To augment the bond, p.21
To Augment the Bond, page 21
Dart didn’t exactly snort—how could he? But the sound he made seemed like a pulsara style snort to me.
I stared at him, totally confused.
From my right came Pin’s voice. Her disgust surprised me. At Stephon?
It’s her friends and neighbors she’s disgusted with.
She snorted the same way Dart had earlier.
Dart continued the disparaging tirade. He flew straight up and popped over the top of me, landing next to Pin, wrapping a wing around her shoulders, the tip just brushing mine.
Pin said,
On the way back to the nest, I mulled over their words. It’s true. We have a very civilized society, too. That’s why Belle and I are here while the vast majority of reeth do nothing unless roused by rage or fear. Returning from the north, I saw at least ten volcanoes raising their heads above the landscape before us. It will take another major catastrophe to budge these pulsaras from their homes and I don’t want to be here when it happens.
Chapter 34
Marrair
While Dr. Grey was examining Joele, I got a message from Ballith asking if I could meet her in the park. Joana shooed me out of the hospital with instructions to invite the black to the palace to graze on the special turf Lord Metz had installed in his reeth quarters.
As I landed next to her, she blurted,
I said quickly.
Her eyes went wide in surprise. she said.
As we flew over the city, she asked where I'd been for so long and I relayed our adventures in the north, up to and including the reason for our presence in Pith this day.
Her sympathy was genuine, not just a statement one was likely to make.
I asked as we landed in the reeth compound; I found the special pasture within seconds. We had it to ourselves.
She cocked her head and twitched an ear at me.
I said dryly.
She raised her head from the grass, her eyes gleaming with enthusiasm.
Although her tone sounded discouraged, her eyes still shone with excitement.
I studied her. She seemed happy, with no lingering melancholy behind the words and thoughts she shared. Maybe that yon she once loved is out of the picture. I gulped and gathered my courage. I asked as casually as possible.
Flicking an ear toward me, she didn't quite smile. At least I didn't notice a wave of anger or depression sweep over her. she said quietly.
She lifted her upper lip in a huge smile and I wondered what I'd said right. Flustered, I dropped my head to the grass and changed the subject.
**
Before I got back to Pith Hospital to join the rest of the family, I got a call from Marrolf. he demanded.
I panicked, picturing her angry or disgusted with me.
I snorted.
his voice smirked in my head. Brothers! I could do without that one.
But then, I kind of floated toward Joana with a goofy smile. I said to my small mind-mate as I pranced around her. With a laugh, she held up her hand; I stopped and she stroked my neck, congratulating me on reestablishing a friendly relationship with the mare.
**
As we arrived back at Eyrie, Lillith received a relayed message from Lillair. She'd heard from him often in the last couple of weeks, so I thought nothing of it. At dinner that night, she announced we would be flying, in gentle stages, to one of the islands off the coast of Fell to meet Lillair and help ferry guests he was bringing back from his adventures. Since Dr. Grey had advised light exercise to help Joele regain his strength, Lillith proposed we all go, visiting Jaym's relatives along the way.
Lillyon, his eyes sparkling, said he was looking forward to meeting the tiny reeth his brother and new wife had more or less adopted: a crippled mare and her two sons. It seemed impossible that he could forget his disability and welcome them into the house. Perhaps, with age, I'll get more tolerant.
The next day, we flew the three hours back to Pith and stayed two days with Lord Metz and family. Joana, loving babies as she did, spent her time with her nephew, Sor Marz, Jaym’s one-and-a-half year old stepbrother. The long awaited male heir was, of course, the apple of his daddy’s eye.
Joana prompted me; I asked Lillith's permission; and, with flutters making my heart pound in my ears, I went to the research center and invited Ballith to accompany us on the flight across the ocean. If she wants to see exotic locations, this will be one. Dr. Beth was willing to give her the time off. I ignored Marrolf laughing at me from the back of the room.
When I returned to Pith Palace reeth quarters, I didn't know whether to feel relief or anxiety. Do I really want her along? I asked myself that night.
Joana heard me.
No, I couldn't.
**
We spent three days in Kavv with Jaym's half-sister and brother-in-law, Lady Kelt and Lord Roark. At one time, there'd been emotional battles between the three of them. However, since Lord Roark had rescued Joele and Lillity from their lead prison, losing his leg in the process, relations had been cordial. Joele even condescended to play with his cousin, Sor Roalt, who was two months younger. Being a hundred percent human, however, the boy was less agile at the age of three. With Lillity supervising, Joele minded his manners and didn't overwhelm his cousin.
