Eon: Dragoneye Reborn

CHAPTER 10

I picked up a cup of wine from the tray that the servant held out to me. I would have preferred cold water, but anything wet was welcome. My master shook his head at the offering, tapping his folded silk fan impatiently against his thigh.

It was only mid-morning, but the day's bright heat had already thickened the air in the courtyard of the Rat Dragon Hall. Small cumquat trees created a lush green border but didn't cast enough shadow for any refuge from the sun. The other Dragoneye lords stood at the front of the square in clusters of two or three, apprentices at their elbows, their murmured conversations lost in the wide expanse of paving. Although none looked directly at me and my master, it was obvious that all attention was upon us.

Are you clear on your role today?' my master asked.

He flicked open the fan and waved it near his gaunt face, sending a warm breeze in my direction. I nodded, trying to ignore an itch of sweat under my breast-band.

'It seems straightforward enough,' I said.

On the short journey to the hall, my master had told me what to expect at the Council meeting: he would accept the role of

proxy lord and I would stand aside in order to train. But such a simple transfer of duty did not explain the tension in the faces around us.

I gulped a mouthful of the wine. The sourness burned through the knot of panic in my chest.

There was nothing to fear — my master knew what he was doing — but I could not shake off my unease. Perhaps it was just being in Lord Ido's domain. I scanned the courtyard again. He had not yet made his entrance.

'This will liberate you from attending every Council meeting,' my master said. 'You will eventually need to know how the Council operates, but at the moment it is more important for you to focus on developing your Dragoneye skills.'

I smoothed an imaginary crease out of the sleeve of my red robe, avoiding his searching look.

My first Staminata lesson was later in the day How long could I bluff through the classes and training before someone realised I could not call my dragon? I looked around once more, this time for Dillon. Perhaps he had seen the Mirror Dragon folio in Lord Ido's rooms.

My master suddenly drew himself up. Lord Tyron had broken away from a tight whispering group and was approaching us, trailed by his tall apprentice.

Remembering Lady Dela's lesson, I bowed to the older Dragoneye. The rich amethyst of his robes brought out the florid tones of his skin and the blue exhaustion under his eyes.

'Greetings, Lord Tyron,' I said.

He nodded to me and my master. 'Greetings. Allow me to present Apprentice Hollin, in his eleventh year.'

Hollin bowed to us, his small dark eyes as shrewd as his master's. Next cycle he would become Ox Dragoneye, so for all intents and purposes he was my peer. I liked what I saw — he had a level gaze and a long-limbed awkwardness that undercut his air of self-possession.

'It has been a most interesting night,' Lord Tyron said. A real lesson in strategy, hey, Hollin?'

The younger man nodded, a wry smile easing the early worry lines on his face.

'Did our friend try it?' my master asked.

I looked from him to Tyron. Who were they talking about? The three men turned towards one another, blocking me from the conversation.

'He did,' Tyron said. 'But Dram countered with the older ruling. It stopped Ido in his tracks.

Now the decision has been delayed until your position is confirmed.'

My master's smile was tight. 'No doubt he will try again today Do we have enough votes?'

Tyron shrugged. 'We don't know which way Silvo goes.' He bowed and returned to the group he had left, Hollin at his heels like an elongated shadow.

My master shifted to see Lord Silvo more clearly. The handsome Rabbit Dragoneye was standing alone, his pink robes and pale skin a stark contrast against the dark green trees at his back. He noticed my master's scrutiny and nodded.

'He meets my eye,' my master murmured. 'Perhaps it is a good sign.'

'What are you trying to stop Lord Ido from doing?' I asked.

'Lower your voice.' He placed his hand on my shoulder in warning. 'This is not your concern.

I will inform you if you need to know.'

I glared down at the ground. How were we to survive this treacherous game if he kept me ignorant of his plans and strategies? Did he forget that we lived or died by each other's actions?

I shook off his hand. 'No,' I said softly, my boldness roiling in my stomach. 'How do you know when it is necessary? You are not always with me. I must understand what is happening if I am to play my part properly'

His eyes narrowed, but I set my jaw and forced myself to meet his anger.

'Lord Tyron trusts Hollin with his plans,' I pushed.

We stood for a moment, our wills locked in the silent struggle.

Finally, my master sighed. 'Yes, you are right.'

The victory startled the breath from me. He grabbed my sleeve and edged back, setting more space between us and the nearest group of Dragoneyes.

