The Bond (Book 2) (22 page)

Good!
Excitement surged through the link, replacing sleepiness.
Should I hunt something to eat now, so we can leave when you get here?

No, sweetling. You have to wait until it gets dark. We can’t have anyone seeing you flying around.

Oh. Okay.

No worries, love. Nightfall will arrive in less than an hour, then we can both eat before heading off.

Renata smiled. She was grateful for her companion. If she ever felt depressed or worried about their long trip, the joy and energy from Xochi never failed to lift her mood.

The tiny terror was getting stronger, too. She flew longer and longer, accompanying her Lethera-bound companions as she cut through the sky. Although, as a nick-name, tiny terror didn’t fit as well anymore. Xochi was now half-again as big as she was when she hatched. Luckily, game had been plentiful. Catching enough for her growing appetite had so far not been difficult.

Her larger size had another consequence. They’d needed to be even more careful about her being spotted. But now, they’d be able to take a straighter path to their destination as there were fewer settlements and farmsteads. Skirting those had added more than a few days to their trip so far, she was sure.

Renata looked to the north. Stars were just starting to peek out with the approach of night.

We’re on the way, Aeron. I hope you have answers for us.

Many eager faces looked up at Lord Eldin. One of the reporters, nearly breathless, said, “Lord Eldin! The Continental Transportation Company must be very happy. The demonstration was incredibly impressive. Did you expect it to be so successful?”

Lord Eldin stood at a podium overlooking a sea of faces— reporters and spectators come to the demonstration’s destination, Pellucid. The town was named after the crystal-clear waters of the lake upon whose shores it sat. A beautiful community, to be sure, filled with fawning admirers of his train and the jobs it had brought and would continue to bring, but the question and answer had been going on for nearly an hour. It was time to bring it to a close. The meeting was scheduled to begin soon.

He looked at the reporter, then took in the faces of all the others. Smiling, he said, “I did. Of course, I did. I’ve had the pleasure of riding in my trains for some time now. I know how comfortable they are, how fast they are, and how safe they are. I just wanted to show all of you what I already knew.”

Gripping the podium’s sides, he leaned forward. “And this was just the shipping demonstration! Everyone’s had a chance to examine the shipping cars, has seen that all the cargo remains secure and undamaged even after traveling across a third of the continent in record time. And many of you experienced the passenger cars. The seats, the benches, and the ride itself, were all quite comfortable, making the relatively distant journey an easy one. But the amenities available to someone traveling on my trains as a passenger have not yet been fully revealed. There are more cars to be shown in the passenger demonstration to come.”

Lowering his voice, he said, “Imagine cars where passengers can dine on fine foods created by master chefs, just as in a luxury restaurant, but with majestic views of the countryside passing by their window. That’s something no restaurant in the world can offer! Now imagine a car where passengers can enjoy music, cards, and other entertainments, along with cocktails, coffee and tea. Further, imagine that there are cars where passengers can return to after a day on the train spent in relaxation or adventure, cars where they can sleep soundly and peacefully in comfortable beds. Because our trains’ cars are cushioned by levitating magic, sorcery that keeps them floating like a cloud above the tracks, there will be nothing to disturb their blissful rest.”

Standing again, beaming at the hushed crowd, Lord Eldin said, “All these luxurious accommodations and more will be available to see and enjoy during the passenger demonstration which we will announce soon. I look forward to seeing you all there.”

Shaking hands and happily accepting the occasional congratulations, Lord Eldin walked across the platform on the way back to the train. Ahead, standing next to the door of the last car, Lady Helena waited.

“Lord Eldin.”

“After you.” He gestured to the door, bowing his head slightly.

“I do hope we can produce the accommodations you just committed us to providing.” She stared at him only a moment before taking the two steps into the car.

“So good to see you made it.”

“Lord Eldin!”

One foot on the first step and gripping the handrail, Lord Eldin turned to the speaker. “Yes?”

“There will be a delay.”

Frowning, he said, “A delay? I was assured your people could handle this.”

“Yes, my lord, but our supplier—”

“I’m not interested in your excuses. I paid for a service and I expect it to be performed as agreed.”

