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  Slowly, Tallon turned to face Cimian. The bully’s jaw dropped. There stood the former easy prey, staring at him with eyes of flame. Suddenly, Cimian could not move. He desperately wanted to turn and run, but his feet seemed rooted to the spot. He watched helplessly as Tallon approached. Fear as he had never known enveloped Cimian. He saw Tallon’s scowling face coming closer. He watched as Tallon opened his mouth and emitted a wordless, inhuman roar. Wetness appeared on the front of Cimian’s breeches and then he fainted dead away.

  Flying was always good. While in the air, almost any problem could be forgotten. The young dragon needed to clear his mind. Flying would help, he reckoned. Flying was always good.

  He had to fly at a high altitude during the light of day, so no prying eyes would spy the supposedly mythical creature in flight. He felt a twinge of guilt for not answering his parents’ calls. They would worry a bit. However, he was near to his naming day. Nearly an adult. His parents would understand. He had to think out this problem in his own way. Dragon fashion.

  Flying above the clouds, the dragon was finally beginning to relax when he felt a sudden surge of adrenalin. Fear and anger mixed together in a heated rush. Opening his mind, he felt the bond gaining strength. Both repulsed and curious, the great beast melded with the human mind in order to “see” through the human animal’s eyes.

  The human was under attack! Five assailants surrounded it. He could sense the coppery taste of fear in his mouth. The blood bond, though accidental, demanded action. Even as he flew toward his bond mate, he sent draconic strength out in waves to the frightened human. The reaction was immediate and powerful. The human leapt and fought with serpentine agility. The battle was surprisingly short. Two attackers fell quickly, then a third. One ran away. The fifth stood its ground, but looked afraid.

  The dragon, sensing his rescue effort was no longer needed, veered away and flew back toward his cave, releasing his hold on the human’s mind. Perhaps, he thought. Perhaps I shall enjoy this bond.

  When Tallon came to his senses, Cimian was out cold on the ground with soiled pants and no gang. He quickly surveyed the area and saw three of Cimian’s henchmen staggering away down a path toward town. Two of them were trying to carry the third, and they all looked in danger of falling down. Tallon checked to see that Cimian was in fact, alive. Once satisfied that he was still breathing, Tallon made his way back to the safety of his parents and home.

  When he arrived at his parents’ cottage there was a great commotion in progress. Tallon stayed hidden behind the house and listened in. His parents were arguing with the constable and one member of Cimian’s gang was gesturing wildly.

  The constable said, “The boy here says your son kilt this Cimian boy.”

  “Our son wouldn’t hurt anyone, Cleve!” Maryll defended her son.

  “I know, Maryll”, Cleve, the constable said. “But you wouldn’t mind if we just checked out the woods behind your field, would ya?”

  Cruss grunted. “Yer gonna do what yer gonna do, no matter what we says, right?”

  “Well Cruss, I gotta do my job, you understand.”

  Cruss spat, “Let’s do ‘er then. I’m comin’ with ya though. My son and my property!”

  So they set out. Cruss, Maryll, the constable, and the cringing boy. A few townsfolk went with them, just to see what all the fuss was about. Tallon, having ducked out of sight while they passed, followed at a safe distance.

  * * *

  “Careful of my dang crops, ya nosy buncha do-nuthins!” Cruss grumbled as the group tramped through his grain fields.

  “Hush, darlin’”, Maryll cautioned her husband, “They’s just curious is all.”

  The constable was just ahead of Cruss and Maryll, trying to make sense of the choked directions given by the babbling boy. A group of townspeople followed, anxious to see if something exciting had finally happened in their village.

  Further back, Tallon stealthily followed the strange procession. He too was curious. Curious as to how he had defeated his attackers after years of accepting getting beaten as a matter of course. He did not even remember hitting anyone. Maybe, he thought, these new muscles really can do something!

  From up ahead Tallon heard a shout, and then a chorus of loud exclamations. They’d found Cimian.

