Training While At Sea (66)

      “Do not protest Sertian!” I ordered. “I will need to eat and move about to assist in my recovery.” I explained. He stared at me doubting my own words.

      “Food can be brought for you without leaving this cabin.” he half retorted at me. “You do not need to leave your cabin until you have recovered fully.” he continued harsher. I could sense his pain and worry as my protector.

      “I would rather eat on the deck than in my cabin.” I snapped back. “The fresh sea air and sunlight will help me more than your coddling me!” I continued annoyed. “And I must be helping in Arry's training prior to his arrival in Atlantis.” I added forcibly.

      “You doubt our abilities in this matter?” Sert remarked crestfallen.

      “You personally cannot understand the difference in power level that will occur once Arry and Skydancer reach Atlantis.” I explained slowly. My head still felt like it floated too high above my shoulders which food should rectify without using my self-healing technique. “Meli's gifts suffer less of a strength drop since she resorts to non-magical methods away from Atlantis.” I continued. “The overcharge in the dragon may transfer into Arry because of the link.” I stated. “Without control exercises, it will overpower him causing physical damage.” I concluded. It was in part a lie since I could not see Skydancer allowing harm to come to Arry but being so young, it may not understand this point.

      “I will lead you to the deck before collecting a plate for you, Sir.” Sert finally acquiesced. I read the debate during his silence of lying about the weather dashed by my apparent all-knowing ability too often shown to him. “Meli will be crossed with you.” he warned.

      “But she will agree that sunlight and sea breeze will speed up my healing.” I returned with a weak chuckle. He shrugged before escorting me down the short hallway, up the stairs to the deck, and to my normal perch at the prow of the Herald. I half expected Meli to assault me the second I was seated cross-legged on the polished wooden planks. But it was captain Destine and Arry half hidden behind her that approached me.

      “I see you have recovered some of your strength Lord Kestrel.” she remarked casually. I felt a minor tingle of unrest in her.

       “Yes, and I believe young Arry is to be thanked for that.” I returned calmly. “I hope that you understand that neither you nor Skydancer is to blame for this malaise.” I told the boy. “I have visions and some physically drain me more than others.” I explained to him. Arry slowly moved from behind captain Destine to stand next to her.

      “Which lead to a minor problem resolved with proper explanations.” Destine said easily. “Young Arry's heart is as tender as his mind is nimble.” she continued. She placed a hand on the boy's shoulder as she smiled with pride. “Himself and Skydancer would be a good addition to the Ambassadors to Atlantis.” she suggested. I chuckled as Arry blushed and sputtered at her words.

       “Give him ten to twenty more years of experience before making such a valid offer again captain Destine.” I countered. “He needs to understand what human society thinks it needs before offering what is truly best for them.” I commented. This brought forth a laugh from Arry. I motioned for him to speak his mind.

       “It may be childish.” he stated hesitantly. “But food in the stomach, shelter from storms, and family securely around you is all one needs to be happy.” he announced.

       “It is how to accomplish those three you must discover and learn how best to do so.” I responded easily. He stared at me blankly for a moment before smiling and blushing in embarrassment. “A kind heart and sharp mind are acceptably his best assets.” I stated to Destine. “But experience is required to judge the best path for him to take.”

       “Very true.” she replied. She saluted me, turned to salute Arry, and slowly walked away leaving the boy standing by me. I glanced around once more expecting to see Meli bearing down on me but only Sert was all I spotted returning with a tray of food plates.

      “It is always good to have company while enjoying a meal.” I stated. Sert sat before placing down the plates. “I believe one of those plates is yours Arry.” I commented. I slapped the flat of my hand on the deck before the left side plate. Sert had sat across from me leaving the position to my right empty for Meli. “Meli will be joining us with tea?”

      “Tea for us and another flagon of spiced honey wine for you Sir.” he responded. He avoided my gaze which suggested a greater fear of facing me over Meli's decisions.

      “It is very good wine.” I commented back. He glance for but a second at me. “No real reason to refuse even if spiced with strong healing herbs.” I told him. “Tea is herbs, flower buds, stems, petals, and roots steeped in boiling water.” I explained to Arry. He sat cross-legged like myself and Sert forming a triangle on the prow of the ship. My back faced our path while Sert's faced the village we had left. I examined his face for signs of greenness most land dwellers bore when first at sea.

      “The boy must have mariners' blood in him Kestrel.” Meli reported, She sunk down next to us sitting on her heels. “Your healing draft.” she stated. She placed a large stone tankard by my right knee. She proceeded to fill and place handle-less cups by the other plates finishing with her own. “A simple mint tea to help facilitate digestion.” she concluded. I eyed the four plates finding identical meals varying only in portion sizes. Where Sert and myself had more than Arry, Meli's plate held only a bit less than the loaded plate before me.

      “It appears to be in perfect order Mekiliean.” I said nodding to her. “But I do hope you will not force me to empty my plate.”

