arrived, but he stood and smiled at me, motioning me to come close. "She's very anxious to make her appearance."
I am! I need out…I want OUT…
Kathea began chanting in time to the rocking of her egg as she flexed her strong legs and back muscles. The dragons' crooning was spurring her on as they all kept time with her movements. I caressed her shell and urged her on mentally and vocally. When the first crack appeared, Xander pulled me back a few feet. I had been told that some hatchlings erupted out of their shells and would be horrified when they accidentally hurt their Riders. Giving them a bit of room was prudent.
At the first sharp crack, the crooning rose in a wild crescendo. The sound almost hurt my ears, but appeared to spur Kathea on. Soon small bits of shell began flaking off. A bigger piece fell and a wing tip appeared. I heard cheering from some as the color was seen. It was a deep red, and I knew that her hide color would closely match my hair. Another piece fell and her entire right wing was out, followed quickly by a finely shaped muzzle. A sparkle from her topaz gem hit my eyes as Kathea's entire head emerged. She shook it sharply and the rest of the shell shattered around her and the shards fell in a fractured rain from her crouched body.
All sound stopped as every eye looked at the newly hatched dragon. Slowly she straightened and looked directly at me. Her golden eyes were wide as she saw me for the first time with her own eyes. My mind was confused for just a moment as I saw me seeing her through our connection.
A moment of mental adjustment on both our parts and then I was walking toward her as she continued to straighten and stretch out her long back legs. Her front ones remained tucked to her chest, her wings barely flexed and drooping just a bit at her sides.
You are so beautiful, Kathea, the most beautiful dragon ever hatched.
I caressed her smooth red cheek and Kathea's eyes closed in happiness. Leaning gently, I pressed my forehead to the gem that rested in the middle of hers. The contact was intimate and I felt relief flood us both. She was safely hatched and our lives together stretched out before us.
Oh, the things we will do, the places we'll fly, my Alida…
A low rumble from Drethsyn startled us both and Kathea fully snapped out her wings. Another cheer began as some of the crowd in the cavern realized that her scales were tipped with gold. Good natured groans issued from those who had not bet on her being deep red with gold tips. The cheers and groans morphed into chants of our names, the newest Rider and Dragon to join the flight.
We turned as the team we now were to greet Xander and Drethsyn as they joined us in the middle of the arena. Drethsyn's golden eyes were glowing as he took in his mate. Their thoughts were full of love for each other.
I looked up into Xander's face as he watched his dragon gently reach out and touch Kathea's muzzle. His head was as big as her entire body. I watched her shiver as he snuffled along her curving neck and down her back and then further along to the quivering tip of her serpentine tail, imprinting her scent deeply into his soul.
She stood tall, preening before his adoration. She cocked her head coquettishly. Like what you see, my Drethsyn?
Oh, yes, my beloved…always and forever…an audible rumble accompanied his mental words.
I couldn't stand to be so far from her anymore and I stepped close again. I ran my hands along her trim form, just like Drethsyn had done with his muzzle. Her hide dried quickly in the warm air of the cavern. She was so smooth and I didn't want to stop touching her.
Kathea was eye to eye with me as she stood to her full height. We are well-matched, my Alida.
That we are, my Kathea.
She ducked her head and gently bumped my torso. Is there food? The goats looked interesting, but I still don't think that I want to try a turkey…those feathers are just odd…
Drethsyn reared up, spreading his wings and trumpeting his claim, his joy and his love as Xander stepped behind me and wrapped his arms around me. I leaned back into his touch and sighed deeply as I watched the dragons in front of me.
Kathea stretched to her full height, spreading her wings and we all marveled at the musical tone of her soprano call as she answered her mate.
I grinned over my shoulder at Xander, his smile echoing my own. Our adventure was just beginning and I intended to enjoy it to the fullest. My dragon, her mate…and my own love. My life really couldn't get any better than this.
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I released the connection between Edward, the Tenders and myself. We were all quiet, absorbing the story that Kathea had just shared with us.
Alida and I often thought of those early days. I decided to share the narrative with you all from her point of view, so that it is her memories that continue on in this regard. Kathea fell silent.
We all rose to our feet. Alice came and bowed before me. "Bella, please thank Kathea for sharing her and Alida's story. I won't forget." Each of the other Tenders bowed too and murmured their thanks.
With lighter hearts, we moved to clean the chambers of the Riders and Dragons that we now knew a little better.
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Volterra's eyes were focused to the north. ShayTan was close to his side and I was touching her, our Tenders were flanking us and Edward was beside me. Volterra had told us that the Riders and dragons were close. They'd be arriving in just a few minutes.
The Caverns were clean, thanks to the volunteers who had worked diligently for the last couple of days. The Riders' rooms were waiting and Esme had managed to create a feast fit for a King. The King wouldn't actually be here today, he had sent a message back to the Duke saying that he'd be arriving in a week.
I was grateful; there was enough stress in my life with the arrival of the Riders and dragons. I didn't need the King arriving too. It was hard enough thinking that I was close to his rank; I didn't want to have to deal with him just yet.