'Ido seeks to bend the Council into placing its power at the feet of Sethon and his army' he said, his voice so low I could barely hear it. 'We think Ascendant Ido aims to withhold the Council's power until Sethon can force the Right of 111 Fortune and replace his brother.'

I stared at my master, trying to absorb the import of his words. The very first Emperor, the Father of a Thousand Sons, proclaimed the Right of 111 Fortune to protect the land from a ruler abandoned by the gods. If an Emperor's reign was besieged by too many earth/water disasters, he could be denounced and replaced with a ruler whom the gods favoured.

'You mean Ido intends to block the Dragoneye control of the monsoon storms and earth angers?' Horror made my voice rise. We were fast approaching the worst season of floods, winds and earthshakes. It was the Dragoneyes' sacred duty to protect the land and the people from harm.

My master pulled me even further from the others, his eyes cautioning me. 'That is exactly what I am saying. And there is a very real fear that he aims to break the Covenant of Service.

To actually offer dragon power to Sethon for use in his warmongering.'

I gasped. It was forbidden for dragon power to be used in warfare. The dragons were agents of nurture and protection, not destruction. I swallowed, imagining the wild power of all the dragons in the control of one ambitious man. The Council and Covenant were meant to stop such madness.

My master patted my arm. 'I know. But I am working with Tyron and others to stop him. The best way you can help us is to

learn how to control your powers as quickly as possible.' His head snapped up. 'Abb., here is our host.'

Like sunflowers turning to the sun, everyone shifted to watch Lord Ido's progress through the courtyard. I fought the impulse, but found myself turning towards the force of his presence.

He topped all of the other men by more than a head, and as he bent to exchange a quick word or bow, his sheer size gave him an air of authority The deep blue of his Dragoneye robes was echoed in the oiled gloss of his beard and the tight loop of braids bound at the crown of his head. Behind him, in a matching blue tunic, was the slight figure of Dillon. He was scowling, the uncharacteristic expression etching sharp lines on his face. Lord Ido paused and searched the groups of men until his gaze found mine. I straightened; my body surged with a strange hot energy Something was drawing me to him. Was he using his power again? But as he approached, I could see no flick of silver in the amber of his eyes.

'Lord Eon,' he said. 'Greetings.'

I gave a quick bow, raising my head to find him standing over me. I wanted to step back, create some space between us, but knew it would be a surrender. Grimly, I held my ground.

He nodded graciously, including my master in the brief acknowledgement. Dillon stood at his elbow, eyes down.

'How do you find your first days as Mirror Dragoneye?' Lord Ido asked. Beside his thigh, his hand was flexing in and out of a tight fist.

'Busy, my lord,' I said. 'I have hardly had time to think.'

'It is set to become even busier,' he said. 'I must take a short journey in the next few days, but when I return we will start your training in the dragon arts.'

I could not help it; I stepped back.

'Train with you, my lord?' I turned to my master. 'But I thought you would be…'

My master shook his head, the strain around his eyes giving away his own unease. 'I no longer have a connection to a dragon,

Lord Eon. Since Lord Ido will be teaching his own apprentice the basics, it has been decided that he will take on your initial training as well.'

'Of course,' I said hollowly 'Thank you, Lord Ido.'

My hand was shaking, spilling wine onto the paving stones. How was I going to bluff the Ascendant Dragoneye? I looked around for somewhere to put the cup before I dropped it.

'I look forward to teaching you, Lord Eon,' he said.

There was a strange caressing tone in his voice. It thrust me back five years to the salt farm and the smiling face of the whipmaster. My body chilled. I knew that tone: Lord Ido was one of those who took his pleasure in the fear and pain of others.

He pushed Dillon in front of me. 'Take Lord Eon's wine away'

Dillon grudgingly took the bowl, still not lifting his gaze from the ground. This was not the boy that I knew — he had always jumped to attention at an order, eager to please his master.

What had Lord Ido done to him? He seemed easy in his movements and there were no visible marks apart from the cut above his eye. Perhaps he was just frightened. Then he bowed to us and I saw the discolouration on his neck: a rash of dark red dots. Was he ill?

Lord Ido turned and clapped his hands. 'Let us move into the meeting chamber and begin the formalities.'

