19. Tahlia

Ragewing didn’t hesitate. He lifted into the air, then snatched up Marius in his front talons and began flying out of the caldera. They disappeared behind the rocky walls of the bowl-shaped area.

Heart thumping like mad, Tahlia ran to Vodolija. The dragon eased back, lowered her head, and snorted at the red-leafed plant again.

“Fine!” Tahlia plucked a bunch of it and held it high. “Are you happy now?”

The Seabreak moved her jaws.

“What does that mean? We are going to lose Marius and Ragewing. We don’t have time to chitchat, darling. What is that motion? Eating?” She eyed the plant that was half crushed in her hand. Did Vodolija want her to eat it? “Why? What is this plant?”

The dragon nudged her belly, then blew smoke over her face.

“Fine. Whatever. If I die, I’m going to haunt your tail for eternity.” She bit off a small piece of leaf. Cinnamon and anise danced over her tongue, which wasn’t too horrible really, but it was dry and difficult to swallow. She finally managed it. A tingling spread across her forehead and down the back of her head. She cleared her throat, tongue stinging slightly.

She held out her hands to Vodolija. “Happy now?”

I am, actually.

Tahlia fell back a step. Had she just…

Yes, that’s me. Vodolija. Your bonded dragon and the one who loves you best of all.

The Seabreak trilled and lowered her shoulder and wing.

“What in all the realms? How did this happen? Am I losing my mind like Marius seems to be?” Tahlia eyed the plant again. “How? Why?”

We should probably take off sometime this year, Tahlia.

That was her dragon. Talking to her inside her mind. She couldn’t seem to move.

Snap out of it, rider! Get on my back and let’s get to the males.

Stuttering nonsense, Tahlia did as Vodolija suggested and soon they were airborne. “You love me?”

Of course I do. I wouldn’t risk my life for you on this mad quest if I didn’t.

Tahlia’s heart warmed. This was incredible! She rubbed the smooth deep blue stripe of scales beside the saddle. “Do you know anything about what happened to Fara or where she might be? And what do you think is wrong with Marius and why is Ragewing putting up with it?”

I don’t have any more information about Fara than you do. Although, if you recall, she is the one who told you about this plant that allows us to speak to one another. Remember?

Oh. Yes. She had mentioned blood-red leaves and something about bonding with dragons. Tahlia could strangle herself for not listening better to her friend.

I have to find her, Vodolija. Tahlia’s blood felt like the icy water of the high mountains.

She was there and then she was gone,Vodolija said. There was a delicate presence around us when she disappeared though. Perhaps a ghost? As for Marius, he has a foul energy to him. He needs time with the clear crystals.

They cleared the caldera. Marius and Ragewing were not too far off.

“I thought the crystals only help dragons.”

I think you know very well that they also affect Fae. Even half-Fae.

Tahlia’s cheeks flushed. “How did you know about that?”

I have been slightly linked with you since the first day I chose you.

“Really? Is that how all dragons and riders work?”

You’re thinking of the new commander and her dragon.

“I am.”

He will not bond with her fully, but they are linked tentatively. He thought she would grow wiser, but she has only become more evil.

“I believe she killed her father.”

You’re probably right, but the dragons don’t know. Well, her dragon won’t communicate with the rest of us. He hasn’t since you joined the order.

Tahlia poised herself to remain balanced in the saddle as Vodolija soared toward the ground, aiming for Ragewing and Marius’s landing spot beside a small river. He had dismounted and started walking toward the water.

“I have so many questions, but they will likely need to wait. But, umm, can I call you Lija for short?”

Yes. I quite like that.

“Do you know Ophelia’s dragon’s name?”

I do.

“But you can’t tell me.”

I will not. It is against our ways.

“I understand.”

You spoke to me through your mind a moment ago. Did you notice?Lija said.

“No. I did?”

Yes. Try again.

Can you hear me?

I can. Speaking like this might tire you at first. But you will grow used to it.

Thank you. For being patient with me.

Of course. You are my chosen rider.

Warmth battled with the cold fear in Tahlia’s chest.

Lija alighted on the mossy ground and Tahlia hurried to climb off. She went to where Marius stood looking into the water.

“Marius? Are you all right?”

He was staring at the reflection of his face. “I can’t…” His lips pulled back and he lifted his head, growling in frustration.

He is cursed. You know that, yes?Lija said.

Cursed? “I know he is hurting somehow and that something was wrong. What type of curse? Who cursed him and why? What can I do to help? Why won’t he talk to me about it? Is he unable?”

Slow down, rider.

“Sorry.”

“Who are you talking to?” Marius asked. He continued staring at the water and his rippling visage. “I… I don’t know… Where…” He looked up, his eyes going hazy and gold again.

Ragewing says Marius knows Ophelia cursed him. Marius felt called to travel here.

Called?Tahlia asked Lija.

That is how it feels to Ragewing. As if some power has reached out to the High Captain and is luring him to this foul, barren land.

“Marius, we have to find Fara. Something took her or… I don’t know. But she’s gone and she isn’t exactly an adventurer. If you can handle setting whatever you’re dealing with aside for a bit, we should go look for her. Can you do that? Can you promise me you won’t go back to that caldera and mess with those scary as hells bones again?”

“I don’t know. I can’t, I cannot seem to really… I can’t talk.”

“I know. Vodolija told me.” He needed the same ability with Ragewing. It might make it possible for him to speak to Ragewing about the problem, at least. Tahlia searched the ground for that blood-red plant and came up empty. “I have a solution to some of this, but I can’t take the time for that at the moment. I have to find Fara.”

“Agreed.” Marius’s face was back to its stormy self and, gods, but she was happy to see it. “But then you must leave. You’ll go once we find her.”

“Of course,” Tahlia lied.

They mounted and began to fly back toward the place where Fara had disappeared.

As they traveled, the dragons staying low, their bellies nearly scraping the clusters of scrubby trees here and there, the sound started again—a quiet howling and humming that grew in volume.