Chapter 25 - The Mentor

Wildheart's POV - Ruined Village

'What a mess. I guess I can't trade here anymore.'

Jumping down from my cart of salvaged goods, I pulled back my hood for better peripheral vision and tighten my mouthpiece. No one would connect me with the Child Traitor of Skullgaze Islands, but everyone here knows -or knew- me as Trader. 'I should keep the facade for now.'

The dead litter the streets, but there are no survivors lingering around. My horse, Trotter, is unsettled by the stench of death, so I rub his neck soothingly. Every building has been burned to varying degrees of destruction, no heat or smoke left. Anyone else might have blamed dragons, but the only tracks are of men and horses. Valuables and tools are also missing. Whether stolen or taken by fleeing villagers, I couldn't guess.

'Such senseless slaughter. I hate humans.' I close my eyes for a moment of silence. But it isn't silent. There's...crying? 'A survivor?'

I spin in a panic, trying to pinpoint the sound. ::Give me some guidance Spectre.::

A piece of debris shifts from the unseen force. I apply the cart's brake before I head in that direction, listening to the sobbing get louder. Eventually, I find the source beneath a statue of the Norse healing goddess, Eir. 'What's that doing in Northern England?' A little girl in a purple dress with tangled brown hair is crying into her knees.

I keep my distance, not wanting to spook the frightened child. She must have lost a lot and I have almost no experience with children. She hasn't noticed me yet, so I whisper to my friend. ::Spectre, be ready to stop her if she runs, but don't reveal yourself until I call you.:: I feel my unseen friend brush my right hand, the silent confirmation.

After another minute to let Spectre reposition herself and consider my words, I gently call out to the child in English. "Hello there."

The girl's head jerks up in surprise, staring at me in fright. She couldn't be more than seven years old. Her eyes are a deep blue, watering with additional tears. 'She doesn't know what to make of me.'

"Are you alright little one?" She shook her head, pulling her knees closer to her chest.

"My name is Wildheart," I introduced myself, "Wildheart Chainbreaker. Could you please tell me your name?"

"Luna Thatcher," the girl whispers back.

"That's a pretty name," I complimented her, "Do you mind if I sit next to you?" Luna shook her head and I carefully walked up to join her.

"You're that trader from the bandit hunting clan," Luna declared after I sat down, recognizing my cloak and mask.

"I am," I admitted, "Did you see who did this?"

"A Viking tribe attacked us," Luna answered, "A few days ago. I hid in the forest and waited for Mommy to come find me, but she never did. I didn't have any food so I came back and everyone was gone."

I pulled out some dried fish and bread that was going to be my lunch and offered them to her. Luna looked at the offering in wonder. Eventually, she takes the food, eating ravenously. 'How long did she starve herself?'

While Luna ate, I decided to establish a connection. There was only one thing that I knew we had in common, but I hated to talk about IT, about losing my village. "Five years ago, I lost my home too. I chose to be loyal to a friend instead of my tribe. For that crime, I can never return home."

"Do you ever miss it?"

"Sometimes, I think about the important people from that life," I admitted, "But I suppose actually missing home as a whole isn't in my nature. After all, I chose an individual over the entire village." I pulled the hunting knife out of my boot and showed it to Luna. "This knife is the only piece of home I still carry with me. I've gotten better weapons, better armor. I even found better knives, but I just can't replace this one piece of equipment."

Luna looked at me curiously. "Do you want to?"

I had to think about that one. "No. For better or worse, my experiences in that village helped me become me. If I just throw away this knife, this last connection to my childhood, I'd be throwing away a piece of myself."

I put the knife away while Luna finished her meal. "Our pasts define us. If I sided with my tribe, I doubt I'd ever forgive myself for betraying my friend, ruining my life that way. Losing my home stung, not knowing if I'd have shelter or enough food, but the life I live now, I wouldn't trade it for anything."

"You like being a bandit hunter?"

"I'm not JUST a bandit hunter," I mocked the child, "I have a clan to look out for, and they look out for me. The work we do helps make the world better, keeping the innocent safe. We might not be related by blood, but we are family nontheless. Do you have any family elsewhere?"