Whether by chance or design, my master stepped between us and the short walk across the courtyard was completed in silence. A servant slid open the lacquered screen as we approached. Quickly, we slipped off our shoes and followed Lord Ido into the room. The air was immediately cooler and scented with Icmongrass, the green silk wall hangings and clean straw matting adding to the sense of lightness. The bright furnishings made me pause; in my mind, Lord Ido was smooth darkness and t hreatening shadow. As he led me and my master alongside a long oval table, I counted thirteen chairs, three set at the far end in the place of power, facing the door.

'You and Heuris Brannon will sit at the head of the Council table with me until the proxy formalities are complete,' Lord Ido said. 'Take the centre chair.'

I sat, my head bowed under the heavy press of curiosity from the Dragoneye lords as they took their places around the table. I chanced a fleeting survey of the room and met the guarded stare of an apprentice standing behind his master and the belligerent face of Lord Garon, the Dog Dragoneye. As Lord Ido took the seat at my right and my master settled into the chair on my left, I focused on the glossy surface of the table, trying to avoid the searching eyes of the twenty men before me.

Finally, Lord Ido rose from his chair, silencing the few whispered comments. I politely turned towards him and saw Dillon standing in his position behind his master. For a second our eyes met, but there was no connection in his gaze, only blank misery.

'Welcome,' Lord Ido said to the assembly Tor the first time in five hundred years, we number twelve again. No longer will the Year of the Dragon be without an Ascendant leader. No longer will this Council be held back by the absence of the eastern power. Lord Eon's glorious reawakening of the Mirror Dragon has closed our circle. We are once more a Pearl of Dragons.'

Lord Dram, the Horse Dragoneye, smiled at me then slapped the table with the flat of his hands. The other lords quickly joined him in a loud tattoo of celebration. Heat rushed to my face. I bowed in my seat — once, twice — as the drumming shook the table.

Lord Tyron looked over his shoulder at Hollin, standing behind him. 'Be glad, boy This cycle it would have been your turn in the duty rotation to lead the Dragon Year. A thankless task without the doubled ascendant power.'

'Hear, hear,' a few of the other lords said.

'Quiet,' Lord Ido commanded, reclaiming the room. 'Yes, we are back at full strength. And although Lord Eon is untrained and

our knowledge of the Mirror Dragon largely lost, there is no doubt that if we are bold, the power of twelve will achieve great things for our land.'

'Our first duty should be returning abundance to the eastern plains,' Lord Silvo said quickly.

Lord Ido pinned the smaller man with his gaze. 'Our first duty, Lord Silvo, is not to the easterners. We now have our full power: our first duty should be directed to the greater glory of the empire.'

A murmur rippled around the table. Some nodded their agreement, others shifted uncomfortably.

'With such possibilities ahead,' Lord Ido continued, 'Heuris Brannon has agreed to act on this Council as Lord Proxy so that our young brother can focus on his training in the dragon arts.'

Dram started another thunderous ovation. My master nodded, acknowledging the honour.

Lord Ido motioned me to my feet.

'Lord Eon, do you agree that Heuris Brannon will, from today, be Lord Brannon and represent you on the Dragoneye Council? That his decisions and votes will be taken as your decisions and votes until you are of an age and experience to accept your position among the twelve?'

'I do agree,' I said. And I thank him for his guidance.'

I bowed to my master. Under the table, his hand tightened around the folds of his silk fan, the force bending the frail lacquer sticks. He had waited years for this return to wealth and power.

I could almost feel the triumph humming through his body as I took my seat next to him.

He did not wait for an invitation from Lord Ido to stand. Although he looked like a frail old man beside the Rat Dragoneye's youthful strength, there was something in his bearing that brought all focus to him. I saw Lord Ido frown, sensing the shift of attention.

'I leuris Brannon,' he said curtly, 'do you agree to act as Lord Eon's representative on the Dragoneye Council? Will you serve

as proxy lord until he is of an age and experience to take up his position among the twelve?'

'Yes, I agree to represent Lord Eon on the Council,' my master said.

Dram thumped the table again, eager to celebrate, but my master held up his hand for silence.

Slowly, he turned to face Lord Ido, the fan held in both hands like a fighting staff. And as the Co-Ascendant proxy, I also accept Lord Eon's duty of leading this Council alongside you, Lord Ido.'

Around the room, everyone stilled. The two men stared over my head at one another, like dogs sizing each other up. Then Lord Ido laughed a harsh dismissal.

'You may now be proxy, Brannon,' he said, 'but you are not Ascendant. Without a dragon's power you cannot claim leadership.' He stepped towards my master but my chair blocked his way 'I will not allow it.'

