Gabriel added, “It has been rumored that life has returned in the Wizard Sett’s castle of Obsidia, which was abandoned when Kai left. Many believe that Kai has returned to his former throne.”
Tianna trembled at the thought of Kai and his warriors. She hoped that he was just a legend and not real, but the fact that dragons were right in front of her made that a child’s dream.
Sensing Tianna’s unease, Nathaniel shifted nervously. “Are you afraid of us now?”
Tianna stared at him like she couldn’t understand why he would even ask that question. Although she feared this Kai they talked about, she was thrilled to meet the Draaks in front of her right now. Without hesitating she said, “Not at all. I’ve known that shapeshifters existed. I just never thought I’d ever meet one. You’re all fascinating to me.”
She moved over to touch Marcus’ chest. When she saw Seth still in his full dragon form, she pointed and asked, “Why isn’t he in partial dragon form like the rest of you?”
Gabriel answered for Seth. “He’s only been able to shift for nine years. Males first shift in their mid-twenties. It takes many years to be able to control it enough to shift partially. I’m the oldest here. Watch what a Draak my age can do.” Tianna stared unblinkingly as he held out his right hand and transformed his knife-like talons back to normal human fingers. He, just as easily, returned it to talons. She watched in amazement as he willed the scales back from around his face and neck. As he shifted individual parts, the rest of his body remained unchanged.
Tianna turned to look at Seth. “So, how old is Seth? I thought you said he was eighteen?”
Marcus answered this time. “As I said earlier, Draak can live centuries so we age very slowly. Although he looks eighteen in human years, he’s actually 34.”
Wonder crossed Tianna’s face. “If he’s 34, how old are the rest of you?”
Marcus pointed to each in turn. “I’m 221, Nathaniel is 175, and Gabriel is the oldest of our group at 382.”
Tianna examined Gabriel saying, “And I’d have guessed you were no older than 310.” She gave him a huge grin and a wink.
Everyone, except Seth, relaxed and gracefully shifted back to human form, their scales disappearing with the same fluid rippling water effect. Nathaniel was thrilled to see how quickly she had accepted their true nature, and Gabriel was surprised by the strength of mind she was showing. It was a trait he found very attractive.
Tianna couldn’t keep her eyes off of them. She wanted them to shift back and forth just so she could watch. “Does it hurt to shift?” she asked.
Marcus answered, “It can be uncomfortable for a minute. It’s worse when returning to human form, because shifting takes a lot of energy. The longer we stay in dragon form the weaker we will be when we return to human form, which is our natural state.”
Tianna took a moment to examine Seth’s form. Resembling Seth’s human body, his dragon form was slender and more flexible looking. He had exceptionally large eyes, strong wings, and well-fit legs like a runner. The talons reminded her of the claws of a raccoon or large cat when they clawed their way up a tree. Other than short spikes running down his back, his scales were slicked back making his body appear smooth. Tianna wanted to feel his scales so, without hesitation, she started walking over toward Seth.
As she walked by Nathaniel, he grabbed her around the waist saying, “Hold on there, fearless. Seth is still considered young and is therefore unpredictable. You’ll need to keep at a safe distance when he’s fully shifted.” He liked having her in his arms but reluctantly let her go.
Tianna noticed that Seth had moved back to the very edge of the clearing, shaking his head at her. She was very disappointed that she couldn’t go to Seth and that Nathaniel’s arms were no longer around her. She stared at the Draaks in front of her. “Since the rest of you are older, could I approach one of you when you’re shifted?”
The hope in her eyes warmed Nathaniel’s heart. He couldn’t deny her anything. “Yes, just stay here until I call you.” Nathaniel walked over next to Seth as Seth shifted back to human form. Watching Seth shift made Tianna cringe. It wasn’t very fluid and looked painful.
Seth started to get dressed while Nathaniel got undressed. When Tianna caught herself gazing at Nathaniel and gawking at places a proper lady shouldn’t, she quickly shifted her gaze back to his eyes. She found him staring back at her with a wide grin on his face.
She stared unblinking as Nathaniel fully shifted. Once in dragon form, he said something she couldn’t understand. When she gave him a confused look, he nodded his head for her to come over.
Tianna thought his form was beautiful. Like Seth’s dragon, Nathaniel’s form resembled the mark on his chest. Other than the two dragons being the same general size, she was surprised how different Nathaniel’s dragon was from Seth’s.
Nathaniel’s dragon form was muscular but had softer features including smaller eyes, smooth scales, and short but sharp spines. These spines ran down its back but stopped just before they reached a long tail, which was smooth and very flexible, like it could be used to wrap around something. The talons were shorter and resembled long fingers. He had a short horn at the tip of his nose and on the top of his head.
Tianna walked over and touched Nathaniel’s chest. He playfully nudged her shoulder with his head and she giggled. She noticed that the scales were just like those on his partially shifted body except they were larger. She continued to touch and examine him from head to toe. Nathaniel didn’t think she had missed an inch.
