by E. J. Krause
Once they reached the parking lot, they found it as slow as Monday. Yes, he and Andi needed to come here for fun some school day. They'd have the run of the place. Mom handed everyone a ticket. Dad bought them online earlier to save time, but with no line at the ticket booths, it didn't matter much. Which was too bad as he might have been able to talk them into season passes. Ah well, maybe for Christmas. Maybe Andi's parents would get her one, too. Wait …
"Do you celebrate Christmas?"
She frowned at him for a second, totally taken off guard by the question. "Yeah. Mom and Dad go way out for it. One of the few times they draw attention to themselves. Wait until you see all the decorations. Why?"
"I don't know. It just popped into my mind."
Her face brightened, and she clutched his arm as they hurried to the front gate. "Season passes?"
It was his turn to frown. "How'd you know?"
"Please." She rolled her eyes. "I can read you like a book without feeling your emotions. And that's after a week and a half."
He groaned. "It's going to be a long bunch of centuries."
"Yeah, right. You know you love it."
There was that L-word again. He stumbled, but luckily Andi still had a hold of his arm, keeping him from toppling over. She snickered and apologized, embarrassment coming from her, and he knew it had nothing to do with him tripping.
"Tumbling into love there, Sport?" Dad said from behind them.
His face heated up fast, and he turned and mouthed, "Stop it." Both his parents busted up laughing. He turned to tell Andi he was sorry, but she was having a hard enough time fighting to keep from laughing. He sighed and shook his head. At least Mom and Dad were holding hands. That was pretty cool.
Once inside, he and Andi took off towards Reach for the Sky. They didn't run since a security guard might stop them, and that would take longer than power walking the entire way. They had their cell phones on to call Mom and Dad when they were done. Hopefully it wouldn't be a wasted trip. Rico seemed to dislike him, so they'd have to see if that would keep him from helping.
On the way, he asked her again about the pier. It hadn't been as easy as she hoped, but in the end, Max had given her the incantation. He tried to pry more details from her, but she clammed up. She'd learned something disturbing and didn't want to share, that much was clear. He didn't press the issue. For now.
Reach for the Sky had no line, so they got on without having to wait even as long as on Monday. "Picture me and his realm while you say his name," Andi said. He nodded and they exploded out of the station. What a rush! He could ride this all day, but he remembered their task and had Andi and Rico's realm in his mind before they hit the loop. Once at the apex of their climb, reality flashed, and they stood in front of the demon's desk. He wasn't thrilled to see them.
"If it isn't Alexandria and her half-powered friend." Rico laughed. It sounded like acid bubbling out. "Where are my manners? You're not even close to half-powered, are you?" He laughed again.
"We assume you know what happened to my parents," Andi said.
"Of course," Rico said. "My sympathies, but you'll be interested to know they're still fighting. And no matter what happens with them, the debt still stands."
"Fine. But can you give us the spell again so we can bring them back?"
"Give it to you?" A sinister grin popped up on his face. "My dear girl, I don't eek out a living giving things away."
"We'll go double in debt," Ben said, but his words were met with a contempt-filled stare.
"Please," Andi said. "We'll do anything."
"Anything, you say?"
She nodded, and Ben followed suit.
"Interesting. I've always joked about it, but in truth, I have wanted a baby dragon. If you two are willing to pledge me your child, we have a deal."
Andi gasped, and Ben stepped forward, anger fuelling him to the point that he could barely spit out, "Don't even joke about it, demon."
Before he could even blink, Ben found himself flat on his back on the other side of the cavernous room with Rico perched on his chest. Was there actual acid in the demon's mouth? With the look of hate etched on his face, it was quite possible.
"Someday you're destined to be one of the most powerful beings anywhere, but don't mistake the future for the present. I could snap you like a twig without trying."
Ben tried to look for Andi, but Rico pushed his head down so he had to stare into the demon's eyes. "You realize if fate hadn't intervened, made you her Dragon Guard, she may never have looked at you twice. Your powers might have gone unfulfilled because you'd have had no clue what was happening. You'd be stuck in a dead-end existence with that other girl."