  Flying had once again proven to conquer confusion and spiraling emotions. Of course, the pleasure of battle hadn’t hurt either. Even battle vicariously fought was quite fun. Dragons loved competition, and mock battles were often a source of great pleasure for the giant beasts.

  The young dragon had come to a decision. His blood had been ingested by a human. He would accept the consequences. The hard part, as he saw it, would be convincing the human to accept them also. It could be a very rewarding experience for both, if the human could be made to understand the sanctity of the blood bond. If only human brains weren’t so puny!

  The other problem, only slightly less hard, would be to convince his parents he knew what he was doing. Youth had inherent difficulties. No adult thought you could think, fly, or eat correctly without their input! Oh, the naming day could not come soon enough! For all the respect he had for Fracco and Blessa, he could hardly wait to be on his own. An adult with all the privileges the status implies.

  Until that time however, he still lived under his parents’ rule. This incident, though not of his making, could embarrass them and hurt his chances for a proper name. Draconic logic was formidable, and he would have to make an impressive argument to keep this bond. Somehow he’d have to save face for his parents and display his worthiness as a dragon of full stature.

  Cimian was just coming to when he heard a shout followed by many voices together. As he staggered to his feet he found himself confronted by the town constable and a group of townies, including his gang boy, Plug. Plug spoke first.

  “Yer alive! I was sure he’d kilt ya, Cim.”

  “I told ya my boy ain’t killed nobody.” Cruss said.

  “What’s that on yer breeches, boy?” the constable asked.

  Cimian looked down and saw the stain on the front of his pants. His face turned beet red, and he spun and raced away. As he ran, falling, getting up and running again, he heard loud laughter following him.

  “Now Plug, maybe you best tell us what really happened out here.” The constable had turned to face the boy.

  While Plug tried to stammer a credible lie, Tallon stepped forward into the clearing.

  “Son!” Cruss yelled, as Maryll hurried to her boy.

  “I’m fine, Pa, Ma.” Tallon said. “I can tell you Cimian and a few of his gang tried to jump me.”

  “Nah, that ain’t so!” cried Plug. “We was just walkin’ along and Tallon here came at us... with a big club! Yeah, a club!”

  “You didn’t mention a club before, Plug.”

  “I just thought of it! I mean, I just remembered it.”

  “Cleve,” Cruss said, “I think it’s clear these boys tried to jump my boy. They been doin’ it fer long as I can remember. Looks like this time they got theirs, that’s all.”

  Cleve took in Tallon’s change in demeanor and the strange way he carried himself now. More confident, he seemed. Heck, he even looked bigger and stronger. “I s’pose you’re right, Cruss.” He said. “Everybody go on home now. It’s all over. Nobody dead and nobody really hurt. ‘Cept Cimian’s pride, maybe.”

  The group broke up and headed for their homes, leaving Cleve, Plug, and Tallon and his parents in the clearing. Plug looked nervous, and rightfully so. The constable asked Tallon if he wanted to make any complaint against Plug or Cimian.

  “No, sir,” he replied, “I reckon we can settle this on our own.”

  “Alright, then,” Cleve said, “Plug, you git on home, now. Try and stay outta trouble for a few days, hear?”

  “Yessir!” Plug exclaimed. “Thanks Tallon, I’ll remember this. I owe you one.” And Plug scurried for home.

  Later, when they were back home and eating lunch, Tallon asked his father
, “Pa, how long you known Cimian was pickin’ on me?”

  With a sidelong look at his son, Cruss replied, “A while boy. But I know’d I can’t fight yer battles fer ya. Knew you’d stand up to ‘em one day. Proud of ya, I am.”

  “Thanks, Pa.” But how did I do it? Tallon wondered.

  After days of meditation, Fracco and Blessa met with the Healer to discuss the predicament presented by the incidental bond. They thought to present the problem to the council, but the young one begged them not to. Too many opinions would only muddy the waters. Clear thinking is what was needed.

  Fracco still leaned toward eliminating the human. Blessa and the Healer disagreed. In the end, the young one made the best argument. Both parents were proud of the hatchling’s flawless logic as he convinced them to allow him to court the human, nurture the bond, and so learn more of humans as part of his list of accomplishments to be counted on his naming day. They could turn an accident into an asset. He could do what no other dragon his age had ever done before. And so it was decided.