      “Some of the herbs in your wine causes an increase in appetite.” she returned calmly. “But it would not be healthy to gorge oneself after nearly three days of not eating, Sir.” she agreed grudgingly. I silently noted this without showing the sinking fear of having lost three days to something in consequential slumber.

      “It was an emotion and not a vision that rendered me catatonic.” I informed her, She stopped eating to stare at me with Arry following suit. “A dreadful foreboding toward events that would not reveal themselves to me.” I explained. “Older visions returned to replay in my mind keeping me from regaining consciousness when you returned me to the village.” I continued.

      “Which suggests you will have no knowledge until the events start occurring?” Sert suggested slowly. I nodded my acceptance.

       “We will remain on our guard for things going wrong.” Meli returned. “It is the simplest solution and our normal pattern.” I nearly laughed at the childlike view she put forth but the serious glare from Sert held my laughter at bay. We slowly ate and drank in the noon time sun.

      “I must speak with Arry and indirectly Skydancer.” I stated. The meal had not removed the lightheadedness but breaching this subject of power control in front of the others would be helpful. Meli would add controlling exercises into Arry schedule and meditative sessions from Sert. “I do suggest you both remain to understand potential problems we may have with Arry and Skydancer upon returning to Atlantis.” I continued quickly.

       “Could this refer to your foreboding?” Arry asked first.

      “No, since in this case it would be only you and Skydancer in perilous danger.” I replied quickly. “It relates to the magical essence of dragons and how it will be heightened when exposed to the mystic net over Atlantis.” I explained slowly. “In short, as Skydancer overcharges, a portion will be transferred to you increasing the gifts you gain from the link.”

      “Is this similar to the events of your arrival?” Meli stated softly. “In the Healers' Hall?” she added for clarification. I blushed at the memory of opening my eyes to see my nebulous healing cloud intertwined with Annianka's flaming serpent of healing surrounding me.

      “Yes.” I mumbled. “Both of those healing techniques should not have manifested visibly if one of us had controlled there power better.” I admitted softly. I avoided my companions gaze trying to focus on Arry only receiving only a confused stare. “I caused one to manifest which lead to the other manifesting since sparks and fire feed each other.” I explained. Meli giggled at my blush reddened cheeks.

      “Two similar healing magics used together.” I heard Sert inform the boy. “Most of the healers of Atlantis still speak of this event after close to a hundred years with extreme reverence.” he stated. “And another reason the see Lord Kestrel as the Heart of Atlantis, Her Holiness Annianka's counterpart.”

      “A perception Her Holiness encourages giving Lord Kestrel more chances to demonstrate true honour for all to see.” Meli remarked.

      “Enough.” I returned calmly. “I would show you the scene but my healer does not allow me at present to use any of my special abilities.” I told Arry. “If not controlled properly, a whisper of magic turns into a deafening shout upon Atlantis.” I explained slowly. “The benefits you gain from your link to Skydancer will also be heightened in the same fashion.” I continued.

      “Which suggests I must use the most gentle of touch and move with cautious slowness.” Arry returned in a slow pensive tone. We all stared at him in silence. “Correct?” he added hesitantly.

      “Correct.” I interjected back.” But we are unsure what other gifts both you and Skydancer possesses.” I continued quickly. “Nor which of those dragon gifts that can be augmented or transfer through the link to you.”

      “Then I will go through the possibilities with them.” Meli announced bluntly. “All Atlantian have knowledge of dragons since we are exposed to the spirit dragons daily.” she concluded.

      “What is the breath weapon of a forest dragon?” I asked in mock casualness. Meli shrugged as her shoulders slumped defeated.

      “A heavy mist that confuses the normal senses.” Arry whispered. Sert and myself glanced at him who blushed once more. “Skydancer has used that to hide the mouth of our caves before.” he supplied as explanation.

      “Which is a combination of the mild fog of forest dragons and the disorienting bubbles of the sea dragons.” I supplied

      “Has Skydancer shown any other types of breath attacks?” Sert stated. “Like flames or ice jets?” he continued. Arry shrugged before shaking his head slowly. “But to extinguish the fire?”

      “Water from his fishing gullet that he sprayed out.” I explained. “But they may share elemental skills based in the water manipulation vein such as steam and mist.” I suggested.

      “It can be tested during the voyage.” Meli replied quickly. I felt Meli was trying to push this discussion to a close so I would return to my cabin.

      “Sea dragons combine water and air while forest dragons use earth and air combination for their special attacks.” I informed them. “Has Skydancer shown any other air or earth abilities?” I asked slowly. Arry absently scratched at his cheek in silent thought. I waited patiently as I viewed thoughts form and dissipate from the boy's mind. I sensed Skydancer sitting in his head bringing images back for them to quickly mentally debate and file properly under one of the three elements mentioned.

       “Would softening the ground he lands upon be earth related?” the boy asked slowly. “He says it hides signs and sounds of him landing on ground.” he explained.

      “Making the earth take his landing without marks or vibrations could be associated to an earth manipulation technique.” I responded. “Would you agree Meli?” She slowly nodded back to me.

