The morning had not yet come when Chance woke up. He lay there in bed thinking of the events of the prior day. It felt unreal, all that had occurred the previous day. He played it back through his mind. He realized that he had not talked to his Dad about his Journeyman project to see if it passed or if he was going to have to redo the vambraces for the second time. The first time he had not gotten the ratio right when making the steel and put in the bath to quench it too late and the metal had been too hard and brittle to form it to the shape he wanted. He had to start all over when the metal had cracked as he was hammering it into shape.

They were plain and unadorned as they were his project and not actually to be worn. He had decided early on that until he knew he could do the work and do it well all the fancy designs on anything was effort that might be wasted since he might have to redo it.

Turning his head, he looked to the small demi-dragon sleeping there. She was beautiful. He was amazed at how much he was already starting to care for the little dragon. Her foot twitched in her sleep and she growled lightly. Her lip curled up in a snarl, displaying her tiny sharp fangs. He wished he knew more about dragons and demi-dragons. All he knew were the old stories of the dragons, large beasts bigger than houses. There were stories of ones with riders and ones without but they had all seemed to be fantastical tales that were told to entertain the children. He had never even heard of demi-dragons. He knew there were Ard users in the world. He had seen the King’s Bonded Pair come to fight the orcs. At the time he saw them he was unsure as to why they had been called a bonded pair, now he guessed it was a bonding similar to the one he shared with Alyssia. Why two humans would bond was beyond him though. He had noticed that only one used Ard and the other used weapons. From what the militia had said they had been a devastating combination in the battles with the orcs.

He was shaken from his thoughts by his mother knocking on the door. “Chance are you awake?” she asked through the door.

“Yes mom, I am awake just not up yet.” He responded.

Stretching and sitting up, he noticed Alyssia was waking up as well. She sat up and then stretched much like a cat. She unfurled her wings, stretching them as well.

Good Morning Alyssia. Chance thought to her.

Morning. Alyssia responded grouchily. She asked sleepily, why are we up before the sun has decided to be?

Well Little One. There is work to be done and it won’t get done if we lay abed all day. Chance responded with the answer his parents had always given him.

Alyssia snorted. You might have some work but I don’t think I do, so I think I might go back to sleep.

Shaking his head and scooping her up in his hands, he carried her over to his washstand. He set her down there next to the washbasin and poured some water in the bowl and also in a small cup beside it. Here Little One wash up and get a drink then I will do the same.

He turned to the dresser and pulled out a fresh tunic and pants. He changed out of his sleep pants and into his daily pants, then turned at the sound of splashing. There swimming in the washbasin was Alyssia. She was sliding through the water easily, diving and turning. After a bit she climbed out and shook like a dog.

He wet his hair down and after running his hands through it several times to straighten out the worst of the tangles, tied it back with the rawhide again and then pulled on his clean tunic. This one did not have any pockets so he picked up Alyssia and placed her on his shoulder then headed for the kitchen and breakfast.

Walking in to the kitchen he noticed that there was a new place setting at the table between his chair and his mother’s. The new spot held a wide variety of meats, ranging from raw steak to cooked bacon, all in small portions. “I was not sure if she preferred raw meat or cooked. I did not want the dear to go hungry so I figured this morning we would let her see what she liked best.” His mom explained.

Hold still for a second Chance, Alyssia asked quietly, I want to try this again. I think I should be able to do this but not sure. Can you be ready to catch me?

Of course Little One. I will be there if you need me. Chance responded curiously.

“Come on and…” Chance’s mom started to say until Chance held up a finger to ask her for a second.

Alyssia stood and moved down his shoulder away from his head, then stretching her wings out wide and tamping her feet she made ready to jump. Alyssia, are you sure… Chance started to ask but was cut short when she leapt from his shoulder. Her wings seemed to catch her weight and then flutter for a second before they stabilized. She caught the air and then seemed to glide slowly down to the table. Then realizing that she was flying but then she was hit with the realization that she had no clue how to land. Chance could feel the momentary sense of panic as she lost focus and dropped the last two spans onto her plate of bacon.

Good job darling! You did very well for your first attempt. I am so very proud of you. Chance cheered as he walked over and sat down in his seat. He attempted to push feelings of love and adoration through their bond, figuring if he could send mental images then emotions should be possible as well.

