***
“So you’re the one that’s repeating.”
I peeked up from my book, seeing a friendly smile, on a messy haired boy with dark brown eyes.
“If that’s the latest rumour going around, I guess it’s the first one telling the truth,” I said.
“That’s not a rumour. It’s more like, common knowledge.” He held cheekiness in his smile as he straddled a chair, resting his elbows along the brace, and gazing at me from head to toe.
I was sitting in a comfortable chair by the window of the history building. Class wasn’t class today. Thankfully, no class was to be in session. I glanced at my book, unsure if I should close it or continue reading it. Okay, so I was fake reading anyway. Not like anyone was noticing. I was using it as a shield whenever I was in a room of socialising people, and Draeos had far too many.
The boy heaved a sigh, “It would be neat to repeat the year, and to get a personal trainer.”
“You know about that too?” I asked, taking in his raised brow, and inviting smile.
“Sure do. You’re like the gossip mill in the courtyards. I can’t believe you took on Bronson in his room. Too bad his buds were there to back it all up. Means you have to miss out on going into EzRah.”
“Um … Yeah …” Was this boy serious? Was he on my side?
He smiled wider, turning to the table of misfits with a raised chin. “Besides, it’d be good to get away from them for the two months, and now that you’re in my grade. Even better.”
This had me mimic his smile. I had not thought of it like that. He was right. I wouldn’t have to put up with Amber and her comments at all for the next two months. Taking in Amber and Bronson at the far side, who were debating with others on markets and entertainment areas in EzRah. She narrowed her eyes on me and whispered something in Bronson’s ear. Both turned to stare with a taunting and knowing smile as their friends followed the action.
Great, there would be more rumours before the end of the day.
I took in the boy in front of me. Okay. So he wasn’t a boy. He was a Ryder. Sixteen, maybe. The cheekiness reminded me of Milton.
“Er … you shouldn’t talk to me. You’ll be the next gossip in the courtyard before the days over.” I tried to sound casual. It wasn’t working.
He chuckled mildly. “Wouldn’t want to be associated with the last Dy’Monian Ryder now would I.” His smile didn’t leave.
I raised a brow. “What is that supposed to mean?”
“Means, I don’t care what rumours they dish out. I figure it’s just another tale to be spun any ways. Besides, you’re in my class next year. And with luck, I can finally meet your Bond.” His eyes twinkled with the idea of seeing La’Kera.
I grinned subconsciously at La’Kera. She was liking this boy too.
“And who are you and your Bond?”
The boy sat taller, completely proud. “Tobias Linton, Sapherian Ryder, Bond of Sky’Ros.” The introduction was as all Ryders made, with his left arm raised, fingers together in greeting showing off the centre hole in his palm. I smiled at his coyness, as shyness touched his features, and he relaxed. “So, is it true? Your Bonds not a pure white, but many shades … like the O’Pulsans.”
“Sort of … she’s a pearl … lots of variation to her tones and hues,” I said. It was strange to think that the other students or any Ryder had only glimpsed La’Kera. She wasn’t one to fly off to strangers, and since she was still a hatchling, she wasn’t able to visit the other dragons.
“Who knew the rumours about her were true,” he teased with a smile wider than the last.
“You can’t believe everything you hear,” I said, a little too defensive.
“Good thing I don’t believe everything I hear,” Tobias calmly lowered his lashes; a truth lingered in his words. He dipped his head and his messy brown hair fell across his eyes, pushing it back in one sweep of his hand.
I was amused by his actions. He was cute, sort of. Okay, so he wasn’t a Karson. But he was a boy soon to be a man. He was lanky, but toned.
“Just because you’re gorgeous doesn’t mean a thing,” he added casually.
I was a little surprised. Gorgeous—me? Please.
“Oh, so flirting with me will help your chances of meeting my Bond?”
“It’s worth a try. Besides, if I can help get some of them rumours off your back, might see you smiling in no time.” He was cheeky, with a wink to match.
How confident was he? Way to confident, completely taking a leap of faith.
It was working. I was smiling.
“So, having them about us instead, is your plan?” I tilted my head.
“Well, I’m up for anything. Especially if it gets the Royals noses out of place, I’m there.”
