He motions the other Healers closer. They are all experienced Healers, men and women who have practiced their craft for many winters.
“Once we see how many will remain here at Kitloch, perhaps we should break them into groups to instruct basic skills. We can teach wound cleaning, stitching and herbal remedies for poultices and teas while we assess who amongst them are suitable for the advanced Healer training. Many will not be able to use the amber crystals, yet teaching them basics can only be an advantage when we have an influx of injured.”
“It gives us the opportunity to test a few at a time for indication they will be able to use the crystals.” Healer Frandem nods in agreement. “It is a good plan.”
At the nods and words of assent from the other Healers, Geramn grins. “Fine, shall we say two instructor Healers in each group and six groups? One can teach the wound work and the other herbal craft in each group. Choose a partner with whom you can work well and spread out across this field. I shall remain here, Healer Derness and I will work with one group and we will send the applicants to you that you will work with.”
The Healers begin to disperse in groups of twos. A series of shadows fall across Geramn and he looks up to see a covey of Dragons winging across the valley. He spies the green and mahogany forms of Kilita and Aura in the front of the cluster. They head west.
His eyes drop back to the field as Shaman Jadrun, Shaman Hern and Elish pop into existence a short distance from were he stands. The boy, his face flushed and his green eyes sparkling with excitement rushes over to join him.
“Healer Geramn, I found Shaman Jadrun on the road to the cavern, he transported us to get Shaman Hern.” Elish gestures behind him at the two men. “Then we came here, two transports, one right behind one another, it was amazing!”
Geramn ruffles the boy’s brown locks affectionately. “You did well, Elish. Please go assist Healer Derness while I speak to the Shaman.”
The boy runs off and he strides to the Shaman. Tugging on his forelock in greeting he gestures to the crowd of youths. “We had a much larger turnout than expected.”
“So I see.” Shaman Hern scrubs one hand over the gnarled knuckles of the other as he peruses the crowd. “There has to be close to three hundred.”
“We hope to send a portion of these to the other caverns, to spread the work of teaching as well as to have them aide those locations once they have some skills.”
Shaman Jadrun says, “A reasonable solution. It will take more than one transport, but with a bit of effort we can make the arrangements. I can take some to Burick Lake Cavern later today and search for Blanche while I am there.”
Geramn nods to Jadrun, his heart going out to the Shaman who continues what has evidently become a pointless search for his mate.
Hern scowls. “Jadrun, the search has been called off. Yours as well, it must cease, you spread yourself too thin with the need for transport Shaman.”
“I see no reason not to look, since I will be there anyway.”
Geramn glances at the Head Shaman, and interjects quickly. “I thought perhaps you may want to test some of these volunteers for Shaman first. They came at the announcement for Healer apprentices, but unless they feel a true calling to that occupation, some may be more fitting for the Shaman apprentices needed.”
“Absolutely, I see no reason we cannot work in concert to place them where they are most suited.” Shaman Hern lifts his gaze to the sun; it is two fingers from its zenith. “I shall return after midday meal with the Shamans to transport the groups to the other caverns. Have those making the trip gather in their respective groups at the far end of this field with their belongings.” He lifts one hand to pat Jadrun on the shoulder. “You can coordinate with Healer Geramn to work out the details to begin testing those who shall remain here.”
“Of course, Shaman Hern.” Jadrun nods in agreement.
Three large groupings of the youth are separating as Healer Derness and Elish make there way to where the men stand.
“I will leave you to it then, and see you after midday meal.” Hern nods and transports.
Jadrun gives Geramn a wry grin. “See what happens when you make a suggestion the Council approves? “ He gives him a playful slap on the back. “You end up with all the work to implement the idea. Let us get started, shall we?”
Chapter 21
Maru settles in the lake and stretches his wings to their fullest extent. He aches all over. Their over-night flight and continued journey until the break for midday meal has shown him some recovery still lies ahead of him. Muscles, out of condition from his long convalescence, settle to a dull throb as he sinks in the water until only his nostrils and eyes are above the surface.
