Chapter One.

 

 

Trinari dragged the body up the last step and pulled it under the overhang that was used as a second den. Crouching, she balanced on the balls of her feet, she studied the thing she had brought into the den. Bending close she sniffed at it, scampering back as it moaned. When it stopped Trinari creeped closer sniffing again, her nose twitched; the thing was poisoned.

 

A banging and scraping sounded above her head and as quickly as she could she grabbed the thing at her feet and dragged it farther into the cave, to cover it's scent, Trinari piled some of the dung around him. Inhaling deeply all she could smell was the dung so she nodded and wiped some of the dried up dung over herself.

 

Sister? Are you here? Came her brothers snide voice deep in her mind.

 

Coming Dourobe. She replied and ran out of the den and climbed up the wall, once there she bowed deeply, How may I help you brother Dourobe? She asked the huge brown coloured dragon.

 

You could die, that would help me. He swung his tail but Trinari saw it coming and deftly she ducked under the blow, rolling as he began to slam it down where she was moments before.

 

Dourobe! A loud mind voice bellowed and the dragon stopped his attack

 

Mother...

 

What do you think you are doing to my hatchling?! Trinari winced as their mother continued to bellow as she landed on the ledge to their den.

 

He was helping me with my speed training mother! She called but the massive she-dragon ignored the girl stepping over to her and crouching down over the girl baring her fangs at her son.

 

That he was not hatchling, he was trying to kill you. She hissed her tail lashing, Trina my daughter, leave us for the moment.

 

Trinari bowed and quickly left the den, she had wanted to check in on that strange thing she had brought up anyway and this was the perfect chance to do it. Making her way down the cliff she picked some leaves and began grinding them between her teeth, reaching the top of the opening she fell the last few feet and stopped inhaling, still she could not detect it's scent.

 

Hurrying forward she then circled around the dung and sighed in relief. The thing had not moved, Trinari spat the pulp into her hands and gently spread it onto the gaping wound in, what she guessed, was it's chest. Once the wound was covered with the leaf pulp she used the access on an angry looking mark on the paw.

 

Trinari, will you come home now? You have a guest. her mother called.

 

Coming mother! She sent back, before she left Trinari laid her hand on it's chest, she felt warmth there and a beating heart. Her eyes looked to his face and she noticed that it's eyes were open, but not really seeing and as she watched fascinated by the colour they closed again.

 

Trinari!!

 

I will be right there. Trinari gave it one last look before turning around and hurrying back the way she had come. Reaching the den there was a large blur of movement and suddenly she was pinned to the ground, she found herself staring into the bottomless depths of a large red eye. Taimu'kn!

 

Hey there tiny. Taimu'kn gave a dragon grin showing all his fangs. He was a moon younger then her and from the moment he hatched they had become fast friends, he often commented on how her white scale-less flesh complimented his flame red scales. His hot breath surrounded her and teasingly spoke. I came for dinner.

 

I'm not on the menu Tai. She laughed and pushed at his claw knowing there was nothing she could do to forcefully move him, however he was considerate of her small size and as she pushed up he pulled his claws away from her.

 

The night was getting late as Trinari rested propped up against the side of Taimu'kn thinking of the thing she had brought up to the lower den, wondering when to feed it, as she had hidden some of her own roasted boar and wondering what the thing down there was.

 

She had looked into a still pool often enough to know she was not a dragon like the rest of the herd, however she was much like that creature down there. Her thoughts lead to action, sitting up a little straighter Trinari broadcasted to them both; Mother, what am I?

 

Her mother sighed and Trinari could feel Taimu'kn's interest in her question. You are a child of a human and an elf.

 

Trinari rolled the unfamiliar words in her head, Human and elf? What creatures are they?

 

Images of pray flashed though her mind, and things on two legs just like her tending them, a little two legged hatchling in some sort of a nest. Humans. After her mother said the word more images flashed, this time of huge trees and strange dens, tall things with long pale flowing hair, a nest of leaves and another hatchling. Elves.

