I wasn’t sure how long he stayed there standing and looking at me, but from the look on his face, it made me feel like I had done something wrong.
He turned his back on me and with the little energy I had, I was able to sit up and take notice that his shoulders had became rigid and tense.
He started to put on his armor “I’m going to go out and check on Rankin.” I knew that he was trying to run away and normally, any other girl would allow him to have his space, but I was not a dainty little flower.
As he reached for the doorknob, I decided to say something “Braden, you take one more step towards that door and that’s the last thing you’re going to do.” This seemed to stop him in his tracks. His hand was still on the knob, but he wasn’t pulling it open. “I know that after the fact you are probably right back to where you once were. I’m going to leave you with one thought and then you can decide what you wanna do from there. If you’re too blind to see it, I’m beginning to like you. I’ve never felt like this with any other man and believe me that’s saying something. I would never try to replace her memory and you’ll always have her in your heart. Just don’t close yourself up to opportunities that are right in front of you. You never know if they’re going to come around again.”
“I know what you’re trying to say, Shana, but I’m not sure what to think of this. I just need some time to sort some things out.” I allowed him to leave, but at least he had heard what I had to say and was willing to listen. I gave him something to think about and hopefully his thoughts would be drawn towards the fact that he could be happy if he allowed himself to be.
I was looking around and I saw that we had made quite a mess and I went and found something to clean it up. There were basic similarities to my world, but also differences that were hard to ignore. I constantly had to look out the window to see his dragon Rankin sitting there, as he moved his hand back and forth over its scaly hide. I remember my grandmother telling me stories of dragons, but I never thought that I would actually see one in real life. They were a myth and legend, as was the griffin, but it appeared that this world had those creatures in abundance.
There was no washing machine, so I had to do my clothes by hand. There was no sink and only some kind of metal nozzle that came in through the wall. I would say that there was a well being fed into the house through that pipe. I pumped it into a pot and then I sat in my skivvies and hand washed my clothes.
After I was done, I took everything outside and draped them over top of a tree branch. It was the only way that I would get them dry with the wind and the heat of the sun doing its job.
Braden had been gone a while and I was starting to worry that he had run off like a scalded dog. He didn’t seem the type to be, so easily swayed and I had to believe that he would come back when he was good and ready.
I went back in the house and I found what made up a library with old books with leather spines that made me think that they were older than what they were.
I had time to kill, so I decided to do my own research in an effort to learn about this planet. Thankfully, some of the books were history related and over a period of a couple of hours, I began to immerse myself into the culture and land of Markham.
Lord Vadam came from a long line of leaders. His family was in succession and apparently his term was coming up at the end of the year. The black castle had been almost like the White House and whoever was in power at the time would take over that residence. He would be surrounded by a cabinet of his loyal followers and his guardsmen. Those in his favor prospered and those that weren’t felt his wrath.
It appeared that dragons were not as plentiful as I once thought. There was a time in their history that there was no such thing as dragons. When they did finally come out of hiding in the mountains where they resided, people feared for their safety. They were hunted, almost to extinction, until one young man had decided to see if he could domesticate them. It took several years for the practice of Dragos taming to become part of the norm. It was quite interesting and I had gotten so caught up in my reading that I didn’t realize that it was getting late.
My eyes were starting to get heavy and all this research had really started to take its toll on me. I wanted to keep going, but there were so many volumes that it was almost a little too overwhelming.
I heard footsteps and looked up to see that Braden was standing in the doorway. “You look comfortable. I’m sorry that I walked out like that, but I needed time to adjust. This is a little new for me and I’ve never gone looking for another mate. I never thought that I would find somebody that was even uniquely able to match up to her. She was the love my life. I will say that you are different, but in a good way.”
“I’m not sure what you mean by that. Should I take that as a compliment or an insult?” I already knew the answer, but I figured that I would tickle his ribs and see if he could take a little bit of teasing.
“My wife was meek, mild and had a heart of gold. She would give you the shoes off her feet, if she thought that you needed them more than she did. You’re different in that you have a strong spirit, an open mind and you have no problem saying whatever you are thinking. There are times there that I didn’t even know what my wife was thinking. She would expect me to know and that was a little galling.” I tried to stay quiet, because I knew that awkward silences needed to be filled up. It was a good way to find out if you had friends that had secrets. You just had to have patience. It was exactly the same way with Braden and all I had to do was wait and he would continue his story, as if he didn’t have any control over it.
“Braden, I never wanted to replace her and I know that deep down you always have her memory in your heart. I just want you to know that we don’t have to go any further than this. I would like to. I can’t speak for you, but that was the best sex that I’ve ever had.” It was like we were two halves of a whole.” It was the way I felt and I wanted him to know.
