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Jack woke stiff and sore and stretched her arms wide. She was starting to reach for her nightgown when she realized she was not wearing it. She however did find something hard and fleshy where she reached. “ If you do not mind I am going to a stream.”

Jack almost jumped to her feet to find she slept on a dragon's side. Instead he helped her up then quickly took wing. The real reason he was leaving dragging under him like a mark of shame. Jack blushed a little before picking up the plate. She did not know how but it did not have any bugs in it nor looked like it ever did. “ I brought you something from last night.” The caretaker smiled as he took it. “ You now remember and understand what this means right?”

Jack paused sobering up from her joy. “ With this I have left my village behind.”

He removes the hood of his cloak. “ Yes, and those of the Tou clan have adopted you and will care for you now. As such you are now my apprentice.” Jack paused not sure she heard right. “ What does that mean. I start going to town once a year instead of you to go to the workshop?”

The caretaker laughed lightly. “ Eventually yes, but for now you must mature. Everything you own you have with you now. Your whit and cunning and knowledge and property. The person Jacklyn Hirntooth no longer exists. You are now Jacklyn Tou. Caretaker of the Artificier.”

Jack became a little confused. “ Artificier? What is that?”

He shakes his head. “ Now is not the time. It is far too soon. Now come inside.”

Jack picks up the box of wood and the caretaker seemed a little puzzled by the contents. “ Now this is a surprise.”

Jack looks in the box as she came inside to a dark room that had a pair of lamps lit. On each ones side was a bed. “ What do you mean by that?” He led her to the beds and sat on one and she took the other after being invited to do so. “ The Tou clan are infamous among dragons and man alike for their puzzles. The best ones ever made are life puzzles. Ones that take generations to solve. These usually protect the greater treasures. The one you solved is one such puzzle.”

Jack became confused. “ I know it seemed hard but.”

He cut her off. “ Any dragon can have access to the shop but only as long as they can break that puzzle. Believe me several have tried to take the spoils that accumulate for the Tou clan at their source. You were given a ticket and was chosen and you asked for something that was not as greedy as normally asked for, or perhaps the most greedy ever asked.”

Jack sighed. “ Give it to them.”

The caretaker paused. “ Are you sure? You do not even know what it is. I have not even decided on this fully.”

Jack nods. “ Everyone treated me differently because of this. Before I was treated as worthless but that is worse. I just, I don't know, I just want them to have better because I love them more than they do me.”

He turns to the plate of food. She can tell in his eyes she had struck a cord in his being they both shared.

Kilo washed in the streams cold water and after it was not apparent again he went to the caves to help with the spoils and got in his place to do so and expected to be scorn by his mother and uncle for leaving without helping but neither of them did. Word had must have reached them before his return of him declaring protection by blood oath. If he would be scorned it would not be in public. He very well could be exiled from the clan and community for doing such. As he worked his worry grew. He knew the oath valid. For one she was part of the village and two she had received one of the Artificier's blessings and has yet to use or abuse it yet. It would be a cruel but needed decision for him to speak for his entire clan without even consulting either the Artificier or the clan's leader. Yet he had spoken for them and they must hold it or risk being shamed and if not supported he could be put to death. “ Poor poor Kilotornis. Using our clans name without consultation.”

Kilo did not respond. If it was simple mockery or personal embarrassment he would snap back with a response but he just took hold of a box of newly purchased food and set it into the storage from the wagon. Even among the lands of men there are those greedy and brave enough to do business with even his kind. As wild and dangerous they think they are the money is good and the promise of protection from even a banes attack was well worth the risk they believe they hold. “ Oh my poor brother Kilotornis. I can only imagine the punishments you will receive. Perhaps you will receive a decent fate of being sold to another clan as a laborer.”

Kilo bit his tongue, literally, to keep quiet to her taunts. Her mockery was not as far off as he thought. For the first time in his life he is truly regretting letting her have permission to use his full born name. The repercussion of a mistake while even younger. He held his responses as he continued his work. As he set the last box and left to have the gate locked Tera crossed one last line. “ Poor Kilotornis, he made a blood oath with his winky instead of his head. Some days it is hard to even.”