“You’re not a Royal?” I frowned.
“Nope.” He made his lips pop. “Like you. In a town, happened to see the gloves pass round … and one came my way. And here I am … a chosen.” He held his arms wide, to show off his chest, not broad, but coming along nicely. He tapped his glove, the darker leather of a Sapherian Ryder, taking in the indentions, the swirls, and the holes along the underside of his forearm. Tobias had been trained for a lot longer, the darker hieroglyphs and patterns were not like mine.
“You were chosen before your fourteenth?” I had to ask.
“No … Was last year. Just past my fifteenth. Sky’Ros hatched in mid spring. Surprised you didn’t hear about that. Was the new kid for some time round here.”
“So glad I took the lanterns glow.”
“I was already training in swordsmanship in Durant. Was hoping to get a shuttle to the EzanGuard training centre last year. Course all that changed.”
“So you’re not behind in your studies?”
“Nope. Though I sure wish I was … what with a personal trainer. That would be something real nice.”
“Sure, real nice.” I shrugged off the idea of Karson being nice after this morning’s combat.
“So. When can my Bond meet yours? He’s excited about it.”
“Um … can’t he just … walk on in?”
“Not to the hatchling den. He’s too big now, and since he’s a bull, the dams don’t like young bulls hanging around the hatchling den. Besides, if he’d met her, I would know about it.” He tapped his temple to emphasise his knowledge.
“Well, she already gets enough compliments from the group she’s with. Don’t know what one more will do.”
I ignored La’Kera’s taunts. She laughed in her manner as she showed me a hue of light surrounding Tobias. It was a trick she found during the last two months, the ability to see colour around a person, moods and emotions mostly. Auras, is what we called it. Tobias held warm colours of blues, and browns, both calm and welcoming.
He is a good soul. And I do hope I can meet his Bond. A young bull … of Sapherian. She’d been surrounded by dams mostly; the few bulls in her presence were older, over their fifty years in life.
“Bound to be a few stiff necks trying to eye her off any ways. Sky’Ros is a shy bull.” Tobias was translating. “And since she is a dam, maybe there could be some match making.”
“Yeah. That’s just what a dragon needs,” I scoffed. “Us, nimble dangorians to help them find mates.” I laughed at the irony it presented. “Besides, it’s a few years before I have to worry about her with a broken heart.”
“True. What about you? Are you broken hearted?” His dark eyes widen, waiting for my answer.
Was he … courting me? Seeing if I was available? Wow. I did not see that coming. I parted my lips, unsure if I wanted to smile, add something just as cheesy, or just let the whole thing slide. He might be nice now, but who knows what could happen later. Maybe he didn’t believe the rumours about Bronson and I … A wry smile crossed my lips. His light and un-phased attitude was something I had missed. He was from Durant. Ah, yes. The area in which I lived near. The Bineyes people were always pleasant ones. That was why I was comfortable talking to him. His tone and act
ions were what I was used to.
Just as I parted my lips to answer, someone called out to him. Turning his attention to the caller, he bobbed his head and flicked his fingers for them to join him—us. And to my surprise, he introduced them.
“This here is Xavier Chadwick, Bond of Kal’Nor, Roo’Bineyes, and Alyssa Ashwood, Bond of Al’Tara, A’Mystian.”
Both nodded politely, taking pride when Tobias spoke of their Bonds.
He beamed wide, gesturing to me. “The lovely Dy’Monian, Ryder Rehema Thorndale and her Bond …”
They waited.
“… La’Kera,” I said. Why didn’t they know her name? Thought everyone knew her name now.
They nodded with warm smiles, as Tobias gave a knuckle meeting to Xavier and a deep nod with a flashing smile to Alyssa. She was swayed to his charm, but like me, she was reserved.
“Hello,” I managed. Surprised they were talking to me.
“Ah, the Dy’Monian.” Xavier flicked his blond locks to the side, revealing piercing blue eyes. He was tall, lanky, thinner, and still just as toned. “Good one with Bronson yesterday. Heard about your ice and air attack. Nice.” Xavier was completely amused.
Oh, so some of my actions from yesterday were making waves, in a good way. Odd, I never knew that.
