Dragon's Posterity: Dragon Courage, #5

Prologue

Kyn leaned on the pitchfork and looked around him. The sun shone off his blond hair, as his midnight-blue eyes took in the rolling surf off to the west. It still impressed him, even though he saw it each summer. The rocks jutting up out of the surf held two dragons. He picked out Nube's distinct blend of purple, blue, and green. She was aptly named after the storm clouds. Closer in, the plains spread to the north and south of where he worked until random hills and bluffs interrupted them. They were hemmed in by the mountains to the east.

Kyn couldn’t wait until the El’shad’n arrived, with their drums and fire dancers. The party would begin in earnest then. With them would come Kyn's friend Ben'hyamene‒the two were closer than brothers.

A sigh escaped him as he took in the field he was working. Ardyn, Ruskya's oldest child, was helping, but it was still work. The tasks were the same at the end of each summer: first they had to mow the plain and then rake it. When they were done, they had to mark the roadways with rope.

It was hard to imagine that in a few short days the place would be teeming with dragon riders who would fly in from all the corners of the world. The riders of Woolpren and Three Spans Canyon would come in from the north; the riders of Boeskay would descend from the south and set up camp; the El'shad'n would come from the east, and with them their whole clan—not just riders, but ordinary people as well; Tyrell would bring a contingent of riders and former slaves from the far south; and the Carr and the firthguardians, men who had promised to keep the peace in the valley and for it were granted extra long lives by Aislin, the wild red drake, from the west, but east of the ocean. Kyn headed back to work, but a voice stopped his hand.

Uncle Kyn, Ardyn called, running up to him, are you slacking on the job?

Kyn laughed, his dark eyes sparkling. Ardyn wasn't really his nephew, but the young redhead was as good as family. Ardyn’s family had taken Kyn in and adopted him. The young man's father had been Kyn's trainer forty-three winters ago when Ardyn had been born.

I have to leave some work for you, don't I, Kyn replied.

I see. That's how it is, the younger rider good-naturedly complained, running his hands through his unruly red hair. I get the lion's share of the work around here.

Well, Ardyn continued, his strange, purple, blue-green eyes roaming back the way he had come across the fields, I've finished Merchant's Row; it's large this year. It was Ardyn's responsibility to contact merchants and have them set up camp for the seven days of the tournament.

Isn't it every year?

True, but it seems bigger this year for some reason. The lanky young man rested his hands on his hips.

Who do you have coming? Kyn inquired, letting the rake in his hands support the weight of his body.

Well, Carryn and Trevor will be here with his blacksmith's shop. Then there are a few inns from the Carr represented. The merchant from San Valencia will be returning as usual, and Carvall is coming again with his produce—

Carvall? Braidyn's friend from Boeskay?

The one and the same. I don't know how he manages to make the trip each summer, but I think Darryn has been taking over more and more of the responsibilities on the farm.

Still, he must have seen at least eighty winters by now.

I wonder if eating all that produce that has been blessed by Turqueso has given the farmer longer life, Ardyn suggested, referring to Braidyn's dragon and the way he'd helped fertilize the crops before Braidyn had wandered off to the east and found the El'shad'n.

Could be, Kyn agreed. Anyway, it does sound like a good set up. I assume there are others that will be here also?

Ardyn’s red hair flopped a little with the motion of his head. Do you want me to help mark the roadway here? Then you can work on clearing the field a bit for the encampments.

Thanks, Ardyn. That would be nice.

Well, since I do most of the work around here, I decided to offer, at least.

Kyn laughed. His nephew was a joy to work with, and it seemed as if the field was ready in no time. They moved on to clear the tournament field and the erics, or rings for the events that would go with it. Each eric had to be just the right size for the competition. There would be sword fighting, dagger fighting, and hand combat, not to mention dragon racing, and special competitions for the descendants of Calamadyn twins.

The next day, the two listened to the roar of the surf in the background as they worked furiously to finish their task. By mid-morning, Kyn felt that someone had crossed into the plain. He reached out with his senses and recognized Duskya and Cerulean's daughter and Ardyn's cousin, Carryn.

Welcome, He sent the sentiment out in a thought to greet her.

Kyn! came the excited reply. How are things going? Will you need some help finishing up?

Oh, we never turn down help, but I almost think that by the time you help Trevor get the smithy set up, we'll be done.

