Page 44 of Kingdom of Spirits
Chapter 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 disappearedthough. 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.