“A golden male!” Oasth exclaimed. “A leader. What do you know about this?” He eyed Eburscon.
The man’s lips curled into a wry smile. “Nice to know you are so conscientious about your job of protecting our Scribe, Sire Drake. You seem quite fond of her in a most personal way.”
The fire drake’s reticence gave way. He blew a sharp puff of smoke at the alchemist and wound the talons of his foreclaws into the long braid, arresting Eburscon’s range of movement. His deep bass voice rang out, “Stop your mockery. Tell us what this hatchling is about.”
Eburscon’s lower lip quivered, his violet aura now visible around his body.
Cullen smiled to himself. He’d learn the truth now. He smugly folded his hands and gazed at his colleague, waiting for an answer.
The alchemist remained quiet, and Oasth jerked his head backward until the captive yelped in pain. “The young dragon is not gold, but bronze…if you bothered to give a careful inspection.” The fire drake yanked yet harder on his braid and the man grimaced. “Still, that type will become large, forty yards in length when fully developed. The Imperial Dragon requested an aide. The hatchling is who I have chosen and will train as such.”
The wizard leaned forward in his chair. “Why is he with Lyra?”
“Adalyra is safe outside Dragonspeir, now additionally protected by Elisabeth’s necklace. I detected its magic made active. The Dark One cannot locate her or traject her magic and thus, cannot discover the existence of the hatchling. Until trained for defensive combat, he must be sequestered.”
“How dare you channel your power through Lyra’s to materialize a dragon in the human world without notifying me! Can’t you keep him safe here with you, rather than endangering our Scribe?” Cullen demanded.
Eburscon did not reply.
Oasth snarled, “I can make this braid shoot into flame in a hurry. Answer him!”
The man whimpered, “The Imperial Dragon requested it be so.”
Oasth looked to Cullen.
The wizard shrugged, knowing this response hedged. “I feel he has spoken truthfully, but perhaps not completely.” Eburscon hid something.
“When we need more information, you will answer directly.” The warlord slammed the torso of the alchemist against the tabletop.
Eburscon groaned and his spectacles flew off and coasted along the surface. Still prostrate on the wood, he added, “One thing. I must see the hatchling with Adalyra here in my laboratory promptly. Bring them to me at once.”
Cullen bristled, his fingers flashing blue. “I don’t serve your command, and she cannot be admitted yet. She hasn’t completed writing her initial adventure. I’m sure my senior colleague knows the rules of Scribes. You were present in this council two hundred years ago for the creation of the current Book of Dragonspeir.”
Eburscon gathered his eyeglasses, stood, and straightened his rumpled tunic and robes. “Very well.” He bowed to the sorcerer. “Please bring her as soon as permitted. Meanwhile, be certain to caution her to not ever remove Elisabeth’s necklace, not even when bathing. If, by chance, it breaks, reach me immediately, and I’ll direct Cranewort to modify the scribal protocol.”
A gracious bow was out of character for the self-serving alchemist. His body language alarmed the wizard, revealing Eburscon’s obvious need for help, enough to bridge a gap of mutual dislike. Eburscon often meddled and followed secretive plans, most of which disappeared into nothing at all. Was this yet another? Cullen stood and curtly returned the bow. “Aren’t we formal today? I assure you, she knows to keep it on.”
“Thank you, Sire. The hatchling was named prior to trajecting him through Adalyra’s power onto her computer. He is Yasqu.”
“How long do you intend her to keep charge of Yasqu? His growth will be a problem soon.”
“I will evaluate that upon their return and decide.”
“We will discuss the matter together at that time,” Cullen sharply corrected him and then turned to the warlord. “Thank you for your assistance, Sire Oasth.”
“Not a problem. I question the need for an aide. I may have to discuss this with our Head Guardian.” He puffed a smoke ring into the air.
“Please do.” The alchemist flashed a sly smile. “I feel certain he will corroborate my rationale of the matter.”
“Good day to you both.” Cullen shook his head as he twirled his staff. “Peragro pratum!” Sapphire light danced on the stone walls until he transformed, surrounded by a swirling mass of blue vapor.
