Dragon Bound

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Chapter Fourteen

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It was with a lot of muttering and suspicious glances from nervous stable hands that Lune was led back to the large outdoor stable he shared with Damon. Lune had watched in astonishment as Jason had donned his leather armour with a blazing sun burned into the back. He fixed a wicked looking broadsword high on his hip. Several small black, red, and amber jewels were fixed deep into the pommel. The armour was pockmarked and restitched in places. When Jason had stepped into the corridor, Lune got a look at a slash on the leather which finished at the collarbone where he knew Jason carried a scar on his flesh. Had a sword once glance off his armour and struck him there?

‘Stay together. Speak to no one. Don’t take food from anyone who is not myself or Gabe,’ Jason said gravely as he opened the massive steel door. The dragons went inside without argument. Even as he was allowed to shed his human form, Lune felt oddly helpless. It was not a normal feeling for a dragon. It was a deep-set unease he couldn’t shake. He couldn’t fly away from this place, nor could he dig himself a den. Damon read the distress in the little kagame’s posture. He came closer, purring in an effort to soothe his mate.

The black dragon approached very slowly, aware of the rattling white spines that Lune might hurl at him. He reached out and nibbled at the smaller male’s neck. Lune gave a low growl and huddled more into himself, sweeping his tail around protectively. Damon whistled through his teeth.

He decided to wait. He laid down in the sun, rolling a little to stretch. Lune sat watching the distant crowds of people. It felt like every one of those humans was looking at him. That was normal but today it felt especially intense, ominous. Was it his imagination or was one young man watching him more carefully than the others?

Damon’s head came up as Lune came timidly over to him. He raised one massive wing in invitation, glad when the smaller dragon curled up against him. He lay his wing protectively over the snowy form. Lune tucked himself as close as he could get with a small miserable little churr.

Jason paused on the way up the stone steps to the forge, looking back at his enclosure. He saw Damon’s massive form and a tuff of Lune’s tail sticking out from under the black wing. This wasn’t how he wanted things. He wanted to be soaring through the skies with Lune beside them. He wanted to take Lune fishing, show him the Kingdom of the Sun. Instead, he was preparing for battle against an unknown enemy.

He joined the chattering throng of people. The crowd parted for him naturally like water around a large stone. His hand stayed on the hilt of his blade out of habit. The sword was his father’s. It was old, forged in dragon fire and well kept. He was unsurprised to find he wasn’t the first in the meeting hall. Many knights were already assembled. Kyril’s normally sleek hair was unkept and Fredrick’s chin was blue with stubble. When Fredrick caught Jason’s eyes and shook his head, Jason knew that the other knight had no news for him.

‘Nothing new to report from the night then?’ Jason murmured as he got closer. Fredrick shook his head.

‘Nay,’ he grunted. Up close, Jason could see the circles under the man’s eyes. He had obviously been one of the few to stay up and patrol.

‘Lands are quiet. For now,’ he added. Jason was about to ask much more before a ripple of power tore through the massive room, signalling the approach of their king. The Sun King swept into the room, several lower ranked soldiers backing right out of his way. His blazing eyes fixed on Amara.

‘Report,’ he demanded. She gave a low bow. Her stance and posture were proud, but she too looked tired.

‘Sire, all staff from the kitchens, stables and killing floor have been interrogated.’ That was not a small task. It had probably taken the better part of the last twelve hours. ‘There is little to report. The only interview of any interest was with a young stable hand named Decan who mentioned spotting a person he did not recognise in the stables early yesterday morning. He described the figure as a young male with dark hair, thin frame and with dark clothing. He only thought it odd as the other man was wearing a squire’s uniform, but his face was not known to the boy,’ she said in a loud voice so everyone could hear.

‘Squires can go almost anywhere. A young teenager would also draw less attention than an unknown grown man,’ Gabe growled. There were several mutters of agreement.

‘Orders were sent out to hunt for this individual but no one matching that description has been found,’ Amara concluded grimly. Jason darted a look towards his king and master. The man did not look surprised by the news.

