Forging Alliances: Wizards of White Haven

by Frances Howitt

  ‘As long as you don’t eat much of things your dragon is unsure of, you should be alright. But you should always trust your dragon’s instincts over those in this form.’

  ‘I will. I met so many people today. A man named Drako was a great deal of fun. He let me ride around on his bear’s back. His fur was so soft and warm.’

  ‘Oh? Who is this Drako?’

  ‘He’s the village leader.’

  ‘You were riding on the back of the village leader?’

  ‘His mate thought it was funny. She was nice to me too. She gave me lots of good things to eat.’

  ‘His mate was present?’ Stripe asked and at her nod he relaxed. Tania was young and not having grown up in a community with elders, she had no concept of how they should be treated. He suspected he was going to have to apologise to the leader for what he could only imagine was her lack of respect and a bear was no creature to antagonise, even for a dragon. ‘It does sound like you’ve had a far fuller day than normal. Ready to go home?’

  ‘Papa, Amelie is to be married to her lion soon. There might still be time to change her mind. You have your new form now, after all.’

  ‘No Tania. Whilst she helped raise you, you know Amelie was never my mate.’

  ‘But you wanted her to be.’

  ‘Of course I did, but she is not a dragon. If I had found this form back then, perhaps I’d have had a chance, but she has since bonded to her lion. She has made her choice and I must respect that.’

  ‘You can sense they’ve already bonded?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘But that means you did create some kind of connection to her. Is that why she always seems so wary? That she thinks you still pursue her?’

  ‘I have not attacked and driven off her lion. That should be clear enough acceptance.’ His head jerked up as the wind shifted and brought a scent to him. He strode to a nearby tree, one that was well out of pouncing distance and found the leopard man sitting up there on a branch. ‘What are you doing there?’

  ‘I was watching over your daughter of course. Now you’re here I can leave that to you.’ Jack climbed a bit lower on the tree and then jumped to the ground. His leopard granted his human form extra agility and strength. He looked up at the dragon man and recognised the integrity and strength of character he possessed. What he’d just overheard and observed, clarified a number of things he’d wondered at.

  ‘Thank you,’ Stripe said, understanding the leopard had volunteered to make sure nothing untoward happened, either to Tania or because of her.

  ‘I have a suggestion for you. If you want to definitively clear the air with Jim and Amelie, be here two days from now early in the morning. Bring the rest of your children, they should be here too. Just make sure they’ve eaten before they arrive!’ With that, Jack began walking back to the village.

  On hearing the distinctive sound of heavy wing beats taking off behind him, Jack turned and watched the awe inspiring sight of flying dragons, until they’d disappeared into the darkness. Before he came here he’d never have imagined he’d ever come face to face with the rare being that was a dragon. He’d never have guessed he’d actually be able to have a conversation with one, without it eating him, either. He now knew dragons could talk, were clearly very intelligent and had the magical ability to transform. Dragons must usually guard these kinds of secrets, because none of that was common knowledge. Amelie and Jim had obviously earned Stripe’s trust, and through them, everyone around them benefited too. The diverse natures of the people living here worked, despite their obvious differences. This was a true community.

  Living in White Haven certainly wasn’t dull.

  17. The Wedding

  ‘Stripe’s here,’ Cassy said nervously as she re-entered Amelie’s room. ‘He’s asking to talk to you.’

  ‘He’s here?’ Amelie frowned, wondering what he could want, today of all days. It was her wedding day! She only had ten or so minutes left before she was due outside for the ceremony. Noting Cassy glance meaningfully towards the window, she went over and saw Stripe, in his human form, just outside. She barely took in Tania’s presence, along with all her brothers and sisters, who remained in their dragon form.

  Her gaze returned to Stripe in amazement. He was wearing an immaculate tailored suit which fitted his large powerful frame perfectly. It was of a deep earthy brown that complimented his skin, dark hair and vivid green eyes. The contrasting snowy shirt beneath was open at the collar, making him appear relaxed whilst brightening the effect. Those were not garments someone had plucked off a shelf, but had to have been designed and made specifically for him. Ok, with magic it might only have taken a few minutes to create, but still, the colour and style had to have been chosen and the cloth had to have come from somewhere. Who had arranged this for him and why?

