The World of Drakonia--Dragons and Riders

Shiloh cringed when she heard Erik say that he would handle Mrs. Winston. That would be a bad idea and even in her tipsy state, she knew that. Her words were slightly slurred when she spoke, but she was coherent.

"No, Erik, you can't. I've already been ostricized by her and the other aids, don't make it worse." She looked into his blue eyes, smiling. "I'm fine to make it home all by myself and Sampson's with me, so I'll be fine."

She leaned over, kissing him full on the cheek. She raises her hand, placing it on his cheek, smiling sadly at him. "I will see you tomorrow."

She tries to open the door, but Erik refuses to let her. Slumping against the door, Shiloh shook her head.

"Don't do this, Erik. Staying here is a bad idea."

Erik had to tread very carefully the next few hours with Shiloh. His career…his life….depended on that. If she knew that, it would be a very sobering thought for her but he couldn’t tell her that. He had to reason with her to get her to stay.

Yes, staying was a bad idea because of the attraction they felt for each other. But letting her leave was an even worse idea. And if Mrs. Winston and the other aids have already seen fit to make her life miserable, he knew they would pounce at the first chance to get rid of her once and for all. And considering the fact she came form his room, charges would be leveled against him for being careless with his aid.

With a soothing voice and a firm hold o n the door, Erik was very professional and calm as he spoke to her again forcing himself to put his feelings aside for her. Even though when she kissed his cheek, he wanted to turn his head and return the kiss. But he had to steel himself against such notions because it would end badly for both of them.

”Shiloh. You’ve had three glasses of wine in less than an hour. You’re feeling the affects of the wine. Your judgment is clouded right now and if I let you leave like that, I wouldn’t be doing my duty to you. I promise, when the morning gets here, you can leave without my interference. But until then, I have to insist you stay in your former room.”

Seeing the way she looked away from him, he sighed heavily and reached up to gently turn her chin so she had to look at him again. His blue eyes seemed to reach beyond into and into her soul.

Shiloh looked into Erik's blue ones, feeling as if she were falling into them. Finally, she forced herself to look away, stepping away from the door. Taking a few steps back, she faced him, her gaze full of emotion.

"Erik, look, I have feelings for you.....strong feelings and I shouldn't. I know the risk to you if I were to act on them." She didn't know how he felt about her and after his gentle touch when he turned her face towards his, she was confused. She walked over to the table and poured a fourth glass of wine, draining it. Sampson looked up at Erik, clearly concerned.

"I don't want you speaking to Mrs. Winston. I don't want you insisting that I stay here, either. If I don't return to my room tonight, then I will be kicked out of the aid's dorm, so I have to return."

She walked back over to the door again, trying to open it. "Erik, please, let me leave. I've said what I've come to say, accepted your apology, forgiven you, now please, let me leave."

The last thing Erik knew Shiloh needed was more wine, but he dared not move from the door. When he heard her confess her feelings once more, he sighed heavily and bit his tongue. He would have told her he was in the same boat as well but that was not the right thing to do. If he acted on the feelings he had for her things would get way too complicated. While he liked the idea of exploring where the feelings between them could go, it would make things really strained between them.

When she walked back to the door and tried to open it again, Erik pushed firmly making it impossible for her to open it. Looking down and seeing the look Sampson gave him, Erik knew there was only one thing left to do. Clenching his jaw and closing his eyes, he prayed to what ever god would hear his prayer to forgive him for what he was about to do.

”Shiloh….all I can say is….please forgive me. When you wake up in the morning, you’ll be sober and thinking more clearly and see that I’m right. But in a few seconds, you’re going to think the worst of me. Just…..try to put yourself in my shoes.”

Shiloh gave Erik a confused look and was about to say something when he reached out as quick as a snake and turned her around, pulling her back against him. Just when she was asking what he was doing, his hands pressed on each side of her neck cutting off the blood flow to her head. With the amount of alcohol in her system it only took a few seconds before she grew as limp as a dish rag.

Before she could hit the floor, Erik scooped her up and carried her to the adjoining room, laying Shiloh gently on the bed. When he stood back up, he took the time to study her relaxed face and admired her beauty once more. Leaning down he pressed his lips ever so lightly on her own before he stood back up and willed himself to step away from her.

Taking the heavy chair from the side of the room where the window was located, he dragged it over to the threshold between their two rooms and got as comfortable as possible while he ate the now cold food. Drinking a glass of wine himself, he set the empty dishes aside then stretched his legs out and leaned his head back. It was going to be a long, uncomfortable night. Sampson walked over to lick his hand and he patted the loyal dog on the head before Sampson turned and jumped up on the bed and laid down with the now sleeping Shiloh.

No doubt there woulod be questions to be answered tomorrow but since Kryton had given his permission, Erik knew things wouldn’t be as bad as they would appear.

Shiloh woke, disoriented. Cracking open an eye, she jumped up in bed, realizing that she wasn't in her room in the attic. She was in the room off of Erik's room.

She moaned in distress, lowering her face into her hands when she remembered telling Erik that she had feelings for him. ~I'm an idiot. A stupid, stupid idiot.~, she thought to herself.

She climbed out of bed, seeing Erik sleeping in the chair. Being as quiet as she could, motioning for Sampson to be quiet as well, she slipped out of the room, making sure that she wasn't seen as she made her way back to the dorm.

Just as she made it up the narrow staircase to her attic room, she heard a voice coming from the bottom of the steps.

"I see the little slut decided to return to her room. Where have you been?"

Shiloh turned around to look down at Mrs. Winston's face, seeing the glee in her eyes now that she'd caught Shiloh and could kick her and her mangy mutt out.

"Where I've been is none of your business, Mrs. Winston."

The older woman bristled under Shiloh's impertinance, her face becoming mottled. A few of the other aids had risen and were now standing behind the head mistress, glaring at Shiloh.

"It is indeed my business if one of the aids staying here decides to act the part of a whore. Pack your things and get out!"

Shiloh turned, storming through the door to her room, slamming it shut. Looking around, she saw that once again her things had been thrown all over. Picking things up and putting them in her bag, she fumed at Erik and what he'd done. She'd told him she needed to make it back to her room or she would be kicked out, but he'd somehow knocked her out.

Once she was packed, she made her way down the stairs of the attic, then down the second set of stairs, to the ground floor.

As she walked out onto the porch, she ran right into Erik, his eyes blazing. Shiloh laid a hand on his arm, shaking her head.