Kilo could take no more as he went for her neck and pinned it between his claw and the ground. “ You have reached the peak of my embarrassment you can ever achieve now Tera. My debt to you paid with your last remark. You have mocked me all day without knowing the decision of the clan head. If she deems me worthy of your mocks and more you may have the first strike but otherwise you are to never use my born name ever again in mockery.”

Kilo pulled his talons out of the ground and her neck ceased to be pinned. She quickly backed away to her other brother. “ What is with him?”

Jutr looked at her coldly. “ Only you would kick family when they are down. He knows full well what he did. This very well could be the last day he can call himself a Tou and you rubbed salt in the cut, not only rub but grinder it. He could have stayed with the Artificier and await judgment, he could have even ran but he instead chose to stay and spend one last day with his clan knowing full well what tomorrow would bring. And he more than any of us have to see to the blood oath be fulfilled. So he can not just leave after the decision is made otherwise he will be marked a bane like our father.”

Tera paused. She was actually feeling sorry for her brother now. Before the teasing she was justified for the harsh treatment. She knows only mates or bonded are allowed to use a born name freely and she had been using his because what he did to her many years ago. The one day she should have held her tongue she did not.

Kilo went to his home and hoardings when work was done. His cache of treasure was not huge but he hoped to at least be able to keep it when the decision came. It did not take him long to be ready and it was a long wait for him to have the company he was expecting. He bowed his head as he allowed her to enter. “ I have just came back from council with the other clan heads.”

Kilo left his question unasked. It was not his place, nor did he really want to know. His mother let out a deep sigh. “ They were willing to butcher you alive for years for your claim but your claim was for the Artificier. He had heard your claim and overruled the council. I can not tell you what the council has deemed for you as part of it but the Artificier has claimed that you must bond to the woman. That in order for you to fulfill the claim fully you must die when she does.”

Kilo paused uncertain. “ But can you tell me anything?”

His mother turned her back to him. “ Bond to her and keep your clan name and no free dragon will cross you or her. That is all I can say. As your mother and clan leader I can advise no more other than tell you that you can accept the Artificier ruling or that of the council and whichever you chose will be honored by the other.”

Kilo lowered his head sorry. The Artificier was being kind to let him keep his family but at a very high cost. The alternative could be better in the later years of his life. Maybe being allowed to have a child once when they feel his debt paid enough. “ Do you disprove of my rash claim?”

Slowly his mother looked back at him. “ She gave freely to her clan everything when they would take it from her without remorse. She did so out of kindness like you did. If not for this fact he would not have intervened at all he said. Seeing the clan for myself I have a hard time believing this fact even from him. Either course is a fair course in your case. Of course there is her to learn of this as well. You are not only choosing your own fate.”

Kilo became surprised. “ What do you mean? Am I to chose her fate as well?”

His mother turned her head to not see him anymore. “ I said too much. As your mother just enough but as your clan leader. Ask me anything of the Artificier course as that is all I can speak of now.”

Kilo paused. “ Exactly what will happen?”

His mother did not turn back to him again this time as she spoke. “ You will be forced to leave. Everything in possession but your life puzzle will be forfeit. Your wage as a Tou will be limited to only feeding the two of you. Not just to the village but beyond. In order for you to be allowed to return you must bring a tribute worthy of me to accept. Not as your mother but as your clan head. If I am no longer this than it must satisfy the council of the clans.”

Kilo understood the decision now. He now is making a choice between keeping his family or his home. Even more they are asking him to put his very free will at risk. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. One part told him that a future in his home was certain. Only once in his life could he ever challenge in the courting circle and he would be a nameless one. His children would never know who their father is even if he would meet them. Almost as bad as being a bane. At least being a bane meant they would know you were shamed. At least he knew his fathers born name. “ I chose to have a name and a family assured. Even if I lose my free will. Even if I become a bane. A shamed wanderer slave bonded to this woman I made a blood oath to.”

His mother looked back at him uncertain he was fully committed to this. “ Brave words for one who does not know of the bonding process and it's cost fully. As the one executing the sentencing I ask is this your final decision?”

Kilo nods slowly.