      “Water could be used to soften the earth and stop vibration but marks of Skydancer's feet upon landing would show in the mud.” she surmised in a slow speech pattern. “Does he speak to flora and fauna without words?”

      “Not the best way to phrase that question since you speak out loud to your plants.” Sert jabbed with a small smirk. Arry giggled at this.

      “He growls and hisses at trees and bushes but it is not often.” the boy admitted between giggles. “I do not think he receives answers from them.” he continued softly. I could still sense him and the dragon placing event into the three set categories for later use. “But is that truly an earth ability?”

      “It is something shared by all earth wielders be they healers, builders, and agriculturists as a gift.” Meli responded. “Speaking mentally with smaller living things in our world.” she added. Arry scratched at his chin once more slipping into deeper thoughts of categorizing all the events they had seen.

       “Just speak with Lady Meli about the other events you have categorized.” I stated to Arry. The lightheadedness was now joined with moments of dizziness which suggest Meli had double or tripled the strength of the herbs in that second draft of honey wine. “It would be best for me to return to my bed.” I said softly. I signalled Sert to my side to use his hand and my unstrung bow-staff to return to my feet. Meli smiled her triumphant grin at me. “That was an underhanded trick for a healer.” I grumbled.

       “A good healer puts the health of her patient first and their own morals second.” she returned with a satisfied smirk. “Get him back to bed and if he behaves I will not resort to stronger draughts.” she ordered Sert. He grappled me around the waist as I clung to his shoulder to led me back to my cabin where I was forced to spend the remainder of the trip home.

      I did not get many chances to see Arry and Skydancer during the following 3 months he and Skydancer spent training. I did fully recover and was trapped in sessions with the Council and speaking with Annianka about the newest dragon bonded pair in the world. I could not even see them off as they flew of of their volition once they were done training. Sert mentioned Arry wanted to see Dera and her brother again which would be easier if they flew back to the village. The dreadful foreboding had remained in the back of my mind warning that the event it foretold was near. I could not fathom how close the event was or how it would effect my plans in Atlantis.

Ties That Bind (65)

      “Get your buckets!” I screamed at them. “Meli! Attempt a fire break!” I ordered bluntly. The words had barely left my lips as little thunder squawked and spiralled higher while Skydancer rocketed once more over our heads. I stared in amazement as I saw through my kestrel's eyes the scene at the fire. A bloated to burst dragon spitting streams of water at the flames and smoking sections dousing them. “Who had that brilliant idea?” I asked Arry.

      “I only knew we need water to put out the flames.” he replied. He smiled with pride at Skydancer while in his mind he saw what his dragon did through it's eyes. “Skydancer told me he could do this easily.” he continued. “But it was not with words that he spoke.”

      “Skydancer is snuffing out the flames!” I told the partially panicked crowd. “No fear with a linked pair of quick thinking and quicker acting protectors!” I shouted. “Do you not agree elder?” I added softly. A mirthless chuckle escaped the headsman as his shoulders slump and he nodded in resignation.

      “It would be acceptable for them to reside near our village.” he proclaimed to the village. Screams of cheers rose from the children before slowly being picked up by the adults present. In the distance and through my kestrel's eyes the column of smoke dwindled quickly into nothingness. “Young Arry can visit our village safely but as for Skydancer ...” he yelled over the cheers. “... I must ask he remains outside the town for fear of the damage he may cause inadvertently.” he concluded. As half my mind saw through my bird's eyes, the other half focused on the headsman mind and his request. He feared the dragon simply passing between two houses or flying too low would damage structures without meaning to do so. I can understand his fear considering how large dragons can grow especially the sea types.

      “He will be extremely large as an adult refusing to enter the confines of the village.” I explained quietly to the elder.

      “Not if something threatened the boy.” he replied quickly.

      “True since if one dies, they are both dead.” I remarked.

      “He is truly bounded with that beast?” the elder gasped. “Is that even possible with humans?” he muttered.

      “It appears possible but unique in nature.” I reported. “I am hoping his growth to adulthood will not be hindered by the bond.” I continued slowly. Arry had moved to stand with the children while Skydancer circle the village with little thunder playing an aerial game of tag. “With luck, it will not be until he is an adult that his ageing will slow.” I explained in false calmness. “Arry's lifespan is now one with the dragon's but he may still have a normal childhood.” I concluded.

      “How long can the boy live now?” the headsman asked in a tense whisper.

      “Sea dragons can live fifteen hundred years while the forest dragons live about a thousand years.” I surmised out loud. “It will be a long and lonely life for him.” I stated softer. “Worse if he remains a child for a couple hundred years or more.” I added in a whisper.

      “Living that long would be hellish if truly alone.” the elder returned softly. “But it may feel like a curse to the boy seeing people growing old and dying around him.”

      “Atlantis will help him will it exist.” I muttered to myself. “I will set provisions in place allowing Arry and Skydancer to reside in Atlantis when needed.” I told the elder. “Atlantis understand that many die during their eight hundred year long lifespan.”

      “I thank you for doing this kindness for the child.” the old man replied softly. A true grin showed on the old man's face. “Best I show you to your rooms for the night.” he continued calmer. “No need to depart this instant, correct?”

