DragonKnight - Donita K. Paul [52]
“Let’s fly, Greer.” Bardon sprang onto his back, settling into the dip where Greer’s neck joined his shoulders. The dragon stretched his wings and took to the air.
The wind rushed against Bardon’s face, lifting his hair back and exposing his ears. Usually, he wore a hat. Every day, he used a pomade to stiffen the hair and keep the sides in place. Of course, that wasn’t enough to keep his ears hidden in the wind.
Most people didn’t notice the slight point that topped each of his ears. One had to look closely to see the peak in their otherwise o’rant shape. Kale had noticed, and N’Rae. He’d caught Kale staring at his ears. She never said anything, but of course, he knew she knew, because they had a special, mystifying bond.
Not only could he mindspeak with Kale, but when he was near her, he could also communicate through his mind with others. Away from her he had no such talent.
He didn’t count communicating with Greer as mindspeaking. A subtle difference existed in communication between those of the high races and between rider and dragon.
To my way of thinking, Kale knows too much about me. I’m glad our studies prevented us from being in the same place.
He pictured her serious face as she tried to understand something new Fenworth explained. He saw her eyes twinkle at one of Dar’s jests. He heard her scolding one of her minor dragons. He saw the look of shock on her face when they both thought the same thing at the same time. And of course, they knew it had happened. They never figured out why.
He didn’t need Kale Allerion distracting him.
Kale had never quizzed him about his obvious halfling blood.
N’Rae asked questions. And N’Rae discussed his ears with Granny Kye and Jue Seeno.
He looked down at the men trudging up the hill.
We left the saddlebag, Greer…No, I don’t think they will steal it. What would they do with dragon tackle?…Yes, we have to go back anyway. Where should we meet next? I wish we could fly north together and keep an eye on the ship from a distance. But I don’t trust Holt to keep away from N’Rae’s tender heart…Granny Kye? Oh no. Jue Seeno is a better guardian than our rather scatterbrained emerlindian…Getting back to the next leg of our trip, Greer, how would you like a seashore vacation?…The fishing would be good.
Greer banked, and Bardon gripped with his knees. He clutched two raised scales along the dragon’s powerful neck.
Take up a post north of Ianna on the coast. When you sense I’m on a passing ship, fly over, and I’ll give you the location of the first port we will visit.
They circled the fertile valley and returned to the hill.
I guess we better see what the good citizens of this rural community have on their minds. Bardon and Greer descended, landing with a flourish of wind that sent the half-dozen watchers to their knees.
The men turned out to be curious farmers wanting to talk about the unusual sight that had interrupted their routine day. Bardon introduced himself and his companion. The men were as impressed with a squire from Wittoom as they were with Greer.
Greer whispered in Bardon’s thoughts that he wasn’t very impressed with men who thought another two-legged beast with a minor title was as interesting as a dragon. Bardon hushed him, telling him to be civil. Greer responded with a laugh, and Bardon chastised him.
Yes, I expect you to be a great deal more civil than “not eating them.”
He cast the ornery dragon a look of disgust. When have you ever eaten one of the seven high races? I bet you haven’t eaten any of the seven low races either. Be quiet! I’m trying to follow the conversation here.
Several of the older men reminisced about dragons working together with men.
“I was a wobbly brat, just up on my pegs, when the last family with a dragon left the valley for the high country.” The farmer looked with admiration at Greer’s muscled shoulders. “I don’t remember it myself. Just remember my folks talking of it. They said, in years long ago, each farm had a dragon bonded to the family.”
“Where