Dragonbound: Birthrights (Book 2)

It was a few hours after they went to their rooms for rest, and Kiaran was unable to sleep. She stood in her small room, looking out the open window. The blankets and curtains were clean, a soft scent of flowers growing outside filled her room. The white undershirt she wore was thin enough that her tattoos were barely visible. Her naked toes flexed on the cold floor.

Moving to the window, she rested her hands on the sill. The skinny moon was in the sky, smiling at her. The stars dotting the blackness above her were so far away...It made her feel insignificantly tiny. It only reminded her of the loneliness she once felt. Something that never fully left her.

Nurra sat on one of her feet, snaking his tail around both her ankles. She peered down at him with a weak smile. She crouched, touching his scales delicately. Weakly, she sighed and closed her eyes a moment.

Her heart raced when Torin crossed her thoughts. The promise he made with his bow across one knee. The earnestness in his eyes as their gazes locked.

Shaking her head, she groaned as she stood back up. Why did it have to be this way? The guilt she felt in her stomach only grew heavier the more she thought on it. Maybe things would have been different if he weren't married...If he didn't give up on her.

A frown etched across her face, her brows creasing. That wasn't a good way to think.

She felt a sudden presence as her brother's little dragon glided to the windowsill, landing at her fingers. Its small wings remained spread as its talons clutched the wood. It looked her over, its scales shimmering sweetly.

Kiaran leaned in, her loose hair falling over her shoulders like black water. It tilted its head at her and trilled shortly. Lifting her little finger beside the dragon, she touched it. It climbed across her knuckles, watching her quizzically.

Just as suddenly as it had appeared, it darted away, disappearing in less than a second. She blinked, confused by the little thing. Standing back up, she turned around, leaning on the ledge.

The cool air touched her back and she thought about the tattoos of her weapon of choice. The twin blades ran down her back, marking a large portion of her skin. The scars on her shoulder blades were deep where her wings once jetted from her skin. She rubbed a hand over the nape of her neck, closing her eyes.

The chirping bugs and the wind rustling through the leaves were relaxing...and yet she was unable to sleep. Standing, she moved out of her room and walked down the stairs. She heard her brother’s voice speaking lowly in the sitting room. A lamp flickered in the room, casting shadows into the hall through the doorway. She sat on the steps, listening.

“...isn’t anything to worry about. You can trust her, Ryker,” Arrimen said.

“I am not worried about her,” he replied, “You knew her for sixteen years. But...who is the man?”

“He is a friend of hers, an ally. Son, if he is with her now, then he is worthy of trust.”

It was silent for a moment. The fire in the kitchen in the next room over flickered as it died.

“Close your eyes, child,” Arrimen said. “Do you see it?”

“Hm...”

Kiaran lowered her gaze to her hands, her skin a soft shade of gray in the darkness. She felt a faint sense of peace listening to her family.

“Mountains as tall as the sky, covered in snow and the brightest green pines," Arrimen began. "Dragons live in the forests and the skies, and also they live with people in harmony. The massive castle is filled with people who care for the poor and the hurt. You will be one of those people, Ryker. Trust in your destiny, for it will happen one way or another.”

There was a pause and Ryker sighed dishearteningly. “Father, that only worked when I was younger,” he said.

“Why? What has changed other than a couple years of growth?” he asked softly.

She could hear the hurt in his voice as he answered his father. “I do not see myself in Avestitia.”

“What do you mean...?”

There was a long pause and Kiaran stared at the boy’s shadow as he walked across the room. “You had a dream of my future...But...Father...I had a dream, myself. I’ve had it for three weeks now. Each night. I see a girl with white hair with sage and feathers. She has piercing eyes and a deceiving smile.” Her heart sank as the boy continued, tears not only filling his eyes, but his voice as well. “I am meant to be where that girl is, and she is not a Drakeling.”

Arrimen sighed softly, the air growing still. “You will find your way, but I am sure that being with Kiaran will lead you there one day.”

