Dragonblood Read Free

powerful minds. Telepathically they touched him, but he would not respond. Shaking their heads over the impetuousness of youth they returned to their living chambers to meditate on the situation.
    Tallon raced through the fields of grain behind his home. On he ran, into the woods bordering the family property. He felt more alive than ever before. He felt as if he were running toward something, though he knew not what. Joy pumped through his veins, feeding his muscles and fueling his desire to exert himself. If only I could fly, he thought, I would fly like a... like a...
    “Hey, Tallon!”
    He was brought out of his daydream by a familiar voice.
    “Hello Cimian.” He panted, having come to a sudden stop.
    “Don’t hello, Cimian me, Tallon boy.” The bully sneered. “Don’t you know these are my woods?”
    As usual, Cimian was not alone. Four of his roughnecks were fanning out around Tallon as he spoke.
    “I don’t want trouble.” Tallon pleaded.
    “You don’t hafta want it, Tally boy.” And Cimian signaled his gang to close in.
    * * *
    Tallon stood surrounded by Cimian and his gang of ruffians. The gang leader smiled as his boys moved in closer to attack their frequent victim. None of them had noticed the changes in Tallon. His loose fitting shirt hid corded muscles and his breeches concealed strong legs. As the first attacker reached Tallon he hesitated, perhaps sensing something.
    Tallon turned to face the one nearest him and shouted, “NO!”
    The boy paled as he saw orange fire in Tallon’s eyes. He didn’t hear Cimian’s shouted command to “GET HIM!”
    The others, not seeing Tallon’s face, rushed to the attack.
    They never knew what hit them.
    Tallon crouched suddenly, and then sprang skyward, kicking out with both legs, one forward and one back. Two would be attackers were sent flying in opposite directions. As he landed Tallon struck a hammer blow to the head of the boy whose face had paled from seeing his eyes. The kid sank liquidly to the ground. As Cimian stood staring in disbelief, his fourth roughneck ran for safety.
    Slowly, Tallon turned to face Cimian. The bully’s jaw dropped. There stood the former easy prey, staring at him with eyes of flame. Suddenly, Cimian could not move. He desperately wanted to turn and run, but his feet seemed rooted to the spot. He watched helplessly as Tallon approached. Fear as he had never known enveloped Cimian. He saw Tallon’s scowling face coming closer. He watched as Tallon opened his mouth and emitted a wordless, inhuman roar. Wetness appeared on the front of Cimian’s breeches and then he fainted dead away.
    Flying was always good. While in the air, almost any problem could be forgotten. The young dragon needed to clear his mind. Flying would help, he reckoned. Flying was always good.
    He had to fly at a high altitude during the light of day, so no prying eyes would spy the supposedly mythical creature in flight. He felt a twinge of guilt for not answering his parents’ calls. They would worry a bit. However, he was near to his naming day. Nearly an adult. His parents would understand. He had to think out this problem in his own way. Dragon fashion.
    Flying above the clouds, the dragon was finally beginning to relax when he felt a sudden surge of adrenalin. Fear and anger mixed together in a heated rush. Opening his mind, he felt the bond gaining strength. Both repulsed and curious, the great beast melded with the human mind in order to “see” through the human animal’s eyes.
    The human was under attack! Five assailants surrounded it. He could sense the coppery taste of fear in his mouth. The blood bond, though accidental, demanded action. Even as he flew toward his bond mate, he sent draconic strength out in waves to the frightened human. The reaction was immediate and powerful. The human leapt and fought with serpentine agility. The battle was surprisingly short. Two attackers fell quickly, then a third. One ran away. The fifth stood its