Oasth’s voice carried inside his cloud. “I’ll be seeing you and Lyra on the far side of the Sea of Cogadh.”
Glad for the warlord’s reassurance, Cullen’s thoughts returned to Lyra. Only a fraction of time he spent in Dragonspeir passed in the human world, but any time away from her in this predicament was worrisome. But, he still needed to make one more stop, an important one.
He spun to a fast landing in the Meadow of Peace. When his smoke cleared, he found lessons being conducted as usual.
Lesser wizards interrupted their magic craft teaching to greet him.
Bero, leader of the deer, stepped up, followed by several young bucks in training.
Tis and Taz chased between his legs, chattering their hellos.
Bero took a square stance, holding his antlers high. “Good day to you, Sire. When will you bring Lyra back?”
“Yes, please tell us. I’m eager to read her written work. She was a brilliant young girl, full of curiosity,” one old sorcerer said.
“Good to see you all too. Soon, in a few days. She’s busy scribing. I haven’t long to stay—must hurry back to her.” The sun beamed warm upon the clearing, and Cullen pulled his cloak back from his shoulders. He took a firmer grip on his staff to initiate a call for his assistant. “Have you seen Kenzo? I need him right away.”
No sooner did he speak the words than the silver tiger owl coasted silently to land at his side. His sudden appearance from behind caused Cullen to jump. “Save that silent flight for your enemies, not your master.”
“So sorry. I make a point to practice as much as possible to perfect my talent.” Kenzo folded his great wings. “How may I serve my master today?”
“I need you to locate Noba. I have a task for him. I can send out a call, but you keep charge of my familiars while I’m away and can locate him more quickly.”
“I can. But, bear in mind, he may need coaxing since you selected the sprites over him for the first leg of the scribe’s journey.”
“Yes, I’ll deal with that. Thank you.”
With a single down stroke of his wings, Kenzo lifted off and sailed to the edge of the wood.
Cullen shifted his weight, too aware of his need to return to Lyra. In a couple of minutes, the owl returned, followed by a small brown dragon, only slightly longer than himself.
“Noba! Good to see you. I have a job no one other than you can help with. Will you please assist me?”
“Wished to serve before, but Master took sprites instead of Noba.” He cast his eyes to the ground, avoiding the wizard’s gaze.
Cullen smiled, certain he could gain the familiar’s compliance. “The task is to be done in my bookstore. Will you come with me to the real world?”
Noba’s head lifted, and his long black ears pricked straight up.
Before he could answer, the owl interrupted, “I’m your assistant, and I should be the one to help with such an important mission.”
The pseudodragon puffed his chest and declared, “Noba will be proud to serve in master’s bookstore.”
“My faithful owl, I have dozens of missions which will require your bravery and speed. This is uniquely fit for Noba.” He raised an open palm to his owl. “Trust.”
Kenzo bowed low.
The wizard held his forearm horizontally. “Come, Noba.”
In a flash the tiny dragon, no longer than three feet from nose to tail, perched on Cullen’s leather wristlet. The sorcerer draped his cloak around him. “He waved to the others. I h
ope to return with Lyra in a few days to continue our journey.” He twirled his staff again, with a call of “Peragro tabernus!”
Noba jerked as they dematerialized. Cullen hoped the cloak offered the dragon comfort. He seldom transported lesser magicals into the other world. Their stay was magically limited to seven days at time and usually a tremendous bother since they were unaccustomed to the differences. However, this time, the need proved greater than the inconvenience.
The pair landed at the edge of the portal, still within the fantasy world. Cullen’s eyes would not focus fast enough on the inside of the storeroom. His pulse raced, anticipating problems Lyra might have with the hatchling. As the blue mist settled at his feet, he almost didn’t believe his eyes.
Chapter Fourteen: The Wizard’s Familiar
Coughs behind her alerted Lyra to Cullen’s presence, although his voice seemed too high-pitched. She kept watch on the hatchling and called out, “I’m glad you’re back. You have to see this.” She spoke to the baby. “Go ahead. Again. Show him your new trick.”