Kiaran stood, her brows lowered. Spinning on her heals, she walked back up the stairs to her room. Resting a hand on the knob, she looked down the hall where Davin slept. It was odd to be working with him again. And even more strange that it was only him. She missed Torin and Stella. She missed Alana as well. Her heart ached when she thought of her.

Many things have changed in only a couple of years...It was difficult to fully comprehend. She had only just gained friends, then to lose them in such a short amount of time. It left her head spinning if she thought too hard on it.

The next morning, a soft knock on the door woke Kiaran. At first, she believed she had dreamed it and pulled the blanket further over her shoulder. Again, the knock sounded and she grunted. It felt like she had only slept a few hours. Sitting up, she stretched her arms and croaked, “Yes?”

Ryker walked in, his eyes low. “Good morning, Kiaran,” he bowed his head, “My father wishes for us to get ready for departure.”

She nodded and slung her legs off the edge of the bed. The boy remained motionless as she stood. Walking across the room, her arms were lifted into the air as she pulled her hands through her hair. Down the entire left side of her torso, he caught a glimpse of a tattoo peering through her shirt.

“Is that a dragon tattoo?” he asked.

She glanced down and nodded. “I was given this for being brave enough to confront a dragon in the dessert in Rishana. They thought she was a snake.”

“Did you kill it?” he asked, his brows lowering curiously. He was adorable to watch, Kiaran was unable to hide her smile.

“No,” she shook her head. She began pulling her hair back as she explained the story.

By the time she had finished, Ryker’s eyes were enlightened. “A dragon that can heal?” he breathed, his bright eyes looking aside. His soft face lit up as he smiled. His teeth were white and his smile was sweet. “I am like her,” he looked to his up-turned hands, “...in a way.”

Kiaran leaned over, locking eyes with him. “Yes you are,” she said.

“Do you think...I could meet her?” he asked hesitantly.

“I don’t suppose it would be a problem,” she stood back up. “Perhaps in a couple years when things settle down, I will bring you to her.”

Smiling, he nodded and left, closing the door behind him. Facing her clothes, she pulled on the cream colored tunic, leather vest, and the dark green coat. Taking her belt, she buckled it across her waist. She attached her sword to the two thinner belts that draped across her hips under her coat tails that fell to her knees.

She pulled her boots on and tugged the ties and buckled them tightly. She adjusted the knife that was snug in its case against the inner side of her boot.

After stretching her back and shoulders, she put a foot in the windowsill and stretched her legs. Finally, she was ready for the day. Snatching up her pack, she left the room, joining the others downstairs.

Davin was sitting in a chair in the sitting room. He smiled at her as she entered. She stood beside him, her body as strong and stiff as always. Her fists flexed at her sides, the black gloves shining in the sunlight from the windows. Davin kept his eyes on her, soaking in her subtle beauty.

He swallowed the distaste away. Soon, he would be without her again. He stared at her, as if to keep her view in his mind to make up for the years that he’d never see her again.

There had to be something he could do. There was no way he wanted to live without her smile. There were words that she had not spoken, and he would sorely miss his chance to hear them.

“There are many places you could go to find information,” Arrimen began. He rested a hand on his son’s shoulder. Ryker held a strap of his stuffed pack in his hand as it sat at his feet. He wore layers of clothes that were dim in color, and a faded red fabric tied across his forehead, keeping the hair from his eyes. “I advise seeing Trukina in Priuti. I understand you probably want to avoid the city, but she is your best bet.”

Kiaran nodded and he handed her a rolled up old paper with a black cord around it. “This is a map of Trindal. I hope it will assist you in your quest,” he added.

“Thank you,” Kiaran took it. She handed it to Davin who placed it in a pocket on the side of his pack.

Davin stood and they turned toward the doorway. Arrimen’s body tensed, his eyes hard on Kiaran. She looked over her shoulder at him and waited. Ryker’s eyes looked to his father and Davin waited quietly. Arrimen resembled much of Kiaran’s sternness.

“Watch my child carefully. If anything happens--”

“Nothing will happen, Father,” Ryker said. “You said it yourself...We can trust them.”

He forced a smile and replied, “Take care of yourself, Ryker. Kiaran is important to watch over, but do not neglect yourself.”

