[ And with the final words of his final spell, their fate was sealed.1 ]

And with the final words of his final spell, their fate was sealed.1

Kid watched as Raga, the smallest of the dragons in the open bowed his head before the Elders. His blue scales glistening in the afternoon sun were no match for the triumphant gleam in his eye. After years of futile search, from one corner of the world to the other, over sea's and desserts, mountains and plush green lands, he had finally found his holder.2

"The ritual is complete. you are now one." Bellowed Araglim, the eldest of the Elder.3

"From this day forth none can come between the bond you share, whether they be human or dragon. Remember, life needs a body in which to survive, and a body cannot survive without life. Together you are stronger. Together you will weather the years of time. Together will your life be fulfilled."4

Kid nodded his head to the Elders words, feeling a little guilty. He had made no sacrafices and yet gained everything.5

"This is how it must be. Don't feel bad for what you gained, I gave it freely."Raga's words flowed clearly across the now established link."6

Kid nodded his head,"I know, but it feels as if you gave everything and me nothing." He answered silently across the link.7

Kid could feel Raga's amusement, "Nothing you say. Without you I would be feeding the insects of the world within a couple of years. you gave me life, and I gave you power. Is that not a fair trade?"8

"I didn't do this for power, you know that." 9

"I do. I'm just pointing out that it's not only me who gave." Raga arched his head into the air,"Now listen, were not finished yet."10

Kid straightened his shoulders and looked to the other Holders standing in the open expanse of green. Standing side by side with their bond partners, they varied in ages. If Kid didn't already know better, he would have guessed the youngest amongst them was the small petite girl with the long blond hair and pretty eyes. Any normal person would have said that she was around seventeen, twenty at the maximum. 11

Kid had to fight a smile from creeping across his face, there was no doubt in his mind that if Jack was here now he would have tried his luck. Big Dragon by her side or not. Kid wondered what his reaction would have been when he found out that she nearly a thousand years old, and behind the pretty face was a mind sharper than any of cooking knives the village mums were so used to chasing him with.12

Kid felt a pang of loss at the thought of his friend. It had been nearly half a year since he had left his childhood home, and the devilish ways of jack were one of the things that made growing up in a broken home bearable.13

Not missing a beat, Kid moved to stand beside Raga.14

As the metallic scent of scales reached his nose, he noticed the faint fragrance of lavender, and smiled. A dragon he might be, but Raga was every bit as vain as Jack. When they were not moving, or hunting, Raga was constantly preening himself. Kid was sure he had his eye on the large violet that stood of to the left. And if the frankly appraising look he was recieving in turn was anything to go by, he might just be in luck.15

"I keep myself clean because I like to." Said Raga indignantly, "not to impress others."16

"Of course." Replied Kid sarcastically, "Now listen, were not finished yet."17

This time he couldn't keep the smile from showing on his face as he felt the waves of disgruntlement that were flowing to him across the link. For all his wisdom, it was easy to forget that Raga was just barely ten years old, and having spent the last six years looking for him, hadn't had much time around his own kind.18

The Elders noticed nothing of their silent conversation, and were still standing tall at the foot of the grove, waiting patiantly as the two newly bonded made their way forward.19

When Kid and Raga made it to the for, they bowed to show their respects.20

"Arise, my children." Araglim's voice was calm and soothing.21

Side by side they stood. Raga with his fierce blue scales, pierceing claws, and deadly array of teeth. And Kid, his wavy black hair dancing softly in the afternoon breeze, with his slim body covered in the silk robe of dark blue that had been gifted to him by Raga.22

The difference in size was vast, like comparing a Dog to a Horse. But the distinguishing thing about the two was not their size, all bonded were the same in that respect. No, it was their eyes.23

Both man and Dragon had blue, opaque irises, that surrounded a white pupil. Even here amongst their own kind they seemed oddly out of place.24

"As you are both aware, the quest usually set if for newly bonded to travel the world with their partner for a year and a day. Time enougth for you to find each others weaknesses and strengths. The other Elders and I have discussed it, and we feel that as you have already spent a considerable amount of time in each others presence, the time set for the quest is met. Instead we charge you with the Teachings. For two years will you take yourself away from the outside world. In that time you will learn what skills you now possess, and refine them before returning to the Grove. You will be allowed to take the books of Chrum to guide you along the way, but as I'm sure you know, each partnership has it's own unique advantages. Some which are known of, others that aren't. If you find that your given gift is unique, there is no one more able to teach you than yourselves. All we can ask is that you try to learn as much as you can." As Araglim finished, he looked to the other Elders who bowed their heads in agreement, "It is set, is there anything you would like to ask?"25

Kid knew there was something that Raga wanted to say, he could feel his puzzlement clearly.26

"Whats wrong?" Asked Kid silently.27

"This is not right, never has a quest been bypassed before." Replied Raga.28

"So, what does it matter? Araglim and the others seem to think were ready to start the Teachings now."29

"Do you ever listen when I speak? Remember what I told you about Dragons and rituals."30

"I remember, you said they had to be met and obeyed. That they are to Dragons what Religon is to Humans. But I dont see what the point is."31

Raga let out a mental sigh, "The problem,is that something must not be right for them to put forward our training. Remember the stories we heard, about Dragon Lords who were attacking the far coast of Zalic, set not only on food, but attacking and destroying the local strongholds. This must be the reason, I'm sure of it."32

How Raga came to that conclusion, Kid had no idea. But he had to agree that it definetely sounded plausable.33

"So are you going to say something?"34

"No, there would be no point. They wouldn't tell me even if what I guessed is true. In there eyes I am still only a youngling, that information would be to important to share with me."35

From what Kid had seen and heard, he knew Raga to be right.36

One of the great benifets of being linked mind to mind, was that information was passed at a much quicker rate. It had only taken a couple of seconds for them to reach the end of their discussion, and seeing there was to be no questions, Araglim gave a bob of his head.37

"You have one month before you start the Teachings. I will see you at the house of Chrum when you come to collect the books. May the winds be fair, and the hunt swift. Fare you well."38

"FARE YOU WELL." Came the roar from the twenty odd dragons and their riders.39


THE : END : FOR NOW :40