'It is not for you to allow, Ido,' my master said sharply 'This is a Council. We decide by vote and precedent.'

Lord Tyron stood up. 'Yes, we must vote on it,' he called.

'Vote!' Lord Dram bellowed above the eruption of voices around the table. 'Let us vote.'

I saw Lord Ido's eyes change. Not with the silver of his power, but with a madness that flared across the clear amber like dark fire.

'This is my Council,' he roared through the surging noise. Both of his fists slammed onto the table, shaking it. 'There will be no vote.'

'You cannot stop it, Ido,' my master said into the sudden silence. 'You have already lost.'

Lord Ido's lunge was so fast that all I saw was his elbow coming at my face. I flinched, the blow catching me on my chest as he grabbed for my master. He grunted as his heavy body landed against mine, crushing me against the sharp edge of the armrest. I gasped, fighting for air through the suffocating blue silk, sucking in the stink of his rage. I pulled my head free of the cloth and heard a

terrible wet rasping. Above me was my master's face, eyes wide as Ido's thumbs pressed deeper into his throat. I clawed at the air, connecting with Ido's scalp in a deep drag of nails.

Across the room someone screamed 'Pull him off, and then hands were hauling back Ido's arms and shoulders. His weight moved then slammed against me again. From behind, Tyron wrapped his arm around the taller man's throat, brutally pulling with the crook of his elbow.

Ido let go of my master to grab at the choking arm. His body lifted, arched, and was dragged back by Tyron and two other men.

I hunched over in the chair, pain stabbing through me with each panting breath. Lord Dram kneeled in front of me. A large rip in the front of his orange robe exposed his bony chest. Are you all right, boy?'

I nodded, shivering. At the other end of the room, Lord Ido was being held down in a chair by four of the largest apprentices, their combined strength barely restraining the Dragoneye's rage. He was shouting, ranting, that this was his Council. Behind him, Dillon stood with his back pressed against the wall, watching his master's struggle with a malicious smile.

Dram turned to the man standing beside him. Ts Brannon all right?'

I looked up for the answer. Lord Silvo, even paler than usual, nodded and patted my shoulder.

I twisted in the chair to check and groaned at the sharp pain in the movement. My master was sitting on the floor rubbing the red fingermarks around his throat. An apprentice handed him a bowl of wine with shaking hands. He took a careful sip.

'Under the circumstances,' he croaked, swallowing painfully, T think we will delay the vote until next meeting.'

Although my master insisted he was well, by the time we entered the private living area of the Peony apartment the hollows of his face were shadowed with grey exhaustion. He did not resist when Rilia led him to the second sleeping chamber and, as I stood uncertainly at the doorway, I heard his small sigh as he eased himself onto the bed and sagged back against the pillows. He probed the damage to his throat with careful fingers, pain twitching across his haggard face. Something dangerous had been unleashed in that meeting room, and I was no longer certain my master could check it.

He lifted his head off the pillow. 'Eon, go to your lesson.' He coughed over the words. 'There is nothing more important than you attending these classes. We will talk when you return.'

'What will happen to Lord Ido?' I asked. 'Surely he will not lead the Council now'

My master eyed me irritably 'Of course he will remain leader, he is the Ascendant Dragoneye.

But his actions will guarantee me the votes for co-leadership.' He settled into the pillows.

'Now, go.'

I turned to leave, but was struck by a sudden thought. 'Did you mean this to happen? Was it part of your plan with Lord Tyron?'

My master kept his eyes closed and did not answer.

Unsettled, I made my way to the dressing room, where Rilla was waiting. She hurriedly stripped me of the sweat-damp Dragoneye robes and threw them over the wooden rack.

'The guide is already outside,' she said, holding up a cream cotton exercise tunic. I pushed my arms into the wide sleeves. 'Tell me quickly, what happened in the Council?'

I described the meeting and Ido's attack as she helped me into the cotton trousers and tied the drawstring.

'I am afraid for the master's health,' she said, shaking her head as she worked the light slippers onto my feet. 'I'll try and persuade him to summon the physician. And what about you? Are you all right?'

'I'm fine,' I said.

But it was not the truth. As I followed the young palace guide through a series of vaulted passageways and large enclosed courtyards, I felt my bruised ribs press my breathing into tight painful gasps. Finally, I was forced to stop.

'My lord, is something wrong?' the guide asked. 'Do you need assistance?'