  Stripe noticed her and quickly moved closer to her window. His head was level with the top of the frame, allowing him to easily meet her gaze. ‘Amelie.’

  ‘Hello Stripe,’ she responded, on opening the window. The tone of his mental greeting was warm, as it usually was, but somehow reserved. ‘That’s a very nice suit you’re wearing.’

  ‘I am pleased you think so. I was not certain.’ A fleeting smile crossed his face.

  Stripe stared at her silently and searchingly for a long moment. She waited, wondering what was going through his head. He didn’t attempt to touch her or climb inside, although his hand grasped the edge of the window sill. She then noticed a small creaking sound and realised that hand was a little white knuckled and the wood was complaining about the strength of his grip. Was he nervous? What could he possibly be anxious about? ‘Is something wrong?’

  ‘No. Amelie, would you allow me to escort you down the aisle?’ he asked quickly. Knowing it was important; he hoped he’d remembered the exact words to say.

  Amelie floundered, his words completely unexpected, but the offer was compelling. ‘Do you know what you’re asking? What this means?’

  ‘I understand this is usually a role the father undertakes, to bestow his approval, but you no longer have him. I would like to escort you to your mate.’

  Amelie reached through the window and wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. ‘Thank you. That would mean a lot to me.’

  ‘I will wait on the steps for you,’ he said softly, their physical contact allowing him to feel her relief and joy as well as her appreciation for his gesture. She stepped back out of his arms before he was ready to lose her touch, but he didn’t resist. Instead, he absorbed the purity of her feelings, keeping his own expression as blank as possible. He then immediately walked away to go around the building to wait on the steps where she would emerge.

  He eyed the crowd of humans that had gathered on the grass to one side of the stony roadway where a raised platform and flower covered arch had been erected. The people seemed excited, chattering in quick incomprehensible chirps like a flock of starlings. Most wore bright colours for the occasion and he glanced down at the dark attire he wore wondering why this dim colour had been chosen for him. So he didn’t stand out as much? Was this a missed opportunity to attract a new female? His scales were mostly a dark forest green that drew little notice. He understood that natural camouflage helped him hunt, but it was a distinct disadvantage in attracting a mate. Elaye had possessed glorious golden scales, yet none of her offspring had taken after her. It was a pity, because with fewer dragons around, his children would need all their charm to attract what mates they could find. Today, he was formally giving up any claim he might once have had on Amelie, the female he’d hoped would replace Elaye. Understanding his objective, it made sense these humans wished to downplay his status as an available male; make him appear less of a threat to Amelie’s pairing with her lion. He smiled to himself, noticing just how much attention his youngsters were receiving, now they’d followed him around the building and were sitting in the grass near the steps where he stood. He was not human and knew that despite this bland clothing, his dif
ferences would be noticed. What he didn’t know was whether he scared these animus females. Perhaps the blandness in colour and that he wore human clothing, had been designed to make him seem tame, or less threatening?

  Hearing voices behind him he glanced round. Through the partially glazed door he saw Amelie, two other females, Natalya and then Tania, approaching along the corridor behind him.

  ‘Amelie. Natalya,’ he greeted then glanced aside for introductions to the two he didn’t know.

  ‘Stripe, this is Cassy and Ebony,’ Amelie said aware her friends were staring in awe. ‘They both have mates,’ she added quickly, aware of just how intently he was regarding them.

  ‘Pity,’ he said with a smile and breathed them in, ‘ah, bear and a wizard or are you another bear?’ he asked the small pale haired one uncertainly.

  ‘My mate is a bear,’ Cassy responded. ‘That’s probably the bear scent you’re picking up.’