I wasn't volunteering me; I was volunteering two stir-crazy children‒Mere and Glen have been cooped up in the back of the wagon for too long!

Kyn laughed, envisioning the two younglings and their ma trying to keep them in check. In that case, sure. I can put them to work.

Well then, I'll let you get back to your work, but we should be there by midday.

Then I’ll make sure we have some extra food for all of you. Ardyn will be excited to know you're here.

Well, that I am, Ardyn's voice entered the mental conversation.

Ah! Carryn exclaimed. I can't handle three way conversations unless they're face-to-face! It always bugged me when Ma and Da tried that.

Kyn smiled. Then I'll let your cousin talk while I go back to work. We'll see you at the midday meal.

This was one of the happy side effects Kyn had not thought about when he'd first conceived the tournament, twenty-one winters ago. He'd used the argument of being able to see his friends and family more often, but he hadn't counted on how much excitement it would bring to know that each summer, at a set time, he'd get to see the same family and friends. Although Carryn was not really his niece, she was almost as close to him as Ardyn. It would be good to see the kids and hear the news from Boeskay.

Kyn quit a bit earlier than if they would have been alone in order to fix the midday meal. He was excited to see Carryn, Trevor, and the kids. The kids were special to him. After almost twenty winters of marriage, he and Serena had not been able to have children. Any of the colony children were special to them as a result, but especially so for any related to Ruskya, his former trainer.

He gathered the supplies for the sandwiches they'd serve and put a kettle on to boil. Carryn had been trained, as had he, to enjoy a good cup of tea, and although it was still summer, the coast was much cooler than either Woolpren or Boeskay.

The water had just come to a boil when he heard the voices of Mere and Glen.

Uncle Kyn! the two yelled, as they ran to give him a hug.

Kyn bent down, reached out his arms, and gathered them into a welcome embrace.

Oh, it's good to see you two. He soaked in the warmth of their love. How are you guys doing?

Fine, Unca Kyn, Glen declared with solemn brown eyes.

Yeah, now that we're out of the wagon, Mere agreed. I'd much rather fly on a dragon than ride in a wagon.

Kyn smiled. Well, the dragons can't pull that smithy shop your da brings with him, so you'll just have to be content with the wagon.

Glen laughed. That would look silly, with the wagon behind Cardyn or Peri.

That it would. Where's your ma and da?

Here we are, Carryn said from the grasp of Ardyn's embrace.

Kyn turned around, recognizing the ebony head that had pulled away from Ardyn's shoulder. Her periwinkle eyes weighed her cousin for signs of heartache. The cousins had always had a special bond, and Kyn was glad to see that it remained.

Trevor was just behind them. Kyn stepped around the kids to embrace the young blacksmith with eyes the color of the ocean.

How was your trip? Kyn inquired.

Uneventful, the burly, redheaded man replied, just the way we like it.

You mean uneventful other than the kids pestering us the whole way, Carryn stated, wrinkling her button nose and coming to give Kyn a hug.

Her periwinkle eyes were striking against her dark skin and hair. They sparkled as she looked at her children, already running in the field.

Well then, that was a good trip, Kyn stated. Our meal, such as it is, is ready. I can't offer you the hospitality of the El'shad'n, but I do have a kettle of tea ready.

You know our heart, Kyn, Trevor replied. Carryn’s been talking about a cup of tea all morning.

As they sat around on portable chairs, the adults talked and the children chatted among themselves.

At a lull in the adult conversation, Glen piped up. Unca Kyn, where's Aunt Rena?

You mean Aunt Serena? Mere emphasized the syllable her brother had left off.

Kyn looked at Carryn and Trevor for help. Never had the kids called his wife anything but Aunt Rena. He received no guidance from either of them except a minute shake of Carryn's head. He decided to talk to them later.

Kyn turned to Glen. Aunt Serena is with your Uncle Ruskya and Aunt Carryl. She’ll come with them. I’m hoping it’s soon, because I’m starting to miss her. It could be anytime today or tomorrow.

Good, Mere’s dark eyes blazed. I want to talk with her.

You do?

Yep.

Mere didn’t say anything more, and Kyn left it. Soon the children were excused to go play and Trevor excused himself to set up his portable smithy. Carryn stayed around for a while longer to talk with Kyn.

So, how is Serena? she asked after a while.

Kyn sensed her deeper meaning and sighed.