 

Where do I fit in? She asked confused, before an image of a tall pale creature like the one in the lower den came to her mind and a smaller softer version. They came together in a way that made Trinari blush, and from the smaller one, the human she realised, a little one was hatched.

 

You my daughter are a child of both bloods with all the knowledge dragons possess.

 

Taimu'kn twitched, How?

 

When I brought her here I had to open the pathways of her mind more, but by doing that I poured all the knowledge we have into her accidentally. Sadly at the time I failed to notice what I had done. It was not until Trina came into heat that everything became clear to me...

 

Do humans and elves know how to open their minds? Trinari asked she had a strange feeling her mother was leaving something out, but it would be rude of her to pry.

 

Some humans have the ability, and train at some school, Elves have developed the ability over the centuries they have lived and passed on the knowledge to their hatchlings.

 

If you poured all your knowledge into me, why do I not know this?

 

You have not begun to open your mind as much as needed to access the information, but as you grow you will learn how. For the humans and elves I have observed they need things they call Spells, to help them achieve thus, but I doubt you will need something as silly as words.

 

They each thought their own thoughts for a while before Taimu'kn let out a huge yourn. Tai, why don't you go to back to your nest now? I am sure Ava is wondering where it is you are.

 

Mother knows I am here, but I am getting tired. Good nesting Mula, good nesting Trina. His deep mind-voice spoke.

 

 

After he had left Trinari picked up the meat she had hidden and excusing herself made her way out of the den and down the cliff. It was hard going trying to keep a hold of the meat between her teeth and harvesting more leaves and climbing down with mostly one hand and her feet, but she somehow managed it.

 

As soon as her bare feet hit the ground she dashed in and to the human she had hidden. Laying a leaf on the ground Trinari placed the meat on top then began chewing on the rest of the leaves she had harvested as she peeled off the now dry mess from the humans chest. After placing the new one on she looked into it's face once more.

 

The human was awake now, it's eyes locked on her. “Wa...ter” it made a low croaking sound. “ple... se, wat... er.”

 

Understanding came to Trinari and she jumped up, raced to the back of the den and filled her drinking cup she had left there with the cold water, glad that the pool was not stagnant each time she had to use it. She moved back the the human and gently lifted it's head, once she was sure it would not choke on the drink she began to trickle the water slowly into it's mouth. The humans hands gripped hers and the cup as it tried to gulp the water, and each time it did so Trinari pulled the cup away. Once it was done, it opened it's mouth again and tilting her head she tried to make sense of the sounds it made.

 

“Thank you...” It closed it's eyes.

 

Sitting back on her heels Trinari thought of how she could understand this human, she then remembered how her mother said some humans could open their minds, so gently she placed her hand over it's brow and allowed her mind to seek the humans.

 

It was much smaller then a dragon's, she realised, but so full of... things she was surprised. She could feel the surface of it's thoughts, and once it became aware of her presence something like a cliff-face stopped her from getting any farther in. This thing had learnt to block his mind she realised and stopped.

 

I wish you no harm. It was more emotion then words as she was sure the human would not understand anything else. Resting her thoughts lightly on top of his she felt his panic, and just as her mother had done with her when she was a younger hatchling Trinari hummed under her breath.

 

The humming seemed to calm him down a little as she felt his panic recede a fraction then with her eyes closed she pressed against the thing blocking her access to the humans mind. Suddenly a paw appeared it had colourful stones around it's talons, it took a swipe at her and instinctively Trinari pulled out of the creatures mind.

 

Trinari looked at him closely, his hair close to his scalp was black, however the rest of his hair was white, there were longer pieces of black then the front. His eyes were a dark brown colour and slanted up at the sides, his nose was small and flat.

 

She had seen her reflection in the still water of the mountain pools to know what her mother had said about her to be true, unlike the round face of this human her own was a little pointed, she had round green eyes, long wild dark brown hair that came down to her bare feet. Looking down she noticed that the human was shivering so thinking of the only way she knew to keep him warm Trinari lay next to him and pressed her body against his.

 

 

A few days had passed and Trinari was slowly making progress with the human, he was sitting up and eating for himself now while she sat nearby weaving a rope out of dried stalks she had gathered last summer.