  ‘Mm,’ Stripe replied, not wholly convinced, but without getting closer he couldn’t pin down the elusive scent. ‘Be careful with her Tania,’ he said instead, noting Tania was carrying little Daisy. With Natalya there to supervise, he wasn’t worried, but a human infant was very fragile compared to a dragonet.

  ‘I will. She’s happy and she should be at this ceremony too.’ Tania hadn’t been happy to hear that little Daisy was going to be carried in the strange miniature bed by someone else, so she’d be nearby but not actually with her parents. Dragons never left their infants alone, keeping them close if at all possible. Stripe merely nodded and turned to move to the edge of the steps, clearing the way for them all to come out behind him.

  Amelie tucked her hand into the crook of Stripe’s elbow and her nerves immediately vanished. ‘Thank you Stripe,’ she said softly. She didn’t know how he did it, or even how he knew how she felt, but whenever she needed reassurance he bolstered her.

  ‘You think I am amazing?’ Grass green eyes glinted at her in the sun. ‘Tell your friends,’ he added.

  Amelie felt a blush creeping up her cheeks at his words and smile. He’d clearly heard her admiring thoughts as to his character. His physical attributes could not be overlooked either, as highlighted by that formfitting suit and she noticed his back straighten and confidence suffused his bearing. Damn, he was still listening. She’d never been able to feel him listening to her thoughts and what she couldn’t feel she couldn’t easily block. His mind however was always completely hidden from her, unless he actively allowed her in. That inequality had always irked but she guessed it was simply the fact he was a dragon with different magical strengths. Physical contact seemed to enable him to listen to her thoughts easily, but he’d never used anything he’d learned against her, even before they could converse. He was intrinsically protective, using their contact to better care for her needs. His hand tightened over hers and she felt the heat of his body pressing against her down one entire side. Damn, she was being appreciative of him again and he’d noticed. Stripe was being selfless today; she shouldn’t be sending him mixed signals.

  Hastily she looked across at Jim, standing waiting for her. Immediately, all her thoughts focused on him alone. Today, he would be hers officially, as witnessed by everyone who mattered. She sent Jim that thought and a smile stretched across his face. She also felt Stripe move apart so only their arms touched. Clearly he didn’t want to hear her emotions regarding Jim in the same detail. She smiled.

  Jim watched Amelie coming towards him on Stripe’s arm. She looked radiant in a cream silk gown, with cobalt blue embroidered designs on the bodice and down alternate panels in her long skirt. The colour matched her vivid eyes. Her glossy black hair tumbled down her back, in artful but wild curls, perfectly matching her character. Behind them came Tania, wearing a black dress with the same blue in it, but brought out in alternate blue and black panels in the skirt. The colour seemed meant to go with the girl’s blue hair. Even Daisy, held up in Tania’s arms so she could see, was decked out in a matching tiny blue and black dress. Following in a row were the statuesque Natalya and Ebony, with the petite Cassy between them. What a beautiful procession they made, but his attention was centred on his bride. He noticed her reach out as she passed the young dragons and Nera, the glossy black dragon, pushed her head within reach. A pale green dragon also managed to get close enough for a pat too. But then, to his and everyone else’s surprise, the dragons followed the last bridesmaid down the aisle, in single file, led by the bold Nera. It was an astonishing sight and, he suspected, unplanned.

  The guests, essentially most of the school’s students and staff, had been joined by the majority of the village. The large crowd had been chatting without restraint, the mood upbeat and relaxed. There was no squabbling either as they hastily grabbed their seats. None had moved their seats to encroach on the broad aisle that had been set out down the middle, accepting that division. With the dragons walking down the aisle he was very glad they had the space for them to do so. Jim had felt a great sense of pride earlier as he’d watched his guests mingling. Only a few years ago this kind of wizard and animus interaction would not have been possible without bloodshed. New friendships and alliances were being made here.