Jack sighs as she readies for bed. This Artificier seemed like a nice man dragon person but he was as perverted as any man in the village. She however admitted to herself that four hundred years of abstinence was a bit much. He was also honest about it. Being strait forward he would only look at her and only when she would allow it. Considering this was his home and she was asking much from him her body been seen was a small price. Then his warning that this was the least of her worries made her worry some. At the cost of watching her bathe she made him talk some. She learned that dragons only settle those urges with another. Either male or female but never by themselves. The term mate also means several things different to dragons. Instead of sexual partner or brother in arms it refers to ownership. Being mated means they own their mates loins. This was also the lesser of the three oaths of the dragons.

The oath of the bonded is higher as it deems that individuals soul. The highest of oaths for the dragons is the blood oath. The blood oath was the oath that controlled the souls of an entire bloodline. It could only be made by the head of the clan who holds the highest status of the bloodline and they could only ever make it once. When the oath is fulfilled they are to vacate the position. That is when she learned what Kilo did. He has used his mothers blood oath. That is when she figured out that he will ask something of her neither will want. Jack sat in the bed in a new nightgown. She paused to look at the box of wood in the shelf beside the bed. She just laid her head down and was starting to drift to sleep when a knock came from the door. “ Who is it at this hour. Go check it out.”

Jack sighs as she gets up. She considered changing out of her night clothing but decided to just go to the door. Without thinking she just opens it and it was Kilo. “ I need to speak to the Artificier.”

Jack heard a grunt as he got out of the bed and moved behind her. “ So you chose this?” Kilo nods. “ Without a name I would rather think it be better to be a bane. Artificier I have chosen your offer.” He sighs. “ Very well Kilotornis. You have chose this now it is time for her to chose.” Jack looked back at him. “ Chose what?”

He sighs. “ I am too tired for this. Either be done by morning or be gone, and not in here either.”

Kilo backed up to let Jack follow him. Whatever was going to happen he would prefer to do it in private. Yet he knew it would not come to be. There is one place that such a forbidden act can happen. “ Put a hand on my head and close your eyes.”

Jack does so and her warm touch felt nice. The only distracted him a moment as he moved them from in front of the Artificier's to that of the courting circles. He was not sure how this would be taken but he was asking Jack to trust him a great deal. Almost instantly a keeper of the circles was upon him. “ What are you doing whelp?”

Jack bowed his head. “ My crime decreed me to bond with her. There are only two places I can do this. The Artificier home or here. I must have this done by morning and not at his place.”

The master of circles nods understanding. “ Your crime is known threw the clans already. So you chose the harsher of the punishments.”

Jack interrupts and rubs Kilo's neck. “ Where are we? What is going on?”

Kilo turns his attention to her. “ Please Jack, do not interrupt.”

Kilo then turned back the master of circles. “ I must do this and if I can not do it in a protected security. I must do this in open and unquestionably.”

He nods. “ Normally I would deny you but under the extreme circumstances. Here is as good of a place as any. Any conditions you wish for?”

Kilo nods. “ She can not see in the dark. As well announce us. Let everyone know I have chosen a bonding over receiving the risk of losing my name.”

The master of circles nods approving. “ Give me a few minutes. This type of event should not have any distracted.”

Kilo nods again. The master of circles left leaving the two in a circle that has became slightly brightened. Kilo noticed she was slightly frightened. In truth he was more afraid than she was. “ Jacklyn my born name is Kilotornis of the Tou clan. With my declaration of blood oath to protect you I am given option for one of two possible fates. One I do not know but can picture and the other I become bonded with you. I have deemed the latter the better choice.”

Jack's face turns white slightly. “ But what does that mean exactly?”

Kilo closed his eyes and looked away. “ Have you heard of the dragoons, the dragon knights?”

Jack paused. What she has heard is they are a people of dragon killers. Not only that but dragon tamers. If you have a dragon problem you send for a dragoon. “ Some, but not enough to know.”

Suddenly the master of circles starts his announcement of what was going on. There was not much more time left. She looked up into the darkness. “ Please Jacklyn I know it is a lot to ask for but you must bond with me.”

She became confused as he starts to be on his side and then rolled on his back freely. He thinks she can figure out what to do next but he still spoke. “ You must dominate me. Enslave my body to your desires.”

Jack looked at him surprised and horrified. “ But I can't.”