She couldn’t hold back the urge to rub the horn next to his nose. When she did, Nathaniel growled at her and smiled. His smile was full of very large, pointy, sharp white teeth. He then licked her hand with his tongue, which was split at the end like a snake’s. It was rough but pleasant on her skin and gave her gooseflesh up her arms. She imagined what it would like to be bathed by that tongue. She yelled at herself for the thought and quickly walked down Nathaniel’s body so he couldn’t see her blush.
She traveled all around him until she ended at his head again. She was fearless now and grabbed his horn to pull his head down so they could look eye to eye. She smiled and asked, “Would you extend your wings for me?”
The ground shook with his chuckle and he extended his wings out as if in a stretch. She gasped at the sight. They resembled bird’s wings in structure but these were semi-transparent when extended. Like the ridge down his back, the upper edge of the wings had the same short spikes. The transparent membrane was blue in color. Given Marcus’ earlier explanation of Sett color, she guessed that the others might have wings matching their primary dragon color. She asked Nathaniel and he nodded that she was correct. She thought that these colored veins must make the wing appear colored when the sunlight shone through them.
A huge grin formed on Tianna’s face and she pleaded, “Would you please fly for me? Better yet, would you take me for a ride?” She was so excited by the prospect that she was starting to breathe heavily. She didn’t wait for his answer and quickly scrambled up his back like a jungle cat climbing up a tree.
Just as she approached the back of his neck, she felt large hands on her legs pulling her back down to the ground. She turned to see Gabriel and he said, “Hold on there. You need to leave something for another day.”
He gave her a wonderful smile that made her catch her breath. She gave him a pout but it did no good—he ignored the face and placed her gently back on the ground. She made a mental note that she would wear her tree-climbing clothes the next time she climbed onto the back of a dragon and she promised herself that there would be another time.
She had been examining Nathaniel and asking non-stop questions for over an hour. Marcus decided that they needed to get back to Zarin. Tianna didn’t argue but she was thinking of the hundreds of questions she still had for the Draaks as well as the hundreds she was going to ask Zarin.
She picked up Nathaniel’s clothes and handed them to him once he was back in human form. Nathaniel
wasn’t shy so Tianna couldn’t help herself but let her eyes take a quick trip up and down his body.
When Nathaniel noticed her interest, he chuckled. “My lady, feel free to continue to touch any parts you find interesting.”
She could think of no response so she just quickly turned around to talk to the other Draaks and let Nathaniel get dressed without an audience. She could hear him laughing behind her.
Just then Zarin appeared in the clearing and joined those gathered together.
Tianna gave Zarin a look. “Master, I think you’ve left out some stories about the Draak.”
Zarin sighed. “I’m sorry Tianna. I’ve kept things from you to try and protect you. While I was away, I’ve experienced the evil that you and I have talked about many times. I see the arrival of these Draak as a sign. It’s time for you to come out of hiding and learn about a great many things.”
Tianna was confused. “What do you mean by ‘come out of hiding’? I’m not hiding.”
Zarin replied, “For as long as I can remember, the evil has been growing. Since the day of your birth, I’ve noticed a dramatic increase in this evil. It’s searching for something. I’m not exactly sure what it’s trying to find but whatever it is, it can’t be allowed to find it. Magical villages have been forced to shroud their borders to save themselves. Non-magical villages are now being impacted as well. Those of us with talents must join the fight. You, my precious child, are such a talent.”
Tianna didn’t know exactly how to respond. “I’ve also felt this evil but I’m not strong enough to stand up to it. I’m nothing special. I’m just a small human woman. I know a few tricks, but I’m no warrior.”
Nathaniel wanted to voice his agreement but he remained silent. The other Draaks moved away quietly, staying out of the conversation.
Zarin shook his head. “That’s where you’re wrong. You’re very powerful and have yet to see all of your skills emerge.”
He knew it was time to tell her that she must leave him, but he didn’t want to see her go. He took in a deep breath while taking her hands in his. “To help you, I’m sending you with these Draak back to their home of Haven. Once there, you’ll learn to harness your power.”
Tianna gasped. “Leave you? I can‘t!” She wasn’t sure how to react to Zarin’s command. She longed for adventure, but now that she was being given the opportunity to venture out of Trille, she was terrified. Trille may never have felt like home, but it was the only home she knew. Could she leave her parents and Zarin behind?
Zarin responded with force this time. “Yes, you can and you will. You’ll leave Trille in three days. These Draak will be your guides and protectors.”
Nathaniel added, “And we’ll guard you with our lives if needed.” He had such a determined look on his face that it took Tianna’s breath away.
“Let’s go back and begin preparations.” Zarin led them back toward his home.
Nathaniel was walking behind Tianna and could sense her unease. He walked to her side, placed his hand on her back, and willed her mind to calm saying, “It’ll be alright. You aren’t going out on your own. We’ll be right beside you.”