"No," Luna looked near tears again, "It was just me and mommy."

"If you want, I could take you with me," I offered, "I should warn you that my clan can be a little ... rough around the edges."

"Really?" the child asked, not believing me, "Are you sure your clan won't be mad?"

I shrugged. "Not mad exactly. The reactions will vary by individual, but the clan will welcome you. I know it."

"How?"

"Because the clan welcomes anyone with a good heart," I explained, "How we each support the clan, depends on our own abilities. And I'll be there to help you find your purpose."

The poor girl just broke down into grateful tears again, clinging to my cloak. I ignored the fluids now coating my clothes and patted Luna's head to try and calm her down. 'I might hate humans, but I don't hate people.'


Fierce-Eye's POV - Great Hall

'Why am I on the floor?'

It's the middle of the night, only snores break the silence. The only people in the Great Hall are unconscious in various positions, some collapsed over tables, others propped against walls or support pillars. Two Vikings seem to have knocked each other out in a fight. Stiildus is napping on a nearby table.

'I guess the party's over.'

I struggle to right myself and stand up. It's a little difficult because my legs fell asleep while elevated on the bench, but I manage to not wake anyone.

'I need to pee.'

I start to stagger towards the doors, fixated on the outhouses. As the cool evening breeze caresses my face, my dream comes back to the forefront of my thoughts. A memory of a rider to be.


Wildheart's POV - Ruined Village

"I never met anyone else from your clan before," Luna pointed out, wiping the tears from her face.

I had to laugh for a bit. "Very few have, and with good reason. My friend, Spectre, is around here someplace, but she's a little shy. She won't come out until she thinks you're ready."

"How will Spectre know if she won't come meet me?"

"Ah, but that would spoil the surprise," I teased, starting to walk towards the blacksmith's, "We'd better find you some chain."

"Chain? Why?" Luna jogged to keep up.

I remove my left bracer and push my sleeve up, revealing my chain tattoo. "My clan was founded by escaped gladiators. Warriors forced to fight to the death for the amusement of others. That's how the clan got it's name, The Shattered Chain. It's...dangerous to be at our base and not have a chain pattern around your arm. You're a little young for a tattoo, but we can tie a length of chain on for the same protection."

"Dangerous? Why is it dangerous?"

'How can I explain it...?'

"We have neighbors," I explained as I redressed my arm, "They don't attack us, but if a non-clan member trespasses into our area, they would be attacked. The chain marks the members and our neighbors are quite friendly to us. Tell me, what do you know of dragons?"

Luna took my left hand timidly. "They're really common in the far north. They fly and breath fire and are really scary."

"Have you ever seen a dragon?"

Luna shook her head. "I've never left my village. The dragons have never come this far south in my life."

'Not quite.'

"Then how do you know that they're scary?"

Luna seemed puzzled by my question.

"What if a dragon could still fly and breath fire, but acted like an oversized puppy? Would you still say it's scary?"

Luna giggled at the suggestion. "That would be one scaly puppy," she worked out between giggles.

"Humans tend to fear the unknown, and very little is known about dragons," I reasoned, "So most humans find dragons to be very scary."

"Are you scared of dragons?"

I shook my head, "No. I chose to learn about dragons. They have many different strengths, but just as many weaknesses, if you know how to use them."

"Like what?"

I smirked. "Well, did you know that dragons are scared of eels?" Luna was shocked and I had to laugh at her expression. "Well, it's actually the eel's blood that they don't like. It makes them very sick and shoot fire uncontrollably. Eventually, the exertion could kill the dragon."

"That's a good reason to avoid eels," Luna observed.


Stiildus' POV - Great Hall

THUD!

I jump in alarm at the loud noise. One of the Vikings has fallen off of their bench. I can only sigh.

'Too bad our house wasn't warmed up. This place is going to be full of odd nioises all night.'

He's gone. Fierce-Eye, or Wildheart, or -whatever!- My Partner, My Partner was missing! He's probably still drunk, judging from the other humans, so he won't be able to defend himself. I had a brief panic attack.