“Of course, sir. The delay will be short, only ten minutes, but I wanted to be sure you knew beforehand.”

“Well, ten minutes isn’t too long. That is satisfactory. I’ll be reducing the payment, however, due to the delay.”

“Ah, yes, sir. We’ll have lunch ready to serve in fifteen minutes, then.” The young man turned and hurried away.

“We’re having lunch?” Lady Helena walked ahead of Lord Eldin toward the front of the train.

“Yes. It was meant to be a surprise. A last-minute demonstration for you and the others of the dining car experience I talked about.”

“Dining car? Hmm, yes. The meeting room is similar to a private dining room.”

“Exactly. Though I envision a less exclusive dining car. Benches will be arranged along both sides of the car in pairs, facing each other, with tables between. But the food, the service, the table settings, everything will be of the highest quality.”

Master Brutten and Lord Paxton awaited them in the meeting car, seated at the large table, drinks in hand.

“You’re quite the showman, Lord Eldin.” Lord Paxton raised his glass.

“A show catches the imagination, gets the stories and articles written.”

“Everyone was impressed with the demonstration.” Master Brutten swirled the drink in his glass. Looking up, he said, “Just as you said they would be.”

“As I said to the people, I’ve ridden the trains many times. I know what they are capable of.”

“The sabotage attempt is troubling, however.” Lady Helena made herself a cup of tea.

“Indeed.” Lord Eldin glanced at their faces. “We’re going to have to address that, somehow. Perhaps by expanding our security section. Or mayhap we can contract with some of the landowners. Fare or shipping cost concessions might be an inducement to have them patrol the track lines for us.”

He looked at Master Brutten. The man looked pensive, but had not offered an argument against the idea. “No disagreement, Master Brutten?”

The archivist glanced at him, then finished his drink. “No. The trains perform just as you said they would, and thus, we’re well on the way to dominating the industry. A little expense to defend that position against competition is a small thing.”

Lord Paxton laughed. “Competition? We have none. We’re miles ahead of everyone else.”

Lady Helena said, “Quite literally. We have hundreds of miles of tracks already laid or land purchased and ready for them. Lord Eldin’s insistence that we lock up land purchase agreements before the demonstration was prudent. As word gets out about locomotives, about trains and railroads, people will understand just how valuable their land can be. The price we paid was so low, I almost feel bad for the landowners.”

Lord Paxton chuckled. “Almost.”

Smiling, Lady Helena took a sip of tea.

“What news of Lord Baronel?” Master Brutten was pouring himself another drink. “Even I’ve heard tell of how fast the thing can travel. His dragon could pose a threat.”

“It could,” Lord Eldon said. “And as much of a lead as we have on other companies, we need time to build our reputation as being
the
shipping and transportation company to turn to.”

Shifting in his chair, he said, “I received disturbing news last night on my ‘writer.”

“Oh?” Lady Helena set her cup on its saucer.

“I had put in motion a plan to turn the Animal Craft Guild against him. Much like they battled us in the formation of our company, I sent a letter, anonymously, hoping to set them against any shipping company Lord Baronel might attempt to start. A direct move against him or his dragon might raise his suspicion, so instead, I worked behind the scenes. A wise move, it turns out, as he did put in an application for a company that would use his dragon. However, I learned that Lord Baronel submitted a second business application a day later. A company with a different focus.”

“The man’s not stupid,” Master Brutten said.

“No, he’s not. My plans with Animal Craft have succeeded. I’m sure they oppose using dragons for transportation, and I believe they will vote against his company at the approval meeting. However, this second company appears to be an investigation company. That focus aligns with the smokescreen Baronel’s been spreading about investigating nahual. But I don’t believe it. Once he gets a company formed, it’s a much easier task to shift its focus.”

He looked at his partners. “We can’t afford for that to happen. I’ve put in motion a plan to make approval more difficult for any company he tries to form, but I don’t want to just rely on that. We’ve got to block him through the Investigation Craft Guild.”

“My brother’s a detective,” Lord Paxton said. “A master investigator. I can speak with him about this, see if he has influence with anyone at the guildhall.”