The sixty-some dragons of Rejack’s battle covey have dispersed to hunt or relax while the few Shamans with them are having midday meal. A yellow dragon plunges into the lake not far from him and Maru grunts as the waves cause his wings to flex. Too bad these waters are not warm, like those in the healing cavern. The lake, nestled in the outer ranges of the Exeda Mountains, is frigid, even though the first snowfall has yet to arrive.
They should reach their destination before nightfall. The battle covey goes to a location where the Shaman have a cavern. They shall remain there awaiting word on any attacks. He casts his gaze upon the two female Royals who accompany them. Their skulls, as well as having the usual frontal plate and ridges, have an additional cranial bone that extends across the top of each of their heads, like a crown, and each has a frill that she can open wide at the point where her neck meets her throat. This allows them to communicate at vast distances by Mindspeak and the frill allows increased reception. Although they cannot hear from as far as they can send thoughts, it receives from farther than the sender would usually be capable of reaching.
The battle covey can remain at a location central to several of the human cities; the Shaman can transport them in for defense where they are needed. Maru swims shoreward; the cool waters no longer soothe his aches, rather it seems he stiffens as he soaks.
He stalks onto the beach, wondering if his bad humor is more due to the aches, or to Aura’s refusal to stay at Kitloch. At least she flew with Kilita; that female already has plenty of experience in battle and would do well as his mate’s partner. Although, he reflects, it is a bit odd that Kilita requested a transfer to the escort covey. Usually that was reserved to the inexperienced, like Aura, the youngsters in first coveys, and gravid females soon to withdraw from battle. He finds a warm rock ledge extending out over the water and settles on the warm surface. Kilita must have chosen the transfer to accompany Aura in her first escorts.
A warm flush of gratitude fills him and his mood lightens. Yes, that must be it. Kilita is a fine friend to so take his mate’s needs in account. He lifts his head and allows his gaze to roll across the mountains. The bare limbs of the trees sketch patterns on the mountainside. From where he lies, he can see several small clearings breaking up the tree-line. It really is a lovely location. He settles his nose on his forearms and slips into a light doze.
~!~
Trella listens with half her attention as Pearlitta babbles on. She relates incidents of her new home life. The child thrives in the domicile of that Healer Geramn, his mate dotes on her, and Pearlitta adores their infant.
“That would be alright with you?”
“I am sorry, Pearlitta, my mind is on other things. What would be alright with me?”
“Jiles and Bren. I told them I would bring them to meet you nextday.”
“Oh, nextday I will be busy, perhaps thou and the Healer’s sons can come a few sunrises from now.”
Pearlitta throws her brown hair back and peers up at her from where she reclines against Trella’s leg. “What could you possibly be doing? You are not ready to fly yet.”
A bit flustered, Trella glances away from the earnest blue eyes of her little friend. “A boring meeting. I am to go soon after midday meal today and I suspect it will take all nextd
ay and perhaps the next.”
“Yeah, my sire ends up being in those a lot.” Pearlitta pats the scales beside her. “That is how come I can visit you so often. Even when he is in Kitloch, he is usually busy.”
“I am sure he wishes to spend more time with thee.”
“I suppose.” Pearlitta takes a long strand of her hair and twirls it between two fingers. “That is the thing about this whole mess. The adults are too busy surviving to find time for anything else.”
Trella’s head jerks back and she chuckles. “There is much wisdom in what thou says, little one.”
“It is not hard to see.” Pearlitta’s gaze turns to the arch leading out of Trella’s chamber. She watches the steady flow of people passing in the corridor outside for a moment then adds, “When was the last time you saw an adult human, or dragon, having fun?”
“True.”
“I cannot remember the last time my sire took time to play with me.” Pearlitta’s expression grows wistful. “He used to make me the best kites. We flew them for hours in the meadow behind our cabin. He even could make ones shaped like a dragon.”
“That had to be a sight to behold.”