"Don't Erik. It's done, leave it. I don't want to stay here anyway."

Mrs. Winston and 3 of the other aids snickered. "Has your aid become your little harlot, rider? Is that why she didn't return last night? I say good riddance. She may have been the chief's daughter of her village, but she's nothing more than a harlot, just like her mother was."

Shiloh saw red, turned around and walked calmly back up the stairs. Standing before Mrs. Winston, she doubled up her right fist and punched the woman square in the nose, breaking it.

"Say what you want about me, but don't you ever disrespect my mother again, you miserable old prune!"

She stormed off of the porch, stopping in front of Erik, speaking low enough for only him to hear, "You should have allowed me to leave."

Braum had risen early, before dawn, slipped out of his quarters and stealthily slipped ove the wall without being detected by the guards. Once in the nearby forest he called to Temeraire with his mind. "Temeraire, come my companion let us ride and see what we can discover."

Within an matter of seconds Temeraire landed beside Braum. "It is good to see you are well. I have seen many strange things throughout the night. Urgals and Liziones moving about and gathering along the river Ozarion at the foot of the mountains." she said to Braum

"MMMMM, I think we need to look into this." Braum said as he mounted Temeraire and said "Aloft!"

Temeraire took three steps and leapt into the air, spiralling upwards, then turning south she flew over the compound, banked and flew north towards the mountains.

When Erik woke up to find Shiloh gone, he cursed loudly then left as quickly as he possibly could. He could already hear Mrs. Winston calling Shiloh all sorts of names and knew things had gotten way out of hand. When Mrs. Winston kept up with her tirade ending with saying things about Shiloh’s mother, before he could stop her from doing anything, Shiloh had delivered the bone crunching punch. When she came back outside and told him he should have let her leave, he furrowed his brows.

”We’ve got bigger problems than that now, Shi.”

He kept his voice low like she had and by the time he was done talking, Mrs. Winston was already out of the dorms screaming about how she had been assaulted. The aids that had been standing behind her charged towards Shiloh for retaliation and Erik quickly put himself between them giving them all an icy glare.

”Think hard about what you’re about to do. And then think if you really want to go through me to do it.”

The aids looked at each other and decided it wasn’t worth it. But they did point fingers at Shiloh and yell at Erik over Mrs. Winston’s screaming and squawking.

“She broke Winnies nose! She can’t go unpunished for that. Law says she has to be punished for striking the woman.”

Erik furrowed his brows.

”Yes. But you aren’t the one to hand down the punishment. The Commander is.”

The aids looked over Erik’s shoulder then and smirked.

“And here he comes now.”

Erik turned to see Kryton, a hard look already on his face, striding purposefully towards the dorms. It was clear he hadn’t even finished his morning ritual as only half his face was shaved. Stomping up on the porch he surveyed the situation, looked at Erik and Shiloh giving them both a glare before he turned to address the barking Mrs. Winston.

”Hush up woman!”

Mrs. Winston flinched and held her apron up to her broken nose then pointed an accusing finger at Shiloh.

”That harlot broke my nose!”

As soon as the words were out of her mouth she regretted saying them as a look crossed Kryton’s face that made him look dangerous. Stepping closer to the woman, towering over her, he spoke in a quiet voice that barely contained his anger.

”Get your things and go back to the village you came from. I’ll see to it you’re taken care of by the doctor first and I’ll make sure you’re escorted back without harm. I’ve had enough of your tongue wagging to last me a lifetime. I’ve put up with your shit only because I promised your husband but now….even he would be ashamed of what you’ve turned into.”

When she tried to protest, his booming voice shook the very foundation of the dorms.

”I SAID ENOUGH! Do NOT make me have you escorted in a way you would find most humiliating because you know I will.”

Mrs. Winston closed her mouth then knowing she had crossed the line. Kryton looked at the other aids, glaring at them all before he ordered one to take the woman to the doctor to have her patched up.

”The rest of you are on warning. If I hear any of you doing anything to disrupt the training and lodging of another aid, you’ll find youselves out on your asses with barely the provisions to make it back to your villages. Do I make myself clear?”

The aids just nodded but that wasn’t good enough for the commander and he barked at them again.

”I CAN’T HEAR HEAD NODS!”

That got their attention and they all barked out a quick yes sir before they disbanded and headed back inside. When the aids had gone back inside, he whirled around and glared at Shiloh and Erik, again.

”You two. Again. What the hell am I going to do? Get to my office, now. And put your things down, woman.”

Kryton stormed past them once more and stomped across the compound to where his office was located as Shiloh and Erik walked in silence behind him. Once they got into the building, he ordered them to sit outside his office until he called for them. He said something to his assistant who quickly scrambled out and returned a few minutes later.

Erik watched the man leave then return after a few minutes and was wondering what the hell was going on. After a few more minutes Kryton ordered them into his office and slammed the door behind them. Walking back to the large desk, he leaned back against it and crossed his arms over his barrel like chest. He had completed his morning grooming and the rest of his face was now as smoothly shaved as the other. His piercing, dark gaze darted from Shiloh to Erik’s and back. Taking a deep breath, he finally let loose.

”I’m going to talk and you two are going to listen. For the next few minutes. Don’t interrupt or I’ll confine both of you to quarters for a damn month. You two had best get your shit together. I can’t keep covering your asses like this indefinitely. Jordon, if you don’t reign yourself in, I’m going to have to reassign you to another encampment. A REMOTE one. And Shiloh, you remind me a great deal of your mother, but you have got to get your head on straight. I don’t know what the hell is going on between you two but you better get it under control right here, right now. There is absolutely zero tolerance for fraternization between Riders and Aids. ZERO. If you want to pursue things more than being Rider and Aid, then I suggest you both resign now. If you don’t want to do that, you have one choice and one choice only. PUT A LID ON IT.”

He got up and walked behind the desk and sat down wearily then looked across the expanse at them again.

”Shiloh, because of what you did to Mrs. Winston, I have no choice but to put you in lock up for 24 hours.”

Erik started to protest and Kryton quickly squashed his words.

”You can join her there if you want to. All you have to do is say one word.”

Erik clamped his mouth shut and stood there stoic faced and board stiff. Kryton sat back in his chair again.

