‘Your Majesty?’ he said, snapping to attention.
‘You’re in charge of the army. Bring them back before midwinter and ensure Master Orenson has the help he needs.He’s the leader here until his people choose a new one,’ I said, passing him the commander’s token.
‘Are you leaving, sire?’ he said, his gaze switching between Tova and me as if the dwarf had somehow forced me to abandon my post.
‘Yes. The war hasn’t ended; only the enemy has changed. The man who exploited Mlot’s grief and caused all this is in the south,’ I said, exhaling slowly and watching my breath mist in the icy air. ‘Let our men rest here, then head straight to our southern garrison.’
Ivar nodded, his expression changing from relaxed to grim. ‘As you command. I’ll gather the veterans to escort you–’ He stopped when I waved my hand.
‘No need. This time, Truso will see its king riding his dragon.’
The disbelief in his eyes was amusing. Still, I didn’t wait for him to answer, already heading down the slope, anticipation building in my veins. I was going to ride my dragon,mine, and if Orm was right, the first flight of a bonded pair was something truly unforgettable.
Chapter 28
Reynard
Cinared was basking in the sun on the lower terrace. The three dragons acting as messengers surrounded him in silence. He stood up at my approach, and the beasts bowed their heads, then moved respectfully to the side, giving him space, as a family of wolves would with their leader. My eyebrows shot up at this display, and I couldn’t resist goading him a little.
Oh, King of Dragons, I humbly beg for your indulgence to take us home.
The crimson dragon’s head shot up. The surprise in his thoughts at my jest was palpable before it developed into a very toothy grin.We don’t have kings, Reynard. Unlike your kin, dragons have no need to rule, but if you insist on giving me a title, I suppose then perhaps Master would suit?he answered, spreading his wings so I could climb onto his back.
Yet they bow to you,I thought, more curious than ever. I was determined to learn more about my soul-bonded companion.
I’m an eldritch dragon, he answered, as if that explained all.I do not rule. I protect,he said, his scales rattling as if my footsteps irritated him.
Then protect me. I almost impaled my arse on your crest. Could you lower it? Or is there another place you want me to sit?I grunted as I settled onto his shoulders, and Cinared’s spiked crest rose to meet my falling backside.
I don’t know, Reynard. You are my first rider. Since you have experience in mounting my kin, you should teach me.His laughter rumbled through my body. White steam escaped his nostrils, blasting into winter’s cold, but he did as I asked.
I eyed the flattish area at the base of his muscular neck warily, hoping Cinared wouldn’t repeat his little joke. Then, muttering something about dragons and old age, I sat in the space where most dragon riders put their saddles.
This is where Vahin prefers me to sit. Is this comfortable for you?His scales were much hotter than the blue dragon’s.Can you do that thing to hold my calves?I sent him a mental image. Cinared shrugged his shoulders, and the skin stretched out next to my knees. I placed my legs there and found it remarkably comfortable. One smoky huff later, my legs were held firmly in place.
He shifted his muscles, giving me a running commentary of his opinion on the situation.Is this really necessary? One sneeze and you’ll fall off.
I didn’t fall from other dragons,I said, when, after a lot of shifting, wriggling, and complaining, my dragon was finally satisfied with our position.
You won’t ride any other dragons from now on.Cinared turned his head, glaring at me.You are my chosen.
You have a bit of an attitude problem, don’t you?I thought back just as he spread his wings. With one massive leap, we were in the sky. I thanked the gods for the dragon’s hold on my legs because I was close to being thrown off his back.I’ll need to order a comfortable saddle.
As soon as the thought of leather seating flashed in my mind, Cinared turned his head in my direction, the unblinking stare of one golden eye meeting mine.If you ever try tying such a contraption on me, I’ll impale more than your arse. I may allow you to ride on me occasionally, but I’m not a pony. When I choose to let you on my back, I’ll make sure you stay there.
The pride in his thoughts offset the harsh words. The low rumble of approval that ran through his body fused with the working of his wings, and before I knew it, I was looking down at my men as they cheered their king and his magnificent beast.
We were soon so high that all I could see were clouds, and despite the buffeting of the wind, Cinared glided with ease, barely shifting his muscles to move forward. I grabbed the crest spike in front of me and leaned forward. The clouds parted, and I gasped in wonder at the beautiful world below. Wiosna and my kingdom, covered in snow, seemed untouched by the horrors of war from this distance. The pristine white fields and forests looked more like a scene from a fairytale or an artist’s attempt to capture winter’s charm.
It all seems so calm from above.My thoughts were tinged with sadness, but Cinared opened our link, and I saw the world through his eyes. Colours sprang to life around us, each vivid and overwhelming. They moved in harmony, twisting and turning as we slid between them.
This is the world a dragon sees, Reynard. Each colour is the aether in its different forms, changed and influenced by each living being.
I marvelled at the joy in his soul, not just at the freedom of flying, but at the chance to share this with someone. Cinared was happy, even if he hid it deep in his soul.
The world may seem calm, but each emotion, each action, affects the aether. As beautiful as it appears, this life is alsolonely, and after centuries, even time becomes irrelevant. I am glad I found you, Reynard.
I thought about what he’d said, how it must have felt gliding alone all those aeons. On a smaller scale, I was like him, but that was before I met Sana, and before Cinared. I placed my hand on his warm scales just as his wings beat the air. His body radiated coiled strength, which he revelled in showing me. Cinared swooped down each time I wished to see the countryside, his passage shaking the snow from the treetops.