Pearlitta smiles. “It was, but of course none of them were as pretty as you.”
Trella nudges the child gently with her nose. “Thou has developed into quite a flatterer, these are not thine usual acerbic remarks.”
“The teacher at the Scholla says it is unkind to speak as bluntly as I do.” She gives a crooked grin. “I am working on it.”
“Perhaps thou could temper it some, but I have found it to be an endearing quality of thine, so do not lose it completely.” Trella tilts her head as chimes ring out across the caverns. “It is time for midday meal, thou better go, if thou wants to get in on the best desserts.”
“You have that meeting after, so I will not see you for several days.” Pearlitta rises and stands stroking Trella’s foreleg. “I will see if I can figure out a way for us to have some fun when you are done.”
“I will send word to thee when things have slowed down.”
Pearlitta turns to exit the chamber, pausing to blow her a kiss as she reaches the arch.
Trella stares after her, watching as the traffic in the outside corridor increases in the direction of the dining chambers, and after a time, finally slows. Her entire body feels leaden, weighed down with dread.
There is no meeting.
She leaves momentarily to go to the cavern where Estrola has arranged for her to meet the male who will sire a clutch upon her. She shudders. No matter how many times she tells herself this is something she must do to ensure the survival of her species… It just does not feel right. It feels unnatural, sullied.
She heaves her bulk up from the stone floor and exits her chamber into the trickle of traffic in the wide corridor. She moves stiffly, keeping her injured wing tight to her side. Trella’s mind whirls as she moves with trepidation into the chamber Estrola gave her directions to. The chamber is dimly lit by oval orbs mounted on the walls. The musical splash of water comes from small falls on the far side of the chamber. Steam rises from the pool beneath the falls.
No one is here.
Breathing a sigh of relief, she moves into the chamber to stand beside the water. It is almost balmy here as the water warms this portion of the chamber. Small rivulets begin to cascade down her scales as she waits impatiently.
She has agreed to this and would just as soon get the actual deed behind her.
The sound of a claw on stone causes her to stiffen and jerk around to face the entrance.
“Lady Blessings, Trella.” Estrola steps into the cavern and moves gracefully to stand near Trella.
“I thought… Thou is not who I expected.”
“No, he will be here momentarily.” Estrola’s emerald green eyes pulse in concern as she studies Trella. “I came to offer my presence, if it will make things any easier for thee.”
“Thy presence—is there some reason I need be concerned about this male?”
“Absolutely not, Prava is a dragon of worth.”
“Prava?”
“He is sire to many fine clutches. His mate, Odistat, fell in the early days of the Volastoque attacks.”
“I fail to see what need there is for thee to remain.”
Estrola moves closer and brushes her face against Trella’s cheek. “Whatever will make things easier for thee. I thought to give thee my support.”
“No.” Trella jerks away and takes several agitated strides along the shore. “I do not think an audience will make this any easier.”
Estrola lowers her gaze to the water, her Mindspeak not more than a whisper. “Know that we only ask this of thee out of necessity. Thy willingness to ensure the future of dragonkind is praiseworthy.”
Her heartbeat clamors in her ears and Trella ignores the blue dragon’s words. “I shall get through this, but thou needs to leave.”
Estrola nods. “I shall ask Prava to wait, to give thee time to bathe.”
“Bathe?”
“Prava comes from cleansing himself, to ensure there is naught to reduce the chance of the mating taking.”
“Oh.”
“Take thy time, let the water’s heat relax thee.” Estrola turns toward the door. “I shall remain a short distance away in the corridor, to ensure thy privacy.”
Trella watches the blue dragon depart, then slips into the warm water.
~!~
“Shut that damn dog up!” Geramn growls as he burrows deeper into the bed clothes in an attempt to stifle the noise.
Sheina slips from beneath the covers and pulls on a robe. “He needs to be taken out.”
He reaches and grasps her wrist. “We have two sons old enough to see to the needs of the dog.”
She gently disengages and rises from their bed platform. “Yes, and they are already at the Scholla, they were running behind this sunrise and did not have time to walk Ozo.”