“Excellent. We’ll need to work out an angle to set them against dragon use, but once we have that, we can block Baronel there as well.”

Lady Helena stroked the rim of her teacup. “What about financially?”

Master Brutten turned to her. “What do you mean?”

“He just started his light-globe business, what, two years ago? Starting another will require more investment. Surely he’s still extended from his first company. Perhaps there is something we can do on the financial side as well to slow him.”

“Yes.” A smile spread across the master archivist’s face. “I actually have some old business partners that may be able to assist with that.”

A soft knock on the door interrupted them.

Lord Eldin said, “Come in.”

“Lunch, Lord Eldin.”

“Lunch?” Lord Paxton raised his brows.

“Excellent,” Lord Eldin said, “I’m quite ready, famished, even.”

“I do recall something in your little speech about a dining car,” Master Brutten said as he watched the servers set out place settings.

“Yes.” Lord Eldin leaned back a touch as a linen napkin was placed in his lap. “Master Phillipa has been working on sleeping cars for a month. I thought of the others while on the train. Luxury accommodations and amenities will demand luxury fares.”

“Indeed they will.” Lady Helena smiled as a plate of smoked salmon was placed before her.

+ + + + +

“You should go talk to him.”

Aeron turned from staring at the second dragon stable to look at Willem. “What?”

“You’ve been glancing over there for the last ten minutes.”

“Oh. Sorry.”

“No need to apologize. Listen, I’m going to head to the dorms and look over this week’s lessons before bed. You go and talk to Fillion.”

Willem gave him a peck on the cheek, put the brushes back in the grooming kit, and left.

Aeron turned back to the other stable. Should he speak to Fillion? Probably. What would he tell him, though? Grabbing the kit, Aeron lead Anaya back into her den.

He is right. You should talk to the boy. But he is not in his room.

Huh? What do you mean he’s not?

Fillion is not in the second stable.

Aeron frowned. Where was he then? Neither he nor Liara had attended the review session yesterday. And neither had sat with them at dinner last night or tonight. In fact, Aeron hadn’t seen Fillion at all since the night Liara had run off. A cold feeling entered his gut.

What is it?

He didn’t answer, instead he ran out the doors. Fillion wouldn’t do that, would he?

It was dark in the study, so he opened a sconce. The desk was bare, only pencils and pens sat upon it, neatly arrayed. The counters were clean as well, everything put away and organized. The coat hooks were empty, too. Their thin metal claws pointed upward, grasping at nothing.

Aeron said, “Fillion?” and immediately felt stupid. Anaya had said he wasn’t here.

The bedroom was just as neat and just as empty. The bed was made, with blankets and sheets crisply folded. A small white envelope sat atop the dark blanket. His name was scrawled on its face.

Aeron,

One of the reasons I came was to see Anaya. She’s just as beautiful as ever, so you must be taking good care of her. I had no real plan other than to get away from Cotter’s Grove for a little while, you know? But when they asked me to join in dragonlinked training, I got very excited. The chance to have a dragon was something I couldn’t pass up.

The main reason I came, though, was to see you. I just couldn’t stop thinking about you. At first I was happy, even after I found out that you were seeing Willem. (He’s a really nice guy, by the way) I wanted to see what your life was like, you know? You and Anaya. It wasn’t as exciting as I had imagined. There’s more work to it than I thought. Still, it was very fun.

Then you started acting distant, like you were troubled by something. I almost asked you why, but I didn’t want to get between you and Willem. Well, we all found out why the other night, didn’t we?

I can’t blame you for feeling that way. Who in your position wouldn’t? But after everyone heard you say those things, I thought for sure you’d eventually take responsibility, do something, anything. But you didn’t. I thought you would. I really thought the leader of the dragonlinked would.

Anyway, it’s probably time for me to go home. I think I’ve been away long enough.

—
Fillion.

P. S. Can you say goodbye to Anaya for me? She’s sleeping right now, and I don’t want to wake her.

His chest hurt. The giant’s fist was back, pulling on his heart, tugging it down.

Aeron?

He’s gone, Anaya. Fillion went back home.