      “Sert! Meli!” I called out. “We stay the night and leave in the morning!” I informed them. I received a quick nod from each of them. “Show my companions where we can spend the night while I inform our ship of our plans.” I told the headsman. He nodded once before slowly walking away with Sert and Meli at his heels. I watched them move through the crowd knowing Meli would research the local fauna and Sert would visit with the militia of the village. The rest of my day would be spent, once I informed captain Destine, training Arry about the new life he started. I dreaded this time with the boy fearing what human disbelief may colour his thoughts. I also worried about the two siblings that stood for Arry because the girl seemed taken with the dragon-boy. I sighed before going to tell captain Destine of our plans.

      It was midday as I walked with Arry back to the clearing so we could speak with Skydancer present. It was truly magical seeing the two communicating without words nor the mental whispers associated with telepathy. The link did truly make them of one mind with the thoughts of one easily transferred from the one to the other.

      “I believe you understand what you and Skydancer share is abnormal?” I said calmly.

      “Yes but it feels natural to me.” Arry returned. I felt him tensing defensively as fear of being told to end this grew in his heart and mind.

      “I have many things to explain to you about this dragon bond that cannot be broken.” I told him. It took a few moments for my words to cut through his fears causing them to evaporate. He nodded slowly as he sat cross-legged on a patch of grass. Skydancer lay at his back with his tail encircling where the boy sat while it's head lay in Arry's lap. “First you must know more about Skydancer than simply his diet.” I continued. “He seems to be a cross between a sea dragon and a forest dragon which makes him unique.” I explained.

      “What is the difference?” Arry remarked. I was stunned by his curiosity and open-minded attitude for a moment.

      “Forest dragon are nimble on the ground snaking around trees without losing speed nor leaving a trail.” I stated. “They can fly but are not as nimble as Skydancer has shown in the air.” I told him. I knew that keeping it general would be easier for him to understand. “Sea dragons move like lightning in the water and air but clumsy and awkward when moving on land.”

      “Skydancer must be more sea dragon than forest dragon.” the boy exclaimed. “Because of how well he flies.” he added as explanation.

      “Very true since he has the form of the sea dragon and scale pattern of the forest type.” I agreed. “But without seeing him moving around trees, I cannot know how much of the forest dragon skill he possesses.” I explained quickly. “But so far he moves at the speed and agility level of an adult dragon nearly two hundred years his senior which suggests that his aerial prowess is still growing.” I continued softly. His eyes widened as I mentioned indirectly the age until Skydancer would become an adult.

      “I will be long dead by the time he is an adult dragon.” Arry complained. Skydancer raised his head and I felt the jovial mental laughter passing from the dragon to the boy. He gave his dragon an angry glare. “That is not funny Skydancer!” he retorted. He grumbled to himself brooding.

      “The bond that binds you will allow death to not only take one but both of you.” I stated sombrely. “When you die, Skydancer will die also or if Skydancer dies, so will you.” I explained. His brooding suddenly turned to shock and fear.

      “But it's not right that he should die so young!” Arry screamed in protest at me. “He was on his feet grappling at my arms  violently. “Can you not break this link to save Skydancer from dying needlessly young?” he shrieked at me.

      “I cannot do so.” I replied calmly. “But his life is not shortened by this link with you.” I continued slowly. He stared dumbfounded at me. “With luck your body will age normally into adulthood.” I stated. “We cannot be sure since you may have already started ageing slower to match your dragon's growth rate.” I continued slower. He stared wide-eyed at me. I could see in his mind that he understood my words while not seeing the true meaning behind it. "Simply put,” I began my conclusion, “you will live to the age of a thousand years or more now.” The dragon nudged the boy with its nose a few times before I saw signs of consciousness returned to him.

      “But I am just a human boy!” he squeaked.

      “Who is bonded fully to a juvenile dragon.” I returned calmly. “You can still damage your body and even die but you will age much slower physically than the other humans.” I explained slowly. He sat down hard pulling his knees to his chin while the dragon's head sat on his shoulder as his tail wrapped protectively around the boy. “You also benefit from the dragon's regenerative gift which means you heal your wounds at a faster rate than anything else that lives.” I continued. “Your strength and speed will also increase at a faster rate and higher level than any human that exist.”

      “Just like the tales my parents told me before they ...” he muttered. Skydancer's grip tightened around the him as tears filled his eyes. “Then I was alone and scared.” the continued after a moment. “Then I found Skydancer after he fell from the sky injuring himself.”

      “How long ago was that?” I asked softly. I feared many years had passed between that moment and this meeting.

      “A couple of months, maybe close to a year.” he answered. “Gave him water and leaves while looking if he was bleeding before letting him attempt flying away.” he recounted slowly. “But all he did was circle my standing spot for a minute before disappearing to return within the hour with fishes for me.”

      “Then how did you come to be here by this village?” I remarked gently.