Geramn sits up when Rekia adds her wail to the dog’s barking. “Tend the babe, I shall see to Ozo,” he grumbles.
Her emerald eyes sparkle as she laughs. “Having a hard time adjusting to life back at home?”
“No. Never. I would suffer a thousand barking dogs to wake up in your arms each sunrise.”
She flips her black hair over her shoulder and gives him a saucy wink. “Once the babe and dog’s needs are attended, I am free all morning.”
Geramn jerks his trousers on beneath his nightshirt. He snatches off his nightshirt and throws it on the foot of the bed platform and strides to a chest to withdraw a fresh tunic. He pulls it on as he follows his mate from their chamber. “I only have a little over an hour; I have to work with the possible Healer recruits this morning.”
Sheina pauses and presses her lips against his own in a soft caress. “Then hurry.” She grins and moves into Rekia’s chamber.
Geramn grabs the dog’s leash. “Come here, Ozo.” A short, shaggy, black and tan dog scampers from the boys’ room. The young male frisks in front of Geramn until he manages to attach the leash, then Ozo lurches toward the apartment’s door. He hurries behind the dog.
The trip to the cavern where people walk their dogs is not far, but Geramn feels foolish striding behind the small hairy pet of his children. The dog was one of the few arguments between him and Sheina. He saw no use for this creature. It could not hunt, herd, or in any way contribute. Except for rodent reduction. Ozo did have a nose to ferret out any mice or rats. But overall he is a useless dog. Geramn much preferred the hunting hounds if his children needed a dog.
He sighs as Ozo sniffs a tree, finds it worthy, and lifts his leg. Sheina insisted on this dog, said Ozo’s only purpose in life was to keep her children happy, and he excels at that. Geramn patiently strolls behind the piece of fluff as the dog searches for the perfect location to move his bowels. What difference can it possibly make to Ozo where he takes a dump?
“Come on, boy. Get this over with.” Geramn gives an impatient tug on the leash
. Ozo lifts his chocolate-brown eyes and wags his fluffy tail, but then resumes taking his time on his selection of location.
Geramn nods to several people walking past with their dogs. He notes none of the other canines are squat balls of fluff. One young dama, her child on her hip, walks a gorgeous slick-coated retriever. He smiles in appreciation of the tan dog’s beauty. His eyes fall back on the squatting Ozo and his lips curl down into a frown.
As soon as Ozo completes his task Geramn rushes him back into the tunnel toward the apartment. It has been too long since he has had the opportunity to lie abed with his mate. He does not want to waste another moment.
He fairly trembles in anticipation as he reaches their apartment. Opening the door, disappointment slaps him in the face as he sees his sister seated by the fire cuddling Rekia. He bends quickly, his face turned away to hide his reaction, as he unsnaps the dog’s leash. He rises with a smile on his face to greet his sister.
“Tecla, it is good to see you looking so well.”
She smiles and gestures with one hand at the braces on her legs and the walking cane leaning against the wall. “I make improvement. The Healers I work with say it will not be more than another couple of moons before they can remove these braces.”
Geramn walks over beside her and leans to brush her cheek with a kiss. “I can take a look if you like?”
Tecla shakes her head. “No, it is not necessary; I came to visit my sweet niece.” She smiles, though her eyes well with sorrow. “I needed some girl time. It still pains me too much to spend time with your boys.”
Sheina enters, bearing mugs of tea. “Your room is ready when you are. I think it will do you good to live amongst your family again.”
Tecla slides Rekia to the floor cushions beside her, accepts the mug, and takes a sip. “Soon, I will be ready to leave the Healing chambers soon.” She smiles at Sheina. “And you know I am humbled by the offer to take me in.”
“Nonsense, you will be a great help to me with Geramn gone so much.” Sheina kisses him on the cheek, then settles on a chair beside his sister. “Geramn, I left some breakfast for you in the cooking area, you should hurry or you will be late.”