“Which lore did you use?” asked Alyssa, taking a seat beside me, eager to take my glove-hand in hers. She traced her fingers along the runic lines. Okay, she was nice. Slim form, strawberry blond hair, rosy cheeks with jewel blue eyes. “Wow. These are such neat designs. You clearly used the water sign. And at such a high level too, but you’re only six months in. That is saying something.”
“Um …” I was a little surprised. “I don’t remember.”
“Oh, well. That’s okay. Here.” She tapped along my glove and slowly symbols glowed. “These two are the ones you used … and this one too …” She frowned turning the symbol closer to my elbow towards her.
I was puzzled, and pulled my hand away, not wanting her inspecting my glove.
“Are you two siblings?” I blurted it out, taking in Xavier and Alyssa.
Instantly they blushed.
“No. Friends. We promise.” Xavier gave her a side look with a soft smile. A spark showed, and when I turned to Alyssa, she smiled timidly.
“We’re not even related in family lines,” she said. “Everyone thinks we are … it’s no big.” She flushed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear and glancing away from me.
“Oh, sorry … it’s just …” I bit my lip and shook my head. “Never mind.” No point telling them about La’Kera’s ability.
Seeing a strange shimmer around Xavier and Alyssa auras. It was the same and not the same. Maybe they are connected somehow and don’t know it. Though, apart from the blue of their eyes, the blond of their hair, and maybe the sun-kissed tone of their skin, they didn’t look completely alike. He was taller by a foot more and she was almond shaped face, similar to Amber, though nothing like her at all.
“Is it true, you are not permitted to go to EzRah?” she asked.
I nodded, hating that the most. It would have been nice to go, even just for a few days. I raised a brow as the group gathered themselves around me, taking in Tobias, rocking on his chair.
“That’s okay. They say the festivities will make it near impossible for the Royals to stay there and they would have to visit here.”
“They visit Draeos?”
“Most summer holidays they do,” said Tobias, folding his arms to the chair brace. “Seems they can’t get enough of the great castle.”
Xavier flexed his long legs out in front of us, relaxing, as were the others. “Mostly because the dragons want to spend time together in the south and east caves,” said Xavier.
“I’m not spending any time with the Royals,” commented Tobias. He held a wide smile. “Least not the rich ones. The warriors, fighters and the protectors are the ones I’d spend my time with. Was hoping to catch a glimpse of your new trainer.”
“You mean, you don’t know who is training me?” Of all the rumours, this one was missed.
“No. Who is it?”
“Um … Karson Albury—”
“Bond of Blade’Dur!” added Tobias.
“Of Roo’Bineyes kin?” stated Xavier.
I nodded, side glancing Alyssa who showed surprise.
“Wow. That is amazing.”
“Er … what is? What’s amazing?”
“You mean. You don’t know who Karson Albury is?” Shocked wasn’t covering it, Tobias’s open-mouth, and wide eyes didn’t vanish. He had my full attention. “He is like a deity. He not only trains the best Ryders in the past eighty years, he’s got a high hit level on the delgori and the vipers.” He spoke with a glazed look in his eyes as pride etched his features. “Xavier here is the ninety third house to his family name.”
The context was lost on me, and I nodded.
“And the best thing about Karson is his brother. He is the one who, along with killing the vipers, hunting the delgori and taking care of protection, he’s the best Royal party planner there is.”
“Um, I thought you didn’t like the Royals.”
“I don’t. But they say he makes all the parties happen. Without him, no one would have a party, least not as well designed and coordinated. He’s been doing it since he got his wing license ninety years ago.”
“Um … you mean his brother is ninety years older than Karson.”
“No. Karson is older. He’s near on a hundred years now.”
I couldn’t even make a response to that. Near a hundred years?
“You’re important to the dragon herds to get Karson,” noted Xavier.
“Yeah, well, my thighs and back don’t agree with you,” I groaned.
Tender wasn’t covering it. Stiff, bruised, and down right ready to pass out. I just had to wait until after lunch. Then I might get some time to rest. The group smiled, perhaps giving me pity. They didn’t have to train this morning. Least for the next two days, there was no class of any kind. No combat, no history, no study. Everyone was moving around the grounds, going to inspect the new rooms, changing their sleeping quarters, and to my surprise, I wasn’t moving rooms. I would remain in my small twelve foot room, which meant Alyssa was in her own room.