“Of course,” he nodded.

Finally, they made it outside and Ryker broke ahead, bouncing slightly as he walked. “Follow me,” he waved a hand, “I will take you to the horses.” He was clearly excited for his adventure, but a lingering anxiety crept into his eyes. However, he seemed to blink any doubt away, giving them is strongest smile.

The grass was tall and soft, adding a beautiful brightness to their hike. Tall, white flowers dotted the sea of grass between the tall trees. Birds chirped in the distance, their songs echoed by the soft rustling of plants in the wind.

She and Davin walked beside each other behind the little boy. No one spoke. No one made a sound. They simply enjoyed the beauty. Kiaran’s silver and black horse walked proudly behind her, Davin's beside it.

The sound of snorting horses perked Kiaran’s ears so she lifted her eyes. There were no barns or fences, so her curiosity was peaked. They continued to move, and a bay horse stepped through the trees beside them. It ate the grass, whipping its tail against its hindquarters. Looking ahead, in the distance was a white horse speckled with brown. Past it stood another couple of horses, enjoying the tall grass.

Kiaran looked to the boy, asking, “Are these horses wild, or are they yours?”

“They are ours, but without a stable,” he replied. “As you may understand, my father can keep sort of a...bond with these animals. They feel secure near him, so they keep with him, living in the pasture up here.”

“I see,” Kiaran breathed. Perhaps this is how the dragons in Vintar should be kept. She understood the feeling of confinement and the need to be free. The last thing she wanted to do was to force these dragons to flee so they could have their space.

Ryker whistled sharply as they came to a stop. A horse trotted over the hill toward them, his body glowing a red-brown color. He came to them and stopped, lowering his head to the boy. He rested a hand on the horse’s face and said, “This is Charmer. Possibly the most reliable horse here. Father entrusted us to use him on our journey.”

Davin ran a hand over his own horse’s neck, eyeing Charmer curiously. “You have your horses, and now I have mine,” Ryker said happily.” He pointed past the horse, saying, “There is a small, old house up there where we keep the saddles and equipment.”

As the boy walked forward, Charmer followed along like a little pup. It was impressive, catching Davin’s attention. Kiaran smiled, seeing the awe in his face. It was not too surprising, seeing how Drakelings are more easily connected with animals.

Their hike was rather relaxed; no sign of threat was around. The farther they moved, the larger the trees became. The woods became more dense with vegetation and the trees were smothered in birds that sang and chirped loudly.

“It seems like humans never make contact in these woods,” Davin said softly. The birds darted away as they neared the trees.

“There is a barrier around this area,” Ryker replied. “It keeps people out of our territory so our things are safe.”

Kiaran lowered a brow. “You know more magic then, I take it?”

The boy tensed as his walk shifted slightly. “My mother was a mage, so I was born with it. My father often says that all mages are bad...but he is speaking from the scars my mother left in his heart.” He spoke like a wise man, and it struck a strong nerve within Kiaran. He was young, and should not already be this intelligent...He had lost most his childhood to studying and working for his father. “I promise, I only use my magic in a defensive way. I know little attacks and I never use mind tricks, so I am still nearly useless in combat. I'm more of a 'magic user' rather than a mage."

The brightness of his widened eyes softened Kiaran slightly. What had she gotten herself into? How could she take care of a child without any maternal instincts? Sighing, she lowered her eyes and said, “I believe you, Ryker. No need to worry.”

Soon, they came to the small house. It was old, the wood a dark brown with vines and moss growing up the walls. The roof had lost its shingles, and a tall, dead tree had grown out of it. Its naked branches reached for the sky like long, skinny fingers.

The windows were all shattered, leaving open, square holes in the walls. The shutters of the windows littered the ground where weeds had grown around them. A hive of hornets had grown in a corner of the house between the roof and the wall, but was left abandoned like the house it was attached to.

“Come,” he waved a hand as he led them around to the front of the house. The door, against all odds, was still hanging on its hinges, latched closed. Ryker grasped the handle of the door and faced them. His hand was pressed to his spine as he leaned back. His hair sat over his headband as the wind shifted it. “It is hot in here, so be ready,” he grinned.