‘Can we send the strike dragons after his scent?’ Samson asked.

‘And what scent is that then? We don’t even know whereabouts this mysterious man has been!’ Kyril barked. Samson shrank back much like a scolded dog under the threat of a whip.

‘We know he’s been inside the stable to reach the feed bin,’ Garret rumbled.

‘Well, this is a perfect opportunity for Sir Jason to put his new beast to use then,’ Estevan sneered. Before Jason could respond the king cut through the conversation.

‘It is worth the attempt. Your animal does seem to have a more acute sense of smell,’ the Sun King said, eyes on Jason. Jason gave a bow.

‘Of course, sire.’ He chose not to look towards Estevan and Kyril. He knew both men were keeping a running tally of his failures. This was important though.

‘Go now, before the scent can get any weaker,’ the king commanded. Jason gave another bow and swept from the room, leaving the confinement and noise behind him.

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Damon was surprised to see his rider back so soon. He felt no alarm or anger across the link he shared with the man, so he knew nothing major had occurred overnight. Damon had been grooming the soft feathers along the back of the Kagame’s neck. The little dragon had been rather enjoying it.

Lune’s lilac eyes followed his gaze as Jason came towards them, his face grim. He wiggled out from under Damon’s wings and gave himself a shake, tail quills rattling. He came timidly to the bars and poked his muzzle through. Some of the anger in Jason’s expression eased. He reached up and petting the smooth white scales.

‘We have need of your impressive nose again Lune,’ Jason sighed. Lune’s wings flopped to the ground unhappily. Jason chuckled.

‘It won’t be as bad as yesterday, I promise. No chillies or peppercorns. We’ll even make a game of it,’ he said, still stroking the velvety nose. He needed Lune cooperative and on his best behaviour for this. Lune tilted his head quizzically. Game?

‘You haven’t tried many different sweets, yet have you? How about we try and hunt for different smells and if you can guess or follow any of them, you get to try something new.’ Lune’s wings came up off the ground, suddenly far more interested in the task. Damon gave a snort. Jason tried not to think about what his father would have said if he ever found Jason bribing a dragon with sweets…

Lune was less impressed when Jason tried to put a bridle on him.

‘It’s mainly for appearances. I am taking you in dragon form. No one is going to ride you,’ Jason said, trying to placate his grumpy dragon. As it was, the bridle was bitless. He’d had it made specially for the Kagame to be comfortable. Lune eventually submitted, lowering his head so Jason could fasten the buckles. The dragon gave his head a shake. He didn’t like the feel of the confining leather on his muzzle.

‘Come on then,’ Jason murmured, petting his neck. Damon came with them in his human form. It was just too awkward to get into an ordinary single stall with both dragons at full size. Jason tried to keep his mind focused solely on their task ahead, but he couldn’t help feeling the swell of pride at the looks the trio got as they walked. People gasped, whispered, and pointed. Despite the uncertain and terrible situation of the current moment, he still felt that pride of having captured and held one of the world’s most beautiful and rare dragons.

He knew that Lune looked lovely in the morning light, his pearly scales glinting and his soft pastel feathers catching the warm breeze. He walked along, his head up, lilac eyes scanning the people they passed. He was gorgeous. And he was Jason’s.

Lune’s stride faltered as they got closer to the stable in which the young dragon had died the day before. He let out a distressed whistle, his claws digging into the cobbles. This was going to take more than the promise of sweets.

‘We need to find out who did this Lune so that we can stop them from doing it again,’ Jason said, stroking the dragon’s scales. Lune rocked on his feet for a moment before coming timidly forward. The straw and sawdust had been cleared out but even so, there was an ominous scent of death in the stall. The sight of the animal, oozing and twitching was still at the forefront of their minds.