Doing okay, but it’s difficult. When I see her holding a little one I want her to have one of her own. The longing not only in her eyes, but in her whole being is there for me to read. He paused, then continued, Can I tell you something and ask that you not share it with your da?

Carryn looked up at him with amazement in her periwinkle eyes. After a moment, she nodded.

I don't normally ask this of you, but... He sighed again and started over. When I see Serena's longing, I don't blame your grandparents one bit for what they did for themselves and for my parents.

At her blank stare, he continued, I know it was right to quit using Calamadyn for the dragon fertility, but, he paused, sometimes, I wonder about asking Carryl to show me where in Philippi Canyon the herb is.

Once Kyn had said the words, the energy seemed to leave him. It was something he'd only told one other person.

Carryn's eyes were wide in her dark face. Oh, Kyn, I didn't know it was that bad! Have you talked with anyone else?

Ruskya.

Carryn’s smile lit up her whole face. I’m glad you can talk with him. I wish more younglings and trainers had the same kind of relationship you two have.

Well, that was the point to the tournament. I had hoped it would help the two a bit.

And I think it has. Carryn turned to the children playing in the field. Mere, get up off of your brother.

But Ma, I took his dagger away, so I get to attack him.

No, Carryn stated, firmly, the rules say that, especially for younglings, you must step back and give him a chance.

Really? Mere challenged, looking through her disheveled blonde hair.

Really. There are many examples of riders who let the other person have a chance.

Who? Glen stood up, brushing the freshly cut grass off his small tunic.

Carryn sighed. Well, your Uncle Ruskya, for one.

Will you tell us that story, Mama?

I can't right now. You'll have to wait until another time. Carryn hid a smile.

Okay. The two mumbled their disappointment in unison.

Kyn and Carryn watched as they went back to playing their game of Dagger Challenge. They used softened, play daggers, which would be sold at various merchants’ stands throughout the tournament. Sometimes, the little younglings had tournaments of their own using the softer play weapons. As they watched Mere and Glen play, Kyn remembered their strange exchange about Serena.

So, what was the deal with Serena's name?

Carryn followed his train of thought and laughed.

Well, several moons ago I had Ma watch the kids while I ran an errand. She told them the story of the rider who didn't want to be a rider.

The what? A puzzled look crossed Kyn’s face, then understanding dawned on him that it was the story about Serena and how she came to be a rider. Oh.

Yes, Carryn agreed. The interesting thing was that they didn't catch on to who the story was about until the middle of it, and even then I had to explain how when Mere was little she couldn't say Serena's full name, and so she became known as Rena.

Kyn remembered how Serena loved to hear the younglings call her Rena.

I realized I'd never introduced the children to Tyrell, and I decided to do that at this tournament. I also had to teach Glen about forgiveness, as he was ready to hate Tyrell for what he did.

Kyn smiled. I happen to remember a certain young girl who had the same problem.

Carryn laughed, but a cloud seemed to shade her purple eyes at the memory, I remember. I was pretty angry at him. Thanks for talking with me. I don't know if I ever told you, but it was your talk that helped me forgive him.

Kyn’s dark eyes turned somber. What else is a healer of spirits and minds supposed to do?

True, but I sensed there was more there than just being my healer.

Kyn grew serious. You're right. I didn't want the sweet girl I knew to grow up bitter. I also still have that bit of Aislin's blessing that has kept me being the frithwyn, or peace friend. I can't let revenge run its course.

Carryn smiled and hugged him, his light hair highlighted by her dark hair in the embrace. You're the best, Kyn.

After a few minutes of silence watching the kids, Carryn continued, I wonder what other stories the kids don't know.

What do you mean?

Oh, things like the story that Braidyn told about how he became the Ah'doneye of the El'shad'n.

Or the story of Kyanos.

"Yes, I still don't think I know the whole story there. I know that’s how Ma and Da got together, but that’s about it.

Well, I'd love to stand and talk, but unfortunately, I probably should go set up camp. I may not help with setting up the forge, but I do need to get the wagon ready for the tournament. The kids are bound and determined to sleep out under the stars.

You might warn them that it isn't as warm at night here. There's been a heavy dew the last few nights.

Carryn laughed. Well, it might be good for them to wake up wet.

But I won't watch grumpy kids the next day, Kyn warned.

Is that an invitation? Carryn asked.

