“The scales are bigger than I thought,” I say out loud.
Elder Arcon nods. “The size depends on the dragon’s age. The older the dragon, the bigger and stronger they are. This one was about six hundred years old when it passed away.”
I look up from the dragon to the monk. “Did you kill it?”
Elder Arcon doesn’t look offended at my question. “No, General. We found it wounded in the wild and took the creature in to nurse it back to life. Unfortunately, the wound was too great.”
He gestures to the scar under the right wing that I missed before. Looks like a massive spear pierced the dragon’s side.
I frown, inspecting the scar closer. “Who would do this? You’d need a massive weapon and one sharp enough to break through the scales.”
“Dragon hunters have the means,” Elder Arcon says. “Dragon scales and other parts of them are highly sought after on the black market.”
I scoff, bristling at the thought that there are criminals out there hunting dragons for profits. Disgusting.
I circle the creature again. “Did it have a rider?”
“If it had, it wouldn’t have been hunted.”
So, there is something we can provide the majestic beasts. Protection of a sort if we bond them.
“I have shown you all I can,” Elder Arcon says. “All of our resources are open to you, so you can learn as much as you can before embarking on the journey.”
I bow my head. “Thank you.”
“I am the keeper of the lore. There are others, who specialize in the tracking and the hunt.” Elder Arcon smiles. “I’ll instruct them to find the time to teach you.”
“Appreciate it, Elder Arcon.”
“If you have any questions, I’m at your disposal, General.”
“Thank you.” I pause, unsure. I hate myself for even thinking it, but I can’t help it. “Elder Arcon, do you…do you think the connection I experienced during the Trial of Wisdom was real? Am I worthy of a bond?”
Elder Arcon regards me for a couple of heartbeats, and says, “I cannot tell you if you’re worthy of a bond. Nobody can tell you that.” My heart drops. “But know this, General. You are worthy to pursue this path. You wouldn’t be alive otherwise.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
PHOENIX
“Good of you to show up, lazy turnip,” Kazh mutters the moment I enter the room.
The monks allowed us to use a private meditation room for my training with Kazh. After the emotional turmoil earlier, I had no desire to train outside on that damn rock even if it’s something I’m used to. And taking up the monk’s meditation hall didn’t feel right.
I would rather as little people witness my humiliation as possible.
Of course, Ezkai Bjorn, Ezkai Emil, and Jax are all here. Thankfully, they sit just outside the meditation room, on a small terrace.
Actually, it’s quite funny—the three men huddle around a small cast-iron table, playing cards. The chairs look child-sized next to their muscular frames.
It’s a relief Jax has found some common ground with at least some of our group. Ezkai Emil seems to be on the samewavelength as Jax, being a bit younger and more wild than Ezkai Bjorn, who’s all serious at all times.
“Focus, shithead.” Kazh taps her cane in front of me.
I blink and bring my attention to her instead of the boys.
“I’m focused,” I say, looking up at her.
I’m sitting on a small round pillow on the floor with my legs crossed and tucked underneath me. Kazh purses her lips, as if she doesn’t believe me.