Lune skirted the centre of the space and went slowly towards the feed bin. The feed had been removed but the stablehands had been told not to scrub it out yet. Lune sniffed. Jason watched as his dragon snorted in disgust and shook his head again, the scent of the mushroom obviously still strong. Lune lowered his nose to the outside of the feed bin and then to the floor. Even before Lune gave a sad whistle, Jason knew it was next to hopeless. They had so little to go on, especially now that the old bedding had been racked out.

There could have easily been a dozen people in this stall since the day before. This was going to take more than just sweets. Jason ran his fingertips up and down the dragon’s neck.

‘Take as much time as you need,’ he said. He felt the animal shiver under his touch. There was no doubt that this was not remotely fun. Even if the stall had been given a rough clean, the lingering scent of death was undoubtedly overpowering.

‘Why don’t we try to back track from the door. Leave the stall given that it’s so contaminated?’ Damon suggested in a low rumble. Jason nodded.

‘Good thinking,’ he murmured. Lune was already turning away from the feed bin. Back out in the corridor, Lune went snuffling around. Unfortunately, it was not much better. If anything, it was worse. Lune could smell where they had taken the carcass of the animal. There were also dozens of other scents. Though the king had ordered that only limited personnel enter the stable, the damage had already been done when the crowd had run over to see the dying dragon. Dust, straw, and dung from many other places had been walked through the corridor in the last two days.

After another fifteen minutes of passing and circling Lune stopped. Even before the wings drooped and the white and silver head looked over at the pair of them, Jason knew it was useless.

‘It’s alright, Lune. It was a long shot. You’ll still get a treat for helping,’ Jason said, going for what he hoped was a playful tone. Lune’s sad warble told him that it wasn’t quite genuine. They went slowly back towards the killing floor on the small chance that a scent would stand out. It was all rather pointless. It was highly unlikely that this person, whoever they might be, would have carelessly left a trail of poison feed or some other strong giveaway. They found Fredrick and his dragon already there.

‘Anything?’ Fredrick grunted. Jason just shook his head. The larger man glanced in Lune’s direction.

‘Ah well. Handsome he may be, but he can’t perform miracles. I doubt even the finest bloodhound could have tracked an unknown person through that mess,’ Fredrick grumbled. Jason was personally pleased that the man took this view. He very much doubted that Kyril or Estevan would share this notion though. Well, fuck them. He had bigger things to worry about.

‘What now? Was there anything else concluded from the meeting?’ Jason sighed.

‘That’s what we are here to tell you. The king wants the five of us to go back to the farm the apprentices disappeared from,’ the other knight said.

‘But that was weeks ago! If there was a trail, it would be long cold now!’ Jason spluttered before his brain caught onto the rest of what Fredrick had said.

‘The... five of us?’ he said, wanting clarification.

Fredrick nodded. ‘Aye. Yourself, Damon, and your new beastie,’ the man replied, eyeing Lune. Jason tried to keep his face blank. Inside, he felt the beginnings of unease. Lune wasn’t fully trained. He wasn’t fully broken in. If he tried to escape when they were out in open country, it would be a mess. To his surprise, it was Damon who touched him lightly on the shoulder. It was an oddly reassuring touch. Damon, at least, didn’t seem to think Lune would try to escape. Give him a chance, was the thought that drifted quietly down their link. Jason let out a slow breath.

‘When?’ he sighed.

‘As soon as you have informed the king of your findings. Your squires have been given instructions to saddle Damon and have him ready.’ Lune looked from Jason’s rather pale face to Fredrick’s grim expression. Leaving. They were leaving this castle. He wasn’t entirely sure how he felt about this. Not long ago he would be doing anything to leave. Now... what if something happened to Damon? He looked at the powerful black dragon.

Will anyone try to ride me?

The thought came through loudly over the link he shared with the Kagame. Lune shifted nervously as the rider and Damon turned to him.

‘No Lune. The town isn’t far. Damon can carry enough supplies for us,’ Jason said carefully.

Lune nodded his head slowly. Jason blinked.

‘Well, go give your report. I’ll get these two ready.’ Fredrick grunted, obviously not noticing the tension. He turned to leave. Damon and the other dragon, a large red-haired man with copper irises and a nasty burn on his left arm, followed. Jason and Lune stood in the corridor alone. Jason was still holding the reins tight in one hand.