My sweet Joana spent her days rocking the new royal daughter of Kavv, Soer Kelsie, leaving me to escort Ballith around the countryside. We visited the sight of the mass burial and, with somber thoughts, regarded the six hundred plus graves spread across the hillside.
she asked.
I said, not excited about visiting the place.
she assured me.
Ducking my head, I hid the pride shining from my eyes as I thought of my tiny mind-mate and the role she'd played in defeating the attackers.
Surprised at the sympathy in her tone, I snorted softly.
She turned her head away and gazed over the grave-studded hill into the distance. Her muscles clenched; what's making her so tense? I stiffened in reaction.
she said, her voice hesitant. Here it comes, I worried, having no idea what IT might be. Her tone dropped and she refused to meet my eyes.
I stifled my tremble as I remembered. Pausing, I struggled to wipe the scene from my mind, bodies trampled flat, blood spatters on my father and brothers.
I was whispering, my eyes focused on my hooves.
A wing brushed my shoulder.
Raising my head, I caught her eye.
She smiled slightly although I caught a pained look in her eye.
**
On our way east, we did stop for a short visit to the castle. The twins were unaffected by the sight; no lingering nightmares for either of them. Ballith and I exchanged brief comments.
That night, we stayed at a quaint inn on the coast; our stables were comfortable, the hay delicious, and we had plenty to drink. Lillity, the twins, and I took Ballith to the beach in the early evening. We trotted playfully through the shallows splashing water everywhere while Joele built a sand castle and Joana collected shells. As the tide came in, we retreated to a grassy knoll to watch Joele's castle drown and wash away. He laughed out loud.
Ballith said.
Lillity answered, her tone full of love.
The three of us watched Joana strolling in our direction, dragging a basket that had become too heavy to carry. When she reached me, I took the handle in my teeth while sending a “told you so” grin at Ballith.
As the sun set, sending flaming red streaks across the purple sky, we made our way back to the inn, salty but relaxed.
Just before I nodded off, I heard Ballith from down the aisle.
I know I fell asleep with a grin in my mind.
**
The next morning, before the twins were awake, Lillity called the rest of us together. Concern evident in her worried eyes and drooping ears, she said she didn't think she and Joele should go along to meet Lillair.
“If you're staying, I'm staying,” Jaym said. “I'm not going off and leaving him if he's not feeling well.”
Lillity backed slightly.
“It's alright, Lillity.” Joedon soothed her with his tone. “You and Jaym stay here at the inn. With Ballith along, we'll have plenty of help to transport the visitors.” He flexed his hand. “I'm well aware we're not done healing yet.”
Jaym placed her hand on her mount's shoulder. “Loffert can go. He doesn't need to remain here, does he?”
he said.
“I would prefer it, too.” Joedon grinned at the grey. “You can go another time.” He glanced around at the rest of us, the grin fading. “Now, how are we going to convince Joele to stay behind?”
Lillity's concern had lightened.
To my surprise, Lillity was right. Joele didn't put up a fuss as Joana and I followed Lillith over the sea, flying east.
**
The flights were long between islands, over eight hours each day. By the time we reached Ynys, where we were to meet Lillair, we were tired. Joedon complained of his hand aching, Joana was unusually cranky, and I had to admit the muscles under my wings hurt. Only Lillith seemed to maintain her equilibrium.
A small, rough-looking but friendly brown mare met us in the air just short of the island we'd been approaching most of the afternoon of the third day.
she said.
Lillith responded and the mare attempted a smile; her nose twisted left, pulled by an ugly scar that ran from just below her eye to her lip, making her smile more like a grimace of pain. Her thoughts, however, were warm as she apologized,
She led us to a narrow white beach backed by high, rugged cliffs. A river ran between two sheer faces, providing ample water for wide bands of grass along its shores. Under a gnarled tree lay another miniature reeth, bright chestnut. Lillith landed in front of the prone one and sent a smile we all felt.
The small one nodded and a high voice, almost childish, responded.
He knelt beside her and spoke gently, “Yes, I am Joedon.” Joana slid off my back and walked to stand next to her father. “This is my daughter Joana and her mind-mate Marrair. The black beside him is our friend Ballith. We are all pleased to meet you.”
“Your daughter is beautiful, and small. But I thought your wife and son were coming too?”
“Joele was hurt just before we left and they decided not to make the arduous flight with us.” I stiffened as Joana went closer and knelt beside the little mare. I knew of Lillair and his mare's pseudo-adoption of Coch and her sons, but still, she was from the same species as the one who'd crippled Lillyon. It was hard to watch my tiny mind-mate calmly stroke someone who could attack and injure her.
“Relax, Marrair,” Joana said. “Coch is our friend.” She smiled. “Where are your sons?”