      “Skydancer brought me fishes twice a day for about a week being absent no more than an hour at a time.” he told me. “I started wondering where he collected these fishes.” he said slowly with a shrug. “The next day he kept bumping me forward before crouching in front of me.” he explained. “I felt he wanted me to climb upon his back so he may show me where he fished.” he continued. With tears still in his eyes, he smiled softly at the memories I saw playing in his mind. “He flew me to the sea where I spotted the village which I asked him to land nearby.” he stated. “We found the cave close enough for me to visit the village and met the other children.”

      “Which explains the sightings of Skydancer as you started visiting the village daily.” I said pensively.

      “Only Matty and Dera met Skydancer but they quickly realized he was friendly.” he returned with a grin and a giggle. “How will I know that my body is ageing slower than others?” he muttered in a smaller voice.

      “If you see others growing older looking around you.” I answered simply. “I think the other children will notice and mention if you are not growing like they are.” I suggested. He nodded slowly back without untangling himself from Skydancer's embrace. “But it may not happen until you are an adult.” I cautioned quickly. “This may be hard for you as people you know and care for die while you remain living.” I informed him sadly. “Atlantis offers you some refuge if that pain becomes hard for you to bear.”

      “And why would that be helpful?” he asked confused and morose. “Even if they are giants, they still will die also.” he retorted.

      “My companions are just passed their two hundred years of age gaining their adulthood.” I remarked. He glanced up at me. “They live between eight hundred to a thousand years old even if they look much younger.” I revealed to him. “And some of the Royal line, both Nobles and Guards, have lived much longer than a thousand years.” I added.

      I did not reveal how old Annianka truly was having been born before the Usurper's dark reign. She was an isolated case been one fifth of a whole being that hid in Valhalla for about a thousand years or more. I suddenly felt a tremor running back from the near future and another racing forward from the moment the Usurper took control of Atlantis. No images formed in my mind while a great heavy foreboding crashed down upon me.

      “Anything else?” Arry stated louder a second time. I stared unable to speak or move as the great dark foreboding washed over me sucking me down into darkness. I swayed fighting in vain this feeling for a moment before I collapsed into dark unconsciousness. I heard Arry screaming “Sir!” once before floating into the nothingness of despair. I partially awoke being half carried, half dragged, between Sert and Meli back into an unknown room.

      “I will be fine,” I croaked out. I tried to stand on my own feet but failed shocking me greatly. “I might be wrong.” I forced out quickly. I dropped down hard in there grip. I half dreamt them laying me in a small bed followed by Meli examining me. The dark foreboding still lingered at the edge of my mind waiting to pounce as I lay unable to move. I let myself slip back willingly into this enforced slumber as I attempted raising my nebulous healing cloud around me. I barely succeeded raise a fist size bundle of sparks which sputtered out of existence without causing the most minor of healing to me.

      “I believe he is suffering from exhaustion.” Meli whispered to Sert. These words slipped into my semi-conscious mind. “Or he has received a truly potent vision that has crushed his human form.” she added.

      “I must let Arry know that he could do nothing more than have Skydancer retrieve us.” Sert returned. “Will you be alright staying alone with him?” he mumbled. She laughed softly back at him.

      “It was not an attack that rendered him to this state.” she informed him. “I will be unharmed left without a guard.” she continued. “Go find Arry and Skydancer to informed them and thank them.” she ordered softly. My attempts to reach out mentally to verify my surrounding were in vain pass the confines of this small room. The realization of how weak my physical form had become as reaction to a hidden event that could only lay in my direct future troubled me greatly. The visions of Atlantis exploding followed by the dark malevolent black shade rising from the mushroom cloud to cover the world in darkness plagued me once more at these thoughts. No proof if only this world and plane would be effected by this all encompassing darkness, but the absolute void of a future past that point boded ill. It suggested to me that nothing would escape including myself if that future event was allowed to happen.

      The smell of burning herbs pulled my mental focus back to the room I laid in. I could sense the anxiety and worry pulsing in Meli's body as I felt her examine me once more. The creation and dashing of possibilities regarding this sudden illness like event that plagued me. The only solutions remaining were those given to Sert about exhaustion and visions holding the outcome that my strength had been sapped by my recent behaviour. I mentally withdrew into myself drifting into actual slumber and dreams hoping sleep would return me to my feet and health.

      Three days passed while I slept like the dead. I believe Meli's fears forced her to move me into my cabin on the Herald. My opening eyes recognized the items and fixtures of the cabin I lived in when travelling away from Atlantis. My body felt the ship slowly rocking under me riding the waves as we sailed slowly on the open ocean. I stretched out with my mind noting my companions, the crew of the Herald, and the linked pair of minds that was Arry and Skydancer. My head spun as I sat up quickly proving this body was still recovering from the stress of the foreboding and dread associated to it.

      “Was it another strong vision?” Sert asked from the door.

      “Something like that.” I answered hoarsely. Sert filled a cup with the liquid from a nearby flagon forcing the filled cup into my hands. I took a slow sip to discover it was a spiked clover honey wine. This was a much stronger than average honey wine. As I rolled it on my tongue, I could taste the healing herbs Meli had added to strengthen the potency and beneficial aspects of honey. “Only an overpowering sense of foreboding and dread piled high and heavy on my shoulders.” I stated clearer. I slowly sipped more from my cup enjoying the unique flavour of this healing blend.