“I have no idea what to take with me to EzRah …” She started to thrill in all she was doing and going to do over the holidays when a snide voice echoed above us.
“Oh, look. The Dy’Monian has found toddlers to entertain.”
“Oh, look. The sun made your eye lashes fall off.” Alyssa’s quick retort had me smile.
She turned to Amber, who was ready to fight, only to blink her eyes with so much force I was sure they were going to fall off; subconsciously she touched her lashes. Making all of us laugh at her retreating figure without another comment.
“As I was saying. There is this neat tea shop in EzRah. Me and my mum go there all the time …”
I lingered on the conversation, taking in what she was saying. The others added their comments on where they were going. It was nice to talk to others, least not ones that judged me.
“So you three want to hang out with me?” Did I just say that? Damn it.
All three glanced to one another, shrugging slowly.
“Sure,” offered Tobias. “Seems you got all the lanterns glow. We kind of like stealing illuminated lanterns.” He gave Amber’s table a smug nod and roll of his eyes. “Best to keep them bal’horns out of your thoughts now. So … you’re training with Karson this morning. What was it like?”
I wanted to roll my eyes; it was the least of my worries now. Well, okay, so he was striking, good looking … handsome. A walking statue of creation, completely a mentor. Now that I realised he was a hundred years in age, it had me re-think my desire for him. So, he didn’t age, since all Ryders stopped aging at twenty-five. Some exceeded it to thirty, and on the rare Ryder, who makes it to their fortieth in appearance. Most all Ryders were ageless from
the point of our mid twenties no matter how old we got. It was why we were loved and feared. Telling Tobias of my training was oddly amusing.
“So. You want to join us for lunch?”
“Um …” Did I want to? Yes.
Tired, stiff and sore. I had never been so welcomed in all my life, least in the past six months; these younger students were refreshing and welcoming. Just what I need. And with La’Kera offering me all the positives of her aura reading, I nodded. “Sure …” I stood, and Tobias draped his arm around my shoulder, smiling brighter.
“And this way, I can convince you to have your Bond meet mine,” he spoke smoothly as we left the history room.
In the Dinner Hall, he commented on me reaching for a bread roll. “Still feel weird about the foods. Taken me all year to get the hang of the different foods they serve here.”
“Oh. I’m just not used to having so much variety … so much taste and names of things, it’s amazing.”
“You’re telling me. I myself was amused when I was presented with salads, fruit baskets and savoury treats, like fancy pies and potato chips. That was different. Add all those different spices to our meals. I wish I was born here in EzRah.”
“Don’t you think it’s a bit much?”
“Sure. I realise how much more important it is now. You know most the smaller towns refuse help from the Ryders, least most the non-magical ones.” He held my gaze.
He was referring to Plumridge without stating it. It was true. Plumridge is nothing but a dangorian, non-magical township. A few witches passed by, and I never paid minds to the Ryders. Walt said it was best not to get involved with what you didn’t know. And that was how things were left.
“We are now a part of the royal world Rehema, even if we didn’t ask for it. Here … try these. Summer always brings the best fruits from the islands.” He slipped some yellow sliced fruit onto my plate. “They’re called mangos.” He winked.
Sitting next to me with the other two opposite us, and for a change, it was in the middle of the table length. His tales about Karson and several other Ryders took us through lunch, and he had endless information on battles. History was his favourite subject, even if he had only been a Ryder for the last twelve months. I wonder why I didn’t know about him, and why wasn’t I taken to year ten first, not shoved in with the eleventh years?
It wasn’t their intention to make you suffer … it was their assumption that we were able to take on all that is of dragon riding. La’Kera’s voice soothed some of my questions, and simmered my anger away. She was right. They assumed I was able to keep up. I had in the beginning, until the misfits made my life a misery, I couldn’t concentrate on a single thing.
Spending the remainder of the day with the new found friends, I was too excited to go to the afternoon session with Karson. Though, I didn’t want another detention with the house elves, and waved them off. Maybe repeating my eleventh year isn’t so bad after all, I thought to La’Kera as I headed to the South Gardens.