The silence was palpable as Chance and Alyssia stood staring out at the crowd. Then a slow murmur began to creep through the group. The volume slowly increased until one voice shouted out above the rest. “Long live Chance! Long live Alyssia!”

This seemed to awaken the crowd as cheers broke out from all around Chance. Shouts of “Praise the Maker!”, “Three Cheers for Chance!”, and “Hip-hip-hurrah!” sounded repeatedly.

Emeril let the Family express their gratitude to Chance for several minutes before he waved them to silence. “Everyone! The evening is early and the dinner is almost ready. I am sure our guests are hungry and tired from their travels. Let us show them how the Family treats honored guests!” he cried.

The crowd scattered, most heading to their wagons, some heading for the cook fires, and the remaining few headed out to relieve those standing watch and to let them know what had happened in camp. Emeril led them back over to the central wagon and the chairs they had been sitting in previously.

“I thought all of the demi-dragons were gone,” Emeril stated. “The last one was supposedly killed around five hundred years ago east of the Mrag mountains in a battle with the orcs. The demi-mage died that day as well. Now to have one appear and not only that, but a silver one. Never in my lifetime did I think I would get to see a demi-dragon, let alone a silver demi. If I may ask what is her dragon name?”

Do you want to tell him Alyssia or do you want me to? Chance asked.

Alyssia spoke then using her incantation for ventriloquism. “My name translates to Heralded Beautiful Silver Star.”

The Captain and Emeril sat stunned. Emeril spoke first, “Sh-sh-she can speak?”

“It is an incantation that I use to project a sound. I am learning to adjust the sound to resemble the speech of humans.” Alyssia responded proudly.

“Amazing… Chance you never told me this.” The Captain exclaimed.

“Well up to now she has really only said a few words, a majority of the time the word was her favorite food, bacon.” Chance responded.

“Bacon! That is your greatest desire? Oh glorious Heralded Beautiful Silver Star. Then you shall have all you can eat for as long as you are here.” A grin spread across Emeril’s face as he stood and turned to the fire. “I shall return in a moment,” he said as he walked away.

The sun had set not long past and as the night cooled a light breeze moved through the camp. Chance thought it felt nice sitting there near a small fire keeping the evening from becoming too chilled but a light breeze keeping him from getting too hot by the fire. He noticed that his shoulder no longer hurt either. Do you think Salvation healed me as well? He asked Alyssia.

Well your Dad did say that it would heal the wielder and you both hand your hand on the grip correct? Alyssia answered.

Yes. I was holding his hand to the grip but was also directly touching it as well. That is something to keep in mind in the future. I wonder if that is the reason I feel so drained right now? Chance could feel the weariness setting in. His eyelids felt exceptionally heavy and soon the stress of the day and the heavy toll of using his Ard to heal overtook him and pulled him down into sleep.

Alyssia sat there on his shoulder watching the people moving about. Emeril was talking to a group of women around a campfire. The Captain was sitting beside her and Chance sipping his ale and watching the camp as well. She could feel Chance growing tired but was still shocked when she felt him fall asleep. Glancing at him she saw his chin resting on his chest and his hands hanging down at his sides. Noticing he was in no danger of falling out of his chair at the moment she launched herself into the air.

The Captain started as she took flight, turning his head quickly at the sound to look at her. He noticed Chance asleep. “Where are you off to Alyssia?” he asked softly.

A soft voice said quietly in his ear, “I am going to look around outside camp. I will be back in a moment. I just want to stretch my wings a bit. They got cramped being under the bandage.”

“Alright then. Be careful.” Captain Herrera answered but she was already off into the night and did not hear him.