Coch shifted under Joana's caresses.
Joana giggled. “No, they won't. They're young males, remember.” For a second Coch didn't move. Then, she lifted a lip and laughed with Joana. My heart stopped pounding and I felt myself relaxing, caught in the joyous sound.
Before dark, Coch's sons showed up. Entranced by their size, smaller than her, Joana soon picked up their babble. Even I admitted they were too chuten cute as the three of them played tag. “Joele will love them,” she said as she dodged a wing slap. Whipping around, she landed a soft blow on the older one's back. “Boi, you're it!” she shouted and dashed away toward the river.
Ballith and I watched in amazement as they chased each other for almost an hour. Ballith said.
I said, proud of her strength.
In the morning, Siocled arrived to invite us into the interior where the river had carved a natural meeting place out of the rough rock. Coch explained how Pildon had lifted and placed her on Lillair's back; Joedon duplicated the feat, and Lillith carried her to the new location.
Dart didn’t exactly snort—how could he? But the sound he made seemed like a pulsara style snort to me.
From my right came Pin’s voice.
It’s her friends and neighbors she’s disgusted with.
Dart continued the disparaging tirade.
On the way back to the nest, I mulled over their words. It’s true. We have a very civilized society, too. That’s why Belle and I are here while the vast majority of reeth do nothing unless roused by rage or fear. Returning from the north, I saw at least ten volcanoes raising their heads above the landscape before us. It will take another major catastrophe to budge these pulsaras from their homes and I don’t want to be here when it happens.
Chapter 34
Marrair
While Dr. Grey was examining Joele, I got a message from Ballith asking if I could meet her in the park. Joana shooed me out of the hospital with instructions to invite the black to the palace to graze on the special turf Lord Metz had installed in his reeth quarters.
As I landed next to her, she blurted,
Her eyes went wide in surprise.
As we flew over the city, she asked where I'd been for so long and I relayed our adventures in the north, up to and including the reason for our presence in Pith this day.
She raised her head from the grass, her eyes gleaming with enthusiasm.
I studied her. She seemed happy, with no lingering melancholy behind the words and thoughts she shared. Maybe that yon she once loved is out of the picture. I gulped and gathered my courage.
Flicking an ear toward me, she didn't quite smile. At least I didn't notice a wave of anger or depression sweep over her.
**
Before I got back to Pith Hospital to join the rest of the family, I got a call from Marrolf.
I snorted.
But then, I kind of floated toward Joana with a goofy smile.
**
As we arrived back at Eyrie, Lillith received a relayed message from Lillair. She'd heard from him often in the last couple of weeks, so I thought nothing of it. At dinner that night, she announced we would be flying, in gentle stages, to one of the islands off the coast of Fell to meet Lillair and help ferry guests he was bringing back from his adventures. Since Dr. Grey had advised light exercise to help Joele regain his strength, Lillith proposed we all go, visiting Jaym's relatives along the way.
Lillyon, his eyes sparkling, said he was looking forward to meeting the tiny reeth his brother and new wife had more or less adopted: a crippled mare and her two sons. It seemed impossible that he could forget his disability and welcome them into the house. Perhaps, with age, I'll get more tolerant.
The next day, we flew the three hours back to Pith and stayed two days with Lord Metz and family. Joana, loving babies as she did, spent her time with her nephew, Sor Marz, Jaym’s one-and-a-half year old stepbrother. The long awaited male heir was, of course, the apple of his daddy’s eye.
Joana prompted me; I asked Lillith's permission; and, with flutters making my heart pound in my ears, I went to the research center and invited Ballith to accompany us on the flight across the ocean. If she wants to see exotic locations, this will be one. Dr. Beth was willing to give her the time off. I ignored Marrolf laughing at me from the back of the room.
When I returned to Pith Palace reeth quarters, I didn't know whether to feel relief or anxiety. Do I really want her along? I asked myself that night.
Joana heard me.
No, I couldn't.
**
We spent three days in Kavv with Jaym's half-sister and brother-in-law, Lady Kelt and Lord Roark. At one time, there'd been emotional battles between the three of them. However, since Lord Roark had rescued Joele and Lillity from their lead prison, losing his leg in the process, relations had been cordial. Joele even condescended to play with his cousin, Sor Roalt, who was two months younger. Being a hundred percent human, however, the boy was less agile at the age of three. With Lillity supervising, Joele minded his manners and didn't overwhelm his cousin.
My sweet Joana spent her days rocking the new royal daughter of Kavv, Soer Kelsie, leaving me to escort Ballith around the countryside. We visited the sight of the mass burial and, with somber thoughts, regarded the six hundred plus graves spread across the hillside.
