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spatulas, pots and spoons all had their own special place. Strings of onions and garlic bulbs hung from hooks, while rows of sealed pots and jars
were neatly stacked on wall shelves and inside the large larder cupboard that was almost a room in its own right. Two small windows gave natural light to the room, but oil lamps were often lit on
poor weather days.
    ‘How do I tell them, Ra? It’ll break my mother’s heart,’ he whispered.
    ‘
A wise old dragon once told me that to meet your destiny, you must first build a history. Destiny is calling us, Elian. We must leave to build our history together. Do not worry. Your
father is no fool. He already knows you must go.
’
    ‘He does?’
    ‘Of course!’
Ra said, her voice firm with confidence. ‘
He knew the moment he saw me. There is no denying the bond between dragon and rider. Our meeting has been
destined since the beginning of time. Nothing can prevent our partnership now. Your parents may not like your leaving, but neither will they try to stop you. Trust me, Elian. You must be open and
honest. They will do their part.’
    To Elian’s surprise, Ra was right. By the time the wine had warmed sufficiently and he had carefully poured it into two cups, Raim had clearly had quiet words with his wife. Tears filled
Megan’s eyes as Elian entered the room.
    ‘Go and get another cup, Elian. This is a moment for sharing.’ Raim’s tone was as serious as his face. He looked different – strangely old – as if the recognition
of his son’s future had placed a great weight on his shoulders. Elian felt emotion swell in his heart as he glimpsed a flash of what his parents must be feeling. Tears welled in his eyes as
he poured the beaker of wine. He blinked them away. It would not do to cry like a baby at such a time. If the other village boys found out . . . but did it matter what the other boys thought? No.
Such things would never be a consideration again. He was a dragonrider. As such, he held status above any of the other boys.
    ‘Good. You’re beginning to understand.’
    Elian did not answer. He returned to the living area with his wine. The reality of his situation was finally sinking in. He had always loved his parents. To see them like this was heartbreaking.
Emotions warred on their faces. Pride battled with worry. Fear for the future competed with joy at his good fortune. But clearly laced through every other emotion was love.
    Raim raised his cup. ‘To Elian – man, dragon-rider and son. Wishing you happiness and long life. No matter where your path leads, never forget there is a place at the table here for
you.’
    They all drank. The tears in Raim’s eyes made Elian more comfortable with those welling in his own. Megan wept in floods. Before he knew it, both parents had drawn him into a hug. It felt
good. Safe. Homely. When they finally broke from it, Elian felt strangely empty, as if a part of his life were dying. Then, in a sudden emotional reversal, he felt the void fill and in that instant
both he and Aurora felt the
click
of a perfect match as their souls met. Although Ra did not say anything, Elian could feel the joy of her presence within him and he knew he would never be
alone again. The feeling was not one of replacement, but of progression – almost like being reborn to begin a whole new life. His parents would always be special, but this new relationship
was forged with an invisible connection more powerful than any ties of blood or friendship. It was a paradox, for though the link felt new, legends told that the connection between every dragon and
rider had been written in the stars since the dawn of time. Something inside him felt the seed of truth in those old tales. The bond was predestined and special. There could be no regret.
    Nolita had never known such fear. The beast was huge, and covered in scales and vicious horns. Although she knew it was a dragon, she could not bring herself to think of it by
that name. It was a