Soul Bonds Book 1 Circles of Light series by E.M. Sinclair Read Free Book Online Page A

those such as the Forsaken would not have contemplated killing another of the Kin. We would have worked with them, seeking the mending of their spirits. I have news that such things are happening elsewhere in the world.’ Fenj paused. ‘The Golden Lady tells me that you Tika, are not the only one from outside the Dragon Kin to lock eyes with a hatchling and thus become bonded.’
    Tika sat up abruptly. ‘Another child? Like me?’
    ‘No. Not like you. From what the Lady allowed me to see, I think it is a male Nagum, a two legs but not of your kind. He bonded with a female first born in a Treasury many leagues from here.’
    As the moon cleared the high rim of the Gathering Place, it was again filled with Dragons. Fenj stayed on his ledge where all could see him. The leaders of the Families announced that after much discussion and thought, they were no nearer understanding what had happened than before. They all agreed however, that they would accept Fenj’s decisions, as had been their way for many generations past.
    Fenj lowered his head for a moment then straightened and repeated parts of what he had already told Tika and Farn. ‘The Lady decrees that these two must be readied for a journey, as quickly as they are able. They must seek for something which has been lost, and on their success depends the continuity of our world.’
    There was silence from the Gathered Dragons, then a great sigh came from them. One voice began softly to sing and gradually others joined in until a great pattern of song wove over them and on up to the night sky. It was a song of goodwill: praying the Golden Lady would grant courage and fortitude on two young travellers. Tika recognised her name and Farn’s in the repeating lines of song.
    She glanced at Farn and saw with a shock that Fenj was limned with a nebulous golden glow sparkling back from his black body. The song changed to one of affection for the Golden Lady and the wish that she would continue her care of her Dragon children.
    Tika did not remember anything more until she woke halfway through the next morning. She was alarmed to find herself alone, no Farn or Fenj. She hurried to look down from the cave to the Gathering Place. Very few Dragons were in sight. She called to Farn, afraid he had vanished with Kija and she was abandoned here.
    A flurry of wings and a blue Dragon descended before her nose. Farn purred his odd laugh. ‘I thought you would never wake. I’ve been busy for ages.’
    ‘You had lots of sleep before we got here,’ retorted Tika, then instantly regretted her sharp words, Farn looked so dejected. ‘I’m sorry. I know it was a healing really – you couldn’t help but sleep.’
    Farn cheered up. ‘I’ve been doing different kinds of flying Tika. It is strange flying over water you know. Kadi said tomorrow we will go high.’ He tilted his head back, blue silver eyes whirring as he gazed skywards. ‘What do you suppose clouds feel like?’ he wondered.
    Dragons left the Gathering Place in their Families and Clans during the next few days. The Treasury lands spread for many hundreds of leagues around its central Place at Broken Mountain. This Treasury lived mainly amongst the high peaks and deep valleys within the vast range of the Ancient Mountains.
    Farn worked hard under the tutelage of Kadi and of his father, the blue Dragon Jorab. He learnt quickly and Jorab told Fenj there was little more to teach the hatchling – stamina and endurance would improve as Farn grew. They must all remember he was still barely half-grown.
    Kija and a crimson Dragon, Seti, worked with Tika. Two of Farn’s sisters, the cream coloured Jeela and the blue Shar, shared Tika’s instruction. It was quickly clear to Kija and Seti that Tika’s abilities were strong. She could soon mind speak over increasing distances and could hear just as well from afar. Usually, the Dragons told her, one could far speak well but the listening would be a weaker talent, or the other way