by Claire Fogel
“No. I told you I want to spend as much time with you this week as possible. I know you won’t have much free time once you’re back in school.” He smiled a bit sadly. “You really are growing up too fast, Cara.” He settled his hand on my shoulder as we walked out to the practice field.
The field was empty. My father stood at the edge of the field as I stood about twenty feet from the bear target and shot my arrows as quickly as I could, aiming at the arms and knees. I hit my targets perfectly. I moved the target back another ten feet and started shooting again. Once again, I didn’t miss. I pushed the target back ten more feet, which was the greatest distance I’d tried so far. I wasn’t as fast at this distance but I was still able to hit the arms and legs every time.
It was time to switch to my knives. After retrieving my arrows and moving the target closer, a distance of only ten feet, I began throwing quickly, hitting arms and legs only. I knew my speed was best with my knives, but when I pulled my knives out of the target, I looked back to where my father was standing and was surprised to see a group of Elves standing there with him, smiling at me and applauding.
Wearing a big smile, my father waved me over to them. “Word has spread about your skill with both bow and knife, and someone must have mentioned that you’d be here practicing this morning. I think these gentlemen had to see it for themselves.”
The men were all older than my father and probably harder to convince. The eldest stepped forward to shake my hand. “Miss Blackthorne, I thought my grandson was exaggerating when he talked about your skill. After all, if I’m not mistaken, you started training barely two months ago.” I nodded. “To have accomplished so much in so short a time is unheard of, my dear. I was especially interested in your non-lethal approach to training. Your father is very proud of you; frankly, we all are.” He smiled, bowed to my father and with one raised eyebrow, said, “Brian, your father would be amazed.”
One by one, they walked up and shook my hand. As a group, they turned and left the field, returning to wherever they’d come from.
“Who were those men? It was nice of them to come by to see me, but I don’t think I’ve met any of them before, have I?”
He helped me put the bow and arrows away in the equipment shed. “Those were the Elders of Elvenwood. For them to come to the field to watch your practice is a real honor.” He chuckled. “They apparently thought what they’d been hearing about you was grossly exaggerated. They had to see for themselves. And now they have.”
Laughing as we walked away from the field, he said, “I don’t think anything you do will surprise them now, sweetheart.”
It was turning into a typical hot August day. When we got back to the cottage, my father brought the jug of spring water out from the cold cellar and poured a large cup for both of us. We sat down and enjoyed our cold drinks. “There are a few things I want to say while they’re still on my mind.” I saw his lips twitch slightly. “First, Ryan brought back a note from Harry Callahan to say that there is a car sitting in front of your house with a big red bow on the roof!”
I practically leaped off the couch. “That must be my car! My new-old car! Thank you, Dad! I can’t wait to see it. Even more, I can’t wait to drive it!” I hugged his neck until he gasped, “Can’t breathe, Cara.”
I sat back on the couch, almost bouncing up and down. “That’s such great news. Thank you.” He grinned. “You’re very welcome, dear. Just remember to stay away from mailboxes.” I stifled a groan.
“I also wanted to tell you how pleased I am that you and Arlynn have resumed your friendship. You might not have realized it, but she was terribly upset about your disagreement, especially when she got to know Adam and realized how wrong she’d been.”
I smiled. “I’m glad too. I missed her. Other than Kathleen, Arlynn is really the only female friend I have here in Elvenwood.”
“Actually, dear, every woman in Elvenwood considers you a friend.”
That was a surprise. A nice one.
Smiling, he put one arm around my shoulders. “Hungry? It’s lunchtime. Let’s walk over to the dining hall.”
When we got there, we again found Conor and Arlynn having lunch together. Their relationship was obviously on solid ground.
“Brian, Cara, there’s plenty of room over here. Come and sit with us.” Arlynn wore a big smile. I wondered if there was an announcement on the way.
Conor grinned at me. “Cara, I hear your practice this morning attracted quite an audience.”