Andi, in her dragon form, snatched Rico and flung the demon across the cavern. As gracefully as if he'd jumped, Rico landed on top of his desk. "I have to admit, I admire the fire in the two of you. To be honest, if you do ever manage to merge into your intended life, I'd like you on my side."
"Give us the spell and we will be," Andi said, back in human form.
Rico did a front somersault off his desk to the floor in front of them. "Tempting, but I'd hate to see such a spell wasted. I don't think you two have a rescue mission in you."
"Give us a …" Ben started to say, but Rico cut him off.
"But, if you can prove to me you're worthy, I will give you the spell. For the regular price, of course."
Andi leaned over and whispered, "I don't think we're going to get a better deal."
"Indeed you're not," Rico said, though there was no way he should have been able to overhear her.
They both looked at him and nodded.
"Splendid." Rico snapped his fingers, and an envelope appeared in Andi's hand. "When the sun has risen tomorrow in your mortal realm, open that envelope. It will have your instructions. But don't open it until then."
"Why not?" Ben asked.
"Mouthy little cur, aren't you, boy?" Distinct hate bled from Rico's voice. Why did the demon hate him so much? "Don't open it before that because if you do, it'll be blank, and our deal will be off. And I can already hear the question of why coming to your feeble brain. Because that's the way things work."
"Thank you," Andi said. "We won't open it until morning."
"And we'll pass whatever test you throw our way," Ben said.
"Good. Of course, too bad your parents are captured. I'd trust them sight unseen on a double debt."
"Why?" Andi said. "They never told me what they had to do for you. They never even told me why they came to you in the first place, other than that Derian was involved. How did he come into their lives?"
Rico's delighted, evil-looking smile grew back on his face. "They never told you about their war with Derian? Why, I'd be delighted to enlighten you. And you know how I said I never give anything for free? I'll break that just to see your face as you watch." He snapped his fingers, and everything went dark.
Chapter 21
Vernon saw them crest the hill not long after sunrise. It wasn't much of an army, merely a handful of soldiers on horseback, but more than enough to seize control of the farmstead if that was their aim. The group moved in no hurry, and Vernon reckoned it might be halfway to noon or later before they reached the farm. Soldiers weren't often seen this far out in the undeveloped lands, but it wasn't unheard of. Likely they were simply passing by. He'd be thrilled to offer each a slab of bread and cheese if they'd like. Harvest had been kind this season.
Cassandra moved from nest to nest, collecting geese eggs. A group of soldiers from the distant kingdom had been approaching for the last few hours, but since neither Mother nor Father showed the least bit of interest, she paid them little mind. There was too much to do. By the time she walked back to the kitchen with the eggs, the soldiers had reached the edge of the farm. Each wore chain armor, and she eyed their weapons with interest. How often in her childhood had she picked up loose sticks and pretended they were her swords used to fight evil? The only rider without weapon or armor appeared to
be the leader. He wore a brown robe and carried a wooden staff. Not the sort of thing to wear into battle. Shouldn't the soldiers be leading him?
Mother took the eggs and set them on the table. "Stay hidden, Cassandra. Everything will be fine, but no need to be careless." She and Mother peered out the kitchen window. Father walked over and hailed the approaching group. Words were spoken, first in a friendly tone, but soon they turned heated. Cassandra couldn't pick up much of what was said, but she clearly heard Father yell at the soldiers to leave. The one dressed in wool refused and raised his hand. It glowed orange, and a ball of fire shot out and engulfed Father. He fell and didn't move.
Cassandra cried, and soon bordered on hysterics. Mother, tears in her own eyes, grabbed her shoulders and slapped her hard across the face. The slap stung, but, more importantly, it shocked the tears from her.
"Run and fetch Silas," Mother said. "He will know what to do." She pushed Cassandra out the door. "Quickly, child, don't look back."