      “Regarding Arry and Skydancer?” he returned. I sense unease in him. I emptied my cup and allowed him to refill it without protest but I did raise an eyebrow as I held the refilled cup. “Meli's orders as your personal healer.” he informed me softly. “You must empty the flagon before I can bring you food.” he explained. “She also suggest you refrain from using your self healing technique until we have returned to Atlantis.” he added. He smiled his disarming boyish grin at me making me laugh and empty the second cup quickly. A mild light headedness prevailed as the last drops from the flagon passed my lips.

      “It is not Arry and Skydancer that caused this emotional vision to assault me.” I finally answered with a normal voice. “But I do wonder why they are sailing with us?”

      “Meli suggested it would be easier to fully train Arry and Skydancer in Atlantis for a month or two.” he informed me. “I agreed because he must be able to protect himself if he wishes to protect Skydancer.”

      “Something I would have suggested myself but was he given a choice?” I remarked quickly.

      “Of course Sir even if it his time was limited in a way.” Sert returned softly. I nodded back quickly to him.

      “Giving the boy teaching in base healing herbs for dragons would also be beneficial.” I continued easily.

      “Meli already started during our voyage.” Sert replied. “All part of the training for the dragon linked non-humans and Atlantians.” he explained quickly. The shy-boyish grin had returned to his face. “Arry's younger age seem to increase the speed he learns at.” he added. I nodded noting this to have a second mind helping to explain things he was learning. I slowly forced myself to my feet using the unstrung bow-staff as a walking stick. Sert moved to block me from the door.

Arry And Skydancer (64)

      “His dragon only eats fish and leaves.” the girl spurted. “He is a good dragon !” she exclaimed with conviction. “Do not hurt him please?” she added nearly in tears. I smiled at them.

      “We suspected he was a good dragon.” I admitted to them. “But we still need to find Arry and the dragon to understand why they are together.” I explained slowly. “And ask the dragon to fly where villager might not see him.” I added quicker.

      “But you will not take them away?” the girl asked. I looked at her tear streaked face.

      “Not unless they are a danger to or in danger from the villagers.” I returned casually. “But the may need to leave for training for a little while.” I continued. A half smile had formed on her face. “He would be returning as quickly as possible if he happened to leave.” I added. Her smile brightened as I realized how deeply she love this boy.

       “See sis!” the boy exclaimed. “I knew he would help them.” he stated triumphantly.

      “I see things much clearer now.” I returned. “I thank you both for helping.” I continued with a quick bow. “Did you first meet Arry before or after the dragon was first seen?”

      “After.” the boy answered quickly.

      “Dragons always seen when Arry is nearby.” the girl supplied. This was the information proving my thoughts about a human-dragon link being present.

      “Does Arry seem odd?” I asked with false casualness. They stared confused at me. “Does he act much older than his size suggests?” I continued.

      “He told us he was ten.” the boy answered. “A year older than my sister and a year younger than me.” he stated slowly. I could see him thinking hard about my question still pondering events as normal or odd. “He acts about as old as me but cuts and scraps go away in no time at all.” he finally answered. “That is odd?”

      “Not if what I believe brought him here.” I returned. Both children looked at me blankly for a silent moment.

      “But he is a real boy!” the girl protested.

      “That is not what he said sis.” the boy returned softly. “I think he means like the tales of grandad.” he continued quickly. “The elf that lived with a dragon friend.” he explained. “The dragon protected the elf like the elf protected the dragon.”

      “Sounds correct to me.” I answered honestly. “Your friend Arry would be the first human to ever have that special friendship with a dragon.” I explained. Their eyes widened realizing what I said. “It makes him special therefore I must protect both of them very well.” I continued. A slow dumbfounded nod was my only reply from the children. “Now I must hurry to reach Arry so all this can be explained to him.” I concluded before standing.

      I let the ring of silence fall allowing the others to hear the two children giggling as they rushed away from me. I smiled to myself as I moved to reach Sert and Meli as they exited the town. I did not rush as I formulated how to explain that a human child was linked with a dragon whelp. Little thunder squawked loudly before spiralling to land in a nearby tree. This was the only warning we received before the dragon skimmed low enough to brush the tree tops over our head.

      It stalled before flying over the hamlet to the surprise and terror of the villagers we had left behind at the village's edge. Shooting straight up it twisted around to dive over us to skim back along the tree tops heading toward its lair. I watched reviewing the memories of my kestrel of this path seeing the terrain flow under him leading to the cavern entrance it used as a lair.

      “A total wingspan of barely thirty feet and about twenty feet long.” Sert noted.

      “The shape nearly the image of a sea dragon.” Meli stated softly.

      “Scale patterns of a forest dragon suggesting a half breed.” I supplied. “Less than twenty years old making it barely a fledgeling but with wondrous flight prowess.” I continued calmly.