“Cara put on a good show for the Elders,” my father said, looking pleased.
We had a vegetarian lunch with several kinds of salads along with just-baked bread and, of course, apple pie. Once again, Elvenwood was doing its best to fatten me up.
Arlynn asked how long I was staying. “I know I promised to model for you. I have a free afternoon, so are you going to be drawing today?”
I grinned at her. “That sounds like a perfect way to spend this afternoon. We can gossip while I draw!”
She laughed, her face a lovely shade of pink. We agreed to meet at my father’s cottage in a half hour.
We walked back to the cottage and my dad said, “I’ll be gone this afternoon. I have some business to take care of with Harry in Thornewood. If it’s all right with you, I thought I’d stop and have dinner with your mother before I come home.”
“That’s fine. I was afraid Mom would be lonely without me.” I raised one eyebrow. “Besides, how often do you get a chance to spend time alone with Mom?”
He smiled, his face turning pink. “That’s true, dear. But dinner without you won’t be the same.” He looked down at me and winked. I shook my head, laughing.
After he left on Smoke, his huge grey horse, I went inside to wait for Arlynn. The day had become even hotter, so I changed into shorts and a tank top. Arlynn walked in just as I returned to the sitting room.
“Would you like some water or a cup of tea before we leave?”
She sank into the couch with a smile. “If you’re not in a hurry, tea would be wonderful. I’ve had a busy morning. I baked bread right up until lunchtime.”
While we waited for the water to boil, I said, “You and Conor seem to be spending more time together.” I grinned. “Looks like things are going well.”
She blushed. “Yes, I think things are going very well. Although Conor seemed distracted this morning, distracted but excited at the same time. He wouldn’t tell me why and I’m curious.”
“Well, I’m sure you’ll find out what’s on his mind, sooner or later.” If Rowenna showed up this afternoon while Arlynn and I were out drawing, it would definitely be sooner.
When we finished our tea, I asked, “Can you suggest a spot where there are white roses, or some white birches? If you’re going to blend into your surroundings, I need a place where there’s a lot of white in the background. Any ideas?”
She thought about it for a few seconds. “I think I saw a grove of white rose bushes not far from the old apple orchard. I think you’ve already been out that way. It’s about a quarter of a mile south of the old orchard where roses have been growing wild, many of them white. You can see some of the mountains from there too. It’s not the well-groomed look of the gardens and orchards you’re accustomed to, but it’s quite scenic, although a bit wild.”
“That sounds perfect. I’ve been craving something more dramatic to draw. Let’s take some cold water with us; today’s a scorcher.”
She laughed. “I love so many of your human expressions. But you’re right; it is really hot today.”
I took a jug of cold water out of the cold pantry and we left the cottage.
I couldn’t believe how many old, antique roses grew wild out here, and I wondered who had planted them years ago. They had been left to grow naturally, and the whole area was a riot of pink and white roses. I was guessing whoever had planted them loved those colors.
Fortunately, at this time of day some of the white roses were partially shaded by an old Elm tree s
o Arlynn wouldn’t have to sit in the sun and bake while I drew her. I spread the old quilt out and took my drawing pad and pencils out of my bag. I had Arlynn stand behind two of the larger rose bushes and turn to smell their scent. I thought her silvery hair would blend in with the flowers. Since she was wearing the usual green tunic and slacks, I changed the color of her clothing to white. She wouldn’t be as hidden as the Elves in my other drawings. She was only partially camouflaged behind the roses. To her right, the mountains of Blackthorne Forest rose above the trees.
After I sketched in the roses and Arlynn’s position behind them, I said, “You can come over here now where it’s a little cooler, and I’ll fill in the details from here.” I was completely covered by shade from the Elm tree I sat under, but Arlynn was red in the face from posing partially in the sun. I handed her the jug of water and she sat down next to me, obviously happy to be out of the sun.
“We probably should have done this earlier in the day before it got so hot. Are you okay?” I asked her.
