First Fire

by S Lawrence

  I stand on the mountain day after day watching as Asger trains below. He fights the men of the village and my father. I fight my feelings. We have spent every afternoon and many evenings together these last few months. I have fallen completely for this amazing man. His strength is not only in his fighting skills it is in his heart and mind. He is smart and kind. Most days I would sit staring at his face. Memorizing every detail while he held his eyes closed. Focused as completely on him as he is on learning control of the power he will soon possess. My body recognizes the warmth of his as it seeps into me from where our knees touch. I have grown to hate the lengthening days.

  The night of the solstice arrives, Danu and Morrigan appear on the mountain, above the village. Einar, Ylva, and Asger stand waiting for them; a fire blazing near them. Danu steps forward and motions Asger to join her. He kneels before her and she smiles down at him in comfort. Danu begins to weave magic all around them.

  "Rise, Guardian, for you’ve chosen to offer your life for our children. You have decided to share yourself with the dragon to defend them. You will never kneel before us again, for we are eternally grateful. I am not only here to watch your transformation but to give you, and all the Tuatha, access to The Vanishing Isle, whenever it is needed or wanted.” As she speaks, a thick mist forms and shields them from all other eyes. Danu raises her hands and turns, whispering ancient words in a language only Morrigan has ever heard. When she stops spinning, they are surrounded by stones that have ancient symbols etched upon them. The very air inside the stone portal shimmers, showing glimpses of the Isle.

  "Do not worry, for only those that are Guardians or those with our blood, can view the Isle and use the portal." Danu bows her head to Morrigan so that she can start building her magic.

  The Morrigan holds out her hand to Asger, drawing him to the center of the stones. "This binding will hurt and for that, I am sorry."

  "dinnae worry Goddess, I am ready. Ylva has explained about the transformations, they will be slow and painful to begin with but would get easier over time. Although she did say, this joining would be different. Since this will be the one that merges our two souls," Asger replies.

  Morrigan smiles at this beautiful, brave man and raises her arms, releasing her magic as she begins. She approaches the stones and lays her hand upon the first. As he watches, a rune is etched upon its surface. She gradually makes her way around the circle, touching each stone, adding a rune to each one.

  Most of them; the warrior did not know, but he does recognize two that he has learned. Ylva has shown him before; the ones that stand for warrior and dragon. It does not take long, before she is back in front of him and beginning a chant in an ancient language.

  “By the dragon’s light on this night;

  I summon thee; I summon thee.

  I summon your strength like that of the stones.

  I summon your magic like that of the Tuatha de Danaan.

  I summon your wisdom like that of the ancients.”

  The form of a magnificent bronze dragon appears inside the stones. Asger is frightened but also in awe of this creature that he will share his life with.

  “Ancient one, I’ve called you here to ask you to join with this warrior to help protect our children,” Morrigan requests.

  Asger stands tall under the weight of the dragon’s stare. The ground rumbles as the dragon leans closer and seems to purr, puffing smoke over him. Time passes slowly as the dragon studies him and Asger prays that he is found worthy.

  Finally, the dragon turns his head to the Morrigan and speaks. "I have traveled through the stars at your call," the dragon rumbles. Looking at Danu he says, " I have read his heart; and he is worthy of what you ask. Many of us sleep in the old world. Many of us would be willing to join with others like him."

  Morrigan once again raises her arms, calling her magic to her, drawing from the earth itself.

  “I bind thee to this warrior.

  I bind thee to this Dragon.

  I bind your souls.

  Together you are the Guardian!”

  As the magic rises and swirls about them, Asger and the dragon move together, fading into mist. The mist swirls faster and faster until the two meld as one. As the cloud disappears, Asger stands before them all.

  "Call him forward Asger. Reach for him with your mind; and he will answer you," Morrigan directed. Asger closes his eyes and thinks of the cave in his mind, where the dragon would reside as Ylva had taught him, and there is the dragon. ‘I dinnae know your name,’ Asger thinks.