Resuming her illusion of a hawk in flight, she circled the camp slowly. Her vision at night time was just as good as during the day. She could see clearly even on the darkest nights due to the way her eyes adjusted their sensitivity to light. She could also switch her vision to allow her to see the heat emanating from living creatures. This allowed her to easily pick out each and every sentry and animal in the surrounding area. After circling for a bit and enjoying the night air she decided she should head back as dinner was probably close to being ready. She could tell that Chance was still sleeping. She was quite proud of how he had handled himself today. Their bond was growing stronger by the day and just in the few months since she had hatched their bond was equal to many in her memories and stronger than some. The rate at which it was growing made her think that it would be one of the strongest bonds in all of her memories. As she circled back above the clearing, she noticed that many tables had been set up in a circle around the main campfire and the central wagon was in the process of being moved to one side. Captain Herrera and Emeril could be seen standing to one side of the circle talking. Chance was still sleeping in the chair next to the central fire. The young man that Chance had healed was standing near Chance with his handle on the pommel of his sword. He was watching everything happening around Chance and seemed to be standing guard. Alyssia came in from above the campfire and flared her wings at the last second so that she settled gently down in the middle of the blaze. The fire felt good and did no harm to her other than to heat her reptilian blood up some.

Alistair turned at the sound of her landing but could not tell what had made the noise as he did not think to look in the middle of the fire. So he was quite startled when he saw Alyssia come out of the flames and proceed to climb up Chance’s leg.

When Alyssia had reached Chance’s shoulder she took the opportunity to have a little fun in waking him up and flicked her lithe tongue out and licked his ear with it. He flinched slightly and mumbled incoherently in his sleep but did not wake up. Determined she continued and added to her mischief by dragging the tip of her tail slowly up the back of his neck. She could feel him waking up through their bond but was not expecting it when he turned his head quickly and said “Boo!” She jumped back startled and let loose a sharp grunt. By the time she regained her composure she could hear Alistair trying to suppress his mirth and could see Chance smiling at her.

Not funny! She said.

Are you sure Little One? You sure jumped and that was a really cute growl you made. I did not scare you, did I? Chance asked through his laughter.

I was not scared. Your sudden movement caused me to lose my balance. So I jumped back to regain my footing. She responded confidently.

Oh well then I must apologize for causing you to be clumsy then. Chance stated.

What! I was not clumsy! I am the picture of grace and balance! Alyssia refuted quickly.

But you said that you lost your balance. Chance answered innocently.

Well… well… seeking something to change the subject so she would not have to admit either one of the two options as being correct. I think dinner is ready. We should probably go wash the day’s dirt off of us. With that she launched herself into the air once more.

Nicely avoided. Chance sent through their bond.

As Chance stood to look around he noticed Alistair standing nearby. “Where can I go to wash up for dinner?” he asked.

“This way.” Alistair headed toward the western side of the wagon circle and beckoned Chance to follow him.

Alyssia settled back down on Chance’s shoulder as he followed Alistair to a barrel on the side of the nearest wagon. From the top of the barrel he took an upside down bowl that formed a lid. Turning the bowl over, he set it back down on the top of the barrel. He then took a cup hanging from the side of the barrel and filled it using a spigot that had been set in the bottom of the barrel. Doing this several times he filled the bowl. Also hanging by a piece of cord from the barrel was a bar of soap. “There you go.” Alistair said. “All wagons are set up like this so feel free to go to any wagon and make use of their barrel and water when you need to wash up.”

Go ahead and rinse yourself Alyssia. Then I will wash my face and hands. Chance offered.

Quickly Chance and Alyssia washed up and turned to find Alistair standing guard watching the camp.

“Alistair, what are you doing? We are safe here right?” Chance asked softly as he came up beside Alistair.

“Yes, you are safe here. For each and every one of us would fight for you, for you have saved one of us. I though, I owe you my life and as such I am yours to command until the debt is repaid. So I seek to protect you and keep you from harm that I might repay my debt all the sooner.” Alistair answered solemnly.

Not sure how to handle the unexpected guardian Chance headed toward Emeril and the Captain.

As Chance and Alyssia headed back toward the center of the circle of tables Alistair followed off of Chance’s right shoulder about a pace behind. As they neared Emeril and the Captain, Merin came from the opposite side of the camp.

Curtsying to Chance and bowing her head, she acknowledged Chance with a quiet “Demi-mage”. Then she focused on Alistair. “Alistair where have you been? I have been looking for you? Father would like you to sit with us during the celebration.”

“I cannot. I am bound to the Demi-Mage. I must be with him.” He said solemnly. He paused and his voice grew husky with emotion as he continued. “I owe him my life. I am his to command. So I am asking to break our betrothal since I am no longer my own man I cannot…”

Chance was shocked as Merin turned on him and slapped him across the cheek. “You! What did you say to him?”

