The Wings of the Raven

Chapter 3 - The Bonding Ceremony

Raven led the group outside to where the dragons waited. She placed each person in front of a dragon then stood facing them.

"Each of you has been given your own dragon. They are your Alia Medium, and you are their Alia Medium. Together you shall be Plenum. To achieve Plenum you need to open yourself to your dragon. They must become an extension of yourself. When you open your minds to them you will see all of their memories and they will see all of yours. Each dragon is different. And will respond differently to you. Just be yourself, they can tell when you're lying.

"I have chosen a dragon that will suit you perfectly. Look into your dragon's eyes, be calm and open with them. Don't act threatening or challenging for they may try to kill you. I will come around and talk to you individually, in the meantime try to bond with your Alia Medium."

Raven decided to start with Dove. Dove was standing in front of a dragon with soft orange scales and pure black eyes. It had wide shoulders, sharp red spines, long graceful wings and a stub of a tail.

"Dove, this is Phoenix AshBreath," Raven said as she approached them. "She's a fire spitter who's fiercely loyal and quick to defend at all costs. She is incredibly stealthy and very agile. She will suit you well. In order to bond with her you must show her your willingness. Put your hand on her muzzle, tell her your most treasured secret and the link will be established." With that she left them to bond. Moving on to Poppy.

Poppy stood in front of a dragon with light blue fish-like scales and deep blue eyes. It had long, webbed talons and thin, powerful, webbed wings. Along with a strong tail, white underbelly, and a long, slender body.

"Poppy, this is River SilverWing. She is graceful, strong and an excellent swimmer. The two of you shall enjoy many great adventures together. You must show her your character. Put your forehead to hers, tell her about your most embarrassing moment and the bond will be unbreakable." Raven turned and moved on to Luna.

Luna was standing in front of a dragon with pure white scales and royal blue eyes. It had strong, powerful back legs, large wings dotted with golden scales, a long cat-like tail, and a sapphire crescent moon on her forehead.

"Luna this is Angel FeatherHeart. She kept watch over you last night. Like you, Angel is connected with the moon. You two will soar through history together on moonbeams of love and companionship. You must show her your commitment, place your hand on her forehead and tell her about your worst nightmare." She went to Reed next.

Reed stood in front of a dragon with stormy grey scales and teal eyes. It had a narrow body, long teal wings, a long, thick tail, and two rows of razor sharp teeth.

"Reed, this Loch StrongStorm. Loch is spelled L-o-c-h not L-o-c-k, he's very picky. Loch is a lightning spitter with incredible speed and accuracy. He is very opinionated and expects complete trust. You must show him that you are trustworthy, close your eyes and put your hand on his tongue this will show him that you trust him not to bite your arm off." Continuing along the line Raven came to Thorne.

Thorne was standing in front of a dragon with dark red scales and narrow orange eyes. It had a large stocky body, powerful wings, silver fangs and spines, and large, razor-like talons.

"Thorne this is Nip SharpBlade. He is quick footed, intelligent, and ruthless. You must show him your strength, touch his talons and tell him about something you overcame." She left them to bond and went to Hunter next.

Hunter was standing in front of a dragon with dark brown scales and large bronze eyes. It had a long snake-like body, long agile legs, a long whip-like tail, retractable talons, and nimble wings.

"Hunter this is Boa BronzeArrow. He is an expert marksman, insanely good at camouflage and expects you to have a straight shot. You must show him your focus, sit and tell him about a time you missed your mark." Finally, Raven walked towards Wolfe.

Wolfe was standing in front of a dragon with emerald green scales and golden eyes. It had a long, graceful body, long emerald and gold wings, golden spines, hooked golden talons, large gold teeth, and a long thin face with a white scar on his snout.

"Wolfe this is Hero GoldenFang. Hero is excellent at manueverment and extended flying. He is just as capable on the ground as in the air. He will help you lead and protect your pack. You must show him your loyalty, touch the scar on his snout and tell him of a time your were betrayed."

Leaving them to their bonding Raven walked towards the house. This will take some time. Beside Sadie was a dragon with jet black scales and piercing yellow eyes. Its retractable silver hooked talons kneaded the ground anxiously. The dragon had large, black paws and a long, slender reptilian body. Its large black, bat-like, wings were poised in the air like it wanted to fly away but needed to stay put. Between her eyes, silver scales made the shape of a feather. A long white scar was present on the right side of her underbelly. Recognition was instantaneous, Kita DarkTalon, my Alia Medium.

KITA!!!

Yes Mama, it's me. Her small soft voice filled Raven's head. Raven raced towards her. Kita's big paws wrapped around her as she latched herself onto Kita's neck. Together they rolled in the wildflowers, laughing and playing, waiting for the bonding to move on to phase two.

*

Kita?

Yes, Mama?

What will their trial be?

I don't know Mama.

Our trial was to rescue Kade from the Caon pack. And I know that the Caon pack has practically quadrupled in size since then. But who would have enough of an emotional impact on them to seal the bond?

When the wind changed direction a scent drifted into her nose. Musky, like an animal, yet sweet too, like a human. It was too thick and overpowering to be from one or two sources.

Kita sat up in alarm. Call the order! Now! Run, Mama! Run!

She ran through the field towards her companions, hearing Kita turn and charge her unknown assailants.

While Kita protected her, Raven yelled, "RIDERS!! MOUNT UP!!! NOW!!" They snapped to it. Leaping on their dragons with ease, turning towards Raven, ready to attack at her command.

As she ran she heard, "Ph-sst. Ph-sst, ph-sst, ph-sst." the sound of arrows being released. Raven turned as Kita fell to the ground an arrow embedded in her side.

"NOOOO!!!!!" Raven slipped on wildflowers as she tried to run towards Kita's crumpled form. Raven dimly heard someone yell to come back and that it was a trap, but she didn't listen. Out of the woods came hundreds of people. Many of them transformed into animals as they ran towards me. Caons, shapeshifters. When they bypassed Kita she realized her mistake. To these people, Raven was a much better prize than a dragon. She slid to a stop turning to run back.

Thwack!

Pain exploded in her side and she looked down to see the tip of an arrow protruding from the left side of her abdomen. Raven fell to her knees as darkness enveloped her. Through the darkness she heard that same voice yell "NOOOO!!!" until the darkness overtook her.

***

Sorry this was a bit of a shorty, but so is Meghan so... Please comment and let me know what you think!