Ducking my head, I hid the pride shining from my eyes as I thought of my tiny mind-mate and the role she'd played in defeating the attackers.
Surprised at the sympathy in her tone, I snorted softly.
She turned her head away and gazed over the grave-studded hill into the distance. Her muscles clenched; what's making her so tense? I stiffened in reaction.
A wing brushed my shoulder.
Raising my head, I caught her eye.
She smiled slightly although I caught a pained look in her eye.
**
On our way east, we did stop for a short visit to the castle. The twins were unaffected by the sight; no lingering nightmares for either of them. Ballith and I exchanged brief comments.
That night, we stayed at a quaint inn on the coast; our stables were comfortable, the hay delicious, and we had plenty to drink. Lillity, the twins, and I took Ballith to the beach in the early evening. We trotted playfully through the shallows splashing water everywhere while Joele built a sand castle and Joana collected shells. As the tide came in, we retreated to a grassy knoll to watch Joele's castle drown and wash away. He laughed out loud.
As the sun set, sending flaming red streaks across the purple sky, we made our way back to the inn, salty but relaxed.
Just before I nodded off, I heard Ballith from down the aisle.
**
The next morning, before the twins were awake, Lillity called the rest of us together. Concern evident in her worried eyes and drooping ears, she said she didn't think she and Joele should go along to meet Lillair.
“If you're staying, I'm staying,” Jaym said. “I'm not going off and leaving him if he's not feeling well.”
Lillity backed slightly.
“It's alright, Lillity.” Joedon soothed her with his tone. “You and Jaym stay here at the inn. With Ballith along, we'll have plenty of help to transport the visitors.” He flexed his hand. “I'm well aware we're not done healing yet.”
Jaym placed her hand on her mount's shoulder. “Loffert can go. He doesn't need to remain here, does he?”
“I would prefer it, too.” Joedon grinned at the grey. “You can go another time.” He glanced around at the rest of us, the grin fading. “Now, how are we going to convince Joele to stay behind?”
To my surprise, Lillity was right. Joele didn't put up a fuss as Joana and I followed Lillith over the sea, flying east.
**
The flights were long between islands, over eight hours each day. By the time we reached Ynys, where we were to meet Lillair, we were tired. Joedon complained of his hand aching, Joana was unusually cranky, and I had to admit the muscles under my wings hurt. Only Lillith seemed to maintain her equilibrium.
A small, rough-looking but friendly brown mare met us in the air just short of the island we'd been approaching most of the afternoon of the third day.
Lillith responded and the mare attempted a smile; her nose twisted left, pulled by an ugly scar that ran from just below her eye to her lip, making her smile more like a grimace of pain. Her thoughts, however, were warm as she apologized,
She led us to a narrow white beach backed by high, rugged cliffs. A river ran between two sheer faces, providing ample water for wide bands of grass along its shores. Under a gnarled tree lay another miniature reeth, bright chestnut. Lillith landed in front of the prone one and sent a smile we all felt.
The small one nodded and a high voice, almost childish, responded.
He knelt beside her and spoke gently, “Yes, I am Joedon.” Joana slid off my back and walked to stand next to her father. “This is my daughter Joana and her mind-mate Marrair. The black beside him is our friend Ballith. We are all pleased to meet you.”
“Your daughter is beautiful, and small. But I thought your wife and son were coming too?”
“Joele was hurt just before we left and they decided not to make the arduous flight with us.” I stiffened as Joana went closer and knelt beside the little mare. I knew of Lillair and his mare's pseudo-adoption of Coch and her sons, but still, she was from the same species as the one who'd crippled Lillyon. It was hard to watch my tiny mind-mate calmly stroke someone who could attack and injure her.
“Relax, Marrair,” Joana said. “Coch is our friend.” She smiled. “Where are your sons?”
Joana giggled. “No, they won't. They're young males, remember.” For a second Coch didn't move. Then, she lifted a lip and laughed with Joana. My heart stopped pounding and I felt myself relaxing, caught in the joyous sound.
Before dark, Coch's sons showed up. Entranced by their size, smaller than her, Joana soon picked up their babble. Even I admitted they were too chuten cute as the three of them played tag. “Joele will love them,” she said as she dodged a wing slap. Whipping around, she landed a soft blow on the older one's back. “Boi, you're it!” she shouted and dashed away toward the river.
Ballith and I watched in amazement as they chased each other for almost an hour.
In the morning, Siocled arrived to invite us into the interior where the river had carved a natural meeting place out of the rough rock. Coch explained how Pildon had lifted and placed her on Lillair's back; Joedon duplicated the feat, and Lillith carried her to the new location.