Kiaran huffed and Davin snickered at her. She hated the heat. Davin had learned that over the last few, warm days in the city.

The three made their way inside. The air was so hot, it felt like she was breathing in steam. Dust floated throughout her view which made it feel even tighter. Cobwebs hung from the ceiling where large holes allowed sunlight to pour in. The tree that grew through the busted floorboards was a few feet around, its massive branches poking out of the roof. Ivy grew up the trunk, the bright leaves adding the only color to the room.

Saddles and bridles hung on the walls, blankets neatly folded and stacked on a table beneath them. She watched as Ryker gathered the proper supplies. With an armload of things, he stopped at a saddle and looked from it to Davin. “I couldn’t get that even if I weren’t carrying anything,” he said.

Davin grinned as he walked to his side. He rested his right hand on the boy’s shoulder and reached with his other arm, taking the saddle down. Hoisting it onto his shoulder, he carried it outside with Ryker.

Ryker threw the blanket over the horse and Davin placed the saddle over it. However, as he moved his arm, pain shot through him and he tried his best to block it all out. Growling for a short moment, he yanked his arm down and rubbed his injured shoulder.

“You are wounded?” Ryker asked in shock. Kiaran watched with sympathy, her brows creasing slightly.

“No,” he shook his head. “It was a wound from a year ago...it hasn’t healed correctly.”

“I could heal it,” he offered. Davin didn't reply right away, the boy bounding after him a couple steps. Ryker added, “It is painless.”

He nodded his head and sat on his knees. It seemed to make Ryker happier, having some trust from Davin. Seeing the boy, as innocent as he was, made Kiaran's chest ache. It was an ache that bled into her stomach, and she didn't particularly care for it. That unknown feeling. Something she had encountered a few times in the last stretch of her new life.

Davin unbuttoned his shirt and revealed his shoulder. Ryker sighed heavily and placed on hand on either side of Davin’s shoulder. The scare snaked deep beneath his little hand.

Their skins glowed a pale blue and Davin grimaced. After a moment, Ryker yanked away and gasped, “I’m sorry. I can’t do much past the present wound...” He had torn something within his shoulder while working on the saddle; that was fixable. However, anything more was near impossible. “Perhaps with more study, I can tend to it further. But I’ll need more books and scrolls on the human body.”

“It is alright,” Davin forced a smile as he closed his shirt back up. "I've become used to it."

He stood and began to buckle the saddle again. Kiaran moved to his side, her arm brushing across his as she reached for the saddle. “I can do this,” she said lowly. Her eyes lifted to him, but did not linger. Finishing up the buckles, she began tying on the bags.

Davin watched her with guilt. He really was more of a liability than the ten year old. Trying to hide away his discontent, he rubbed the back of his neck. “About how far do you think Priuti is?” Kiaran asked softly.

“I am not sure,” he paused, “According to the map, it shouldn’t be but a few days...I’m not sure how accurate it is, though.”

“Then we will be ending this quest sooner than expected,” she smiled. “Only in Trindal for a couple of days and we are getting answers nearly instantly. The travel to Priuti should be fair enough. We’ll get what information we need. I’ll see what Danalla has to say about Queen Sterjia and we’re set to head home.”

“Well, you should consider the weather changes that Trindal normally goes through, as well,” Ryker finally cut in. They were so off target it was annoying him. “The storms often get so bad that a traveler might be locked in a tavern for a few days. Not to mention the animals here like to attack rather often, and we have many thieves.”

They stared at the boy, their faces wiped of all hope. In Davin’s heart, however, he was glad to hear it. The journey to Priuti may last longer, meaning he won't be going back to Rishana as soon. The responsibilities were adding up, along with the knowledge that he'd likely not see Kiaran again for quite some time.

“Well, at least muggers and hungry predators are normally not too difficult to deal with,” Davin replied.

“Except most people around here use magic,” Ryker mumbled as he took the reigns to his horse. He turned around and walked forward, knowing exactly where to go.

Davin looked to Kiaran who tilted her head slightly. This boy was...strange.