‘Lune. This could be dangerous. I can’t have you trying to...’

Escape? Lune offered over the link. He shivered at the blazing look the rider gave him.

‘I won’t lose you Lune. Not when I’ve just found you,’ Jason gave the reins a tug, forcing Lune’s muzzle down to him. He ran a calloused warm hand down the velvety nose. They shared an odd quiet moment, rider, and dragon. Lune gave a soft purr, nudging the man in the chest, breaking the silence.

‘Come on then,’ Jason muttered. They both headed for the meeting room. Lune was delighted see Gabe outside the huge building.

‘Gabe, can you watch him for a few minutes? I have to deliver my report to the king,’ Jason asked the old knight.

Gabe nodded. ‘Aye, give the brat here. I’ll watch em like a hawk. I take it you two didn’t find anything?’ Jason shook his head and Gabe let out a low whistle. Jason handed over the reins and made up the stairs.

‘Don’t tell your rider,’ Gabe muttered as he carefully extracted a sugar lump from inside his coat pocket and fed it to the little dragon. Lune took it, chirping happily.

‘Reckon he’s bitten off more than he can chew, your rider,’ Gabe said in a distant sought of voice. He was looking back up the stairs. The stood together for several long minutes. There seemed to be a frenzy of activity in the courtyard. People were moving in little groups, carrying bags or tools. Despite the heavy foot traffic, no one seemed to be talking to each. The humans all seemed nervous. He wasn’t exactly feeling wonderful himself although the prospect of finally leaving this place and flying Damon was enough to lift his spirits.

As Lune thought about the fresh air and warm wind that would soon be greeting him, he noticed again that several of the younger stable hands were looking at him. He really wished they wouldn’t. He wondered how they would feel, heads strapped up in a bridle with perfect strangers gawping at them all the time. He huffed.

‘He’s every bit his father’s kid,’ Gabe grunted, clearly lost in his own thoughts. Lune had no idea what Gabe was talking about though and just nosed the man for more sugar lumps. Not too long after, Jason came stalking back down the steps. His expression looked stormy. Lune sniffed in concern; sure he could smell blood. Was Jason’s lip split?

‘Thanks for watching him, hopefully, we’ll be back from this shitshow tomorrow,’ Jason said grumpily as he snatched back the reins. Gabe raised an eyebrow.

‘Keep your head on straight,’ the old knight said. Jason just nodded and marched back towards the stables.

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Lune shifted on the spot. He was trying to stay still, to be act like a proper, well behaved squad dragon. Unfortunately, he couldn’t quite contain his excitement. Fredrick’s dragon, Vulkan, was watching him sidelong. Lune was too distracted to notice that the male’s eyes were lingering on him more than they should. He also didn’t notice the way Damon was growling, his own gaze sharp on Vulkan. The two riders climbed up into the saddle. Jason gave Fredrick a nod and Damon mantled his wings, ready to take off.

‘I’ll lead, you just worry about your new one,’ Fredrick called. Jason nodded sharply. Vulkan gave a low snort, spread his red and orange wings, and took flight, the downdraft sending dust and debris everywhere. Lune sneezed. Damon followed, his own massive form temporarily blotting out the sun from above. Not wanting to be left behind, Lune launched up after him. Despite being the last to leave, Lune easily caught up.

‘Stay beside on my left or behind on my left,’ Jason ordered the white dragon. He was sitting rigidly in the saddle. Only Damon could tell just how worried and tense the man was. He knew the man was dreading what Lune might do. If Lune just took to the cloud line and tried to escape, Jason would spend this near entire journey keeping him tethered by magic. Damon suspected that Lune wouldn’t try. He had already conveyed this to his rider, but Jason wasn’t prepared to listen. He supposed he wasn’t surprised. If this went wrong, Jason would lose far more than just his title.