Esme was in a dither. Edward had assured her that everything looked wonderful, that the new arrivals would be very pleased with her efforts. The volunteers had cleared a huge area in front of the main entrance to the Caverns. There was now ample room for dragons to take off and land there.
Edward had gone over the protocol that the newcomers would expect from us. Once again he told us how amazed and proud he was that we had done so well without the "old guard" telling us how things should be done. He had also reminded us that we could come to him and his friends for anything, advice or encouragement, at any time.
ShayTan bugled and I gasped at the sight before me. A flight of sixteen dragons, all of them carrying more than one rider, was now in view. Cathair had said that the Riders were bringing Tenders with them. Clean rooms had been made available for them too.
The dragons circled gracefully, their colors rich and majestic against the blue afternoon sky. One by one they landed and their Riders and Tenders dismounted. The dragons and Tenders moved back to the edge of the clearing, leaving room for the next to land.
The Duke, Edward and I stepped forward to greet them. ShayTan walked at my side and I could feel the excitement flooding through her. Volterra was trying to keep her calm, but I think it was a losing proposition.
Once all of the Riders had dismounted they came toward us as a group. Three Riders stepped to the fore and caught my attention. The first one was tall, taller than Edward, and his hair was a golden mop of soft curls, his blue eyes were sparkling as they met mine. I knew from Volterra's memories that this was Jasper, their good friend. The lovely dragon he was bonded with was dark blue with gold tips to his scales, Cathair.
I also recognized the other two Riders with him as they bowed to ShayTan. Volterra had always been a bit reticent in his thoughts of them. The man was tall and slender, his chin pointed and his long blonde hair smoothly tied back in a ponytail that reached the middle of his back. He was Seamus, rider of the medium blue Benatath. Starting at my feet, he let his eyes intimately explore my frame, a huge smile widening his thin lips as he reached my face. I felt sullied by the perusal and couldn't smile back at him, once he finally met my eyes. I gave him a small nod in acknowledgment instead.
The woman moving forward with them was lovely; very tall and curvy, her hair was a red blonde that shone brightly in the afternoon sunshine…Tanyara, Shosharra's Rider. Shosharra was gorgeous, a golden bronze with red tips to her scales.
Tanyara's pale blue eyes swept over me, weighing me, and from the look on her features I was found wanting. I stiffened my back and pasted a small smile on my face, reminding myself that I was of equal rank to them. Kathea hummed her approval in my mind. I glanced back at Jasper and found a look of understanding on his face. He winked at me and quickly stepped in front of the older Riders. They glared at him as they came to a stop.
Jasper bowed low to ShayTan, before rising and turning to place his hands familiarly on my shoulders. He kissed me on both cheeks; taking me completely by surprise and causing ShayTan to hiss just a little. Volterra soothed her with a caress of his muzzle. I heard him tell her that Jasper was our good friend and not to worry about his forward ways, he was a young scamp and could be forgiven. That eased her stance just a little.
"Rider Bella, it's good to finally meet you! Cathair and I have been most anxious to get here and to see you and your ShayTan in person. Volterra has kept us informed." Jasper put his arm around my shoulders and turned us to greet a smiling Edward. He reached out a hand and clasped Edward's firmly. "Rider Edward, it's good to see you again, and looking so well."
"Jasper, good to see you too, now let the new Rider go and let's introduce everyone." Edward deftly slipped me from under Jasper's arm and with the two of them at my sides the rest of the introductions were performed. I made special note of Rosalie and Emmett. Their smiles were wide and genuine when they shook my hand. They were particularly complimentary to ShayTan and I appreciated that, as did she. Being the center of attention thrilled her.
As the introductions went on, I noticed that Tanyara and Seamus acted like they were the hosts for this gathering. They both looked through Esme when she said that the meal would be ready in an hour. I found that annoying, although Esme was very gracious and didn't show any anger towards them. I did see Carlisle's eyes narrow.
With the introductions out of the way, and a time for dinner arranged, those who already had chambers in the Caverns went to them, anxious to see how they are survived the past century. We left ShayTan with Volterra to be introduced by him to the gathered dragons. She was practically humming in excitement and her vocalizations followed us as we walking through the Caverns.
Edward and I, with Jasper close at hand, showed the rest of the Riders the rooms we had prepared. Emmett and Rosalie immediately settled on Kathea's old room. I felt happy to have the two of them and their dragons in those chambers. Kathea hummed approval in my mind too.
The sound of chimes, deep and resonating, rang through the hallways announcing dinner. The five of us were a little late arriving in the huge, newly cleaned dining hall. It was crowded with Riders, Tenders and those volunteers who Esme had invited to help with and partake of the meal. I was taken aback to see Tanyara standing next to Carlisle, her arm curled intimately around his waist and her other hand sliding up into the hair at the back of his head. She was leaning close to him and, being tall, she could nearly reach his ear while she spoke quietly to him.
