He lifted his head just in time to see Garroq coming at him with that short sword of his...
---In the following years, when people retold the story, the details would vary. In some tales Tallon grew to a giant and smashed the stranger to the ground. In others, fire flew from his mouth and engulfed Garroq. But whatever the version told, they all remember correctly the color of his eyes and that inhuman roar---
... As Garroq thrust his knife towards Tallon’s heart he saw the boy’s head come up. His eyes blazed a brilliant orange. With a loud roar Tallon brought the two sides of the table together and turned Garroq’s arm into a misshapen lump. The knife fell harmlessly to the ground. As Garroq sank to the floor, grabbing his hopelessly broken arm, Tallon picked up the blade and eyed his opponent. Another roar welled up in his throat and he lifted the blade overhead.
“NO!” Echoed in his brain.
For a moment he hesitated, and then he brought the blade down, broadside, and rendered Garroq unconscious. As the man slumped over, Tallon dropped the weapon and turned to leave. At the doorway he looked up into the sky and let loose another door rattling roar. Some say they heard an answering echo, off in the distance.
The two dragons flew side by side. It was good to fly.
* * *
The young dragon wore an expression as close to smugness as any dragon could hope to achieve. He flew high in the late afternoon sky, accompanied by the lovely Cloudia. His Bondmate had just avenged his wounding and the stressful situation had apparently caused an acceleration of the bond’s growth. Even now, as they approached the mountain lake, he could strongly feel the presence of the human, Tallon.
“Thank you, my friend.”
Almost, his flying faltered as the meaning of the words spoken in his head hit home. For the first time, Tallon had sent a thought to him! Before he had hoped, and now he believed his plan might actually work. Now he could speak with Tallon without having to meet with him in some clandestine manner.
“No thanks are needed, Tallon. What blood has bonded is stronger than flesh or scale.”
The young dragon felt Tallon’s nod of acknowledgment. Strange, how what days ago seemed impossible, now seemed simple. He felt Cloudia’s eyes on him and motioned for her to follow him. Perhaps there would be a little time left to sun on the beach by the crystal waters.
However, when they landed, it was obvious there would be no time for sunning. Smort was waiting for them, and he did not look happy.
Tallon walked slowly homeward. Perhaps smug was too strong a word for his expression. Extremely satisfied likely fit. He’d done what he set out to do. The town of Belldene would not soon forget the battle they’d witnessed in the tavern.
It was also quite satisfying to have seen Cimian and a couple of his boys turn tail and run when they saw Tallon coming their way. Yes, quite satisfying indeed. Of course, he’d not done it all on his own. He’d felt the strength flow into him from his Bondmate. BONDMATE! How easily that word came to mind now. Silently, he sent thanks to his friend. He smiled at the surprised response. The bond felt... stronger, somehow. And that felt good.
After a time, when he’d left sight of the town, Tallon began to worry about his parents’ decision. Would they accept him and his new “relationship”? Perhaps a scenic route home would give them more time to think it over. They were simple farm folk, and most decisions of import were mulled over with much discussion and pipe smoking. His mother and father both enjoyed a good puff of fine home grown featherleaf tobacco. Yes, he’d take the long way home.
Back in town, even as the constable sent Garroq on his way, arm wrapped in an herbal poultice, the rumors began to grow. Tallon’s newfound strength must be black magic. He’s fallen in league with Darkness. His eyes... his eyes were like a beast. No, Garroq was the evil one, and Tallon a tool of
---In the following years, when people retold the story, the details would vary. In some tales Tallon grew to a giant and smashed the stranger to the ground. In others, fire flew from his mouth and engulfed Garroq. But whatever the version told, they all remember correctly the color of his eyes and that inhuman roar---
... As Garroq thrust his knife towards Tallon’s heart he saw the boy’s head come up. His eyes blazed a brilliant orange. With a loud roar Tallon brought the two sides of the table together and turned Garroq’s arm into a misshapen lump. The knife fell harmlessly to the ground. As Garroq sank to the floor, grabbing his hopelessly broken arm, Tallon picked up the blade and eyed his opponent. Another roar welled up in his throat and he lifted the blade overhead.
“NO!” Echoed in his brain.
For a moment he hesitated, and then he brought the blade down, broadside, and rendered Garroq unconscious. As the man slumped over, Tallon dropped the weapon and turned to leave. At the doorway he looked up into the sky and let loose another door rattling roar. Some say they heard an answering echo, off in the distance.
The two dragons flew side by side. It was good to fly.
* * *
The young dragon wore an expression as close to smugness as any dragon could hope to achieve. He flew high in the late afternoon sky, accompanied by the lovely Cloudia. His Bondmate had just avenged his wounding and the stressful situation had apparently caused an acceleration of the bond’s growth. Even now, as they approached the mountain lake, he could strongly feel the presence of the human, Tallon.
“Thank you, my friend.”
Almost, his flying faltered as the meaning of the words spoken in his head hit home. For the first time, Tallon had sent a thought to him! Before he had hoped, and now he believed his plan might actually work. Now he could speak with Tallon without having to meet with him in some clandestine manner.
“No thanks are needed, Tallon. What blood has bonded is stronger than flesh or scale.”
The young dragon felt Tallon’s nod of acknowledgment. Strange, how what days ago seemed impossible, now seemed simple. He felt Cloudia’s eyes on him and motioned for her to follow him. Perhaps there would be a little time left to sun on the beach by the crystal waters.
However, when they landed, it was obvious there would be no time for sunning. Smort was waiting for them, and he did not look happy.
Tallon walked slowly homeward. Perhaps smug was too strong a word for his expression. Extremely satisfied likely fit. He’d done what he set out to do. The town of Belldene would not soon forget the battle they’d witnessed in the tavern.
It was also quite satisfying to have seen Cimian and a couple of his boys turn tail and run when they saw Tallon coming their way. Yes, quite satisfying indeed. Of course, he’d not done it all on his own. He’d felt the strength flow into him from his Bondmate. BONDMATE! How easily that word came to mind now. Silently, he sent thanks to his friend. He smiled at the surprised response. The bond felt... stronger, somehow. And that felt good.
After a time, when he’d left sight of the town, Tallon began to worry about his parents’ decision. Would they accept him and his new “relationship”? Perhaps a scenic route home would give them more time to think it over. They were simple farm folk, and most decisions of import were mulled over with much discussion and pipe smoking. His mother and father both enjoyed a good puff of fine home grown featherleaf tobacco. Yes, he’d take the long way home.
Back in town, even as the constable sent Garroq on his way, arm wrapped in an herbal poultice, the rumors began to grow. Tallon’s newfound strength must be black magic. He’s fallen in league with Darkness. His eyes... his eyes were like a beast. No, Garroq was the evil one, and Tallon a tool of
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