She ran. And ran. As quick and hard as she could ever remember, and that was saying something as Cassandra loved to run. She did disobey Mother once. When she reached the outer fields, she looked back. Mother now lay beside father, smoke rising off both. She kicked aside her sandals and redoubled her efforts to get to their distant neighbor, Silas.
Something felt off. As Leon churned butter, he scanned the surrounding horizon, but couldn't find an explanation. For some reason, Cassandra, the pretty girl who lived on the neighboring farm, out beyond the goat pastures, came to mind. Not that thoughts of her were unusual. He often dreamed of running away with her and starting a farm of their own, but it was a silly dream. Mother and Father assured him he'd find a mate, but she wouldn't appear for another 150 years, at least, generations after Cassandra was dead and gone. Leon sighed and returned to the butter.
A few minutes passed before thoughts of Cassandra returned. This time he couldn't ignore them. She was both close and in distress. Leon stepped away from the churn and gazed in the direction of her farm, sure she'd appear. And she did, almost that very instant, jogging in from the goat pastures. He sprinted forward to meet her, catching her in the middle of the recently harvested fields. His heart skipped a beat or two as he held her. He didn't care what Mother or Father said. Cassandra would be his mate.
She clutched him, doing what she could to catch her breath. She hadn't run so far or fast since she'd been a child. It didn't help that now that she'd stopped, the anguish of her parents' murders caught up to her. Or that she was grasped firmly by the gorgeous Leon, who had to be her one true love. None of the other boys she'd ever met, be it at market or when they arrived to help Father in the fields, made her feel like he did. Her knees turned to water when he so much as glanced at her, and now he held her tight. She didn't want him to let go, for then reality would begin again, and she wasn't sure she could bear it.
"I need your father," she managed at last to gasp out. "My mother, father, both killed by soldiers."
"What?" He pushed her to arms-length to look into her eyes, and then pulled her back into his embrace. "Father!" he called. "Father!"
His father, Silas, burst out of their barn, while his mother, Phoebe, zipped out of the cottage. Both were by their sides before what Cassandra thought possible.
"What is it?" Silas asked.
"Soldiers killed her parents." Leon's arms were still wrapped protectively around her.
"What happened?" Silas asked.
"They approached from the hills. Father went out to greet them. The one in front, he wore no armor and carried but a staff for protection. He lifted a hand and threw fire at Father. Mother sent me to fetch you. When I'd gone a good distance, I turned back and saw Mother lying dead next to Father. Smoke rose from them both."
"Derian, the court wizard from Castle Donovan," Phoebe said. "Who else holds such power?"
"Or would commit such a brazen act?" Silas said. "The king wants more land and sent out his sorcerer to take it without negotiations."
"We must stop them," Cassandra said, rage overcoming her sorrow. "I can help. Father taught me to use both a pitchfork and a scythe as weapons."
Both Silas and Phoebe squinted as if powerful headaches had overcome them. Cassandra glanced up at Leon to gauge his reaction, but he didn't seem worried. Before she could voice her concern, they looked fine.
Silas patted her shoulder. "I'm sure he taught you well, girl, but Vernon was no warrior. Leon, you stay with Cassandra. If those soldiers show up before we return, use whatever force necessary to stay safe. Remember, there is no dishonor in running. We can always come back and retake the farm. Lives are not so easily regained."
Leon nodded. Father stepped away and took his true form. Mother leapt to his neck and steadied herself, and they bolted into the sky towards Cassandra's farm. Leon looked down and found Cassandra watching with interest, but not surprise. He clutched her tighter, and she returned the embrace. If Father would transform in front of her, and she didn't run in fear, maybe fate had picked her to be his mate.
Phoebe watched the land move from their farm to that of their now deceased neighbors. The 25 furlongs vanished quickly beneath Silas's powerful wing strokes. Neither said anything to the other, both focused on finding the small battalion of soldiers and their dangerous leader.
"I see them." Silas's smooth, calming voice made her realize, like always, everything would turn out fine.