'Is it far?'

How was I going to last through an afternoon of formal exercises if I could not even walk at a brisk pace?

'No, my lord. The training grounds are just past the Pavilion of Autumnal Justice.'

I waved him on. Perhaps I could claim illness and delay the lesson until another day The idea was tempting — it would give me more time to find my dragon's name and heal my hurts — but my master's urgency echoed in my head.

Before long I heard the clack of wood hitting wood and the cracking roll of applause. The guide looked back at me, nodding encouragement, and we emerged from a dim passageway into sunlight and the glare of white sand.

Ahead of us was a small fenced practice area. Around the edge, brightly clothed courtiers stood huddled under silk parasols and fanned themselves, calling and clapping at the action in the centre of the sand. Two figures fighting with long staffs flashed past a wide gap in the watching crowd, a twirling manoeuvre sending up a spray of sand. I shaded my eyes, pretending interest in the fight, and walked slowly over to the fence. A chance to stop and catch my breath.

It was then that I recognised the taller combatant: Prince Kygo. He wore only cream cotton exercise trousers tied at the ankle. Out of the obscuring robes of his rank, his body had the shape and breadth of a man. The planes of his chest and stomach were flat and defined, and as he blocked a hit above his head, the stretch showed the width of his shoulders and the sharp cut of muscle in his arms. Sweat had gathered in the small of his back, and I found my gaze drawn down the glistening curve to the narrow flare of his hips. I looked away, aware of the sudden heat that radiated from the sand.

He stepped backwards and swung his staff in a teasing arc as his sparring partner feinted and withdrew, seeking a break in his guard. The Prince rocked on the balls of his feet, readying himself for the next attack. His opponent, a young nobleman, judging by the elaborate gold woven through his topknot, lunged and jabbed the end of his staff at the Prince's head. The royal heir deftly deflected and followed through, spinning around and raising his staff for a blow to the noble's mid-section. But the man was already swinging his weapon. Too high. The Prince spun straight into a face attack that connected with a sickening thwack. His head snapped back, his staff falling from his hands. The crowd gasped, their horror holding them unnaturally still. It was forbidden to touch the body of a member of the royal family Even in sparring. The penalty was immediate death. The young noble dropped his staff as though it was hot iron and fell to the sand, his body crouched in a tense kowtow. The Prince was doubled over, the heel of his hand pressed into a bloody gash across his cheekbone.

Your Highness, forgive me,' the young noble pleaded into the sudden silence. 'It was not intended. I did not…' He stopped as two Imperial guards positioned themselves on either side of him, their swords drawn.

The Prince straightened and spat out the blood that had run into the corner of his mouth.

Already his eye was swelling and the shadow of a bruise was darkening his skin.

'A heavy blow for one that was not intended, Lord Brett,' he said quietly

'I swear, Your Highness, it was a lucky strike,' the young noble said desperately 'You know I do not usually get past your defences.'

Was the Prince going to kill him for an accident? I leaned forwards, following the same macabre press of the crowd around the barrier.

The two guards were watching their royal master for instruction, their swords aimed at the young noble's head. The Prince picked up his staff.

'(Jet back,' he ordered the guards.

I mmediately they stepped away The Prince gripped the end of the wooden weapon and swung it with all of his strength across the back of the young lord. The crack of the blow rebounded around the silent courtyard. He threw the staff down and walked towards his trainer standing at the edge of the sand. Every move was decisive, unyielding and royal.

'The Prince is merciful,' a familiar voice said at my shoulder.

My body jolted as though I had been caught naked. I clutched at the fence and turned to see Dillon bowing beside me.

'By the gods, Dillon! You made me jump.' I smiled shakily, remembering how we would try and sneak up on each other at training.

'My apologies, Lord Eon,' he said formally, but I saw the flicker of an answering smile.

'Master Tellon sent me to bring you into the practice hall.'

I sucked in a breath. My energy felt all upside down. What was wrong with me?

'Am I that late?'

He nodded. 'He doesn't seem too upset, but we should hurry' Some warmth had returned to his voice. I followed him a few paces then stopped; I had forgotten my guide. I waved the boy over.

'Apprentice Dillon will accompany me. You may go.'

'My lord.' He bowed to me then turned to Dillon. 'Honoured Apprentice.'

We both watched him hurry towards the dark arch of the passageway.

'I'm still not used to people bowing to me,' I said.