”Your both dismissed. Erik, I need you on patrol in the eastern sky. Activity is on the incline there. When Shiloh is released from custody, I’ve made arrangements for her to have the room closest to the door in the dorms on the first floor. Mrs. Alton will be here this afternoon to take Mrs. Winston’s place. She’s nothing like that old crone and things should be much better in the dorms after she arrives.

As soon as Kryton was done talking, he waved his hand and Erik turned, gesturing for Shiloh to do the same. As soon as they walked outside the commanders office, two guards were there to take Shiloh into custody. Erik looked deeply hurt and he let his gaze settle on hers.

”I’ll go with you.”

Once they reached the jail, Shiloh was escorted to a barred cell. It wasn’t bad. It had fresh straw and it didn’t smell in the least. Sampson tried to go in with her, but Erik prevented him from doing so. Seeing the look the dog gave him, Erik spoke softly to him.

”You have to stay out here, boy.

The dog sat down just outside the bars and glanced at Shiloh then glanced at Erik. Erik looked at Shiloh and again he looked hurt by what she had to do.

”You’ll be OK here. The guards are very trust worthy. I’ll come visit you when I get back and bring you dinner. Try not to think about being here. Think about training tomorrow.”

Erik saw the look on her face and knew she would be thinking about nothing BUT where she was. With a regretful look, he turned and forced himself to leave her where she was with Sampson on guard. Making his way back to his own room, he changed and walked outside, calling Mina. By the time the dragon got there he had his saddle and weapons ready to go. Once he secured the saddle and stowed his weapons, he glanced towards the building that Shiloh was in and climbed up on Mina’s back. His gaze still looking at the building, he finally nodded and spoke to Mina with his mind as his eyes began to glow.

~Let’s go girl.~

Mina leapt into the air and began her ascent into the sky. Once they were air born and headed towards the east, the dragon and Erik became as one again.

Shiloh sat on the cot inside her cell, her knees pulled up to her chest, thinking about everything that had transpired since she'd found Erik, or should she say, since Erik and Mina found her. She'd been nothing but trouble for the rider and now, her feelings for him were growing stronger every day. She was beginning to think that he felt the same way, but she wasn't sure.

The more she thought, the more depressed she became. Kryton had threatened to transfer Erik somewhere isolated if they didn't get a grip and straighten up. She couldn't bare it if that happened, not when she felt it was her fault.

Standing, she walked over to the bars and hollered for the guard. When he approached, she told him that she needed to speak to Commander Kryton and that it was urgent. She had to make things right.

While the guard sent an aid to get Kryton, Shiloh sat back down, wondering now if her vision had been wrong. Maybe she was just supposed to prepare Erik for his true aid, especially being that he was such a loner. She shook her head, even to her that sounded far-fetched. But, something had to be done or he was going to suffer the consenquences.

When Kryton came in, he wasn't too happy about being there and he sure in the hell didn't like seeing his late aid's daughter sitting inside a cell.

Standing there, hands behind his back, he looked at her, thinking how much like her mother she looked and acted.

"What is it you need, Aid Shiloh?"

Shiloh stood up and stood in front of him, the bars seperating them. Like her mother, she didn't cow down to him but she didn't disrespect him either, she talked to him one on one.

"Commander, I have to insist that you transfer me, regardless of my vision. It would be in everyone's best interest if you did so. If you choose not to, then I may have no choice but to be the one to resign."

She didn't explain why she was requesting the transfer again, but he had a strong suspicion on why.

"Shiloh, I will discuss this with Erik when he returns from patrol, until then, I would strongly suggest that you reconsider. Visions shouldn't be trifled with. It was how you mother came to me."

Kryton looked away, feeling as if he'd revealed more than he intended to, but Shiloh didn't notice.

"Okay, Commander, speak to Erik. It's not like I'm going anywhere anytime soon. Also, I would prefer to stay in the stables with RainStorm. I refuse to stay in the dorm with the other aids. It simply will not work, especially now."

She saw the Commander's face turn red at this, but he said nothing right away, almost as if he were calming himself.

"You're mother was stubborn, but not this stubborn, Shiloh. I cannot do that and I will not have you sleeping in the barn with the horses. That is out of the question! You will sleep in the dorm in the room I have assigned to you and Sampson and you will like it!!"

Sampson began to growl at the commander when he raised his voice to Shiloh, but the commander would have none of that either.

"You pipe down!!"

Giving Shiloh one more hard look he stormed out of the jailhouse, feeling that he and Erik had better have a serious talk about his aid, her wanting transferred, and her close to be insubordinate to her commanding officers.

~Refusing to sleep in the dorm. By the Gods, she is just like her mother!~, he thought to himself as he headed back to his office.

Miranda could see the attraction between the rider, Erik, and his aid, even though both were trying valiantly to hide it. She couldn't believe the audacity of Mrs. Winston either and felt that the old bat had gotten what she deserved.

Walking around, she smiled at a few of the riders when they gave her approving glances before walking on. She loved the encampment, the variety of riders, aids, healers, and dragons.

She went to the stable and began to saddle Satin, having decided it was time to get back to her journey, having also restocked her medicinal herbs, she made sure everything was packed, fastening her bag to her saddle.

Leading Satin out of the stables, she thanked the stable boy before swinging herself up into the saddle, leaving the compound.

As Braum and Temeraire flew high over the forest, Baum used his magic to scan along the ground beneath them. There were large swatches where the forest trees had been ripped from the earth and thrown to the side. As if a giant hand had reached down and swatted them aside. Here and there were areas where the earth itself had been gouged in long strations, as is giant claws had furrowed the earth. "We need to fly lower Temeraire." Braum said to his dragon with his mind.

Temeraire banked then rolled into a dive straight down towards the earth only to pull up just above the trees. Flying just at tree top level she followed the conture of the earth while Braum surveyed the ground. Just as she transversed a ridge and dropped down to a valley, a volley of arrows rose from the plain like a sworm of hornets. "Hang on Braum!" Temeraire said to Braums mind as she rocketed skyward, the black bolts bouncing off her scales. She continued to climb then looped back down retracing her flight path. As she reached tree top level, Temerarie breathed a finger of fire out across the land. Turning a hundred Urgals and Lizlions to cinders. Then climbed again high into the sky, she felt Braum's mind scream out in pain, glancing over her shoulder she saw a Urgal bolt protruding from Braum's leg. "Are you alright?" her mind asked Braum.

"Yes I will be fine, lets get out of here we have seen enough." his mind said to hers, as he slumped in the saddle.