  The young dragon reached out to the human with his mind, trying to connect, to strengthen the bond. He could feel the human. Contact. It has a name. Tallon. Good name, he thought.

  * * *

  Tallon and his parents decided that like with most problems, hard work would help sort things out. Cruss went out to the field to work, and Maryll began preparing the evening meal. Tallon got busy doing the chores which had gone undone with all the excitement of the day. As he was cleaning the plow horse’s stall he felt a tickling sensation at the back of his skull. He flicked at it with his hand, thinking it was a gnat or fly. However, the tickle persisted and even became stronger. He suddenly realized the feeling was inside his head! He dropped the shovel he’d been using and clasped both hands over his ears, as if that could stop the vibrations within his head. “I am Tallon.” He said, without really knowing why.

  Tallon. Good name, thought the young dragon. Although it would be infinitely easier if he took complete control of the human, it would be unspeakably rude. So, he went about beginning the process of introducing the human called Tallon to the ways of the Draconic Blood Rite. He sent simple mental images so as not to overwhelm the human and his tiny brain. History, both human and dragon he sent. Social skills and the logic of the old earth he sent also. Finally, he introduced himself as best he could, not yet having been officially named. He sent images of what had occurred the previous night, and suggested a time and place for a proper “meeting”.

  Tallon blinked, and then started with a jerk. He looked around and saw the shovel lying in dung. Unbelievably, the sun was beginning to set. He’d not gotten much work done. As he stretched to loosen the kinks in his cramping legs, Tallon began to recall the images which had been sent to him. “Cuss words and spit!” He exclaimed.

  Slowly the enormity of his situation dawned on him. He was bonded to a dragon. A DRAGON!! Tallon’s head actually hurt from all the information he’d taken in. History, social studies, logic, and the blood rite. Excitement battled with fear, but curiosity would win the day.

  A suggestion had been implanted, and Tallon felt compelled to go to the bluffs outside of town.

  Later, when the sun was truly down, and the moon on the rise, Tallon would meet his bond mate.

  “Tallon!” Cruss boomed as he stomped into the barn. “Yer ma’s been callin’ ya fer sup...” Cruss’ words trailed off as he took in the filthy stall and Tallon’s strange expression.

  “Sorry Pa, I was woolgatherin’ I guess.” Tallon apologized. “Tell Ma I’ll be right in, soon’s I get this cleaned up.”

  “You okay, boy?”

  “Yessir. Just thinking about all the stuff went on today. Cimian’ll never look at me the same way again, I’d wager!”

  “You got that right, boy! Ha!” Cruss agreed, and clapped his son on the back with a mighty whack. He left the barn, laughing and shaking his head.

  Tallon smiled at his father’s departing back, and then bent to the task of cleaning up the stall. Suddenly, a big meal seemed like just the thing. He had a feeling he’d need all the energy he could get for what was to come.

  The young dragon paced in his cave. What he was about to do, no dragon had ever done before. Already he’d set a precedent. Though accidental, he’d bonded to a human while still in what dragons considered childhood. Now he’d have to belatedly court the human called Tallon and convince him that being bond mates with a dragon could be advantageous for both parties. He would have to be careful, however. The few images he’d sent almost left the human catatonic. Tonight he would meet his bond mate, and things would fall for good or ill. Dragons have a saying: “The hardest task has already been accomplished; breaking free from the shell. All else is just life.”

  Tallon raced through the woods toward the bluffs. He’d climbed out of his bedroom window after allowing his huge meal to digest a bit. Just as before, the sensation of running made him feel alive and full of joy. Like flying, he thought as he ran. He wanted to test his newfound stamina, and so pushed his body to the limit. He leaped over fallen limbs and dodged bushes while never slowing a step. His eyes fastened onto the moon and he raced against that celestial body. And that was his mistake. His new body had taken him more quickly to the bluffs than even he could have imagined. Too late, he sensed something amiss and looked down just as he stepped into nothingness.