 

“I want to go out.” He startled her by saying, she looked over at him, her hands still busy with her work and a puzzled expression on her face. “Out.” he pointed.

 

Trinari shook her head no she repeated his last word “Out.” he noticed her voice was lighter then his and also she had a strange accent when she pronounced it.

 

“Why can't I go out?” He demanded angry.

 

She dropped the rope and buried her face in her hands, if only the human would let her into his mind she could make everything clear. Her head snapped up and moving slowly she sat before him, Trinari touched her forehead and then his, trying to make him understand that she could show him why.

 

He sighed, “So the only way I can find out why I cant go outside is to let you in my head.” He shook his head. “No, I don't want you in there.”

 

It was her turn to sigh at the shake of his head. If only he would let her in. She felt a tap on her shoulder and looked up at the human. He touched his forehead then hers, she was puzzled for a moment before a smile broke out on her face. She had not thought of letting him into her head! Trinari nodded.

 

She sat straighter as the human looked deep into her eyes, she felt a tickle at the edge of her awareness so slowly she drew her mental block away, covering only her secret thoughts. She watched as the humans eyes widened. My name is Trinari, this is my home. She then showed him how the mountains looked from above.

 

I made it to the Wildergrave Mountains?

 

Is that the name humans gave it? Well then yes, you made it to the Wildergrave Mountains. she then said nothing, closing her mind enough to let him know he was being rude by not giving his name.

 

He felt her withdrawal and also the cause. My name is Kevven. He felt her open her mind again. Can you now tell me why I can not go outside?

 

I will show you. And she did, she flashed visions of the huge dragons of the herd, even the newest hatchlings who still were over the length of him one day after breaking the shell.

 

Dragons! His mind-voice was panicked. You live this close to dragons?!

 

She flashed him images of her mother and brother. They are my family. She stated simply and watched as he trembled from head to toe. Kevven? Are you feeling unwell again?

 

He shook his head. No, I am well... I just was not expecting...

 

She could feel his confusion, so slowly getting used to talking like this with him she told him that her mother found her as a hatchling, but instead of dropping her off with humans the dragon chose to take her in a her own hatchling. After her story was over Trinari could feel questions piling up and she smiled at him again, then wondered why his mind went blank when she smiled.

 

He quickly pulled his mind away from hers. “So I can not go outside because there are dragons. Well... at least I know you don't want to hurt me.”

 

TRINARI! COME QUICK! Her mother called and without a word to the man she rushed out of the lower den and up the cliff to her mother.

 

Mother what is wrong?

 

There are armed humans climbing the mountains, you must hide.

 

You think they are here to fight mother?

 

I know not daughter, but hide and stay hidden until I call for you.

 

Yes mother. Trinari spun on her heel and out of the den, before her mother could see where she was headed she ducked into the lower den and rushed over to Kevven. You must keep quiet for the moment. She was shocked that they had formed this little bond, but it was handy for speaking to him.

 

“What is-.”

 

Trinari threw herself at him landing along his length, not caring about his injuries right now and clamping her hand over his mouth she said once again in his mind Mother said there are armed humans making their way up the mountain, she does not wish me to be seen if they attack and I don't want you to be seen as well.

 

I have to leave! Kevven sounded desperate.

 

I cant let you leave just yet, please stay still or you will hurt yourself again! She growled into his mind, she felt fear, a deep seeded fear of the men coming up the mountain. Not thinking Trinari broke down his defences and looked deep inside his mind, he was frightened, the men coming up the mountain were coming up to find him. Some woman was making them do it, Trinari was about to find out who the woman was when a whooshing sound filled the lower den.

 

I know you are here Trinari, come out come out where ever you are. She shuddered at the malice in her brothers voice. If you don't come out now little human-elf, I will rip this place apart to find you.

 

She gave Kevven a warning look as Dourobe's claws clicked against the stone, she saw Kevven shudder once before giving a nod. Trinari stood and walked out into the opening. Brother. She bowed.