  The dragons were now adding an extra layer of wonder and tolerance to the mix. Most people had a very understandable wariness of something as dangerous as a dragon. However, Stripe and Tania in proving their ability to not only shift to a humanlike form, but talk and behave civilly had changed many ingrained perceptions. As the procession passed down the aisle, everyone turned in their seats to watch. No one had ever been so close to a dragon and lived to tell the tale. These might be youngsters but each one far exceeded any plough horse in height and breadth and their sinuous necks and tails added to their already long bodies. Each exuded a formidable presence, let alone combined.

  At the steps to the dais, Stripe glanced back. Whilst he was proud to see his children following, showing their support rather than avoiding being involved, he could see they were making the humans nervous. ‘Nera, take everyone around to the back of this platform where there is more space. You will still be close and able to watch,’ he mentally instructed.

  Nera acknowledged her father, staring up at the unfamiliar form he now wore. He looked human, like these other males, yet remained intrinsically different, as did Tania. She wondered what it was like to be in that very different form. Leading her siblings around the wooden platform she sensed the humans letting out their breath. She’d scented nervousness but very little outright fear. Their mother walking beside their father in public, with no fear, had created this trust. She would not destroy that.

  Stripe kept hold of Amelie, waiting until his children had rounded the platform and could see. This gesture was too important for them to miss. Knowing he was waiting on them, they moved quickly. He then took the hand that she had tucked over his arm and slowly gave it to Jim, meeting the lion man’s suddenly gold eyes. No words were necessary, he knew they both understood. Freed, he stepped away to the edge of the platform where Tania stood.

  Jim took both of Amelie’s hands in his, surprised but relieved by Stripe’s gesture of approval and recognition. He’d always had the niggling worry, at the back of his mind, that one day he might have to fight Stripe. Whilst his lion accepted there were risks of being challenged in the pursuit of claiming a mate, he also recognised the dragon was a seriously powerful predator. He would be a frightening adversary. Now it seemed the dragon was not only conceding, without a single blow, but taking steps to maintain cordial relations. The symbolism of Stripe handing Amelie’s hand over into Jim’s keeping was clear and recognised by everyone. His estimation of the dragon’s astuteness rose yet again.

  ‘Another alliance?’ Lord Trent quietly asked Jim with a raised brow. He’d stood with everyone else gaping at the sight of the dragons, but now they’d stepped back, he’d regained the use of his tongue.

  ‘Could be,’ Jim said with a small shrug. Later, he’d think more on the notion of forging a new all
iance with the dragons. The whole family had shown their support of his union with Amelie after all, whom they considered their mother. With Tania eager to learn human ways and have further contact with them, working together and strengthening ties might be possible and indeed be prudent. It would of course be completely dependent on what Stripe wanted. It was doubtful that anything not in Stripe’s interests would get a hearing. Having dragons in an alliance was of course unlikely to be an equal partnership thing anyway, but could still be worthwhile.

  Lord Trent merely shook his head in awe, gazing from the giant green eyed man, to his blue haired daughter and the other dragons just behind them. Then he met the gaze of his cousin, Lord Aubrey, also on the dais as witnesses and they shared nervous grins. Jim seemed able to find and make alliances that few believed were remotely possible. Why was he even surprised by this development?

  ‘Shall I begin?’ Bruce asked, once everyone had found their place and stood ready. Having presided over Drako’s wedding, he had the requisite knowledge, but had still been surprised to be asked to officiate. Wizard Jim had so many far more important friends and associates nowadays, but perhaps the very mix of this crowd meant bringing in an outsider remained unwise. Whatever the reason, he was honoured to undertake the service for such a joyous occasion. For the man who’d thrown him and his people a lifeline, when they’d most needed it, he was deeply grateful.

  ‘Yes,’ Jim said eagerly, meeting Amelie’s gaze. For them, this wedding was a formality, since they’d already committed to one another. Yet it remained an important and serious declaration to the world and one he’d wanted his parents present for. With Natalya representing Amelie’s side of the family, they’d additionally surrounded themselves with everyone else that mattered. With his good friend Drako by his side, Lord Trent representing Clan Green Bear and Lord Aubrey representing their adopted home county. Stripe, the villagers, teachers and students were also witnesses.