'He can't have gone far!' I fly off towards the exit.


Wildheart's POV - Ruined Village

Eventually, we reached the forge. The building was actually in good shape, having been designed with fire in mind. The hammer and anvil sign was still hanging from it's chain.

"How are we going to get it down?" Luna asked.

"Spectre can get it for us," I answered, "But like I said, she's very shy. She'll only reveal herself to you when she likes you."

"So what do we do?" Luna despaired.

"We turn away," I said simply, "Then Spectre won't have anything to be shy about while our backs are turned."

Luna seemed puzzled, but turned away. I stepped beside the girl to keep an eye on her. 'Blind trust. Can she make that leap of faith?'

The chain jingled as Spectre tried to untangle the sign from it's support. Luna twitched at the sound, but she didn't turn around.

::Stupid metal marker!:: Spectre growled.

The jingling chain changed to creaking wood. There was a loud crack, followed by the sound of the chain and metal falling to the ground. Luna jumped at the noise and grabbed my cloak, but she kept her eyes focused ahead of her. A second later, my invisible friend brushed my right hand.

"We can turn around now," I whispered to Luna.

When she looked again, her hands covered her mouth in surprise. The signpost had been ripped out of the wall and the chained sign was lying in easy reach. Her eyes were filled with wonder and joy.

"THANK YOU SPECTRE!" she called out.

I smirked, imagining my friend's grin. "Come on, let's get that chain wrapped."


Stiildus' POV - Village Exterior

'There he is.'

I had managed to track my Partner to the pooping dens just as he was coming out. He was mumbling the words to some song and couldn't stand up straight. He was definitely still drunk.

He managed to notice me through unfocused eyes. "Top o' the mornin' Shtiildush. What brings you out on this fine day?"

I groan at my Partner's antics. ::Okay, first of all, it's still night, not morning or day. Second, I came looking for you. I had promised to keep you out of trouble during your little drinking experiment. Third, there are no humans around, so you can speak Dovahzul.::

::Drinking?:: the human mumbled, ::I don't drink. Too dangeroush.::

I felt slightly alarmed. ::Why is it too dangerous?::

My Partner began to stumble away towards the village as he explained. ::Shide effect of havin' magic. My body temperature is a little hotter than udder humans. It makesh me extra vulnerable to alcohol an' dehydration, but diseases have a harder time keepin' me down. Sho, I don't drink, even if it weren't fer ma father.::

'It sounds like he's still drunk enough to remember.'

I nodded in understanding before I realized he was moving away from me. ::Where are you going!?::


Wildheart's POV - Ruined Village

It took a few minutes to position the chain and tie it in place with some twine. Soon, Luna was giggling at the sound as she danced with her chain. She dashed out of the shop to run around while I packed up some abandoned crafting supplies.

"Wot have we got here? You're awful cheerful, dancin' in the ashes. What are you doin' here all alone luv?" A voice drifted into the blacksmith's shop from outside.

'Company.' I pulled my hood back up. 'A child is one thing, but that was a grown man's voice.'

I quietly cast a spell. ::Life, Seek, Hunt.::

The world is washed in a muted blue and I see the lives around me, glowing bright red. Luna is being confronted by three larger humans. Spectre has already found the situation and is ready to pounce from a nearby building.

I channel some magic into my cloak, becoming nearly invisible. I hurry around the ruined buildings, flanking the men with Spectre. They are dressed like highwaymen. 'Probably came to salvage. I'd better grab Luna and get out of here before more vultures show themselves.' Luna had been backed into a wall by one of the men, clearly frightened.

"I bet you know where the good stuff is," one of the henchmen pressed, playing with a dagger, "Why don't you tell us."

Luna just shook her head, backed against the wall now. I can still see Spectre's life force. She creeps protectively towards Luna and I get the message. 'She'll protect Luna. I get the bandits.'