  ‘I have never had one,’ replies the dragon, ‘nor do I need one. I am you, and you are me. We will be Asger. Come forward; then we will change. I want you to know what it is to be me. We must fly.’

  Suddenly, Asger begins to scream as his bones start to reshape. It seem his body folds away as the dragon bursts forth with a roar.

  ‘I am sorry Asger,’ the dragon thinks, ‘I did not know you would suffer so.’

  ‘dinnae worry. They hae said it will get easier as we fully merge, my friend,’ Asger answers.

  The dragon stares at the others and in a bounding leap and a flap of his massive wings, he takes to the sky.

  On this night, the people in the Highlands run, hiding from the monster in the heavens. The first Guardian is born.

  Asger feels the joy of his dragon as they soar through the stars. They revel in the power of their body and the magic of the planet pulling at his attention. He sinks farther and farther from the surface. Letting the dragon take over, he loses himself in the wonder.

  Ylva keeps her eyes on him from below, feeling the very essence of Asger is moving away, disappearing. She glances at her mother and grandmother, searching their faces for any concern. They both watch in silence, waiting to discover if Asger will disappear completely, leaving only the beast. Farther and farther he circles away, the magic flowing throughout his body. Tensely she waits, opening her mouth to call out, when the gentle hand of Danu touches her shoulder. Turning questioning eyes to meet ones filled with understanding, she silently asks why.

  “He must harness the power, my love. If he does not learn to merge as a partner, he will not be able to have the control that is necessary. But… he must choose the partnership,” Danu whispers, eyes raised to the skies.

  “Grandmother, you should’ve warned him of the draw of the magic, of all the power.”

  “My darling girl, some things cannot be told they must be felt, experienced.”

  A roar fills the night as the dragon lets loose fire upon the earth, the odour of char filling the night. She could not deny herself any longer, closing her eyes, Ylva calms her mind. She sends a tiny tendril of her magic through the air. Flames light up the sky as the dragon burns great swatches of the land until suddenly, great golden eyes turn to the east. She feels the weight of his gaze, not just the dragon but the man looking through them. Then, he is soaring toward her. It takes but moments for the beast to come back to the clearing, massive wings beating. Her ebony hair blows, swirling around her head as he lands before her. Her eyes never leave his. She does not notice the looks of understanding that pass between her family, for her eyes are for him only. She breaths in the heat of his fire and hears the call of his magic.

  Danu’s voice draws their gaze as she questions him, “So Guardian, are you ready to do your duty, to protect my daughter?” Ylva’s heart plummets at the thought of Asger guarding the fair Beathag. She has found herself drawn to this warrior as she has watched him train with her father. Her magic is often unpredictable around him. Just the thought of him going to Beathag has it rising without warning to the surface, making her feel guilty. Her mother had told them of the tortures Beathag had suffered; she should want him to protect her damaged aunt, but her own selfish heart wants him for her own.

  The dragon’s massive head had swung to look at Danu as she spoke and now turns back, eyes falling on Ylva, a deep growl rumbling up his throat. Both man and dragon; were in agreement; they would not leave this wo
man. Not only is she beautiful but she has the strength and power they need. The man had fallen for her that first day when she walked into the room, while he listened to the Goddess tell him her proposal. Through the months of training, he had grown to love her soul and hunger for her body. It had taken great discipline not to act on his feelings before, but now he is convinced he is worthy of her. The dragon makes him equal in power to this warrior woman. He can sense the pain emanating from her, and that pain calls the man forward. Bones crunching, body shrinking and sounds of his agony fill the air until Asger stands before them panting. Ylva looks at him, anguish filling her blue eyes.

  Morrigan crosses to stand between them looking into her daughter’s eyes, “Did I not warn you of the magic? Of how it would call to you even more after the binding?” Ylva slowly nods her head, tears spilling from her eyes. “He has trained for Beathag. She has the greatest need. I’m not trying to be cruel, my darling.”