They swooped down in front of the wizard Derian and his troops, intent on initiating a dialog, but the wizard would have none of it. Two fireballs blasted at them, and a quick maneuver by Silas kept them from being singed. Silas retaliated with a burst of acid, but the wizard threw up an invisible shield that dropped the acid to a harmless pool on the ground. The soldiers rushed forward.
Phoebe flipped off Silas's back, her battle axe ready to taste blood. Six solders, no matter how well trained, were no match for her. Silas exploded into the air to keep the wizard occupied.
She dove into their ranks, her axe blade tasting the blood of all six, though not mortally wounding any. That was a warning. They were now free to retreat. After the next pass, that wouldn't be an option.
Silas outmaneuvered two more fireballs and a bolt of force before dive-bombing the wizard. His razor sharp teeth sank into what should have been flesh, but proved nothing but smoke. He dodged another magical attack, and then retreated to check on Phoebe.
The soldiers charged, and even Silas almost couldn't follow her movements. She dove into the middle of the group, aiming to kill. Her deadly axe severed two heads and spilled the intestines of a third. The remaining soldiers turned and suffered the same fate. Had they even had time to notice their fallen comrades?
With only the wizard Derian left, Phoebe turned her attention on him. Silas spit more acid to keep him from hurling more spells. Another invisible shield kept the wizard safe, but it gave her the opportunity to close the gap unimpeded.
Before she could strike, the wizard vanished. They both scanned the area, ready for another magical assault, but instead of an attack, his voice rang out. "You have won for now. But be prepared. This is not over."
With that, he was gone.
Leon met his parents outside the cottage, Cassandra at his side. The look on Mother's face, and then on Father's when he changed back to human, proved Cassandra hadn't been exaggerating. She saw it, too, and buried her face into his chest and sobbed, while he shed a few tears of his own. He hadn't known her parents well, but they were good people.
Father broke them out of their mourning. "Leon, do you love this girl?"
He looked down at her face, red and puffy from her tears, and knew no one could prove more beautiful. Today, with his parents gone to investigate her farm, had been the longest time he'd ever spent with her. How could he love her already? Yet he did, of that there was no doubt. He nodded.
"Cassandra, dear," Mother said, "do you love Leon?"
She looked up into his eyes and nodded. "With all my heart." He plac
ed a gentle kiss on her forehead, his heart swelled to a size it had never before been.
"Then it is decided," Father said. "You two shall be bound. Phoebe, prepare the ceremony while I scout the area to make sure the wizard has truly gone." He transformed to his dragon form and took flight.
*****
Cassandra stepped into the kitchen to offer Leon's mother help with dinner. She sensed Leon outside by the barn, chopping firewood. She smiled at his joy, at how pleased he was with himself, and wondered if the same feelings came from her. Her sorrow over her parents' murder still hung heavy in her heart, but it was overshadowed, overwhelmed, by her intense feelings of love for Leon. They'd consummated their marriage not long after their binding, but she still longed to be entwined with him in his, their, bed. Only chores kept that from being a reality.
His mother looked up and gave her a wink. "Are you enjoying being bound, dear?"
Cassandra's face heated up, but she couldn't help but nod enthusiastically. "It's wonderful. I can't see him from here," she said, gazing out the window, "but I know where he is."
"And how does he feel?"
"He feels joyous." Cassandra couldn't suppress a giggle. "And he's quite proud of himself."
"Men usually are after their first time. Doesn't matter if they're dragon or human. Did you enjoy your ride?"
Her eyes went wide. "What?"
"I meant when he was a dragon. On his back, through the countryside. I don't need to know about the bedroom. That's etched clearly on your face."
Cassandra blushed again, but soon joined his mother in laughter. After a minutes, she asked, "Does it ever stop feeling so invasive? I mean our silent communications, before you believe my mind covered in smut."
"Yes. It'll feel like second nature before long. Have you tried communicating when he was in human form?"
She winced from the memory. "It hurt horribly. I don't think we'll be doing that again."