'Me either.' Dillon grinned. 'My lord.'

' Honoured Apprentice,' I said, matching his pompous tone and crossing my eyes.

He giggled, the familiar sound like a balm to my nerves. He pointed to a large hall in the far corner of the square and started

¦

walking towards it. I looked back at the practice sand for another glimpse of the Prince. But the crowd had closed the gaps along the fence, blocking my view. I caught up with Dillon and tried to shrug off the taut energy singing through my body.

'You seem…better now,' I said hesitantly, not wanting to break our fragile harmony Dillon's face tightened. 'What do you mean?'

I held up my hands. 'You seemed ill this morning.'

He sighed and massaged his forehead. 'It's just this pain in my head. I'm all right. At least I am now that Lord Ido has gone.' He looked over his shoulder then leaned closer. 'I think he's insane. Look what he did to your master…I mean Lord Brannon.'

I nodded, but I was focused on something more important. 'Where's he gone? For how long?'

A few days. He's gone to meet High Lord Sethon and ride in with him.'

So, the High Lord was returning to the city. No doubt my master would be interested in that piece of news.

'How come you didn't go too?' I asked.

Dillon stopped, drawing me near with a tug on my sleeve. 'He wants me to watch you. He wants me to tell him what you're doing in our lessons.'

Did Lord Ido suspect something?

'Why?'

Dillon shrugged. 'He just tells me what to do. Not why I'm doing it.' He looked out across the square, his narrow shoulders twisting in a tiny shiver. 'He has this way of making me do what he says.' He paused; the strange, quick anger shadowed his eyes again. 'But I am not his slave.

He may think I don't have the courage or strength to stand against him, but he's wrong.'

I saw my chance in his rebellion. 'Tell me, Dillon, have you seen him with a red leather folio bound with black pearls?'

I le shook his head. 'He doesn't let me go into the library. He keeps it locked and no one goes near it. Why do you ask?'

'I just thought he might have it.' I looked away from Dillon's curiosity We started walking again. If Lord Ido kept the library locked then it must hold something important. And now he was gone for a few days. The beginning of a bold plan was taking shape.

'Dragon piss,' Dillon cursed, quickening his pace. 'Master Tellon has come out to look for us.'

Up ahead, a tall man in a baggy exercise tunic stood at the doorway of the training hall, watching us approach. I tried to hurry but my battered ribs and hip would not let me move any faster. I climbed the few steps onto the low veranda, Master Tellon's scrutiny making me feel even more awkward than usual.

'You have too much Moon energy' he said, moving aside to allow me passage to the open doorway

I stiffened, aghast at such quick insight.

'But of course, you are Moon Shadow,' he said, nodding to himself.

Dillon's face narrowed with anger. 'How dare you speak of Lord Eon's sacrifice.'

Tellon stared down at him. And you have too much Sun,' he said calmly 1)illon stepped back, the shock of his own rudeness draining the heat from him. I swallowed the hard pit of panic in my throat. My master had warned me that Tellon had keen eyes. I would need to press home my Shadow status at every chance and hope it answered his sharp observations.

Tellon bowed to me, the movement loose and fluid. 'Forgive me, Lord Eon. I meant no disrespect. Nor to you, Apprentice. I am an old man and tend to speak my mind.'

'No offence taken, Master Tellon,' I said quickly. 'I am indeed Moon Shadow; there is no fault in stating the truth. And it is I who must apologise for my lateness.'

I stepped out of my slippers and crossed the raised threshold to stop any further discussion.

Inside, the hall was a large expanse

of polished parquetry floor marked with old scuffs and indentations. A series of small windows let in the bright sunlight, but were set so high that no one could look in or out of them. Perhaps to guard the secrets of the Staminata.

Master Tellon shut the heavy door and waved us over to the middle of the room. 'Come, sit,'

he said. 'We will talk first then start learning the form.'

Dillon quickly seated himself on the hard floor, his legs crossed loosely. As I settled next to him, I studied his sprawling posture and quickly copied it. I had thought four years of careful self-study had stopped me from moving in the neat, closed way of a girl. Now I was not so sure, and I could not afford to raise any questions in Tellon's mind.

He kneeled opposite us, his movements smooth and supple. Tellon had been the Dog Dragoneye in the cycle before my master's, yet he moved with more ease than Dillon. He had lost his hair across the crown of his head, but what was left still had as much black as it did silver, and was tied back into a thick braid that hung to his waist.