The hatchling knelt on the desk and rolled head over heels in a somersault.
Lyra held her hands along the edges of the top to keep him from falling. “I taught him to do this,” she beamed. “Isn’t he fun?”
“He is now. Wait until he’s a thirty foot long adolescent. That’s when the fun really starts. Did he eat anything?”
“Yes. He loved turkey, and had plenty of bread and veggies too. I created a drinking bowl for him.”
Lyra glanced at Cullen as he stepped inside the back room.
“He took a nap coiled up in a towel while I wrote.” Lyra checked on the baby, and then her attention whipped back to Cullen with the dragon perched upon his arm. “What is that?” she squeaked.
“This is Noba, a pseudodragon.”
She recoiled, hands closing around the baby. The new arrival, although small, possessed sharp black claws and neck ridges of an adult. Even his wing tips held claws, and the tail, a pointed barb. His teeth were visible, like a crocodile, with the mouth closed.
“Noba is my familiar, pleased to serve me. He’s as peaceful and friendly as a kitten.”
“A wizard’s familiar? Like a black cat?”
“Exactly. I brought him back to help you care for the baby since I’ve been informed he must remain a while to be safeguarded from the Black Dragon. I learned the hatchling’s name is Yasqu.”
“Yasqu. I like that.”
“Noba, go say hello to Lady Lyra.” He gave the pseudodragon a gentle nudge.
Lyra sat motionless, even though the baby squirmed to play with her.
Noba landed on the floor next to her leg and bowed. “Hello. I be Noba. Proud to serve Master and his friends.” He lifted his head and looked up at her with wide blue eyes. The sincerity on his face melted her heart; she leaned forward and extended a hand. Noba rubbed against her palm, but kept his spines and claws away.
She smiled. “Do you know how to care for a baby dragon?”
“Of course, Lady Lyra. That be easy for Noba.” He glanced at the wizard. “Is that all Noba needs to do to please Master?”
Cullen nodded. “Yes, and do as she asks you.”
The pseudodragon grinned. “And for this Noba gets to see the people world?”
“You sure can.” She scooped him up with one hand and placed him in her lap. “This is the baby, Yasqu.”
Noba grasped onto the edge of the desk with his front feet, peering at eye level with the hatchling. The baby seemed to like the extra attention and commenced a performance. He rolled sideways, landed on his ear, and gave a snert with the tiniest wisp of smoke.
“Look! His first smoke.” Lyra cried.
Cullen smiled. “Seems as though you’ll all get along. I was worried, and you’ve done well.” He sunk down onto a padded desk chair next to her and sighed.
“You look a bit tired. Did you have problems? What did you find out?”
“Enduring the alchemist is always stressful. He’s the one who trajected his magic through yours to materialize the hatchling here. Seems he’s working under request of the Imperial Dragon to raise Yasqu as the new Imperial Aide, part of our council. He must be safeguarded with you to prevent detection by the Black Dragon until Eburscon trains him in defense.”
“Am I in any danger keeping him with me?”
“I don’t think so. But, he did caution that you must never remove Elisabeth’s necklace for any reason, even when you shower or swim. If it breaks, find me right away.”
“Why the extra caution?”
“Don’t know.” He leaned over to her and took her hand. “You need to get home for your aunt. I think with Noba’s help, you can keep Yasqu in your room there. If not, call me anytime. Right now, let me accompany you in your car, and then I’ll walk back. I don’t want you to drive with two dragons on the loose.”
“We made it without you this afternoon all right, didn’t we?”
“Well, if you don’t want my company…”
She chuckled. “No, please join us.” She packed up her laptop, wrapped Yasqu in the towel, and held him to her as she shouldered the briefcase.
Cullen found another from the bathroom and did the same with Noba.
His burgundy tail hung out, and with her free hand Lyra tucked it into the towel.
“Careful of his tail. The tip is poisonous.” Cullen looked over to her and asked with a laugh, “How did we become parents so soon?” He led the way out of the store.