Tianna smiled up at him as she felt the tingling of his touch, and her nerves started to instantly calm. They followed the others back to Zarin’s, Tianna’s mind racing between excitement and fear.
Chapter 9 - Journey Begins
When the group arrived at Zarin’s home, the Draak noisily started preparing their mid-day meal. Tianna pulled Zarin to the side and expressed her concerns about leaving.
Zarin tried to ease her fears. “I know you’re frightened to be sent on your own but you are ready. You’re the most powerful apprentice I’ve known, and I’m very proud of you. Every part of me is saying that this is the right course.”
Tianna loved and trusted Zarin. She had never known one of his hunches to be wrong. After a long discussion, she reluctantly agreed to leave the home she had always known.
After their meal, Tianna went to inform her parents that she was leaving Trille. It was a tearful goodbye, however, Tianna knew in her heart that she would see them again. Unknown to Tianna, her parents had always known that she was meant for larger things, although their time with her seemed so short. While they talked, Tianna found out that her mother was expecting a child, so the sorrow of leaving was mixed with joy. Tianna thought it appropriate that her absence would be filled by a new life.
After leaving her parent’s home, Tianna went to say goodbye to Sara. She watched her playing from a distance for a few minutes before joining her. Tianna called, “Hello Sara.”
Sara turned and ran to Tianna, hugging her around her waist.
Tianna kneeled in front of her. “I’m leaving on a trip and wanted to say goodbye.”
Sara’s face fell. She didn’t like it when Tianna left Trille. She asked, “Where are you going?”
“I’m going to visit the home of some new friends.” Tianna point to the north and said, “Their home is on the other side of Lagrangia so I’ll be gone for a while. Can you do me a favor while I’m gone?”
Sara gave her a questioning stare, “What do you want me to do?”
“Once in a while, stop in and visit Zarin. Sometimes he forgets to eat so you’ll need to remind him. Maybe you could bring him some cookies.”
Sara nodded. Tianna knew that Sara liked Zarin and would be more than happy to get under his feet as often as she could.
Tianna continued, “Also, my mother is expecting a child and the baby will be born before I get back. Can you step in as the baby’s big sister until I return?”
She agreed and flung her arms around Tianna’s neck. “I don’t want you to go. I’ll miss you.”
Tianna closed her eyes and enjoyed the feel of Sara’s touch. “I’ll miss you too, but I promise I’ll come back.” As Sara started to release Tianna’ neck, Tianna said, “I’ll definitely miss those hugs of yours. Can I have an extra-large one before I leave?”
Sara enthusiastically complied and gave Tianna a hug so tight it took her breath away.
When Tianna returned home, Zarin could sense her somber mood, so he presented her with his spell book as a gift. She had always envied it, often daydreaming about the day when she would be considered a full wizard with a book like Zarin’s as her own. Now, staring down at the book in her hands, she realized that future was upon her. She gazed at her master, her emotions making it difficult for her to speak.
Zarin nodded his understanding and had her open the book, showing her spells that she had rarely seen. Many of them were beyond her current skills but, over time, she knew she would need to learn them. He also pointed out a section of the book that covered many magical creatures and their villages. She noticed some villages had an extensive amount of information while others were blank. The gaps made her nervous.
Zarin said, “While you travel, fill in any information you learn along the way.” His request caught her off guard. From a young age, she always believed that her master had all the answers. She was surprised to find that he was human after all. She nodded and smiled with pride that he considered her worthy of continuing his work.
Zarin worked with Seth on maps and navigation. Although young, Zarin agreed that Seth held incredible tracking abilities. He gave Seth a special map and said, “So far, your quest has visited Draak and human villages, as well as, the magical villages that haven’t hidden themselves behind a shroud. You’ve looked in the obvious locations, but there are others hidden in the shadows. With the help of your Seer, I’ve helped reinforce the protection that several of the magical villages use to shroud themselves.” He handed Seth a map saying, “I created this map to help guide you to the secret locations of some of those that have hidden themselves. These villages are strong in magic and could be wonderful allies. But for the safety of these communities, you must protect this map with your life. It can’t be allowed to fall into enemy hands.”
To help protect the map, Tianna performed a spell that would hid
e its contents from anyone other than the Draaks. She thought she was being especially clever when she made an addition to the spell that when anyone else touched it, it caused the map to disappear and then reappear tucked in Seth’s belt. Also, since the villages they’ll visit will be shrouded, Zarin taught her the spell required to request entry.
Zarin instructed Seth, “Lead your companions on a path that takes them to as many of these villages as possible but still keeps you headed to Haven. It’ll take more than just the Draaks to win this war. We need to enlist allies to join our cause.”
To Marcus, Zarin added, “While visiting these villages, make contact with the local leaders. Stay for a while and try to blend in, gain their trust. Negotiate whatever relationship you think is wise. Use the book to gain as much knowledge as you can so you don’t go into a village unprepared.”
Unquiet Slumber Page 10