  Ylva lowers her head and turns away not wanting to delay the inevitable.

  “Ylva?” Asger wants to roar in denial; he pictures the dragon pacing inside the cave, head swinging from side to side. Danu glides to his side and lays a gentle hand upon his forearm, drawing his attention. A portal opens inside the stones. He forces himself to turn, he does not see her stepping toward him. Her mother steps between them and tears run down her cheeks as she reaches for him. His hand reaches out behind him involuntarily and just as he steps through, a jolt races up his arm where Ylva’s fingers slide across his palm. The next instant he was in a radiant other world.

  In the distance, he beholds a golden castle, Danu gestures for him to follow her toward that direction. As they walk, she speaks of her daughter, telling him of the torture that befell Beathag. The warrior and the man are outraged by the mistreatment of one so innocent. His hurt over Ylva’s agreement to his leaving fades, this woman was her aunt. Einar and Ylva had told him a great deal of her. She is like Ylva many ways to include her gentle nature. Suddenly his anger rebounds as he pictures her in the clutches of some madman. His head whips around to look at Danu, “Who will protect Ylva?” he growls out through clenched teeth.

  “Guardian, you are but the first of many. We will find a warrior that will match Ylva in power to protect her from any that would harm her, even herself if need be,” Danu promised Asger.

  As Asger struggles for control, the dragon rolls beneath his skin. Danu waits as he fights the change, his eyes glowing bright with his new power. When he finally calms, he is covered in sweat; and she is smiling with pleasure. They have continued to walk, as the battle raged within him. She waves her arm and turns to him saying, “Welcome to my home. Beathag is living here while she recovers. She can often be found in the gardens. Let us go there now.” A worried frown descends over her timeless face as she continues, “Be gentle with her. Surely you can understand she is frightened of strange men. I did tell her you were coming, but I am concerned now. When she senses your power, she will be scared you might try to control her as the other man did.”

  “My Lady, I will be as gentle as I can. I dinnae wish to frighten her or cause her any distress.” He stood, breathing deeply as Ylva had taught him, calming his mind and connecting with the dragon to calm him as well. After a few moments, he nods slightly, alerting her to his willingness to proceed. He is amazed by the beauty of the dwelling, having never seen anything of its like. His eyes dart from one object to another, trying in vain to take it all in. He is momentarily blinded by the brilliance when the doors to the garden are opened by a wave of the Goddess’s hand. Flowers are everywhere in colors never has he seen such vibrant hues before, they are almost blinding to his, well mostly human eyes. In the middle of all the splendor by a fountain of sparkling water, she stands. Her gaze is unfocused, shoulders slightly hunched, and her arms are wrapped tightly around her waist. He recognizes the posture of one that is broken, the same from soldiers who return from battle. Purposely, he makes a noise as he approaches her. Motioning her mother back behind him, he wants her first impression to be based solely upon him. She startles at the sound of his steps on the rocks and whirls, ready to flee, chest heaving. He comes closer, hands outstretched and palms turned up like he does when approaching a wounded animal. Asger stops a few feet from her and waits, for it must be her decision.

  “Hello, my Lady, I am Asger. Your sister and mother hae chosen me to protect ye. If ye can learn to trust me, my dragon and I will keep ye safe from all dangers.” He stands perfectly still waiting, watching her eyes flit side to side looking for escape routes.

  Slowly, her breathing calms, her eyes landing on her mother standing a small distance away. Tears welling, she starts to shake her head in denial. Softly, she speaks; so faintly in fact that if not for his dragon, Asger would not have heard her words, “Mother, please. I cannot. I just wish to stay here with you, with the gardens.” Her eyes turn to his, a plea for understanding is stamped across her face. “Please warrior, it is not you. I just cannot, I ….”