 

I knew you were here, I could smell your disgusting scent by the entrance. Without warning his left front leg flicked out and slamming against her pinned her to the wall of the den. Now it is time for you to die. Don't worry, I will tell mother that you ran away, wanting to see your own kind.

 

Trinari struggled against his paw as she sort to free herself although she knew it was a fruitless effort, his tail sending all the dung she had placed flying through the air. She became still when something sharp pricked the bare flesh of her stomach. Brother please-.

 

He pushed his claw into her a little more, I am NOT your brother. He hissed tail lashing and smoke coming from his nostrils. Suddenly his weight left her and she crumpled to the floor clutching at her bleeding stomach with one hand and raising herself with the other.

 

TAI! NO! She called but the dragon did not listen, he was too busy fighting off Dourobe. MOTHER! MOTHER! COME TO THE LOWER DEN, DOUROBE IS FIGHINTING WITH TAI! Her mind bellow had Kevven clutching at his ears and the den shake.

 

Trinari! It was Kevven

 

Go into the water and near the bottom you will be able to feel an opening, squeeze through and swim to the right, there you will reach a hidden chamber, stay there until I come for you. She commanded and watched as he did her bidding, he had just dove under the water when an ear splitting boom sounded.

 

Mula burst into the den, her roar more terrifying then anything Trinari had heard before. As her mother pounced on Dourobe, Trinari rushed to the back wall and crouched into a little ball as to not be trampled. The sounds seem to last for hours before a loud crack was heard and Trinari dared to raised her head.

 

Mother... Tai? She asked afraid they would not answer.

 

We are here little one. Came her mothers voice as Tai said he was there too. Trinari stood and rushed around the dung when Mula caught sight of her she spread her wings and opened her front paws. Without hesitation Trinari rushed into her mothers embrace weeping as blood coated all three of them. Hush my little one, hush now. No harm will come to you.

 

But mother, you killed...

 

I know daughter, but I also know he was hatched with a twisted mind...

 

Tai?

 

I am here Trinari, only some scratches.

 

Suddenly all three of them felt a sharp pain, a human had killed a dragon and they all felt it. Opening her mind once more Trinari saw the battle that was happening and with a hiss Mula backed off a few paces before turning and taking to the sky with Tai close behind her. Mother, Tai, come back! However it was no use and both vanished from her sight.

 

 

Trinari rushed out of the cave calling to her mother with all the power she had, looking around human bodies littered the ground, blood soaking into the rocks and weeds that lined the cliffs. Stopped her headlong race down the slopes her bare feet dug into the ground, cautiously she walked over to one of the humans and knelt down, its body was ripped, torn and blackened. On the things the human used to cover his body Trinari spotted something that was only slightly singed, it had what looked to be gold running through it so quickly she ripped it of the corpse before continuing down to her mother.

 

The pain was coming and going as more of her family were killed, Trinari rushed over the last rise where she felt her mother and let out a shrill cry as she doubled over as the worse pain she could have imagined exploded in her chest. Trying to focus through her tears Trinari saw her mother bite the last human in half before collapsing herself.

 

Gasping though her pain Trinari rushed over to the fallen she-dragon, not taking any notice of the wooden shaft sticking out of her side. Mother! She cried climbing up the dragon, Mother please say something.
 

My Trina, so little and wild. Her body shuddered and Trinari gripped one of the scales near her large eye. You need to go see the Tamed Dragons and the humans who ride them, find out who did this to us and put and end to it before more of our tatsu are killed. Find the person and do what you must. With one last sigh Mula said no more.

 

Trinari clung to the body of her mother weeping inconsolably, it was only a scraping noise close behind her that had her turning around to crouch as her hands fisted and she hissed. It is just I Trina, Taimu'kn stated sadly. My mother... I was trying to find her... She too has been killed.

 

She straightened and looked the red dragon in one of his eyes, Then we are alone, the last survivors of this tatsu?

 

Yes, we are the last. Why did the humans come here, why did they wish us harm? We kept to the mountains as we promised centuries ago...

 

Kevven...Trinari straightened.