Chance’s mom stepped to the table and bending over kissed Alyssia on the top of her head. “Very well done Alyssia. You looked beautiful gliding through the air.”

Tell your mother thank you for the kind words and this wonderful meal. This bacon is delicious. Alyssia said picked up a piece of bacon in with her front hands and began to eat.

“She said thank you for the kind words and the wonderful meal. She really likes the bacon by the way.” Chance told his mother.

“I had been meaning to ask you how you speak to her. A couple of times now you have said that she asked you to tell us something.” His mom asked curiously.

“I am not entirely sure how it works, but as part of the bond her thoughts can be sent to my head and my thoughts can be sent to her. We can also do the same with mental images and emotions.” He replied. “There is a lot I don’t know and even what little I do know some of it I do not understand.”

“Your father was out at the smithy earlier than usual this morning. He said he had a little work to do today before we could all sit down and talk for a bit. He said that he remembers that he still owes you an explanation about some of what happened last night and we would like to discuss a few additional things with you.” His mom told him as he began to eat. “It probably won’t be until after lunch before he is able to stop for the day so just take it easy and enjoy your breakfast. We ask that for now you keep Alyssia and your bond to her, as well as your Ard, quiet. So that means staying in the house this morning until we can talk. Alright?”

I think it is a good idea Chance, Alyssia chimed in as she moved from the plate of bacon to the plate of raw steak. After she took a bite, she said Also tell your mom I definitely like my meat cooked. I think that once my flame comes in I will be able to cook my own and once I learn to fly I will be able to catch my own.

Will do Heralded Beautiful Silver Star. Chance agreed.

“Alright Mom, we will stay inside this morning. Besides I have yet to look at the ring that was left as well as the scroll, plus I want to figure out the pouch. I can take some time this morning to do that. Also, Alyssia says that she definitely likes her meat cooked.”

“Alright, duly noted.” His mom smiled as she got up and began clearing the table of the dirty dishes.

Chance, leaving Alyssia to finish her meal, helped his mom out by taking the leftover scraps out to the alley behind the smithy to leave for the stray dogs and cats in town.

Returning, he found Alyssia already curled up by the fireplace watching his mom finishing clean the kitchen. Chance headed to his room and grabbed his satchel, then he decided that he might as well start wearing the enchanted belt, so he took it out and put it on in place of the his old one.

He settled down in his Dad’s chair in front of the fire place and pulled out the scroll and the ring. He finally had a chance to look at the ring closely now and noticed that it was neither gold, nor silver but something else. It had a small silver colored dragon’s head inlaid upon the black onyx stone set in the top of the ring and the sides of the ring had been engraved to look like dragon wings extending around to the bottom. The ring was well made and should have been heavy with the amount of metal and the size of the stone but it was lighter than expected and it, as the other enchanted items did, seemed glow in his hand. Not knowing what the Ard was in the ring he decided to wait to put it on. So he set it aside and picked up the scroll.

It was about a span wide and was sealed with wax that bore a dragon head imprinted in it that seemed to match the ring. Taking a deep breath, he slid the new dagger under the wax. He felt something draw on his Ard and more Ard flow through his bond from Alyssia. Suddenly Alyssia thoughts popped into his head. Is everything ok Chance? Something just pulled on my Ard through our bond.

Mine too Little One. I broke the seal on the scroll. I am not sure what it was. Chance responded a little concerned.

Alyssia suddenly peered over the arm of the chair and proceeded to crawl up to his shoulder. What does it say?

I have not opened it yet. I stopped once it I felt it pull on my Ard. I doubt it would be something to hurt us but still it startled me. Chance explained.

Well open it already and make sure to read it out loud. None of my ancestors saw fit to learn to read your written words it appears. Alyssia responded impatiently.

What? You want me to open this? Actually I think I might go take a nap. Chance stretched and yawned.

Chance felt a sudden sharp pain on his earlobe. Oh sorry. I thought I saw a small bug on your ear, Alyssia tried to respond calmly but suddenly broke out into a fit of giggles.

Alright, alright, I will open it. Sorry for teasing you Little One. Chance laughed.