Lyra grinned and shook her head, but couldn’t connect to the idea of parenting. Instead, it transported her thoughts to the days of her failed marriage. She wanted children and Jeff never did—still a wound in her heart. But, the thought of being parents with Cullen frightened her. Somehow it wasn’t the same. He seemed to love her, but might those feelings be magic and not real? How could she be sure? Did he know or was the difference unimportant to a wizard? Her heart seemed to be slipping toward him, and her mind couldn’t keep pace. Reality mattered less each day, and happiness mattered more.
He turned back and gave her a concerned look, and she wondered if he was reading her thoughts.
Chapter Fifteen: Aunt Jean’s Gift
They sneaked the two dragons into the cottage and up to her room.
Lyra looked around at the room’s furnishings. “Wish we’d thought to get a cage.”
“They’d be out within minutes, bending or breaking the wires. They’ll behave better given some freedom.” He leaned down and patted Noba’s head.
“I’m sure Nancy and Aunt Jean want to meet you. Let’s make it quick, so I can get back up here.” She held the doorknob, waiting for him.
He placed a hand on her back. “Relax. Have some faith in Noba. I selected him to be my familiar for a reason.”
Relax, with dragons in her room? Impossible. She rushed him downstairs, into the kitchen, where the nurse counted pills into paper cups.
“Nancy, this is Cullen Drake, the owner of Drake’s bookstore.”
“Nice to meet you. I’ve seen your bookstore, and have been meaning to stop by since it looks like you have some good books in your storefront that I’d be interested in reading or maybe I’ll find something new inside that catches my eye, if I can get a free afternoon sometime, which is hard since I seem to always have more to do.”
Lyra couldn’t wait and jumped in at the slightest pause. “Is Jean awake, so she can meet him too?”
“Yes, I believe she is. She’s been sleeping most of the day, so no wonder she’d be up now as long as…”
Lyra grabbed Cullen by the arm and pulled him away from the nurse and into the master bedroom. She found her aunt sitting up against several pillows and reading. Happy to see her up with a bit of strength, she beamed, “I’m back. I’ve been wanting you to meet Cullen Drake. He’s the owner of the local bookstore I told you about.”
Jean held out a hand toward him. “I’m so glad to meet you, Mr. Drake.”
He swiftly stepped closer t
o accept. “Nice to meet you too. Call me Cullen, please.”
“Lyra talks about you and your store often. You’ll have to come to dinner some evening with us. My niece is a fine cook.”
“I’d be pleased. Shall we plan a day?”
“Let’s see. Nancy, are you there?” she called out as best she could with her weak voice. When the nurse appeared in the doorway, Jean asked, “What day is my chemo?”
“Tuesday. Oh, and by the way, the clinic now wants nursing supervision round the clock for three nights following since you had such a hard time with your last treatment, but I don’t mind being here since it will give me a chance to enjoy the lovely sunset views you have, and I can use the time to catch up on some reading, if you don’t mind me staying that is.”
“Then Lyra, how about if we have Cullen to dinner on Monday?” Jean suggested.
“Fine with me.” She looked to Cullen. “Will that work for you?”
“Perfect. The store is closed on Mondays. And about those nights—I was going to ask Lyra on a mini-vacation those very days, but didn’t think she could get away to join me.”
What did he mean? Then it crossed her mind, he may intend for them to stay those nights in Dragonspeir. “You mean the sailing trip you mentioned?” A white lie, but necessary since Nancy would never understand.
He nodded. “Yes.”
Aunt Jean smiled. “That sounds like fun, dear. You need to get away. You’ve had such a hard time in the last year. You should go and have a good time.”
Lyra took her aunt’s hand. “Are you sure you won’t need me here?”
“No. It would make me happy to know you’re having some fun. You’ve been through too much with your parents dying and the divorce. Life is short. You need to enjoy it.”
Tears welled into Lyra’s eyes. Her aunt understood exactly what bothered her most. She never wanted to lose this remarkable lady. A thud from upstairs diverted her attention. “Cullen, I wanted to find you that book before you leave. I’ll go get it now.”
She darted off while he and her aunt continued the conversation. She scanned her room and found nothing out of place. “What happened, Noba?”
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