by Jen Robyn
It was only after the same thing happened with several other girls that Riff finally cloistered himself in his room and bemoaned his fate to become a monk for life.
Unfortunately, overhearing this was Dominick’s downfall.
Since he began rolling on the floor with laughter outside his brother’s door, Riff put the pieces together and deduced that he had something to do with his sudden trouble with women. To find out for certain, he met his brother in the dream-state under another guise to sneak the information out of him. After discovering the truth, he turned into a hideous beast and frightened the younger boy into waking up screaming.
From that day on, the pranks continued nonstop, some of them quite serious when they were older, such as with Riff’s seducing Dominick’s girlfriends behind his back, or in front of him. Followed by Dominick’s spreading rumors to Riff’s girlfriends about various illnesses and diseases he’d contracted.
In other words, it was war.
A constant war that Lendric occasionally tuned in on for amusement!
“Ah... no frog potions today,” Dominick replied quickly, distracting his parents before they asked questions. Certain things were better left unsaid! “What I need now is a very powerful spell of teleportation.”
Lendric’s eyebrows raised in amazement. “A realm of teleportation beyond your mother’s remarkable ability?” he queried. “I find that hard to believe.”
“It involves teleportation to another planet.”
The dragon elf clicked his tongue with a chuckle. “Now, Dominick... I’m sure your brother may seem to deserve banishment to Mars on occasion, but to actually teleport him there for good...”
“This has nothing to do with Riff,” Dominick interrupted, a slow smirk forming. “Although I may note your suggestion for future reference. But seriously, I was thinking more along the lines of traveling to another world to be united with the woman I wish to marry.”
Lendric’s wide grin nearly rivaled that of his dragon form. “And I thought I’d seen everything in all my years as a dragon,” he laughed, patting Dominick’s shoulder companionably. “Congratulations, dear boy! What’s the lucky girl’s name?”
“Julianna. The problem is...”
The dragon laughed again. “It’s about time you decided to settle down and give that grandfather of yours a few great-grandkids. Now maybe he’ll stop pestering me over it.”
“He probably will, but first...”
“I’m sure you’ll be very happy together. So tell me, when’s the wedding? I wouldn’t miss it for the universe.” Seeing the younger man murmur in frustration, he stopped instantly. “You were saying something?”
“What I was saying was, the sentiment is appreciated,” replied Dominick, “but you’re missing the point. Julianna lives on another planet in the galaxy, and I’ve only been able to spend time with her while in my astral form in the dream-state. So while we both love each other and want to get married, we can’t in reality until we can be brought together on the same world.”
“Hmmm... that would present a bit of a problem, wouldn’t it?” murmured Lendric. “She’s not from Mars, is she?” Dominick shook his head. “I’m glad to hear it. I doubt your grandfather would approve of you living there for the rest of your life. So, where is this girl from then?”
“The planet on the other side of the sun... Earth.”
“Earth?” exclaimed Lendric, brightening slightly.
Dominick’s eyes narrowed curiously. “You sound as if you know something of it.”
“I should say so,” he agreed. “I’ve been there.”
Nothing could have pleased the younger man more, feeling as if he’d just been granted the key to the galaxy, his thankful smile illuminating the room. “By Chaos, Lendric, you’re a wonder. This means the problem’s solved, and Julianna and I can have a future together in reality.”
“Well… not exactly.”
Dominick’s enthusiasm died instantly. “Not exactly?” he murmured. “I don’t understand. You just said you’ve been to Earth.”
“In the past, yes I have,” Lendric said uneasily, “but as of three months ago, this mode of teleportation has disappeared.” Seeing the expected confusion on the younger man’s face, he patted his shoulder once. “Half a moment, and I’ll explain. You see, my brothers...” Abruptly, Normrynth ran in, immediately tugging at his shoulder.
“Your pardon, Master Lendric, but someone else...”
“Wyvern’s wings, man, can’t you see I’m busy?” he growled. “Tell whoever it is to come back later! As it is, this place is becoming more crowded than a medical waiting room.”
“Yes, but she’s being most stubborn.”
Lendric blinked at that. “She?”
In answer, a voice shouted out, “Lendric, you gold-scaled demon!” Leaning back, the dragon elf sighed wearily, just before a beautiful woman with bright red hair strode into the room. “Will you kindly tell this upstart of an apprentice just who I am, before I’m given cause to do so my way?”
Lendric gestured towards her. “Normrynth, this is my sister Carilya I once mentioned. Kindly don’t bar her entrance the next time.”
Normrynth blanched, stuttering nervously. “Oh, my word, I didn’t know...”
“You do now, you arrogant toothpick!” snarled Carilya, hands on hips, rounding on her brother. “Lendric, I sent you word that I’d be arriving. Didn’t you get my letter?”
“Yes, I got it,” sighed Lendric. “Is he with you?”
Carilya’s face turned as red as her hair. “His name is Devon, and you will treat him with respect.” As her brother nodded once, she turned about. “Sweetheart, I told you he’d see us. Come and meet him.”