I take a deep cleansing breath to end my spell. 'No sense in scaring Luna more than needed.' I stop powering my cloak and toss it behind my shoulders. "She doesn't have to tell you anything." Luna and the bandits stare at me, surprised by my sudden appearance twenty feet away.


Stiildus' POV - Forest Path to the Cove

::I still say that Thorn would better appreciate the meal in the morning.::

My Partner was hauling another basket of fish and chicken through the forest towards the Cove. He was still staggering as he walked, but the forest was quiet.

::Who doesn't like a full belly?:: the human asked back.

I could only sigh. I wasn't getting anwhere with this. ::Since you remember your past now that you're drunk -::

::'M not drunk.::

I rolled my eyes but don't comment on the interruption. ::Why don't you tell me more about your past? How'd your parents die?::

::Mom got real shick when I was ten. Even da best healers can't cure a broken spirit,:: Fierce mumbled as he marched onwards, ::And my father got roasted by Blaze.:: I mentally froze as I recognized the name and Fierce-Eye giggled. ::Flame Body gave him a flame body.::

::You stayed with the dragon that killed your father!?::

Fierce-Eye stopped walking and looked at me. ::'E was protectin' me.::

::Your father?::

::Blaze,:: Fierce-Eye clarified, ::My father di'n't like having a runt for a son. He'd either ignore me while sober or beat me and Mom while drunk. 'At's one more reason that I don't drink.::

Bile began to form in the pit of my stomach. ::He was your father and he beat you?::

Fierce-Eye waved off my comment before walking away. ::Conshequencesh of birth. Hai didn't ask to be born shmaller than the other Vikings either. Have you eva heard me call him 'Dad'?:: I shook my head. ::Family shouldn't hurt family for the sack of hurtin'. Another reason why I changed my name.::

::So, you changed your name TO Wildheart Chainbreaker?::

Fierce-Eye nodded before he bounced off a tree. ::'En I learned Dovahzul, the dragons told me their name for me and I kept it. Until den, I was Mousetail Heimgardt.::


Wildheart's POV - Ruined Village

One of the henchmen charged at me, sword raised high. I sidestep the sloppy attack, grabbing his forearm. I spin him in a fast circle so that he trips over his feet. A swift stomp later and his forearm is broken. He screams in pain and crawls away, clutching the shattered limb.

I turned to Luna and gently say, "If it gets too scary, just close your eyes." Luna nods her understanding. I look meaningfully at where I last saw Spectre's life force before refocusing on the fight.

"You little runt!" shouts the second bandit, pulling back his dagger.

The bandit tries to slash at my throat, so I just take a half-step back. He tried to swing too fast and widens his stance to avoid falling over. 'Pathetic.' Before the thug can recover, I step back in and kick him between the legs. The dagger falls to the ground and the man to his knees.

With both of his men incapacitated, the bandit leader reaches for Luna. Luna ducks from the hand, covering her head. Without warning, the man is knocked backwards by the invisible Spectre. His sword bounces away from him.

Luna looked up in confusion, just in time to watch the bandit be lifted by the ankles and float in mid-air. The other bandits have forgotten their fight with me and watch in terror as their leader is lifted by some force unknown to them.

Spectre decides to reveal herself, snarling red scales and all, holding the bandit leader with her vine-like tendrils. Her eyes were narrowed in a focused rage. The man pales, even with all of the blood rushing to his head.

"Luna, cover your ears," I instruct as I do the same.

Spectre lets out a terrifying shriek right in the face of the thief. Luna screams in fright, covering her ears and curling into a ball. The henchmen have scrambled to their feet and run away as fast as they could. 'Dragons aren't common this far south.' When the shriek dies off, Spectre releases the now-unconscious man, dropping him on his head from ten feet off the ground.

Luna notices that the noise is gone and carefully uncovers her ears. With the enemies gone, Spectre's eyes dilate as she relaxes. I walk over and crouch next to the child. "Are you alright Luna?"

Luna nods quietly as she regards the Clearscale behind me. I help her stand back up and slowly lead her over to the dragon.

"Luna, this is my friend, Spectre," I introduced the dragon. Luna's eyes got very wide as Spectre bent down to sniff the child.