Chance slowly began to unroll the scroll, but there was no further draw against his or Alyssia’s Ard. As he unrolled it all the way, he noticed that at first the scroll was blank but slowly words were beginning to appear. The words were in a language that he could not read though and he became disappointed until he reached the bottom and there was a small section that he could understand. He read it and slowly passed the words to Alyssia through their bond.

To the newest Silver Demi-Mage,

I am sorry that I am not there to see the offspring of my dearest Dalia grow and bond. If you have made it this far then you have already bonded to the silver demi-dragon that was in the hatchery. This scroll is magically tuned to the Ard of the new hatchling and thereby to the mark of her Ard in you. I have included this section at the bottom and enchanted the text to appear in the language of the reader but to only be visible to the mage bonded to the young silver demi-dragon. Recite the words below and focus on the scroll, the words above will be translated into your language. May the Gods watch over you and guide you.

With Deepest Regrets,

Grand Mage Alexander Grimm

Silver Demi-Mage to Shining Moon on Glittering Scales

Letting out a slow breath, Chance laid the scroll down in his lap. Well, Little One, what do you think so far? Ready for me to read the words and continue or think you want to wait a bit? Chance said turning his head to look at Alyssia.

She cocked her head and stared off into space for a moment. Then as if a conclusion had been reached she sat up straight and wrapped her tail around her feet. I am ready when you are, Big One.

Grinning at their joke, Chance began to read the words for the first incantation. He focused his attention on the words and on the scroll in his hands. He could feel the Ard flowing through the bond from Alyssia as well as his own. He did not have to push the Ard where he wanted it. The words were directing the Ard and his focus gave it a destination. The scroll flashed briefly as he completed the incantation.

Nicely done, Chance. From what my memories tell me, the first incantation can be the trickiest. Alyssia praised him.

Grinning ear to ear, Chance unrolled the top section of the scroll again. Where previously there had been only words in an unknown language, now they were in perfect Chavirean. Chance began to read to Alyssia in his head.

I, Grand Mage Alexander Grimm, being of sound mind and body do bequeath to the Silver Demi-Mage bonded to the offspring of Shining Moon on Glittering Scales, also known affectionately as Dalia, all my worldly possessions and knowledge.

I have set an incantation on my favorite possessions that I always carry with me so that if something were to happen to me they will be transported to the location of this will. With this scroll you will find the following items:

Dragon Ring –Silver Dwarven Steel ring with black stone inset with a silver dragon’s head on the surface. The sides of the ring are engraved with wings. The ring was crafted by me and it was enchanted with several capabilities, they are as follows. By channeling a mixture of your Demi’s Ard and your own into the ring it will guide you to my tower. When your Ard is strong enough you will be able to instantly travel to the tower from anywhere in this dimension. This ring is enchanted to store Ard for later use. Grand Mage’s Ring – This ring grants access to the Grand Mage’s Tower located in Grensmar. It will more than likely be held by the new Grand Mage if there is one. This ring can be summoned as well but only by a Master level Ard wielder. The incantation to summon the ring is on the second to last page of my Book of Incantations. I crafted this ring as well when I was appointed to the position and built the tower. The record of the incantation of summoning for the ring is only recorded in my book so do not share it with any one. Bottomless Bag – a bag that when opened by a person with Ard opens access to a much larger extra-dimensional space where a near infinite number of items can be stored and retrieved at a later time. This allows the pouch to carry considerably more than its normal size would allow. Time does not pass in this space so food does not spoil and items do not bear the ravages of time. To access items stored in the bag you only need to think the incantation and the key word that was associated to it when it was stored. Please note, if you place an item in the bag without enacting the key word incantation then the item is lost. I have placed several items in the bag for your use. The incantation to store items is reservo and the key word you wish to use. To retrieve items, it is profero and the key word. The following items are in the bag and the key word is listed first. Journal – a journal of my life. Incantations – my book of incantations, from first spell to final spell. Gold fifty – a bag of fifty gold coins. (There are approximately one hundred of these bags. Each time you use the incantation and key word it will return a single bag. Silver fifty is also a key word. Gems Diamond – same as Gold fifty only the bag will contain two high quality diamonds. There are Gem Ruby, Gem Sapphire, and Gem Emerald as well. Dragon Belt – the gems in the belt can be used to store Ard for later use. Each gem has an incantation that can be called upon by the wearer when the gem is charged. The amount of charge and size of spell will determine the number of times each spell can be cast. To cast the spell simply think of the gem and channel the Ard from it out of your hand. The belt was more than likely drained and will need to be recharged, as I was more than likely wearing it upon my death. To recharge the gems simply direct your Ard into the specific gem but do not provide an outlet path. The spells in the belt are as follows. Diamond – Ice spears Ruby – Fireball Emerald – Vortex of Wind Topaz – Earth Wall Amethyst – Lightning Dragon Dagger – Dagger made of unknown material. It is found on the belt and is visible only to the wearer of the belt that is bonded to a demi-dragon. It cannot be felt when searched for by anyone other than the wearer. The dagger becomes visible when drawn from the sheath or the current wearer of the belt dies. The dagger is enchanted to be incredibly sharp and never dull. It can also be used as a focus for advanced incantations. The legends state that the handle is from the tooth of the first dragon and that the blade is what is known as Dragon Steel. If it is truly Dragon Steel, it is the only recorded item to ever be found made of this material. The secret of this material has been lost to the ravages of time as well. Dragon headed throwing knife - throwing dagger enchanted to return to scabbard instantly after impact. Therefore, the knife is always available for use.

