Page 10 of Forging Bonds: Part One

I know I shouldn't be surprised since Sully did tell us that it would happen, but as soon as the whistle leaves my lips and it's different than the tune that I was trying to make, I am surprised. I have to admit that it's kind of weird to hear something different out loud than what I'm hearing in my head and trying to copy.

Magic is really fucking trippy sometimes.

I whistle the last note and then glance back at the guys.

Shrugging, I say, "I guess we're not bonded enough yet."

"Give it a moment. They are all the way back home," Griff suggests.

I hear a familiar whinny moments before Mael appears and gallops toward me happily, nuzzling me and then jumping around me like a ginormous excitable puppy.

"Hey buddy, you came!" I greet him excitedly, pride swelling in my chest, I did it.

"Erm, Neith," River starts, with a slightly confused but excited tone to his voice.

I chuckle as Mael carries on running around me in circles, I actually can't see the guys since Mael is moving so quickly he's a blur and is all that I can Mael.

"Yeah?" I call out to River.

"They're all here!" River yells excitedly.

I freeze and stop trying to follow Mael around in the circle, "What?" I ask, wanting to make sure that I've heard him right. I still can't see anything, and so speaking to the extremely excited Mael, I say, "Buddy, I know you're super excited that it worked. I am too, but could you please stop for a moment so I can see what River means?"

Mael stops immediately, making the grass and mud fly everywhere since he stops so suddenly, and I laugh again as he gives me a somewhat apologetic look. I pat his neck and then freeze as my eyes land on the scene in front of me.

Chapter Four

Neith

"Holy shit, the whole herd is here," I mutter in astonishment.

River bounces on the balls of his feet before throwing his hands up in the air dramatically, "That's what I was trying to tell you!"

His antics make my smile widen, and I ask, "How are they here?"

"I have no idea, but we can ask Sully about it when we get back," Doc suggests as he smiles at the surrounding kelpies.

Ransom looks at me questioningly, "Did you focus on your intent? Do you remember exactly what you were thinking?"

I frown slightly as I try to remember the intent that I put behind it, my eyes widen slightly with realization, "Now that you mention it, I think I was focusing on the kelpies as a whole and not specifically Mael."

Ransom nods, "So that could be the reason why they all came."

"Maybe, but surely Sully would have warned us if that was possible?" Raiden asks.

"Good point. I can't even remember if I told him that Mael was the leader though, so he may not have mentioned it because he didn't realize that it was something he needed to mention. Maybe the fact that Mael is the leader is why they all turned up?" I suggest.

"We'll ask him. That's the best way to get the answer," Reed says, and I nod in agreement.

"Our bonded are missing," Griff mutters, interrupting the conversation. He looks away from the guys and back to the herd, "Can you guys see any of yours?"

River shakes his head, "Reath isn't here."

"Mavros isn't either," Raiden says, frowning.

I continue to stroke Mael as I say, "Maybe it's because they're bonded to you, so only you can call them. Maybe I can call the whole herd because Mael is their leader?"

"Maybe," Raiden starts.

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