::She is still frightened of me,:: Spectre observed. The rumbling noise drove Luna behind me, clutching my leg.

"It's alright, see." I reached out and rubbed Spectre's muzzle. She purred at the sensation and Luna loosened her grip on my leg.

"C-Can I try that?"


Thorn's POV - Sanctuary Cove

SPLASH!

I'm woken from my slumber by a loud splash. The surface of the lake has been disturbed and a large basket of food is bobbing in the middle. Stiildus swoops down from the cove's rim, squawking in alarm. A moment later, the Dragonfriend emerges from the depths, giggling like a hatchling. I cock my head to watch him grab the food basket and drag it towards me.

::Are you okay?:: Stiildus asks worriedly.

The Dragonfriend pulls out some food for himself and Stiildus. ::'At was nothin'. The old bastard did worse on a reg'lar basis.::

I hesitated. 'Something is clearly wrong with him.'

::Even I can tell that there's something wrong,:: I announced, ::You can't even speak clearly!::

::That's the alcohol,:: Stiildus explained.

::I don't drink!::

::Well you did tonight!:: Stiildus shouted back before turning to me, ::We were trying to get clues to his past by getting him drunk, but it still hasn't worn off yet.::

That really confused me. ::Wouldn't he just tell you?::

Stiildus shook his head. ::Can't. He lost the ability to recall memories at will. That's why we resorted to getting him drunk.::

'Whoa.' I looked over at Dragonfriend as he tried to cast Fire Breath to start a campfire. He couldn't get the pronounciation right though, and collapsed from trying to use his remaining magic. Stiildus sighed and shot one of his own fireballs into the kindling. The Ember Claw then nuzzled into the unconscious Dragonfriend's hand, giving him some of his own energy.

::Why didn't you tell me that sooner?:: I asked, walking over to the pair.

::Ye didn' ask,:: mumbled the intoxicated human, half-asleep, ::You haven't even asked one question about my past yet. Why should it matter to you if I don't know any answers?::

I couldn't help but feel a slight twinge of guilt from that fact. The food basket seems less appetizing now.

::Fierce-Eye didn't want you to know yet,:: Stiildus explained as he curled up with his Partner, ::He said that he wanted you to choose to stay of your own free will, not because you felt bad for him.::


Wildheart's POV - Open Sky

"This is AMAZING!" Luna screamed in delight during her first flight, "Do you travel like this all the time?"

I nod in agreement. Spectre was using her tendrils to help Luna stay in the saddle. I sat behind Luna, holding the Clearscale's horns for my own stability. Blaze and Treeskimmer had already taken the salvage, intended tradestuffs, horse, and cart ahead. Our novice rider needed a slower trip.

"I'm the only human member in the clan," I explained, "The other members are all dragons of different species. I bring along different members for different jobs."

"Different strengths and weaknesses, right?"

"That's right," I agreed, "Sometimes, I need Spectre for her ability to hide in plain sight. Other times, I need a small dragon who can slip through a window or hide among the rafters. And then there are times when I just need a big powerhouse, like Blaze or Treeskimmer, to destroy the bad guys."

"Wow," Luna said, "But how did YOU just appear next to me when the bad guys had me cornered?"

I smirked and pulled my hood up before channeling magic into my cloak again. Luna gasped as I vanished from sight. She reached back and poked my chest.

"This cloak is made from scales that Spectre shed over the years," I explained. Luna jumped at my voice coming from thin air. "After years among dragons, I learned how to use magic and activate the scales myself, becoming invisible."

"You can use magic?"

"Yep," I confirmed, revealing myself again, "Spells are more difficult, so I often look for shortcuts, like making magical equipment or using natural reactions. As for how, dragons have a lot of magic. So much, that it can overflow into those nearby over the course of a few years."

"Would I eventually be able to use magic?"

'She's a curious child.'

"If you really want to master magic, you'll need to learn Dovahzul, and that takes at least a couple years. I'll try to help you, but it could be one of those things that you just have to learn for yourself."

"What's Dovahzul?"