Despite the seriousness of the mission and its implications, it was difficult for Damian’s eyes not to drift to the Kagame. Even Fredrick turned his head around to watch the ethereal iridescent dragon. Lune curled and tumbled in the strong head wind, playing. His feathers and odd wings made him almost silent. He looked like a snowflake being pulled along in the air current, beautiful, and strange against the blazing sun.

Relax. Damon grumbled along the link. He could feel the rider gripping hard with his legs. If he kept this up, he wouldn’t be able to walk by the time they got there. It would take most of the day to fly there as it was.

Despite the gentle bobbing and weaving, Lune stayed close to Damon. He warbled at a distant flock of geese winging steadily away from them. Lune wanted to fly after them, to catch them but as his head turned, he felt a spike of anxiety from Jason. He glanced over. Damon’s wings beat rhythmically up and down but Jason was utterly stiff in the saddle. Lune chirruped.

Don’t bother. Just stay close. That thought came from Damon. Lune tried to just enjoy the flight. It had been weeks since he had been able to fly without a steel cage above his head. He stretched his wings, feeling the muscles and tendons. His wings had healed completely.

As the hours wore on and Lune’s flight stayed playful and calm, the rider was finally able to lose a little of his fear. He ignored Damon’s amused ‘told you so’ and tried to focus his mind back on the mission. They saw no other riders as they made their way across the warm sleepy countryside. Occasionally they passed a town. The feeling of the wind through Jason’s hair and sight of the landscape, stretching out all around him always lightened his mood.

The flight was made all the more entertaining by Lune’s presence. He danced and twirled in the air currents. They could really appreciate the utter strangeness of the Kagame as his four wings worked in tandem to propel him up, down and more ridiculously, backwards. It occurred to Jason as he watched the white dragon fly upside-down for several stretches that he and Damon would probably have never been able to catch the little dragon if he had not been injured.

What had once been an annoyingly long flight was over surprisingly quickly. The changes were subtle at first. A gentle twinkling on the horizon line which turned into the ocean line. The smell of salt and sea rose up to meet them. The air got cooler, and the fields dropped away to little scrubby woodlands and hillocks. Fredrick turned his beast in a slow arch toward the village. Damon followed and after a moment of reluctance, Lune dove after them.

They touched down in an open paddock nearby marked by large glittering orange flags. Every village, town and city was expected to have a field or fields like this. They were marked by the flags so that dragons and their riders knew where they could land safely even at a distance. A small group of people were already rushing to meet them. Damon crouched so Jason could slide easily from the saddle. Jason patted his mount’s neck gratefully before turning to Lune.

‘How do you feel love?’ Jason murmured, reaching a hand out to the Kagame. Lune warbled softly and nudged him with a snow-white nose. It was then Jason caught sight of Fredrick’s face. The taller man was watching the oncoming people and he was frowning.

‘What is it?’ Jason murmured to the other, his hand falling automatically to the hilt of his sword.

‘Knowing our luck, more trouble,’ Fredrick rumbled. Indeed, as the party of five men got closer, Jason could see the urgency in their gait, their faces twisted with a mix of fear and worry. It wasn’t the knights they feared, Jason knew. Something else must be wrong. The man in front, Jason recognised as the village’s mayor. The other four lagged behind. Two of them stumbled because their eyes had drifted to Lune. The group stopped, puffing for breath.

‘Sirs! Sirs, thank the gods you’re here! We weren’t sure our message had gotten through,’ the mayor said, great blotches of colour rising on his puffy cheeks and neck.

‘What is the problem?’ Fredrick asked.

‘The rogue dragons sir, they came back. Our livestock have all been taken. Every last sheep!’ Jason and Fredrick exchanged looks.

‘When did this happen?’ Jason asked.

The man looked baffled. ‘As we said in our letter sirs, two nights ago.’

‘How are you sure it was dragons?’ Jason asked.

‘Because the corpses of the two poor boys who were left to protect the herd are completely charred.’ The riders swapped another look.

‘Take us there. Now.’

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END

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