She took a deep drink and nodded. “I’m fine now.”
I continued to draw in the details of the white roses, with dozens of pink and white rose bushes in the background, and the soaring mountains on our right. Arlynn gasped and stared wide-eyed at something above us. When I turned around, Rowenna was circling us, above the grove where we were sitting. There was nowhere she could land so she circled lazily, not far from us, but close enough to be recognized. I must have been humming her song without realizing it.
I said, “Don’t be frightened. That’s Rowenna. She’s a friend.” Arlynn gasped again. “You’re not telepathic, are you?” She shook her head, her mouth hanging open. “Okay, then I’ll speak out loud. Rowenna speaks to me in my mind.” Looking slightly calmer, Arlynn nodded, her crystal blue eyes still the size of saucers.
“Hello, Rowenna. This is my friend Arlynn.”
The dragon dipped her head to Arlynn, her green and gold scales gleaming. She said, Beautiful friend.
I chuckled. “Yes, but she’s in shock right now. She didn’t know there was a dragon living in Blackthorne Forest.” Rowenna’s rough laughter filled my head.
Her rusty voice said, Mate of your beautiful friend hides in the trees nearby. More rough laughter.
“That’s Conor, another friend. He’s never seen a dragon before, never thought dragons really existed. He loves animals and takes care of all the wildlife in the forest.”
She nodded once more, circling the grove again, and headed back to her mountain. I heard her rough voice once more. Cara . . . friend, and then she disappeared.
Arlynn was silent for several long minutes. I asked, “Are you okay?”
She took a deep breath. “How long have you known there’s a dragon in our forest? I never believed dragons were real.”
I was glad to see color returning to her face. “I only met Rowenna yesterday, but she’s been communicating with me for more than a week. I think she was the reason for that premonition I had. Maybe for my anxiety attacks too. I knew something important was coming, but never in a million years did I think I’d be meeting a dragon!”
I told Arlynn about Rebecca Blackthorne’s diary and about the melody I couldn’t get out of my head.
“Have the anxiety attacks stopped now?”
“Well, I do feel better now. I think there’s some kind of connection between Rowenna and me, a connection she only feels with Blackthorne women. She’s felt alone and friendless since my grandmother moved away, and that was before I was born. I think she became aware of me when I started visiting with my father.”
Arlynn shook her head. “It’s amazing. I don’t think anyone in Elvenwood today has any idea that dragons exist, or that there’s a dragon living close by. Conor knows about this?”
“My father and I told him about her last night. He was hiding somewhere nearby today, and Rowenna spotted him.” I chuckled. “She referred to him as your mate.”
Arlynn turned pink, but she smiled and said softly, “I wonder how she could tell?”
“Well, dragons are magical creatures, just like Elves.” I winked at her. “Now let me finish this drawing and we can get back to the village and cool off.”
It took another half hour to add the finishing touches to my drawing. Then I packed up my art supplies and we left for home. As we walked, Arlynn was full of questions about my new friend, most of which I couldn’t answer. “I think I’ll have to go out to the old orchard again before I leave, so I can have a longer conversation with her. There are a lot of things I want to know too.”
When we reached the dining hall, Arlynn had to help with dinner preparations. “Come back for dinner, Cara.” She grinned. “I think there’s an apple pie with your name on it.”
I groaned. “You’re not happy unless you send me home with a few extra pounds, are you?”
She laughed. “Don’t complain; those pounds are all going to the right places. You look more grown up every time I see you.”
“Well, thanks for modeling for me. I’m going home to take a cold shower, and I’ll be back later for dinner. Save me some pie.”
I hummed Rowenna’s song as I walked to the cottage, and I could faintly hear her rusty voice in my head. Cara . . . my song . . . thank you.
I never dreamed my new friend would be a beautiful, but lonely, dragon.
Since my father was having dinner with Mom, I was prepared to have dinner alone, but when I got to the dining hall, I found Adam had saved a seat for me.