Temeraire Banked and flew back towards the compound.

Erik and Mina had just come over a mountain ridge when he saw Braum and his dragon engaging in battle. Mina tucked her wings and headed straight for the fray as she saw the dragon pull up and head out. Erik squinted and saw Braum holding his leg and saw the black colts protruding from his leg. Braum’s dragon had cut a pretty good path with her fire breath as it was so all Erik and Mina had to do was finish it off. As Mina passed by where Temerarie left off, she bathed the area in her own fire taking joy in hearing the screams of the Urgals and Lizonians below.

As she passed over, Erik saw where the arrows were coming from as another dark cloud was set loose through the sky. Ducking his head and letting his armor protect his body from the wicked weapons, he pulled his auto cross bow up and as Mina made another pass, she rolled to her left side but remained perfectly straight in her flight path. As she rolled, Erik braced himself in the saddle and fired off a flurry of bolts himself hitting several of the enemy in the process.

Mina and Erik made three more passes similar in nature to their original and when no more dark bolts came flying into the air towards them they finally decided it was safe enough to land and investigate. Erik cautiously dismounted Mina’s back and walked around trying to figure out what Braum had stumbled upon.

Like Braum he saw the destruction of the land from the air and grew very curious and concerned at the same time. What ever had caused that sort of damage wasn’t something to play around with. As Mina kept a vigil eye out in the area, Erik crept around with his blade drawn.

He’d been investigating what appeared to be a similar encampment like the one he belonged to for several minutes when he stumbled upon something he’d never seen before. It had strange markings on it and while all the other trees around it had burned to charred sticks, this tree was dark, but it wasn’t burnt. In fact, it wasn’t even touched by the flames that had consumed the others around it.

Furrowing his brows, he walked all around the thing before he heard a noise behind him. Just as he turned to defend himself against what ever it was, he was knocked back by something he couldn’t explain. If he had to describe it, he would say it was a shadow and nothing more, but it certainly didn’t hit like a shadow. In fact, it hit like a strong man. A rather very strong man.


Erik stumbled but caught himself before he fell and quickly took a defensive stance. Instantly he head Mina’s voice in his head asking if he was alright. Turning in a tight circle, he searched for the enemy again only to be knocked about again by the strong force just as he was relaying to her he was OK. Realizing he was dealing with something most likely not of this world, he stood very still and listened very carefully. All around him the sound of burning, crackling wood and the sound of the warm air moving across the land filled his ears. And then he heard it.

From his right he heard what sounded like a barely audible whisper and as the thing came at him this time, he was prepared. Just before the thing reached him, Erik turned quickly to his right and held his blade horizontally before him in a firm grip. He was too quick for the thing to alter its course and as it ran into his sword, he heard the worst scream he’d ever heard.

Mina maneuvered herself into position to see what Erik was dealing with and when she saw the creature he was battling, she hissed threateningly. What ever it was, it was sneaky and she didn’t like it.

The dark, smoke like substance oozed into a pile at his feet and tried to slither away. Erik’s brow creased as he tried to figure out what it was. Two beady, dark eyes peered at him from within the depths of the thing and as a final effort to destroy Erik, it leapt towards him. Erik jumped back and instinctively brought his sword, point first, down into the creatures slithering, oozing body for the killing blow. Once more he heard the screams and they were so loud this time he had to release his grip on his sword and cover his ears.

When the screams stopped he saw the thing melt into the ground like dark water poured onto the parched dirt of a garden. His sword still wobbled as the point was still buried in the ground where the thing used to be. Hesitantly Erik reached out and pulled his sword form the ground and saw some of the black, oozing substance that was part of the creature was still on his sword. With a final kick to the ground, he walked back over to Mina and with one last glance at the place, he climbed up into his saddle.

~Come on, girl. Let’s get the hell out of here and back to the camp. We need to tell Kryton what we found here and what happened.~

As Mina leapt into the air, she added her own comment.

~And make sure Braum is OK~

Erik snorted in answer to that but didn’t say a word. As they traveled back to the camp, Erik and Mina kept a vigil eye out on land and in the sky in case what ever that was Erik fought had a way of following them or reaching them in the sky. When Mina landed he secured his saddle in his shed and stowed his weapons then released her from her duty.

Making a b-line for the building Shiloh was in, he was cut short by Kryton’s booming voice ordering him to report for debriefing. Stopping mid way to the building he glanced at Kryton, glanced at the building then sighed as he turned and headed for Kryton’s office as ordered.

By the time he got done talking to Kryton, he was ready to remove his armor, get a bath and share some dinner with Shiloh like he promised. Of course it didn’t help that Kryton told him she asked for another transfer while he was gone.

When he finally showed up with dinner in hand, his brow seemed to have a permanent crease to it. As the guard unlocked the cell and let him in, he didn’t say anything. When he set the tray down, he ran his hand through his hair and rested in it on the back of his neck as he looked up at the ceiling.

”Shiloh…..I don’t know what’s going on between us. I’m not well versed in things of the heart, but I do know that I don’t want you to go.”

He turned to face her then and shook his head before he sat down wearily on the bench across from her cot. His blue eyes locked onto her gray ones as he spoke more truthfully to her than he ever had.

”But if you really want to be reassigned, then I can’t force you to stay with me. It still wouldn’t change things between us unless you got reassigned to another camp. And then we’d never see each other unless we crossed paths. I guess what I’m asking is that you stay here…as my aid. I’d rather have you here with me and know you’re safe and be able to see you than have you leave and take the chance of never seeing you again.”

Shiloh didn't touch her food, instead she pushed her plate away from her and rose from her cot, standing over by the little window. So, Erik did have feelings for her as she did him.

"And how do we shut off our feelings, Erik? We can't. That's what it comes down to...we can't. At least, I can't."

She turns around, leaning up against the wall, her eyes long lashes hiding her eyes as she looks down.

"I've caused you enough trouble and you heard what Kryton said earlier. He'll transfer you somewhere isolated if things don't change. Problem is, I do want them to change, but it goes against the rules of rider and aid."

She looks up at him, taking a deep breath before letting it out, knowing that what she's about to say isn't what he wants to hear.

"I think it would be in your best interest if I left and went to another encampment. Your career could very well be on the line if I stay, especially if things get out of hand between us and we get caught."

She was quiet then, waiting for his reply, not knowing what he was thinking as his face was stoic. Her own heart was breaking, but Shiloh knew that she had to do this...for him....for his career. Now, if only he agrees to let her go along with Kryton.