You know it is. Besides, how often do you really have the kids to take care of during the tournament? Between Glendyn, Ruskya, Duskya, Cerulean, and me, I don't think you get them at all.

Oh, I do, when they're tired and cranky. Then everyone sends them home to Ma.

Kyn and Carryn laughed.

Well, I'll keep them out of your hair for the afternoon.

Thanks. Oh, she added as an afterthought, Ardyn is coming over for the evening meal. Do you want to join him?

Kyn considered the offer. Thanks, but I think I’ll enjoy the last of the quiet. I have some leftover stew to heat up.

You're sure?

Yes, Kyn stated. Thanks for the offer. I'll send Mere and Glen with Ardyn, then. That way you can fix the meal without any bother.

Thank you, Kyn.

Kyn smiled. I remember your Aunt Carryl trying to fix the evening meal and Tyler clinging to her skirts.

Carryn laughed. Well, at least Glen is past that stage, but I appreciate the offer. They're usually trying to help but end up being a hindrance.

Kyn laughed. Well, go enjoy your freedom, then. Time is wasting.

Carryn laughed again, throwing back her ebony hair as she did, and Kyn was struck with her beauty at having matured into a lovely young woman.

After making sure the kids were safe, Kyn started to work on raking the last field for encampments. As he worked, he mulled over the thought that Carryn didn't know the whole story about Kyanos, and he wondered if he should talk with Cerulean about it. It bothered him, and he couldn't figure out why. He was still mulling it over when Ardyn took the children back to their own encampment.

***

After reheating the stew, Kyn sat down with his bowl and slowly ate. He thought back over the winters as he stared into the fire. It was twenty-one summers ago that the first tournament had been instigated. He smiled as he thought of the changes that had occurred over those summers. The first youngling challenge had been started with Ardyn in mind.

Chapter 1: A Strange Vision

When Ardyn had seen twenty-one winters, he experienced many of the same types of growing pains as countless other younglings. Kyn had seen it often; he had, in fact, gone through something similar in his twenty-second winter, so he understood some of what Ardyn was feeling. One day, in the midst of Kyn's routine, he rounded a corner to hear raised voices.

I tell ya, Da, that's not how you do it!

Ardyn. Ruskya's voice was filled with exasperation. This is how we have done it for as long as I can remember. This is how it is done.

Well, I say it isn't. I won't do it that way.

Kyn watched as the young rider stormed off. Ruskya started to call his son back, but Kyn placed his hand on Ruskya's shoulder.

Let him go, Ruskya. Let him go. He'll calm down after a bit.

I know he'll calm down. What I want to know is what has gotten into the boy. Ruskya ran his fingers through his fine blonde hair.

Kyn smiled. Even though Kyn had seen thirty-six winters, to Ruskya, he was still a youngling.

Let me talk with him. Remember when I was restless, too? So was Braidyn and just about every other youngling, as I recall. Kyn waited for Ruskya to nod before continuing, Well, that’s where Ardyn is right now. I think you’re blessed that he hasn't tried to gain his independence earlier, or through harsher means.

Ruskya sighed, his defeat making his small frame seem even smaller. You're right. I just wish I knew how to deal with him. We've had such a good relationship up until now that his fighting seems so wrong. Usually, it’s over the little things, like today‒is there really a right way to braid leather?

Kyn laughed, his black eyes sparkling like stars in a night sky. Well, I know you've taught me a certain way, and I couldn't deviate from it.

I know. That's my point exactly. What difference does it really make, as long as the strap is strong? And yet we fight over it.

Kyn placed his hand on Ruskya's shoulder again. You'll figure it out. Ardyn's a good youngling; he'll come around.

I certainly hope so, and quickly, too. He'll drive his mother and me mad if he doesn't.

Well then, Sylvern, Kathryn, and Tyler won't have anything to do when it's their turn.

Ruskya laughed, his icy blue eyes lightening, Okay, I get the point. I'll survive, but seriously, I don't know if I could without you around. You're more than a youngling to me‒you're a friend. I don't know how often I tell you that, but you are.

Kyn sensed the truth in the compliment. Thanks, Ruskya, he said. You know, though, it’s thanks to you that I’m who I am.

Not entirely. You had your own time when you needed to stretch your wings, and you came back your own person.

Kyn gazed into space.

Hello? Ruskya called to his friend, waving his hand in front of the other's face.

"I'm here, just