  Asger raises his hand and takes a step forward, he glances around and spots a bench a short distance through the garden. It sits beside a beautiful, and what he hopes soothing fountain. “Do ye think, ye might be able to trust me enough to sit with me for a while? I would like just to talk. I would like to tell ye my story before ye send me away. I thought we could sit near the fountain.” He gestures towards the bench. “Danu, who is most powerful, will be near, ready if ye hae a need.”

  Indecision wars with want on her haunted face as she stands, wringing her hands, looking at his face, trying inspect his very soul. “May I call ye Beathag?” he questions gently.

  Her eyes jump to his and carefully she nods her head yes. Smiling slightly at her, he makes a suggestion. “Beathag, use your magic. Look into me and examine who I am.”

  Sadness sweeps across her face as she replies. “Oh, warrior, do you not understand? My magic failed me. Not only did it not warn me, it is the very thing that caused me to become enslaved. I can never trust it again.” Her hand falls down to her side, as she glides over to the bench, he follows.

  They sit upon the bench. Knowing of her captivity, Asger moves to the very end to give her a sense of freedom. They both stare at the water, Asger is mesmerized with the way it sparkles like some exquisite jewel in the light. He does not realize he is murmuring out loud until Beathag speaks. “Yes, I suppose it is like Valhalla.” He glances at her, a gentle curving of her rose colored lips showing just a hint of happiness on her face.

  “What did they tell ye about me? Anything of how they planned to guard, not only ye, but the others?” he enjoins gently, not wanting her to lose her small measure of pleasure, even if it is at his expense.

  “Nothing,” she replies briskly. Turning her head, she looks at him, actually taking him in for the first time. “I hope that they did not count on me falling for your countenance. Yes, you are a good-looking man, ridiculously so, but that will never work, not with me. Not anymore.” His laughter barks out and she jumps slightly, before chuckling herself.

  Danu smiles in the distance, joy filling her heart at her daughter's burst of laughter, it does not last long, but it’s a start. Maybe this Guardian can do more than protect her; maybe he will help heal her soul.

  Growing somber, Asger stares at the water bubbling, lost in his memories. Beathag takes advantage of his distraction and studies him. Yes, he is probably the most handsome man she has ever seen and he certainly seems strong enough to keep her safe. She glances around to ascertain if they are alone. Seeing no one is near, she opens her mind and sends out a tiny tendril of her magic; sends it seeking into his mind. Asger notices that hint of magic but holds himself still. The dragon, on the other hand, moves forward, reaching for it, reading it. When the two magics touch, Beathag gasps. Lunging to her feet, she stumbles backward. Asger reaches for her, wrapping his hand around her wrist, gently stopping her flight.

  “They brought the dragon from his distant home and joined us. I will be strong enough
to protect ye from any threat. I can call him forward and fly ye from danger if it is needed or he can burn the threat to ash,” his voice rings with his conviction.

  Her eyes widen and she glances down whispering, “Could we go to that place and burn it all? Destroy it and make it so it is like it was never there?” Her question gives him hope; she is stronger than she believes.

  “We could if it will help ye. The dragon says he would gladly fly ye there and if I am correct, it is an honor to fly upon a dragon's back.”

  She peers around the garden, her arms circling her waist once more, the thought of leaving scares her. “I have not left here since Morrigan and Mother rescued me. I do not know if I can.”

  Asger turns in a slow circle, taking in everything around him. His eyes lock with hers and he replies, “We can only try, my Lady. ye had a life before and ye should hae a life now. We can always return here but, it seems to me that if ye stay, he has won. He has ye caged once again.”

  Tears slide down her cheeks as she begins to sob. Danu appears beside them, arms encircling her daughter, a questioning look on her face. There is a hint of anger in her voice when she speaks. “You should go get settled in, Asger. I would speak to my daughter alone.”

  Still crying, Beathag shakes her head, “Do not be angry with him, Mother. He only spoke the truth.”

  Asger smiles at her defense of him, “I will go get settled. Come find me when ye make your decision, Beathag.” Someone is waiting to take him to his room; it is bigger than his entire house. He is restless and cannot relax.