Meanwhile, Kryton had sent a messenger to Shiloh's father, advising him of the situation with Shiloh and what was going on. Later that evening, Shiloh's father, Jason Dragon Starr, showed up on Kryton's doorstep. Shaking hands with his late wife's rider, Jason and Kryton sat down and spoke about Shiloh, Kryton telling him what his suspicions were regarding the feelings between aid and rider. That was when Jason filled Kryton on what he knew about Shiloh's vision for he had one of his own after she'd left the village.

"Commander, you must know that Shiloh are Erik are destined for each other. They need each other in order to fight what is coming for Erik. He is pre-destined, I have seen it in my visions and Shiloh is there by his side, as his aid and from what I saw, as his mate. As you know, visions can change per the use of free-will, but I do know that they are meant to be together throughout what is coming. You cannot allow her a transfer. She saw Erik in a vision, whereas most aids are simply trained to help out whatever rider they are assigned to. I knew that with my wife and now it is that way with Shiloh and it will be the same for her daughter, and so on. The final decision is ultimitely yours, but this what I have seen."

Kryton was quiet while he took in what Jason was saying and the commander thought about Eleanor and her beauty. How he'd known that she'd seen him in a vision. Only those of the Dragon Starr clan had the honor of being pre-destined for one rider and one rider only, to their aid and no one else's. Eleanor had been just as stubborn and headstrong as Shiloh, but because of the way he and Eleanor had felt for each other, he had always felt it best to keep riders and aids from intimate relations. Now, here Jason was, telling him of visions and destinies.

Running his hands through his graying hair, he sighed heavily, unsure as how to handle this new predictament.

Kryton listened to what Jason had told him. Even after the man had gone, Kryton sat for a long time in the silence of his room and thought long and hard about everything the men had discussed. If he allowed Shiloh and Erik to act on these feelings they had for each other, he would have to let the whole camp and the last thing he wanted on his hands was a group fo riders and aids that did nothing but pass each other back and forth in seedy affairs.

However, they were grown adults and how they chose to live their lives while not on duty was none of his concern unless it interfered with the performance. Then and only then, by law, could he step in and call a cease to their activities by transferring one or both of them to another camp.

”Ah bloody hell…like it’s not going on behind my back in the first place.”

He’d just downed the burning liquid contents of his glass when he received a knock on his door. One of the guards walked in reporting Braum hadn’t returned. The man assured Kryton he’d be back to discuss more about Erik but it was getting dark and he still wasn’t back. And after what Erik had told him, he knew this wasn’t a good sign.

Giving the guard orders to relay, he sat and stared at an old amulet from years ago he’d given Eleanor. It was the only thing of her he had left….other than the one thing he knew he could never claim publicly. Gripping the amulet in his meaty grip, he put it back in his pocket and stood up to go talk to Erik.

******************************

Erik was at a loss here. He’d never been in this sort of situation before. He knew dragons, combat, riding, combat, training, combat and reading. Dealing with women other than a few hours of fun in a soft bed at some remote village somewhere was totally out of his league. Not that he didn’t know what emotions were. His mother told him a man with no heart wasn’t a full man. While he kept his emotions in check, that didn’t mean he DIDN’T have them. And right now, he had more than he could handle.

“We can’t shut them off, Shi. We can’t. That would be like telling the sun to stop shining. And I’m not saying we can’t have them for each other. What I’m saying is that we can’t let them show in public. That’s difficult as hell, I know, but in order for you to stay here, that’s the way it has to be.”

He turned and walked away from her again feeling at a loss for what to say to her that might make things better for them, but there simply were no words to be found. He turned back to face her then, the look in his eyes telling her he really didn’t know what the answer was.

“Don’t go. Please. This vision you’ve had is important and it involves me. I know these visions can’t be taken lightly. I’ll admit when I first met you and you spouted off about me and your vision I was a little freaked out, but since then, I know you’re supposed to be with me. Don’t….ask me how I know….I just know that’s how it’s supposed to be. And….if you left now…..”

Before Erik could get the words out, the guard interrupted and came to unlock the cell door. Just as Erik was asking what was going on, Kryton walked into the cell and looked at both Erik and Shiloh. Finally turning to Erik, he spoke in an authoritative voice.

”Braum hasn’t returned. Take Mina and scout the area you last saw him. If he is injured, he most likely needs help and you’re the only ones who know that area well enough to search for him at night.”

Erik didn’t necessarily want to go looking for the man but it was a direct order from Kryton so he had to follow it. Giving a quiet ‘yes sir’, Erik glanced at Shiloh then left the cell. When Erik left, Kryton stood leveling his dark, piercing gaze at Shiloh once more.

”Report to the room next to Erik’s. That’s your permanent residency now. And your request for a transfer is denied.

At Shiloh’s confused look, he waved off any questions she had.

”Everything will be explained in the morning with a formal order. In the meantime, get settled. It’s going to be a long night.”

Turning on his heel, he left the shocked Shiloh standing in her cell with the door wide open.

Erik had called Mina and by the time the dragon got there he was in his armor once more and ready to go. Once the saddle was secured and his weapons ready to go, he climbed up and was settling in when he saw Kryton emerge from the building the jail cells were in soon followed by Shiloh. He gave her a confused look and while he wanted to ask her what was going on, he had to leave. With a nod to her, he gave Mina the order to go and the dragon left the ground.

It took Erik quite some time to find Braum, or more correctly, his dragon. Mina circled a few times to make sure it was safe to land. Landing close to Braum’s dragon, Erik slid off Mina’s back and walked over to where Temeraire stood watch over Braum. Giving the dragon a light pat on her chest, he approached Braumn cautiously.

“Braum? It’s Erik. Erik Jordon. Are you OK?”

Shiloh didn't know what to think nor what to do. She saw Erik leave and watched Kryton as he headed back to his quarters. She stood there, unsure. Kryton said to move to the room adjoining Erik's, but that was forbidden, wasn't it? And, he'd lifted her punishment. Shaking her head, she headed for the female aids' dorm to collect her things, Sampson trotting along beside her.

Entering the dorm, the other female aids gave her dirty looks, some even out and out glaring at her. She sighed as she went to her room collecting her things. When she got to the door, Mel, the tallest and biggest said, loud enough for Shiloh to hear, "Good riddance to bad trash."