“Shana, I am exhausted and I would really like to retire for the evening. I don’t suppose you would like to sleep with me. I don’t mean go a second round, although I wouldn’t be opposed to that.” I got up and I walked towards him, glancing back at the book on the table with the rules to the Dragos festival. I would have liked to delve into that volume a little deeper, so that I could get a better understanding of what the festival entailed. I was curious about the rules. I had no idea if this was just a game, or if it was some kind of life and death struggle. Perhaps when he was sleeping soundly, I would sneak back down and get some more information. It was starting to look like I wasn’t going to get out of here anytime soon. I may as well make the best of it. It wasn’t as bad as I first thought and having met Braden, life had opened up a pathway to emotions that I thought were long dead and buried. He looked like a Greek god yet he wasn’t an asshole or a jerk, he was exactly the opposite.
“You said that this was all new to you. It’s new to me too. I’m just glad that you don’t have a problem with my attitude.”
“Shana, I never said that I didn’t have a problem with your attitude. What I said was that I can get used to it, but I don’t think others will be so welcoming. The western province of Markham is a lot more sedate. The women know their place and they have no desire to break free and do their own thing. They know that being with their man is exactly where they’re supposed to be. If I tried to tell you that, I’m sure that you’d have a few choice words in response.”
“You don’t have to worry about words. I’m more of a girl of action. If you were to say something like that, Braden, I might have to punch you.” He smiled and as I walked upstairs, I could feel my fingers digging into the banister. A splinter of wood came off with my fingers and I guess after years of neglect, this place was falling apart.
“Shana, that’s precisely the reason why I think it might be best that you keep a low profile. Essentially, you are a visitor from the eastern province. That doesn’t happen very often and we tend to keep to ourselves. I don’t k
now why you ventured all the way out here, but I’m glad you did.” Just looking at him and remembering what we did on that table downstairs had made my heart skip a beat.
I glanced back down at the table and I could see myself lying there with him between my legs. We were both hell bent on satisfaction and we weren’t going to finish, until each of us was satiated. I would never be able to look at that table in the same way again. Eating off it in the morning would only bring to mind those memories.
“I don’t think you know this about me, Braden, but I’m not used to being low profile. I’m in your face and if you don’t like it, then you can go to hell.” I would never be tied down, unless of course it was in the act of kinky loving. Otherwise, I was my own person and if somebody was to try to tell me what to do, they would find out in a hurry that I was, as stubborn as could be.
“Believe me, I know that. Most women would have been embarrassed to see a man naked, but you made a joke. I will say that I wasn’t alarmed by your presence, but I was certainly surprised. Not a lot of people would risk lying down with those flowers. It’s a good thing they didn’t perceive you, as a threat, because it might have done something to prevent us from meeting.” He was making it sound like that the flowers would have devoured me.
“I guess it’s a good thing that you came around when you did. I’m not saying that you were my knight in shining armor, but it was nice to see a friendly face.” We went into the bedroom and he once again took off that armor and climbed into bed in the buff. I was never one to sleep in the nude, but for him I would make the exception. I stripped down and I stopped with my underwear down half way towards the floor. I twisted my head sideways and I could see him leaning on his elbow and watching every move that I was making.
“Don’t mind me; I’m just enjoying the view.” I slipped in beside him and he curled up behind me. I was half expecting to feel that he was hard all over again, but he was only semi erect.”
“Shana, I’m not sure what your intentions are, but I hope that you’re here when I wake up. I know that some people don’t like to leave themselves open sexually or emotionally. I don’t want you to be that kind of girl, although I don’t think you are. If somebody offends you, you’re going to come out and say so and that is the kind of attitude that’s going to get you into trouble.” He laid his head on my shoulder and he nipped at my neck. If he had done that for any longer, I might have turned to him and taken matters into my own hands.
Chapter five
In the middle of the night, I awoke with my internal alarm clock, to see that it was still dark outside. I went downstairs in nothing, but a pair of panties that I’d found discarded on the floor. I stepped up to the window and I placed my hand on the pane to feel this chill go through my veins like a cold knife. I noticed lights outside. I opened the door to the spectacular show of fire streaking across the night sky. There were several of them up there and they were circling each other, but they didn’t look like they were trying to hurt one another. I would say that they were playing and it was nice to see that they had free rein to enjoy themselves when their masters were fast asleep. I almost felt sorry for them for being domesticated, but maybe that was the best way to go. If they didn’t do that, then they would extinct and they were magical creatures that really did deserve to live.
I couldn’t get over the different colors, but each time that they spewed fire, it was the same blue heat that most likely would have melted metal.
I watched for some time, as I’ve never seen something like this. There were a lot of firsts today, but my main concern was how I got here. Did I accidentally fall into something, or was I purposely brought here for a reason? I had to believe that somebody would be able to tell me.
It took every effort that I had to get out of bed. Seeing him sleeping with that smile on his face made me feel that there was a possibility for a future for the both of us.
I went inside the Library and once again began to pour through the details of the history of this proud land of Markham. I read of the history of the Dragos festival. Apparently, Lord Vadam’s ancestors had decided that it was a good idea to placate the locals. They wanted to find some way to interact with them, without really having to rub elbows. They came up with this to give those that were training some kind of incentive to push themselves even further than what they already were.