 

What is this Kevven you speak of? Taimu'kn growled lowering to his haunches.

 

Kevven is a human I found, he was badly injured and I could not leave him there to die. Trinari pleaded with her voice for him to understand. Before Dourobe came to attack me I had forced my way into the humans mind, these people came to get him! Mother... Ava... all died because of that human. Instead of being mad Trinari was upset, what value did one little human have for them to kill dragons for? There was only one way to find out and seeking his mind she called Come.

 

Climbing down from her mother Trinari made her way back up the cliff-face. Let me deal with it Tai, you can be a little scary sometimes.

 

As you wish... but if he lies I will eat him.
 

How will you know if he lies or not Tai? Trinari asked walking into the den she had been using for Kevven. She stopped and looked around, Dourobe was no longer on the floor of the cave where they had left him, but with more important matters to think about Trinari pushed it to the back of her mind.

 

A little knowledge in my blood. Trinari could hear the sorrow and anger in his mind voice but could not say much as the humans head appeared she helped him from the water and looked over his chest. Time to leave.

 

What is wrong? He sent the thought to her.

 

My family is dead, the only ones left alive are myself and Tai. Her mind voice took on a more noticeable lilt of mourning as they moved away from the little pool.

 

Who is Tai? Kevven asked trying to divert her attention. Looking over her shoulder Trinari watched as Kevven's eyes widened, Taimu'kn swung his solid tail at the man. Quickly Kevven dropped to the ground and rolled to the side. As he stopped stomach down and hands holding the back of his head Trinari walked forward and stood before him, Taimu'kn stopped his attack.

 

I need his help. Trinari broadcasted to the both of them. He can get me to the Tamed Dragons as mother wished.

 

The dragon responded only to the girl, she growled at him and the dragon backed away a step. What..?

 

I need this human to teach me his words, how else will I talk to the tame ones when they don't know our language? She paused, I am using hatchling talk as the human does not know how to speak out language yet.

 

You are talking to me like a baby? Kevven asked and Trinari turned her head to look down at him.

 

What is a 'baby'? she pronounced the word strangely.

 

He showed her an image of his youngest sister, That is a baby.

 

That is a hatchling. So yes, I am talking to you like a baby as you put it. She paused took a deep breath and continued on. There is a way we could learn each others language in the blink of an eye, if you let me in I can copy all your knowledge of your language and leave mine at the same time, but to do that you need to trust me.

 

Kevven took a step back and the dragon curled his lip, in a deep booming voice he mocked the human. The poor hatchling is scared that you will steal his being.

 

I can not take another's being, I can copy memories and thoughts at the time, I can leave my own, but I can not take over anything.

 

Still... the poor little human-.

 

Do it. Kevven stated and Trinari looked at him fully now.

 

Do you understand it will strengthen the bond though, right now we could break it easy, if I do this it means the bond no matter what we do will stay there...

 

Will it affect our lives?

 

No, you will be able to hear what I let you and same for me with you, it is not a deep mating bond like the dragons have, more like what Tai and I have... but as he and I are connected... like that rope I was making, ours will be like a thin strand of a spiders web.

 

That is acceptable, proceed. Kevven sat up as she knelt down in front of him. Before he could change his mind she gripped his head, he lowered all his barriers and felt all his knowledge about the human language imprint in her mind. Then the influx of things about the dragons and dragon language flooded his mind. Trinari watched shocked as Kevven slumped forward, into her lap.

 

I think I gave him too much. Trinari mused biting on her bottom lip.

Trinari looked from the unconscious man, to the darkening sky and back, somehow she had to get him off the mountain before the darkness fell and before another group of humans came to check on the first. Her stomach rumbled and she let out a short humourless laugh, all that had happened today and she still could not escape her body's needs.

 

Tai, I need you to carry us down in your fore-claws.

 

You want me to carry some human? Taimu'kn straightened.

 

Yes, if we don't get off the mountain more humans could come with those stinging sticks and we could die as well. Trinari growled at him.

 

I am not some beast of burden Trina, I am a dragon. His eyes now slits.