Shiloh stopped, hand on the door handle, when the new head mistress came in, having heard what Mel had said.

"MELODY!!!! YOU ARE CONFINED TO YOUR ROOM EXCEPT TO PREFORM YOU DUTIES FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS!!! EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY!!!"

Shiloh smiled her thanks to the older woman as shet headed out, making her way to her old room adjoining Erik's. On her way, she heard whistles and lewd remarks from some of the other riders, somehow, word had gotten out on where she'd be staying. By the time she got to her room, she was pissed, at who, she didn't know yet, but she was pissed.

By the time she'd gotten settled, she was emotionally drained, having nothing to wear now except for her black pajama shorts and sleeveless shirt that all of the female aids' wore to bed during the hotter months when they were in the compound. Even though it wasn't hot as it was more comfortable than hot, that was all she had to wear.

Climbing into bed, Sampson curling up at her feet above the sheet, she quickly drifted off to sleep.

Miranda and Satin had traveled for a while, sensing that all was not right. Satin was uneasy, jumpy. Miranda was jumping at every sound.

It was dark when she came upon Erik, Mina, Braum and Temeraire. Seeing the fallen rider, she forgot her angst towards him and kicked Satin in the sides, coming in at a canter. She slid off before the horse had even stopped.

Kneeling down beside Braum and Erik, she looked to the bolt protruding from his thigh. Looking over at Braum, she smiled at him.

"Tonight is your lucky night, Braum." She went back to Satin grabbing her travel bag, dropping it next to Braum's head. Searching through it, she found her medicine pack, unrolled it and began talking to both men, taking control of the situation.

"I'm no healer, but I know enough. Now, we have to get the bolt out and it's going to hurt like hell, so Erik, you will hold him down. I will remove the bolt." She smiled at Braum, waggling her arched eyebrows at him.

Taking her small dagger, she then grabbed a small, thick walled bladder, pouring some of the contents onto the dagger. The strong smell of pure whiskey filled the air. She looked at the two men who were giving her a strange look.

"What? It's for medicinal purposes. Now," she looked to Erik, "hold him still."

She poured more of it over the entry point of the bolt, grimacing at Braum's moan as the alcohol hits the wound.

Her face becoming serious, she made a deep, yet small cut on either side of the bolt, making it easier to pull out with as little tearing of muscles as possible. Once the cuts were made, she looked at Braum, sympathy in her green eyes.

"You ready?"

At Braum's nod, his face now pale and sweaty from the cuts she's made, she keeps her eyes on his, holding them with her green gaze when she gives a hard pull, the bolt sliding free with a sickening sucking sound. She mumbles an apology at Braum's groan of pain, seeing sweat bead even more on his face. She was amazed that he didn't yell, as it had to have hurt like the dickens. Pulling out the bag of herbs and small pestle and mortar, very quickly and efficiently makes a poultice, gently applying it to the wound, she then wraps it.

"There, all done."

She looks over at Erik, smiling at him then smiling at Braum.

"You should be able to make it back to the compoud. One of the herbs in the poultice will control the pain for a short time, until you get to the healers."

She began to pack up her things to leave.

THE CITADEL GAGORIDOR

Elghinn sat on his throan brooding awaiting the arrival of Morbididora , his must trusted and faithful servant and diciple, who he had summoned. Slowly the huge black doors of the royal chamber opened and Morbididora seemed to float in. He immediately fell to his knees before Elghinn and said softly "You summoned me, my Lord Elghinn?"

"That I did Morbiddiora, I have had word of a new Dragon Rider, one who wears no armor, but the uniform of the Ancient Rider's. This disturbs me greatly." he said forcefull as he rose, motioning Morbididora to rise. Elghinn walked over to a large map hanging on the wall of the royal chambers. Passing his hand over the map and stopping along a moutain range to the north he said. "All these lands I rule,even the Elves and the Dwarves have fled to their sanctuaries and pose no threat to us. Yet somewhere in these mountains hide the Varden, the last of the rebellion. The presence of the new Rider must not be allowed to reach the Varden." He then walked to withn inches of Morbididora's face. "Find this Rider and destroy him and his dragon. He must not insight the remanents of that small pathetic band of Dragon Riders or reach the Varden." he then leaned closer to Morbididora placing his finger on Morbididora's chest "BRING ME THIS RIDER'S HEAD! DO NOT FAIL ME!" he commanded.

When Elghinn backed away, Morbididora bowed and said "I will not fail you, my Lord Elghinn." he then backed out the doors still in a bow, before rising and turning to scurry down the long corridor.

As the doors closed, Elghinn returned to his throne and sat brooding staring at the map on the wall.

Braum looked up at the red haired young woman and said It seems once again I owe you thanks. I seem to have delayed your journey once more. Please accept my gratitude and perhaps one day I may repay your kindness. Braum then struggeld to his feet and limped over to Temeraire, Slidding up into the saddle on her back. "I think it would be wise for us all to leave as quickly as possible. Liziones are easily frightened but very persistant, particularly when they sense wounded prey and are spurred on by Urgals." he then looked at the red haired woman. "Stay to the rocks, two leagues to the west you well see an outcroping that resembles the head of an eagle. Just below the beak is a hidden pass that will take you through the montain and to the otherside of the spine." he said quietly to her "If that is the way your journey takes you? May the Gods grant you safe passage...Our paths shall cross again, of that I am sure." With that said he spoke to Temeraire "Ekess wer thrae sia thurirl!"
As Temerarie stepped forward Braum said to Erick "Come young Dragon Rider, before you become a meal of the Urgals and Liziones ."

Miranda watched Braum limp to his dragon, pulling himself into the saddle. He seemed familiar to her, but she knew she'd never seen him before. Pulling herself into Satin's saddle, she looked again at Braum.

As she turned to head towards the eagle's head shaped rock, she thought about what Braum had said.

~How did he know the direction I was going to go? How did he know about the secret pass for that matter? Who in the hell is he?~

These thoughts went round and round inside of her head as she watched the trail, staying close to the rocks. It would take her two days ride to get to her destination and she had to be careful for she would be seen as easy prey to the Lizonians and Urgals, a lone traveler. But, she was prepared for them and hoped that she would make it to her destination with little trouble.

Morbididora was awash with thoughts. He needed to make sure he did his master’s bidding but in a way his master found great favor in him. Of course being a shade gave him a little edge over the usual mage. And he’d practiced so long at such a dark, talented art he was one of the best in the land. Something he took great sadistic pleasure in being, of course.