There was nothing quiet about Esme's face where she stood, watching this display from across the room. Carlisle looked down at Tanyara and nodded before he extricated himself and moved to speak to another Rider. Esme's face was pale and still before she shook herself and turned back to continue directing the placement of the food on the long trestle tables.
I heard a snort from behind me.
"I guess Tanyara is already checking out the prey here at the Caverns." Emmett's voice was full of derision. Suddenly he let out a gasp and I saw Rosalie elbow him firmly in the side. "What? She always does this."
"Yes, she does, but it's not your place to make judgments on her." Rosalie turned to me and said, "He's right, though. Tanyara thinks very highly of herself and she thinks that if she wants something, or someone, it should be given to her, just because she's a Rider." Her glance slid over the embarrassed Edward and Jasper.
"She's tried to get these two for as long as I can remember. So she doesn't always succeed. She also never had a chance with Emmett." Rosalie smiled and I was struck with how absolutely beautiful she was. Her blonde hair was softly waving down to the middle of her back; her blue eyes were wide and full of intelligence. I don't think I've ever seen anyone as stunning as she. The fact that she was warm and caring just added to her attractiveness.
"Of course she never had a chance with me, my heart." Emmett stepped forward and placed a sweet kiss on her lips. "Arthmael and Cassea wouldn't have stood for it!" I heard dragons roar from the clearing. "That would be our hearts, dear one." Rosalie agreed; her smile soft.
Edward had stepped close to my side and slipped his arm around me. His touch was comforting and I was happy to hear that Tanyara hadn't been successful in catching him. He deserved much better than that cat.
"I'm worried," Jasper spoke quietly as we waited our turn to fill plates from the loaded tables. "It should be one of the happiest moments of your life, when your dragon finds his bond. But I'm beginning to think that Cathair is going to bond with Brenith."
I knew that Brenith was the female dragon forming in Shosharra's womb. Volterra had told me that the Elders had wanted him to try and see if they could be mates. He had refused, knowing that ShayTan was his. "Why would that be a bad thing?" I asked the group around me.
"Don't get me wrong, I'd love for Cathair to find his mate…but Tanyara and Seamus' dragons will be Brenith's mentors for the next couple of years and their Riders are not people that I enjoy being around." At my look of surprise, Jasper continued. "They are good Riders and do their duty by the flight, but their private lives are not something that I want to be a party to."
He glanced around to make sure we weren't being overheard and said, "I've heard them saying that since Kathea isn't really here and neither is Drethsyn, they figure they will be the best Riders to shepherd ShayTan. Seamus has been a Rider for a little while longer than Edward and Tanyara for just a few years less."
Tension had begun to fill me when this conversation began. I hadn't liked the way that Tanyara had looked down upon me and Esme, and I really hadn't liked the way that Seamus had looked me over when we met either.
Before I could get too tense, Edward snorted and spoke up. "Don't worry, Bella. Volterra is not going to let either one of those dragons, or their riders, tell ShayTan what to do. And I've already told you and your Tenders that you should come to me, Jasper, Emmett or Rosalie with any concerns you may have." He looked over at his friends and they all nodded at me. "Be respectful of their station, but don't feel that you have to obey them just because they think so."
"We are here for you, Bella, and your Tenders also." Rosalie reached over and grasped my hand. "We'll stick together and everything will work out well."
Suddenly I was swept into a bone crushing hug as Emmett picked me up off my feet. "We're here for you, don't worry…now let's eat!"
That made me laugh and after reaching out to find ShayTan, and finding her happy as she got to know the other dragons, I filled my plate and sat with my new friends. Our Tenders were sitting at a table chatting happily with Jasper, Rosalie and Emmett's. I had met two of them earlier, Bryce and Kele-de. From the laughter coming from that direction, I could guess that they were getting along well.
Through the laughter and the conversation, I kept my eye on Tanyara and the Duke. She was rather predatory as she stalked him around the room. She took every opportunity to touch him and to slight Esme when she came across her.
Tanyara may have been successful in her hunting in the north, but after catching both Carlisle and Esme's eying each other a time or two, and sharing a smile, I decided that she was about to meet her match.
Can you believe it? TWO updates in TWO days? Me either…LOL But a lot of this was already written for the Haitian Relief Project. I hope I didn't make any mistakes…I was rushing through this during the afternoon…and all those lovely updates keep popping on my screen, from other wonderful writers THANKING the readers…I only gave in to the MOTU update…can you blame me?
Credit for names…and I add names to my lists whenever anyone gives them to me:
Kris gave me Kade (R) and Aillén, candidate
HT gave me Aderyn (bird) (brown with black scales) Kade's dragon
Yuri gave me Dane (R), Firroth's rider, red male
Elise: Abran (R) and Finnick, black male, Dynal, black Kathea's sire
Sandi: Ynaran (R) and Wyntan, green female
Bells: Aldyth, gold, Kathea's dam
Thank you!
I'll have another update in the next couple of weeks...we'll see how chatty they are!
Thanks, so much, for reading and your lovely comments. They really do inspire me. No writer would continue if they didn't get the feedback, and I appreciate each of you!
Kathie