If any of these items are not currently with the scroll repeat the incantation below while holding the scroll and they will return to you, unless they have been destroyed.

Sincerely,

Grand Mage Alexander Grimm

Silver Demi-Mage to Shining Moon on Glittering Scales

P.S.

In case you do not already know this, as a newly bonded Demi-Mage you are required by the Draconic Oaths to report your bond to the Ard Academy as soon as possible.

Finishing the scroll, Chance set it aside. Well, Little One that answers a few questions doesn’t it? Did you notice that the throwing knife is missing? Want to try the incantation to summon it?

Ok, that sounds like a plan.

Let’s see the incantation is argentum accersi draco dictus cultro. Any ideas on how to use it? On the scroll it said to focus on the incantation and the scroll. It was easy to focus on the scroll as it was in my hand. I have no real clue what the knife looks like.

Let me see if I can find it in a past memory. Alyssia said as she began to look through the memories that her mother had passed on to her. Ah! I believe this is it. She passed the image of beautiful throwing knife where the handle was shaped like the body of a dragon and the blade was formed by the dragons’ forward swept wings. It looked as if it was engraved into the knife as the edges of the blade were still smooth and came to a point.

Oh wow! That is amazing! Alright so I focus on this image and the incantation, anything else? Chance asked.

From my memory that is all. Alyssia responded. The words themselves should pull the amount of Ard from you that is needed to power the incantation.

Sounds like a plan. Are you ready Alyssia? Chance asked. Ready, she responded.

Reciting the incantation in his head and focusing on the image that Alyssia had shown him Chance could feel Ard begin to build up in his chest as each word of the incantation was read. Then with the last word the power released and Chance felt a weight in his lap that was not there before. Looking down at his lap he saw a dagger and scabbard identical to the image that Alyssia had shown him. Oh my Alyssia! I really do have Ard! This is so amazing!

Well done Chance. Alyssia told him. There was barely any pull from my Ard for it. How about you? How are you feeling?

Chance stopped to think for a minute. He felt refreshed and invigorated actually. Not in the least bit tired or weary. I feel good Little One. I do not feel tired or anything. Should I feel tired?

As a mage using Ard draws energy from you when you are first learning so like a muscle it is weak at first but gets stronger with exercise. As you learn more you will be able to pull from the world around you to a lesser extent. As a demi-mage though the amount of Ard you are able to produce is increased as well as you have access to my Ard as well. Using my Ard will be just like using your own and the incantation will pull from both of us automatically. If this Ard Academy still exists, you can learn more about Ard there I am sure and the scroll says we need to report our bond there. I also think we need to go find this tower that the ring will guide us too. If it has been centuries though, what is to say that the tower still exists? Alyssia stated.

True, I will have to ask my Father about the Academy and as for the tower I guess we will just have to go and see won’t we? Sounds like a fun adventure to me.