Once he reached his chambers, he pulled several large books from his collection and began flipping through the pages, looking for the best way he could make sure his master’s wishes were carried out to the utmost efficiency and despicable ways.

After a few minutes of searching, he found what he was looking for. The sinister smile that eased over his scarred face would send chills down the most hardened warriors spine. Turning, he began to call forth dark spirits from every corner of the world and use them to spin his most diabolical scheme ever. One he was sure would bring his master the glory he wanted and make sure Morbididora remained on the top of the master’s servant food chain.

*************************



Erik was never so glad to see the Sorceress in all his life. He wasn’t well versed in the art of healing so when she offered her skills, he was greatly relieved. Holding Braum down so she could remove the wicked looking bolt from his thigh, Erik grimaced as he saw the way she had to dig the barbed head out of the meat.

As Braum gritted through the pain, Erik found a spark of respect for him. He didn’t yell out his pain and instead choked it down. While the grip the man had on his forearm would have most likely broken his arm if it had not been for the armor Erik wore, the younger man knew he had to deal with it somehow.

When Miranda was done and Braum hobbled over to his dragon, Erik listened to the directions he gave the woman. He knew this land like the back of his hand. While that impressed Erik a great deal, it also concerned him. He seemed to know all the little things that were important.

When he turned to Erik and told him to leave with him before he became a meal for Urgals and Lizonians, Erik felt the respect Braum had just earned poured out on the ground. Furrowing his brow deeply, he gave the older man a piece of his mind.

”I wasn’t the one injured, old man. I believe the only one who would be considered Urgal fodder around here right now is you. You’re right, though, let’s leave here before the smell of your freshly shed blood draws them and the Lizonians into a full frenzied feeding attack. I’d hate to have to report to Commander Kryton how they tore you limb from limb. He seems to hold a soft spot in his heart for you.”

As Erik settled himself in his saddle once more, he nodded and communicated wih Mina he was ready to leave. The dragon leapt into the air and once more flapped her wings to ascend into the sky and head for the encampment. A little while later they both landed with a few yards of each other. Erik didn’t bother helping Braum from his saddle. If the old man wanted to exchange insults, Erik didn’t have time for him. Instead, he worked at removing his saddle from Mina and setting it back in his tool shed. His dinner had been interrupted and he was tired. He wanted to find Shiloh, eat his now cold dinner and then find his bed. Why did that seem to be so difficult to do?

Shiloh didn't sleep very long before she was up again. She was worried about Erik and wondered if he'd returned yet. She was also trying to figure out why Kryton had moved her next to Erik's room. It didn't make any sense.

Rising, she walked around the room in her shorts and sleeveless top, standing next to the window, looking out, then heading back over to the water basin, where she splashed water onto her face. Sitting back on the bed, she grabbed her brush and brushed her long hair.

Sampson sat on the bed next to here, watching, ears perked forward as if he too were waiting for Erik to return.

Scratching him behind the ears, Shiloh smiled at him.

"You don't know what's going on any more than I do, do you boy. Why did Kryton move me here? It doesn't make any sense."

Sighing, she looks over at the adjoining door, wondering where Erik was, what his reaction would be if he visited the jail first, if Kryton would meet him and tell him what was going on. She walked over to the window again, her heart speeding up when she saw Mina land near the tack room. She also became nervous. What would Erik think? Would he be okay with her being moved here? Well, she would soon find out, now that he'd returned. She sat back down, only this time she sat in the chair and waited.

Looking down, she then saw that she was still in her sleeping clothes. Probably not he best thing to be wearing when Erik got there. She went to the wardrobe to see if there was anything at all inside she could put on. Seeing that there was a short robe made of a silky material she grabbed it and put it on. The hem only came just above her knees and the arms were only quarter length, but it covered her better than the shorts and tank top.

Feeling more comfortable, she sat back down in the chair, once more waiting.

Erik was making his way to the officers quarters when Kryton came out to meet him on the porch. Looking over Erik’s shoulder to see Braum being helped off his dragon, the older man gave Erik a piercing look before he motioned with his head for the younger knight to join him in his office. Both men were silent until the door was closed behind Kryton when he entered. Erik turned a glare on the older man that would have made water instantly turn to ice.

”That man may be an Ancient Rider but he’s got the manners of an ass. Next time he’s lost, send someone else to drag him back. If it hadn’t been for the fiery red head he would be dead right about now. And I can’t say I’d be real upset if that were the case.”

Kryton let the younger man vent his anger. When Erik finally stopped talking to take a breath, the older man leaned forward in his chair.

”You’ll do what you’re damn well ordered to do. And you’ll do it with the efficiency I’ve come to expect from you. You and Mina are the only ones I could send out there and know if he was out there, you’d find him and bring him back. Even if it was just his corpse. Braum’s got more knowledge in his little pinky than I have in my whole body. It’s because of men like him we didn’t fall to Elghinn and get crushed by his will. We owe our life and freedom men like him…..and Vrael.”

Erik shot Kryton another hateful glare and was about to say something when Kryton spoke first.

”Like him or not, boy, he knew your father and knew him well. You could learn a lot form him. If you’d pout your differences aside and see him for what he is. A damn good Rider and teacher.”

Erik shook his head.

”He wants a student about as much as I want a boil. It’s not a good match. It would be like dropping a spark into a keg of powder.”

Kryton rubbed his stubbly chin.

”Then lets see what sort of explosion we get. He is going to teach both you and Shiloh everything you need to know and then some. It’s up to you to learn what he’s got to teach you. Now…go to your dorm room. Shiloh’s in the adjoining room waiting for you.”[/icolor]

Erik blinked, not because of the mandatory training with Braum but because of where Shiloh was located now.

”But….she’s not…..she doesn’t need….she’s healthy enough to stay in her own dorm room with the other female aids.”

Kryton gave Erik a hard look.

[color=darkred]”Since when did you become a healer? When you can diagnose a person as well as they can, you’ll do as you’re ordered. Just as she will. A formal order will be coming out in the morning. Now…dismissed.”

Erik was about to say something when Kryton barked at him again.

”I said…dismissed.”

Erik snapped to attention then and gave a quick yes sir then turned on his heel to leave. As he walked across the compound towards his barracks, he was still confused. Why did he let Shiloh out of confinement early and why was she back in the room adjoining his?