      “But why fly this path when it must stall to avoid the village?” Sert commented.

       “Or why avoid flying over the village at all?” Meli returned dumbfounded. Little Thunder took to the air slowly winging in forward increasing circles waiting for us to follow. I started walking slowly with Sert at my side and Meli behind us in a silent march. My kestrel squawked once more drawing our attention skyward where he circled over an unmoving spot about halfway to the lair. I sent wave of mental scans as we proceeded cautiously forward. The images I received from my bird showed the dragon had landed in a clearing seemingly waiting for us. The Kestrel's eyes could not spy the boy named Arry which suggested he hid nearby or had safely remained at the lair.

      “He is ahead of us waiting.” I remarked quietly. My pace quickened making them rush to stay in step with me. We broke into the clearing marching upon the dragon fearlessly. “You and Arry must stop playing this silly secretive game!” I ordered bluntly. The dragon reared back hissing at me. My hand shot up intending to grapple the sling stone whizzing at me from my left side. With a single step and slash with the flat of his sword, Sert batted the stone to the ground easily. I heard his weapon slide back into its scabbard as he placed himself on my left side to face the attacker.

       “That is no way to treat someone who pulls no blade against an aggressive dragon.” Sert commented calmly. The boy, Arry, slipped from his hiding spot with the sling ready for a second shoot. “If we meant harm, we would have charged in with weapons ready to kill.” he informed the child. “Listen to wisdom of people that could be valued friends and allies.” he added.

       “Your dragon friend's presence in the skies is causing fear for most of the villagers Arry.” I remarked to him. My eyes remained locked on the dragon as I spoke. “I understand your desire to protect the boy but the fear you cause will be answered by violent reprisals against both of you.” I told the dragon. He snorted derisively at me before straightening as the boy moved diagonally to join him. “If you would meet with them showing the benefits of having a local dragon ...” I suggested.

       I waited, with Sert at one side of me and Meli in place on the other side, silently watching the boy and the dragon. Arry sling lowered but held the stone in the cup of the sling ready to be spun and fired. The dragon, that could not resist naming “Skydancer”, relaxed letting its wing puff out to feel the playful breeze blowing through the clearing.

       “Only the other children would understand!” Arry retorted. “The adults would be too busy finding was of using this dragon to scare others!” he screamed. I saw the tears forming in his eyes as his anger slid into sadness. “And we are happy together here!” he added. With sobs wracking his body, the tears poured from his eyes at his admittance of his feeling. He dropped the sling turning to bury his face into the Skydancer's stomach. It placed a clawed hand-like front pawed on the boy's shoulder in a tight embrace. The pads on the tips of the dragon's digits applied pressure without endangering Arry with its razor sharp nail tips.

       “They are not in control of neither you nor that dragon.” I returned calmly. “And he will refuse doing anything that you feel is wrong in your heart.” I stated easily. “Even if you tell him differently.” I continued. “Can you not feel how closely link the two of you truly are Arry?”

       “Sir?” Sert remarked at my left.

       “I can sense a deep bound unlike anything we have seen before.” Meli murmured. “Much more solid than the typical dragon-bond of the other races.” she continued softly. “Nearly the same physical tangibility of the Atlantian dragon linked.”

       “I cannot sense anything in either cases.” Sert admitted. “But they act like siblings to my eyes.” he concluded. The dragon's head lifted to glance at us in curious confusion. I sighed as I allowed the glamoury to slip from my companions for the dragon to see. A small line of fire spurted merrily from Skydancer's mouth.

       “We of Atlantis understand more than any others of your special circumstances.” I stated boldly. The boy turned to look teary-eyed at us. He stiffened as he rubbed his eyes while backing defensively against his dragon partner. I felt the fear rising in the boy at facing a pair of giants melting into the great courage Skydancer held to protect Arry. “They can truly appear scary like your dragon friend does.” I explained slowly. “But we are present as friends and allies to help avoid future problems.”

       “They are giants,” Arry breathed out wide-eyed. “Absolutely colossal!” he exclaimed. I sense the mix of shock and merriment fighting inside him.

       “I must believe we have lost our guise of being humans?” Sert half grumbled.

       “Easier for him to understand since I believe the dragon already knew.” Meli answered. “And I doubt that after befriending a dragon a pair of well spoken giants would frighten the boy.” she commented with a half smile. The boys eyes followed their conversation in silent thought. A million ideas rushed through Arry's and Skydancer's minds bouncing from one to the other as if two parts of the same brain.

       “The villagers are scared but requested Atlantis to alleviate their fears instead of dragon hunters.” I commented casually. “I wonder why they chose that path?” I mused out loud.

      “To make the dragon leave without violence?” Meli suggested.

      “Or simply have the dragon stop showing itself as much?” Sert countered.

      “Both are good possibility showing they wanted peace over violence in this situation.” I commented.

      “How can we believe this?” Arry asked hesitantly. An oddness slipped into his tones with the royal form he now used. I suspect it was the words spoken by the linked mind showing how strong they were linked. “We protect each other no matter what opposes us.” they continued in one voice. The dragon head growled and hissed to punctuate the words they spoke.