Kilo lays his head back letting his neck go strait and only bending as he spoke. “ If you refuse this then you refuse my blood oath. I will be left nameless and an exile and you will have to pay for it. Not even the Artificier can protect you. Only by bonding my life to you may I be ensured I can keep my oath. I have chose this.”

Jack goes to her knees beside him. He felt her body hit his body and he because slightly excited. The memory of the smell of her in heat made him ready. Then he heard it. Being in the position he was in he could not see it but her muffled whimpers of sadness and smell of tears he easily identified so being so close to them. “ Jack?”

There was no change in her form or body. “ I understand why you refuse to bond with me. You who could ask for anything chose to help those around her instead without given thought what benefit it was to her. So you will damn yourself for me a stranger. And I been thinking of myself. Bonding oath or no I will uphold my blood oath I made to you even if it costs me name, body and soul. For one like you you need protecting. Because you deserve it.”

Jack froze on his chest. He laid there knowing she was unsure what to do. He was unsure what to do. For all he knew the others may be thinking she is trying to feast on his guts or feast on his groin. Then she spoke. “ Kilotornis you were given the choice of bad or worse. I left my village because they neither loved nor respected me. Not even my own mother. I love them and I will give them what they want more than me but I wash my hands of them after that. This Artificier has told me a lot during the day today. But most important to it all is this. I am now a Tou. I know you do not harm family.”

Slowly and gently he puts a claw on her back. What surprised him is he found a pair of wings on her back, and a tail.

The emergence of her new appendages meant several things to the dragons. First and most important and urgent the bonding between the two was complete. Second she was a Dracian. A mix of man and dragon. This naturally made Kilo one as well as it was the sign of a true bonding. Third and finally the Artificier's blessing was fully justified. None of that really mattered to her much however. The very act of trying to redress or even walking was made difficult on her but after a few days she became acclimated to it. Flying was a whole another matter. First chance she had she lifted up and crashed back to the ground. After a month of training she was able enough to be able to care for herself without worry and Kilo went to the business of learning the official stand of the council. Jack had her arms crossed as they went down the wagon trail. She was genuinely annoyed. Kilo stayed off the road but kept nearby. “ Did they have to be so blunt?”

Jack hears the young dragons voice in her head. “ Dragons are blunt and straightforward. Be thankful they did not just throw you out right away.”

Jack kept her arms crossed as she walked under the cloak. The pants and shirt she first wore was all she owned except the new cloak she was given to hide her new wings and tail. If she stood up strait they had the tendency to take that to take her to the air. Flying was enjoyable enough but she would like to be able to walk without an ache in her back. One reason for her current mood. “ And this Dracian business.”

Kilo tried to quiet her. “ Shhh! Being a Dracian is a gift. If anyone that hates the dragons knew you were one and knew what that meant. As bonded never speak of them except to me.” Jack stopped walking. This was another thing that annoyed her. A true bond that made her a Dracian. By being offered blood, soul and body all at once and being unselfish and offering the same to him in the same moment their union was completed. The Artificier no longer looked at her like a horny old man but more along as an equal. The month she took to be able to survive on her own he spoke to her of his own history and that of the Dracian and dragons. That only a new Dracian is born every ten thousand years sense the collapse of their ancient civilization. That over the coming years and decades her powers will begin to develop.

For now she was annoyed walking down the road with no footwear. In the odd angle she had to walk in she was a little thankful that her feet turned into claws. Or more accurately she can change them. She would be happier that she could hide everything being a Dracian meant but the extra tail and wings were there to stay. At least she could illusion them to not be noticed. “ Still what does it mean?” Normally when she wanted a response from Kilo he would give it almost instantly but instead he thought and waited. “ I know the ways of the dragons and the clans, but there is only one that can tell you what you want to know.” She sighs as she uncrosses her arms slightly. “ And it is that dirty old man.”

His response was sharp. “ No bond mate. The only one is you.”

She paused again. The sincerity in his voice made her do it. She started walking again. “ So where are we heading?”

Kilo sighed this time. “ Right now we are passing threw the lands of the Gly clan. They are the protector clan that surround the lands of the Tou. Up ahead is a small town called Angelfield. The small pouch of money is for food and necessities.”

Jack sighed again as her arms returned to being fully crossed.