When Erik finally walked into his room, he was exhausted and hungry. Running his hand through his unruly hair, he looked over to see Shiloh sitting in the chair near the doorway that separated their rooms. He let his eyes take her in for a moment before he shook himself out of his thoughts.

”Do you have any idea what’s going on? All I know is I come back and you’re now back in the room adjoining mine and I’m old a formal order will come in the morning.”

As he waited for her to answer, he began to remove his armor. The metal was heavy, yes, but his frame could easily handle it. Turning his back on her, he pulled the tunic off his torso over his head and laid it aside. The muscles rippled in his back as he flexed his shoulders and arms. Leaving his upper body bare, he removed the leg bracers then walked over to the door and leaned against the door frame, crossing his arms over his chest.

His eyes seemed to pierce her very soul as he looked down at her in the chair. For a moment his gaze moved from hers to look her over again before coming back to her eyes. His look was unreadable, making it difficult to gauge his thoughts. Truth be told, if he didn’t hold himself in tight check, he’d most likely regret doing what he was thinking and steeled himself to thinking about nothing but business.

Shiloh looked away when she saw Erik's muscular back, taking a deep breath and calming her racing heart. By the Gods, but he was built!.

When she turned back, he was standing, bare chested, leaning up against the door frame. She couldn't stop the appreciative gaze from looking him up and down, before blushing profulsely when she met his blue gaze. Standing, she noticed him looking at her long, bare legs, the robe only going to about 2 inches above her knees.

"No, Erik, I have no idea as to what's going one. Kryton came to me, released me from my confinement and told me that I was to gather my things from the aids' dorm and move in here. He told me, as well, that there would be a formal order in the morning."

Again, her gaze moved to his chest, her breath hitching in her chest. She turned away, walking over to the window, peering out at the compound, Braum's dragon being cared for.

"I see you found Braum."

Sighing, she turned back around, walked up to Erik, standing before him, peering up into his blue eyes.

"What does this all mean, Erik? I get the feeling that he knows how we feel about each other, so why would he move me here, this close to you?"

She reached out with a slim hand, tracing a scar at his right pectoral muscle, unable to help herself. She drops her hand as if she's been burned, mumbling an apology before stepping back.

She sees his eyes peering into her own, his face again, unreadable.

"You should eat, then sleep. I guess we'll find out what's going on in the morning."

She heads for her bed, thinking that Erik has turned around, going back to his own room as she removes the short robe, climbing into bed in nothing more than her sleeping shorts and sleeveless shirt. As she lays down, she gives a start when she sees Erik still standing in the doorway, his face still unreadable.

"Erik, eat, sleep, we'll figure this out in the morning."

She snuggles down under the sheet, trying to calm her raging hormones. She knew what went on between a man and a woman, but she'd never wanted to experience it, until now and she was unfamiliar with the feelings it was causing her to have.

Sampson kept looking from Shiloh to Erik and back again, a whine escaping his throat as he finally walked over to Erik, nosing his hand, seeking attention.

Thankfully Shiloh didn’t see the short, quick intake of breath from Erik when her fingers reached up and raced the scar on his chest. Or the gooseflesh that rose up on his flesh when her fingers made contact with his skin. Did the woman not know what she was doing to him? No, she didn’t. That was as plain as the nose on her face.

And then she took off the robe she wore. It was all Erik could do not to walk the few long strides from the door to where she was and have his way with her. And there wouldn’t be much she could have done to stop him. If it had been most other men, that’s exactly what would have happened. But Erik knew he couldn’t do that to her. No matter what he felt.

As she snuggled under the blankets, it was not a moment too soon. If she’d been exposed for a second longer, he would have pounced on her like a starving mountain lion attacked a wounded rabbit. As Sampson nudged at him, Erik blinked, gave half a growl and patted the dog on the head then turned on his heel to leave Shiloh to her sleep.

His dinner was still waiting for him. Even as cold as it was, he ate it in silence, giving Sampson a few nibbles here and there, and then decided to soak his tired body. When he exited the tub he dressed in a soft pair of light tan trousers and walked over to the doorway between their rooms. All he could see was the top of her head as it peered out of the covers. With a sigh, he walked over to his own bedroom and leaving the door open, collapsed into the bed. Sleep, if he got any at all, would not be easy tonight with his head filled with the thoughts that simply would not leave him alone of the woman in the room next to his. After a couple of hours, he pulled his pillow over his head to try and help drown out images and thoughts he knew were going to be nothing but just that. Images and thoughts. Finally he drifted off into a fitful sleep solely form sheer exhaustion.

Shiloh was having the same trouble that Erik was having, sleep not coming any time soon. She was aggravated and frustrated, unsure as to what to do. Tossing and turning, she knew when he stood in the doorway once more before he went to eat and finally, she heard the sheets rustling in his own bed as he got comfortable.

When Sampson trotted back over to her room, he jumped up into the bed, snuggling down beside her. Wrapping her arm over him, she whispered to him.

"I sure hope that Kryton knows what he's doing, Sampson. He had better explain things completely come morning."

Finally, she drifted off to sleep, her dreams erotic, filled with visions of Erik.

Braum didn't even respond to Erik's comment, he just unsaddled Temerarie, patted her on the cheek and said to her. "That boy has much anger in him and has even more to learn. He is as stubborn as team of mules and about as much sense." he slammed thge sadle down on a rack as Temeraire chuckled lightly undser her breath. "What are you laughing at?" Braum said to Temeraire's mind.

"He is as stubborn as you Braum and as head strong." She said to his mind. "Although I agree he has much to learn. He listens but does not hear. He sees but has no sight. We have much work to do. And his dragon is equally as bad. When do the lesson's start?"

" I am not stubborn ........The boy is his fathers son, of that there is no question ....... Tomorrow perhaps the next day, I want to see if his sword arm is as strong as his insolence." Braum said to Temeraire's mind "Now go and hunt then rest we have work to do tomorrow......I must see the healers.....I am in need of herbs and potions." Braum then lipped across the parade grounds towards the healer's quarters muttering to himself. As he passed Kryton's quarters he gave commander a nod.

Temeraire circled above the encampment and reached out with her mind to Braum "If you are not stubborn then I am unable to fly old man." She then flew off towards the mountains to hunt and rest.

Braum reached out to her with his mind. "OLD? I am not old, just exoerienced." he smiled faintly as he hobbled up the steps of the infermary.