       “If I oppose you, you would be beaten to near death already.” I replied. My eyes shifted to twin spinning stars as I grinned barring my teeth at the two. “Your choices are to stop flying where the villagers can see you or meet with them.” I continued slowly. My eyes remained cosmic entities as my toothy grin persisted menacingly. “Being the first dragon-human bonded pair, you are unique and must be protected at all cost.” I explained to them. I ignored their nods of agreement or the mumbled agreements from my companions. “Doubly so since Skydancer is a cross breed dragon of forest and sea types.” I added.

      “How did you know I called him that?” Arry blurted out. I chuckled as my eyes melted back into raptorial amber orbs.

       “Seeing him fly.” I answered between chuckles. “It was the most fitting name for a dragon with such aerial prowess.” I stated easily. The boy finally smiled in earnest and giggled as I returned the glamoury in place on my companions. “Do you require time to decide?”

       “If we are to remain here, it may be best to meet the villagers and introduce ourselves properly.” Arry returned with a little grin. “It is what good neighbours should do.” he added.

       “Very wise decision.” I replied still smiling. I bowed to them deeply followed by Sert and Meli in kind. “I suggest we accompany you on foot with Skydancer joining us by air once we are in place.” I continued casually. “It might give us a chance to warn them before a dragon lands in their midst.” I added. I flashed a mischievous grin at the boy who nodded with an answering grin. We began walking casually walking back toward the village.

       “If they become aggressive, remember you have a pair of Atlantian giants standing with you.” Sert remarked. He and Meli fell at our back while Skydancer took to the air much higher than before to follow us.

      “If Lord Kestrel allows the glamoury to be broken once more.” Meli reprimanded him.

      “I believe if they need something to fear, I can provide that easily for them.” I returned. Sert and Meli missed a step at my words. I shrugged. “Or order Sert to cause a diversion?” I suggested with a chuckle. While Sert joined in my mirthful chuckle, Meli gasped as her feet faltered a second time before falling into an old litany. Arry glanced back at her as she repeated the words “No naked-time.” before turning a questioning eyes at me. “It is a childish joke between them.”

       “From the first moment she meet me.” Sert commented. Meli continued her litany but at least remained marching with us instead of curling into a rocking ball on the ground. I would not admit to this boy nor to my two companions that in many cases Sert's use of sudden nakedness successfully avoided potential violence upon us. Such an admittance on my part would constantly have Sertian running around naked at the smallest hint of requiring a diversion. A situation would force me to carry a feinted Meli more often than is desired. Cole's presence would only cause the situation worse if he was playing his Flower role with a feigned feinting session.  The walk felt short even when including the march through the village street to the harbour. I selected this place since it was the only open space Skydancer could land safely without causing damage. The villagers had fallen into a loose procession behind us including the children who fought hard to be closest to us. We stopped as Sert and Meli placed themselves to keep the crowd at bay.

      “Elder!” I exclaimed. The old man stepped from the crowd slowly. I waved him over which made him cautiously advance toward me and the boy. I could feel his confusion about returning so quickly with just a boy in tow. “This is Arry!” I announced to the gathering.

      “And what does a child have to do with the dragon you were suppose to be hunting?” the headsman grumbled at me. I nodded to Arry making the boy smile broadly before shouting “Come Skydancer!” once. The dragon rocketed over the splattered huts of the village causing shouts and cowering squeals from the adults. The children cheered as the looked up unafraid of Skydancer. He stalled in the air about us as it spun and twisted on invisible strings to land facing the crowd as lightly as a butterfly.

      “And this is Skydancer.” I continued as if the elder had not spoken. “A dragon fully bonded body, mind, and soul with this boy.” I explained. The old man's eyes widened as his jaw dropped hanging limply from his face. “It's diet comprises of fish and other seafood, but also includes leaves and the occasional mineral.” I told him. “From what I have noticed.” I added quietly.

      “Neither of us mean harm to your village.” Arry called out to them. “He simply follows in the air to watch over me.” he explained loudly. “Would it not be beneficial to have a dragon watching our borders?”

      The elder stared blankly at the boy. I read from his mind that he heard and understood all the words we had spoken. His silence stemmed from his want to protect his village without bearing the burden of having a dragon in residence. My anger was about to be released at this old man when I spotted the line of smoke rising from one of the far huts. With a mental whistle, little thunder winged to the smoke but he was not alone or as fast as Skydancer. The dragon launched itself skyward with a single stroke of its wings rising high above us. With a secondary snap of his wings, Skydancer covered the distant in a blink of an eye to circle the column of smoke. The thunderous roar sounded through the air followed by Arry screaming a warning to all.

      “Fire!” the boy bellowed at the villagers. Skydancer zipped back over our heads to swoop down to the water. “Fire!” Arry screamed a second time as the villagers stared blankly at each other. He pointed toward the growing line of smoke that my kestrel had finally reached. The images from my bird's eyes confirmed Arry's fire claim.