Alistair stepped forward and stopped her from slapping Chance a second time. Then before he could respond she broke down in tears and fled back the way she had come.

Emeril and Captain Herrera approached the stunned Chance and a tearful Alistair. Emeril was the first to speak. “What has happened? Why did Merin slap him?”

After a deep shuddering breath Alistair spoke, “I informed her that I owed my life to the Demi-Mage and that I was not my own any longer and therefore I would need to be released from the betrothal agreement.”

“You what?!” Emeril yelled. “You, young fool. Go! Speak to Merin and beg her to take you back!”

Alistair seemed to push aside his emotions as he spoke. “I cannot. The Demi-Mage saved my life and until I can repay the debt I am his to command.”

“Chance?” Captain Herrera spoke up.

“Don’t look at me. He had just told me that he owed me for his life and then the next thing I know he is telling Merin he can’t be married because I own him. Then I got slapped.” Chance responded.

The Captain and Emeril started talking together quietly. While he could not hear what they were saying, Chance could see their emotions were high by their body language and the tone of their voice. Finally, after a few minutes, it seemed as if Emeril won the argument and Captain Herrera turned to Alistair and Chance.

“Chance, without declaring him without honor and thereby making him an outcast to the family, it looks as if Alistair’s declaration will stand.” The Captain stated in frustration.

Chance, looking back through my memories I think I have found a way around this. It appears as if one of my ancestors was bonded to one of the Family. Please confirm with Emeril but it seems as if in the past the greeting that Emeril and Captain Herrera spoke actually makes us of the Family while we are here. By rule then there is no debt of life between members of the same family. You were merely doing all that any member of the Family would do if they had the power. In fact, if my memory holds true you would have been banned from the Family if it was found out that you withheld what was in your power to give.

Alyssia my dear have I told you how much I love you lately?

No Big One you have not told me in the last hour or so.

Well, I love you Alyssia! Thank you.

Captain Herrera, Emeril, and Alistair had started to argue with Alistair. Both of the older men trying to convince the younger man that he was wrong about needing to end the betrothal and needed to go speak to Merin.

Chance cleared his throat loudly then said, “Excuse me gentlemen.”

The three men stopped the heated discussion and turned to him. Taken aback by the sudden action, Chance took a step back involuntarily.

“Correct me if I am wrong Emeril, but by the greeting and the welcome as Captain Herrera and I entered camp this evening we became part of the Family during our stay with you? If that is the case does not the rule of Family state that there can be no life debt incurred between members of the same Family?” Chance asked.

Emeril’s face betrayed his shock. “Yes. How did you know this? For this is known only to those born of the Family or to those adopted into the Family. I cannot believe I did not think of this.”

“It seems as if one of Alyssia’s ancestors was of the Family so she has his memories and knowledge as well.” Chance responded. Then turning to Alistair he said, “There is no life debt my brother for what family would I be to withhold anything from another of my family.”

Stunned, Alistair bowed to Chance, “I was prepared to surrender all that I hold dear to thank you for my life and then you return it to me and allow me my honor. Thank you my brother!” Then pulling Chance close into an embrace he whispered into Chance’s ear quietly, “I am there if ever you need me. I and my offspring will always be there if needed. This I promise.”

Chance nodded and not knowing what to say mumbled, “Thank you.”

Then Alistair turned and resolutely headed in the direction Merin had fled earlier.

“Well handled Demi-Mage.” Emeril said as he placed an arm around Chance’s shoulder. “Come, from the glare my wife is giving me the feast is ready and waiting on the guests of honor.”

The feast lasted well into the night and as promised there had been as much bacon for Alyssia as she wanted. There had been singing, dancing, and acrobatics, much as the Family performed while they were visiting towns and cities. Chance and the Captain were given the best seat and thoroughly enjoyed the evening. As the night wore on though the healing and the past several days of travel caught up with Chance and he found it difficult to keep his eyes open and his attention focused on the conversation around him.

Emeril noticed and indicated to the performers that the show should draw to close. As they finished up the last performance he rose and turned to Chance and the Captain. “I have prepared a wagon for you. It is one that we keep in case we have Family guests so know that you are not taking someone else’s bed.”

“Thank you Emeril.” The Captain responded.