As it was, there was a need for warriors and the three castle alliance was always trying to make an example out of somebody. The guards were essentially used to do the Lord’s dirty work. They would go out to other lands and levy taxes on those that were struggling from day to day. Taxes came in the form of crops or any other such offering that would make the Lord happy. On each cycle annually, the lord would decide if your land was good enough to stay in your possession.
The festival was one time of the year where everybody got together under the black castle roof. It was a day of merriment, but also harsh competition that would leave many either dead or wounded at the feet of the Lord. I decided to familiarize myself with the rules and it was hard to understand, but eventually I got the main idea.
By the time that I was done, it was the crack of dawn and there were these brilliant blue and orange colors dancing along the treetops. It was nothing like the sunrise that I had seen back home. This one really did make you think that you were a part of something a lot bigger.
“I am glad that you have taken an interest in the rich history of Markham. It puzzles me that you have this need for a refresher course. As a child, I’m sure that you learned all about this. It is mandatory for all children to know the history of Markham, so that mistakes that were made in the past will not be made in the future. We live a relatively peaceful existence, but there are times that extreme force is necessary to make that freedom even that much more special to hold onto. Today was the trials for becoming one of the guardsmen. He looked freshly made up and I could smell this soap substance coming out of his skin. He looked ready for battle and if anybody had a chance to become one of the guards, it would probably be him. I wondered what kind of competition would stand in his wake. I was looking forward to seeing him best those inferior warriors that thought that they had what it took to take down Braden.
“It says here that there is a festival each year and every would be warrior is allowed three times in the span of three years to become one of the guards. If that doesn’t happen, then he is relegated to living off the land. That doesn’t sound like an awful existence. It sounds like a life of a hardworking man.” I knew that I was missing something and I would have to have him read between the lines.
“It’s not a terrible existence, but you’re never looked upon the same way again. They will always see that you are damaged and that you weren’t able to stand up to overwhelming odds. It’s very rare that somebody does join the elite, but it is very special when it happens. On the eve of…wait, you already know all this and why do I have to rehash the details? If you’re going to come with me, then I suggest that you get ready. I took the liberty of making breakfast.” I remembered the stew last night. After reading some of these books, I had a pretty good idea of what they made their food from.
It was essentially like a pig, but a lot uglier and quicker than what they appeared. It took a great feat of strength and agility to even capture one. There was quite a bountiful of them, but they would hibernate during the day and not come out until the crack of dawn or sunset to forage for food. They were black and that was one of reasons why they were so hard to spot at night. I did hear branches breaking outside the windows during the night and now had an idea that an Offus was responsible. I understood that they were just attracted to the smell of the burning wood from the fireplace. It wasn’t really a fireplace. It was just a pit, but it served its purpose.
The Offus was an animal that would be used to nourish those that lived in the land of Markham. There was something else called the Libra. It had feathers and could run for long distances and even fly when given e
nough incentive by threat or necessity. It had a multitude of colors. I looked to the plate for breakfast and noticed that the eggs were a swirl of different colors. The taste was remarkably the same as the eggs back where I came from.
The only liquid quencher was made from the sap of the trees. I didn’t exactly know how it was done, but it had all the nutrients that you would need for a growing boy or girl. It tasted like a cross between grapefruit and prune juice. It was kind of vile, but after a few sips, it became something that you could get used to. I never did like champagne, but on those celebrations that included New Year’s Eve, I would partake.
“You can use my coat. I only wear it when I’m outside without my armor.” It was something made of black fur and I was hesitant to put anything like that against my body. When I did it was like being surrounded in my own personal cocoon. I found the texture to be pleasing and the warmth was enough to keep out the chilly air, as we exited the house. Rankin was munching on the bullish green grass. There was no saddle and his scaly hide made it impossible for us to slip off.
He jumped onto Rankin and received a snort of blue fire in response. He grabbed my hand and threw me with ease behind him. The Dragos took off, but did not take flight. All four of its legs were moving at the same time and we were whipping underneath the trees through a path that was made specifically to go from one place to the next.
I knew from my reading that a Dragos was banned by the Lord’s ruling from flying during the day. There were those that went against that rule and Braden had been one of them. The griffin or sentry was sent out to make sure that those rules were enforced. There were only a few in existence and they were trained from birth to do the Lord’s bidding.
I was terrified for a second at the speed that we were going. The landscape became a blur and I began to laugh maniacally. It was exactly the same way when I was on a jet ski when I vacationed in the Caribbean. The first time, I was hesitant to go very fast, but the owner was more inclined to take things to the extreme. Once I was done with using it, he would take me back and the speed, in which he did, brought forth a case of laughter. This was exactly the same way.
Another Uoria Holiday: A Sci-Fi Alien Warrior Holiday Romance Page 55