Free Tears of War by A. D. Trosper Page A

here.”
    Mckale dismounted from Blaine and moved to stand by Maleena. “Where have you seen the black dragons?”
    “They have been seen flying over many places in the desert. We have also seen them above the Ash Plains, Calladar, and Shadereen. If they have flown further west, I do not know. We go no further west than the Blood River.” He paused. “Come, we have much to talk about it would seem. Welcome to our camp.”
    At his words, the front line of warriors gave way. Maleena’s eyes swept the camp as they followed Hakan to the center of the circular area. She estimated there were less than fifty all told, women and children included. How strange to see women and children. She never really thought about it, but she supposed even Kojen must reproduce.
    The women weren’t as tall as the men, though they were still taller than Mckale. The horns that curled around their heads were much thinner, almost dainty compared to the males. Their skin was a lighter shade of purple and their long, flowing black hair made a sharp contrast to the bald heads of the males. Short skirts made of leather wrapped their lower bodies, but many of them wore little else.
    One woman, with several beaded necklaces resting above bare breasts, came to stand in front of them. “I am Avendala, headwoman of the camp and mate to Hakan.” She reached out a hand, making the numerous bone bracelets on her wrist rattle. She held her hand flat, palm up. Maleena looked at her, uncertain what the gesture meant. Avendala smiled, exposing perfect white teeth and two small, pointed canines. “It is customary to place your palm on mine and introduce yourself back.”
    Maleena hesitated. Would it be uncomfortable to touch the Ke’han? She took a deep breath and placed her palm on Avendala’s. “I’m Maleena. The Silver dragon is Nydara.” Though she sensed Avendala’s basic emotions, there was no overflow from the woman, no discomfort.
    The headwoman’s eyes traveled over the Silver before she turned her attention back to Maleena. “Come, our Shama would like to speak with you.”
    Maleena glanced at Mckale. He was in the middle of introductions with men. Avendala tugged at her hand. “Come, we leave the men to talk. It is custom.”
    “Be careful, Maleena,” Nydara sent. “There is something else here. Something that feels familiar and yet very different.”
    “What?” Maleena’s eyes swept the camp and the rock walls pocketed with small caves, some mere depressions in the rock, others dark openings to who knew where.
    “I don’t know. Whatever it is, it hides in one of the caves. I don’t think they wish to harm you, but be watchful anyway.”

 

     
    M aleena hesitated, trying to decide if it might be better to stay close to Nydara. She didn’t want to go against their customs; there was too much to talk about and learn from them. She sensed disregarding their ways would be a grave insult so she followed Avendala to the group of women waiting. One woman watched her come toward them with more interest than the others. Her eyes were a startling cornflower blue.
    The red bracelets on her arm clicked as she held out her hand, palm up. Her other arm cradled a sleeping infant. “I am Angeni, the Shama of this camp.”
    Maleena placed her palm on the woman’s hand, suppressing the twinge of envy she felt at the sight of the infant. She had a bondmate and a dragon who laid eggs, but Dragon Riders were not a fertile lot. It might be fifty years or more before she held a babe of her own. “I am Maleena. The silver dragon is Nydara. I don’t mean to be rude, but you have blue eyes. Is that common among the Ke’han?”
    Angeni smiled. “No, Maleena, rider of Nydara. Blue eyes come only to Shamas; those who can work magic and talk to the spirits.” Angeni’s smile faded and she closed her eyes.
    Maleena felt a tingle wash through her. Angeni gasped and pulled her hand away, her eyes wide. “You have been to Maiadar. You have done more than