  * * *

  Tallon’s run to the cliffs had left him nearly breathless, and though he gasped as he began to fall, he did not, could not scream. Silently he dropped, gaining speed as he plummeted to certain death. Though his lungs could not voice his fear and frustration, his mind emitted an internal roar of helplessness. He desperately wanted to close his eyes, but they were wide with fear, staring at the dark ground below, which was rushing up to meet him. Goodbye Ma, goodbye Pa, he thought. With about ten feet to impact Tallon finally forced his eyes shut and tensed his body against the inevitable.

  Tallon felt impact... from above! Something hit him, grabbed him, and yanked him upward with unbelievable force. His head snapped forward as his direction changed so quickly and completely. Tallon watched the rocky ground fall away and his lungs finally found their voice. He did not recognize the scream as his own until his lungs were once again spent. He began to inhale deeply for another go when...

  “SILENCE!” The word echoed in his head.

  Slowly, Tallon turned his head to see who, or what had rescued him. The first thing he saw was the huge claws which held him. These were attached to muscular legs which connected to a massive torso covered in scales and rough leathery skin. Two gigantic wings of thinner leather-like skin extended from the torso and beat rhythmically as they rose into the night. Shakily, Tallon turned to look to the head of the creature. The long neck arched and a large bulky head swung toward him. One big orange eye came into view and Tallon screamed again.

  “BE SILENT, HUMAN! DID YOU NOT COME HERE TO MEET ME? HAVE I NOT JUST SAVED YOUR LIFE?”

  “You, you... you are the dragon in my head!” Tallon stammered.

  “Not just in your head, Tallon-human. No, not just in your head.”

  They had reached the top of the cliff and the dragon hovered just over the surface. Slowly, he released Tallon and the young man dropped to the ground. Tallon stood trembling, staring at the great beast who landed some yards away with a great swirling of dust and small rocks. His fear of the beast was diminishing, but he still shook with the knowledge of how close he’d come to death.

  “I too, know this feeling, Tallon-human. I was close to the final sleep just recently, yes.”

  “How is it that I hear your words in my head? Human words!” Tallon stood his ground as the dragon slowly moved toward him.

  “A good question young human, and as good a way as any to begin your education.” The young dragon sat, and the ground shook.

  Tallon sat also, though his movement did not affect the earth so much. He nodded to the dragon, and a small smile began to play at the co
rners of his mouth.

  “That stuff that hit me last night; that came from you, right? And the way I took on Cimian and his boys? What happened? How is this possible? Why--?” Tallon stopped as the dragon smacked the ground with his tail.

  “All your questions will be answered, Tallon-human. However, in order for you to understand the answers which I shall give you, you must be educated. Agreed?”

  Tallon nodded. He was itching to ask how the dragon knew his name. He wanted to know the dragon’s name. That seemed only fair, but the thought of that tail whacking down again curtailed any more questions.

  Tallon’s education began. Through the night the dragon taught the human about communication by thought and voice. Dragons knew the old earth language and the human speech. Tallon would learn some of the old speech, needed to complete the ceremony of the blood rite. Tallon learned of the incident which preceded his accidental ingestion of draconic blood. Anger flared, unbidden at the thought of someone shooting so noble a creature. The bond grew stronger. By daybreak Tallon had a reasonable idea of what he was in for. Bond mates. Already he had benefited physically, and of course, there was the victory over Cimian’s gang.

  With the rising of the sun the two bond mates went their separate ways. They made plans to meet again and learn more about each other. Both felt confident that they could beat the odds and turn an accident into a positive achievement.

  It wasn’t until Tallon was almost home that he realized he still did not know his bond mate’s name.

  * * *

  Cruss was already working in the fields by the time Tallon returned home. The young man watched his father tending the crops. Cruss was born to work the land. He raised farming to an art. Tallon however, did not inherit his father’s love of farming. Oh, he did his chores like the good son he was, but the work did not bring him joy. Tallon longed for adventure, travel, romance. His father had told him this was the dream of all young men, and that reality would soon settle in.