“Not eating in the wood shop tonight?”
He laughed. “No, I needed to look at a prettier face than Garrett’s tonight. I also heard a rumor that our cooks have made something very special for us. Your father was able to talk your mother into sharing her meat loaf recipe, and I think the dining hall will be full.”
I had to smile as I sat down next to him. “Sounds good. I know how much you enjoyed it when Mom made it at home.”
He turned those piercing dark blue eyes on me. “So what have you been up to since I saw you last? More drawing?”
“Yeah, I finally got Arlynn into one of my drawings. You should stop by later to see it. It’s different from my other pictures.” I giggled and said softly, “Arlynn also got to meet my new friend; I’m not sure she’s recovered from the shock yet.”
Adam’s eyebrows shot up. “It sounds like Rowenna isn’t as shy as we thought, but I’m guessing she feels safer around women.”
I nodded. “It seems that way, although she didn’t seem nervous when she saw my father. Conor got a peek at her this morning too. He was hiding behind some trees, but she spotted him and actually referred to him as Arlynn’s mate.”
Adam chuckled. “Another couple headed to the Joining Tree, I’m guessing.”
I was feeling reckless. “How about you, Adam? When will you be going to the Joining Tree?”
He leaned down and whispered in my ear. “Not until you grow up, love.” He winked and turned that devastating smile on me. My insides promptly melted. Fortunately, that was when the cooks started carrying out platters of thick-sliced meat loaf, potato salad, and green salads loaded with bell peppers and tomatoes. By the time everyone filled their plates, I was able to breathe normally. I wondered if he’d been serious or just joking with me.
It was definitely time to eat dinner and get my unruly brain under control.
The room was quiet as everyone tried meat loaf for the first time. Apparently, my father’s love for Mom’s meat loaf was well known. After a few minutes, I saw heads nodding in approval and conversation started up again.
Adam said, “As good as this is, I think your mother’s meat loaf was better. But don’t tell our cooks I said so.” He still managed to eat three helpings before he put his fork down. I couldn’t tell the difference. Mom’s meat loaf was great, but the Elves’ version was equally good.
When the platters of meat loaf were empty, they were promptly removed and replaced by delectable six-inch high apple pies. This time I groane
d out loud.
Laughing, Adam said, “Don’t worry, love, apple pie looks good on you.” I didn’t know whether to feel insulted or complimented, so I threw caution to the wind and ate two pieces.
Arlynn waved at us from the kitchen as we left. We waved back.
Adam asked, “Will you show me today’s picture now? With Arlynn as your model, it has to be spectacular.”
“Sure, come home with me and I’ll make tea. I’m not sure when my father will get home, so I’d enjoy some company.”
He smiled down at me and held my hand on the walk home. I felt happier than I had in weeks.
When we got to the cottage, I lit a small fire and got the tea ready. “Make yourself comfortable. I’ll get my drawings.” When I walked back into the sitting room, Adam was standing in front of the fireplace looking at the drawing I’d done of my mother. My father had framed it beautifully and hung it where he could see it from his favorite chair.
Adam turned to me, smiling. “Your father is obviously fond of this drawing. When did you do it?”
“A year ago. Before I met my father, Conor asked me if I would give his ‘boss’ one of my drawings. Of course, I didn’t know he was referring to my father. Conor chose this drawing, telling me he thought his ‘boss’ would like it.” I smiled. “That was before I knew anything about my father.” I sighed. “My life really changed after that.”
Adam walked over to the couch and sat down as I poured our tea. He picked up my drawing pad and began looking through it. Today’s drawing of Arlynn surrounded by white roses was on the top. “This is beautiful. I think there’s a little more drama in your latest drawings; this is really wonderful.” He continued to look through my drawings, finally closing the folder.
“I’ve only known you for a few months.” Shaking his head, he said, “Although it seems longer. But even in that short time, your artwork has changed; it’s more mature, more imaginative.” He smiled, handing the folder back to me.