'I do not hold with those teachers who think a student should sit like a lump of rock and just listen,' he said. 'You may ask questions. In fact, I expect them.'

Dillon's gaze slid to mine. None of our other masters had ever welcomed questions.

'You have both been chosen to commune with an energy dragon,' he said, smiling his congratulations. 'But it will be a long and arduous journey to learn how to control the power you have at your call. And you, Lord Eon…'

I tensed. Had he already guessed I could not call my dragon?

'Your journey will be even more difficult because you must travel its paths without an incumbent Dragoneye to accompany you.'

I bowed my head to hide my relief. 'Yes, Master.'

He patted my arm. 'Don't worry, you are not alone.' He straightened. 'You are both here to learn the Staminata, the

ancient way to regulate the flow of Hua. It will help you withstand the energy drain of working with a dragon.' He brought his hands together in a loud clap and rubbed them vigorously. 'Now, I know that a lot of rumours fly around about the dragons and their power.

So, let's get the donkey's wallop out of the way' He pointed at Dillon. 'What do you want to know?'

Dillon blinked at the sudden demand.

'Is it true that a Dragoneye gives up his Hua to his dragon?' he finally asked.

Tellon nodded. 'It's true. A Dragoneye uses his life force to control the elemental energy of his dragon, and in doing so gives up some of it to the dragon. But the Staminata slows down the loss of Hua and promotes its flow' He pointed at me. 'Lord Eon?'

I thought of the moment in the bath when the Rat Dragon reared above me and threw me against the wall. And the fireball of energy that had rushed through me.

'Does a dragon always deplete Hua?' I asked hesitantly. 'Can he not give back energy too?'

He shook his head. 'No. Except at communion, of course.'

The answer resonated through me like the toll of a death bell. Did that mean the Rat Dragon had communed with me? Surely that was not possible.

Tellon's finger jabbed the air. 'Next question.'

Dillon leaned forwards. 'Master, is it true that you can kill someone just by disrupting their Hua?'

'I can,' Tellon said calmly

Dillon's eyes widened. 'Do we get to learn how to do it too?'

'No.'

Dillon sat back, disappointed. I looked down at the tiny wood tiles on the floor set in the shape of a plump chrysanthemum, considering my next question. It was risky and needed to be phrased with care.

'I've heard that it's possible for a Dragoneye to take another dragon's power,' I said.

Tellon laughed. 'That rumour does the rounds every year. It's not true — one dragon, one Dragoneye.' Fie beckoned us closer, lowering his voice. 'But there is a legend about harnessing the power of all the dragons. It says that if a Dragoneye kills all of the other Dragoneyes and their apprentices, then the energy of the twelve dragons will funnel though him, giving him the power of a god…just before it rips him apart.'

Dillon gasped. 'Really?'

Tellon laughed and tapped Dillon on the head. 'I wouldn't start plotting the murders of all your colleagues just yet. It is only a story to frighten young apprentices.'

Dillon grinned. I could see him lighten under the master's playfulness.

Tellon clapped once again, marshalling our attention. 'I will now show you the Staminata,' he said. 'It is meditation within movement; very slow, very controlled. The twenty-four postures you will learn, together with the control of your breath, will carry the Hua around your body along the twelve meridians and through the seven power centres.' He ran his hand up from belly to crown, touching each centre lightly 'You will eventually learn how to activate each of the centres to carry Hua to the physical, emotional and spiritual levels where you most need it.'

He stood up. 'Watch.'

His body loosened, weight settling into the ground, his long arms held out in front of him. His eyes seemed to lose their focus yet were still looking at something ahead. Nothing seemed to be happening, and then I realised his hands were gradually rising, the left leading the right.

His body shifted, the weight moving from the left foot to the right. Everything as slow as the sun moving across the sky There was something familiar about it. I squinted, trying to imagine how it would look if each movement was faster. His left arm floated downwards, his body turning with the flow, and it was then I recognised the Rat Dragon Second from the ceremonial sequence. As soon as I made that

connection, I saw each of the animal forms in Tellon's graceful positions. They were not exactly the same, but the essence of each was present. He finished with the pressing motion of the Pig Dragon Third and stood for a moment, the long angles of his face softened.

'So,' he said, his voice deeper, 'Lin and Gan are balanced, the body is energised yet relaxed.

This is called the state of Huan-Lo.' He smiled and his eyes focused back onto us. Apprentice Dillon, tell me what you saw.'