 

You think I don't know that? You really think I would ask unless I thought there was no other way? Trinari's voice lost it's anger and her shoulders slumped. Please Tai, it is not often I ask you to do something for me and it will be this one and only...

 

Trinari watched and saw Taimu'kn's tail twitch before his posture relaxed. Very well, this one time only I will carry that human.

 

Thank you Tai! She rushed forward and wrapped her arms around one of his claws.

 

Yeah, yeah... He grumbled turning his head away as a puff of smoke twisted out of his nostrils. Come on, lift him up and drag him over here, we had best be gone as you said.

 

Trinari stepped back and made her way over to Kevven, she looked over his cuts and bruises making sure his blood was not poisoned again. Once satisfied she pulled his arms and he flopped forward in a sitting position and being surprisingly gentle, Taimu'kn stepped behind them as Trinari half lifted half dragged the inert body into the dragons palms. As she sat down Taimu'kn curled his fingers up to block most of the wind, once he was clear of the lower den the huge red dragon launched himself into the sky.

 

Kevven sat up and looked around, there was a fire going to his left and the dragon curled far into the shadows of the right. Sitting up he grabbed his head, “What in the hells was that?”

 

“I gave you a little too much information, I am sorry.” Trinari stated poking the meat that roasted over the fire.

 

She still had a strange accent Kevven noticed, but the delicious aroma that hung in the air drove any thought but eating to the back of his mind. His stomach growled and Trinari laughed, cutting out a large piece and placing it on one of the large flat leaves she had gathered. Kevven ate his fill and it was not until he was done that he asked some of the questions burning in his head.

 

“How did you get the supplies?” He asked first eyeing the large bundle near him.

 

“I took them.” she replied looking at him puzzled, “Did I do something wrong?”

 

“YES!” he looked at her closer, she was wearing proper clothes. “You stole the clothes too?”

 

“The garments I was wearing were not like yours, I thought it best to get something more like the cloth you wear...”

 

“Stealing is wrong Trinari-.” Kevven's stomach rumbled again, “But we can talk about that later.”

 

Trinari served out more of the meat and they ate in silence for a moment, before she voiced what was on her mind. “Where am I to go? Mother said to find the person responsible for killing our Tatsu.”

 

“What is a Tatsu?” Kevven asked and in the darkness Taimu'kn snorted.

 

“It is what we call a group of dragons.”

 

“Oh, we call them a nightmare.” Kevven replied eating his food quickly.

 

“A nightmare of dragons?” Trinari thought about it for a few minutes thoughtfully chewing on a piece of meat. “I guess I could use that when talking to humans...”

 

“She wants you to take revenge for her?” The silence grew until Kevven broke it. “My head hurts.”

 

“It will go soon.” Trinari stood and banked the fire. Kevven watched her intently, noticing her movements and facial expressions. He admitted to himself that she was quite graceful as she moved about preparing a place for her to sleep, however he also noticed that she was melancholy.

 

 

“Trinari wait, don't go that way!” Kevven called reaching out to her, “Please come back!” but she seemed to not hear him, Kevven took a step to go after her when suddenly a trap came up around him and Trinari turned around. But it was not her, it was someone how cast a spell on themselves to look like her.

 

“TRIANRI!” He called with both his voice and his mind.

 

Shh little one, you were dreaming, I am here.

 

Trinari? Are you well? You sound sad.

 

Shhh, you are dreaming hatchling, nest well, all will be clear or gone in the morning. With those last words Kevven fell into a deep sleep once more.

 

Trinari looked back into the night sky, tears falling unheeded down her face, her thoughts turned inward. Trinari stood, her long brown hair flying out on the wind behind her. The full moon seemed to be calling, sending tingles down her body. “I will talk to him in the morning, I need to find out why those humans were after him, I need to understand.”

 

You have only just come to that conclusion Trin? I worked that out quite some time ago.

 

Well you are smarter then me Tai, of course you would think of it before I would.

 

Get some sleep Trin, you will need your strength for the morning, it is going to be one of those long days.

 

Yes, alright, good night Taimu'kn. Try not to stay up too late yourself.