'It was slow,' Dillon said, glancing at me for help. And it was…'

He trailed off. Couldn't he see the forms?

Tellon grunted. 'And you, Lord Eon? Did you observe anything?'

'I saw some of the animal forms from the ceremonial approach sequence.'

Tellon stared at me thoughtfully. 'Well, that is interesting. Most of my students don't see that until they are well into their studies.' He rubbed his hands together again. All right. Stand up and we will make a start.'

For the next two hours we learned the parts of the first posture. I'd smugly assumed that since I already knew the approach sequence it would be easy to slow it down into the Staminata. I was wrong. My movements were too fast, I was holding my breath, the angles of my feet were wrong, one arm was too high, the other too wide, my weight was on the wrong side, or the right side but too heavy Beside me, Dillon was experiencing similar problems, his new shortened temper flashing into moments of stamping frustration.

And then, for one glorious moment, I felt the change of Lin and Gan flow through my body It was a gentle rocking that moved from my crown to my toes as though my whole body was one deep sigh. All the pain and stiffness was gone. And underneath it all was the faint whispering presence, the shadow heartbeat that I could not quite reach. Within the harmony of my slow movements, I knew I could bring that presence into me. I started to draw it closer, but then I thought of the Rat Dragon, of its rearing power. If I reached into my Hua, would he rise again? Hurl me against the wall? As soon as the fear touched my mind, the flow of the form twisted and broke. I was once again stiff and awkward. A cripple.

Despair hollowed me. I had to find my dragon's name soon — I no longer dared even to slip into mind-sight in case the Rat Dragon overwhelmed me. The folio must hold the key to my power. I had to get it back. A tiny barb pierced my certainty: what if the folio held no answers? I pushed the fear down; the folio was my only chance.

Tellon clapped his hands.

All right, that will do for now I could see you had it there for a moment, Lord Eon. A good start. Do not be disheartened because it slipped away.' He gave me an encouraging smile.

'You will probably find that you feel heavy. Try not to make sudden movements.' He patted Dillon's shoulder, walking between us to the door. A valiant attempt, Apprentice. Now, both of you, go and sleep. I have made it clear to Lord Brannon and Lord Ido that you are to rest after our classes.'

Outside, two guides waited to lead us back to our quarters. The Prince's entourage had left and only a lone servant was on the practice sand, raking down the churns. Dillon and I followed our guides through the large deserted square in silence. Halfway across, I grabbed his arm and stopped him.

'I want to get into your hall tonight,' I whispered.

'What?' He tried to pull away but I did not let go.

'I want to go into Lord Ido's library and look for that folio. Will you help me?'

'Why?'

Out of the corner of my eye I saw the guides turning back to us. I raised my hand to stop them.

'The folio is part of the Mirror Dragon treasures.'

I watched Dillon's face change as he made the connection.

'He stole it?'

'Yes. And I've got to get it back.'

Dillon was already shaking his head. 'No. No. I can't help you. He'll hurt me if he finds out.'

'You don't have to come into the library with me. Just let me into the hall and show me where it is.'

'You don't understand.' Dillon rocked on his feet, his hands twisting together. 'It's not only locked. There's this feeling around it that stops you from even getting to the door. It's like every bad thing you've ever felt.'

I let go of his arm. 'I thought you said you weren't his slave? But that was just talk, wasn't it?

You don't have the courage to go against him. You can't even open a gate without his permission.'

'You don't understand what he's like,' he whispered.

I had expected him to come at me with quick fury, not this helpless terror.

'Dillon, I need your help. How many times did I save you from Ranne? How many kickings did I take for you?' It was a low strategy, but I had to get that folio.

'Can you save me again?' he asked bitterly

'What?'

'Ranne got thrown out of the school and Lord Ido has hired him as a guard.'

I stared at him. 'That's awful.'

Dillon nodded.

I grabbed at a straw. 'If I steal the folio back, maybe he'll get into trouble. Lose his job.'

Dillon gave a wan smile. 'Maybe.'

'What do you say?' I tried to keep the desperation out of my voice. 'For our friendship?'

He looked down at his feet. 'I won't go into the library'

'You don't have to,' I said quickly

'Just the gate?'

'Just let me in and point me in the right direction.'

He looked at me, swallowing hard. 'I'm not his slave.'

I gripped his shoulder. 'I know.'

Under my hand, his body was trembling.

'What kind of lock is it?' I asked.