A tall dark-haired man walked in, granting a respectful nod to Lendric. All the while, his eyes remained wary. “I presume you’re my wife’s brother?”
Lendric managed a crooked smile. “And I presume, you’re my sister’s human mate, Devon Williams.”
“Aye,” he declared. “As human as she’s a dragon, but bearing her no less love than any man.”
“So you say,” he replied. “I would assume she’s told you of the potential consequences to this marriage if you ever have any offspring.” Devon remained silent. “They’ll all be part dragon as she is: strong, resistant to the elements, and long-lived past you by countless years.”
“Indeed,” agreed Devon. “As they’ll all be part human as well.”
Eyes narrowing, Lendric added, “Due to that factor, you may end up condemning one or more to bear the onus of the violet eyes, attracting them dark enemies from birth!”
“Carilya told me of this,” he replied. “But since I’ve had to survive by my wits since being orphaned at the age of ten, I think I’m more than capable of protecting any children we may have.”
Lendric laughed without humor. “Clever fool!” he sneered. “Think your frail human skin will protect you against the demons and dragons of the night that would run you through or set you aflame in a heartbeat?”
“She’s told me that children of the violet eyes develop a great power in time. That shall aid them protection.”
“Carilya left out one point then. Those powers never develop before they reach maturity, and generally not until they reach the age of twenty-five.” Devon’s cheek twitched, but he remained silent. “In any event, it would seem I have no choice but to accept what is already true. Therefore, you are welcomed by our family. I just pray for both your sakes, and your possible future children, that no tragedy will result from this.”
Smiling proudly, Devon stepped forward to shake the dragon elf’s hand. “You have my word, I’ll protect my family with my life.”
Lendric’s eyes remained somber. “Pray you never need to test that, Devon Williams.”
Clapping her hands once, Carilya brightened. “Well, I’m glad that’s settled. Now, would you mind introducing your other guests?”
*****
“Now, back to the situation at hand,�
� Lendric sighed shortly afterwards, turning back to the awaiting Westbrooke trio. “It’s rather interesting you should mention the need to travel to Earth, Dominick. Only a few years ago, I went there myself, and I was planning to again in the near future.”
“You visit Earth regularly?”
“Well, from time to time,” said Lendric, spreading his hands. “It’s an unpredictable universe, and sometimes there are necessary reasons for doing the unusual.”
Discord coughed loudly, folding his arms while glaring at his son. “Yes, I believe Dominick and his brother are no strangers to the unusual so to speak. Especially this one. Falling in love with a woman from another world.”
His wife touched his arm gently to silence him. “You mentioned a method of teleportation earlier. What was it?”
Lendric nodded once, waving a hand in the air to cause a misty vision to appear. As the vision grew clearer, he gestured towards it. “This is the legendary Myzalik Teleportation Staff, and the device you require.” From the vision, it looked like an ordinary dark brown wooden staff, with the exception of a crystal orb—the size of a golf ball—positioned at the top, which emitted a glow of rainbow colors.
“It is to the best of my knowledge, the only teleportation device which survived the Mage War intact, and only a select few—yourselves included—know of its existence. Not something I would want known to the masses, so please keep it within your own family.” They all nodded.
“It was named for its creator, the human sorcerer Astorian Myzalik. He was a long-time ally of the late Magus Clan, who as you may know, discovered the means of teleportation to Earth.”
“Yes,” Dominick agreed somberly. “Chaos reviewed their history with me.” At his parents’ confused looks, he smiled. “I’ll explain later. Lendric, please continue.”
The dragon sorcerer nodded. “Astorian was old but survived the Mage War. Sometime before his death years later, he passed it on to his only son Cyrus, who was also a sorcerer, and who underwent a transformation to become a half-dragon to match the years of his dragon wife Melanthe.” He smiled slightly. “Cyrus and Melanthe are my parents, and they passed the Staff on to me.”
The younger man looked shocked. “Did they die too?”
Lendric laughed, shaking his head. “No, dear boy, they’re very much alive and well. But my father knew of my curiosity for other worlds and decided I would appreciate it more, as well as be responsible with it.”
Sighing heavily, he abruptly shook his head. “But I’m getting ahead of myself. The Myzalik Staff is undoubtedly one of the most powerful items on Chavernos due to its seemingly limitless range of operation.”
“Can the Staff send more than one person there and back?” asked Dominick. Lendric nodded slowly, sparking a suspicion. “You mentioned your brothers earlier. Do they have it now?”
The dragon elf smiled. “Insightful as ever,” he replied. ”Which brings us to what happened several months ago. My elder brother Zaruldar, and my younger brother Pyrozill, wished to borrow it for the span of a few weeks. While I would be more hesitant to loan it to Pyro alone, with his often juvenile attitude despite his age, I presumed that Zaruldar’s wise counsel would be sufficient to accompany him.”
Carilya clicked her tongue as she reentered the room with her husband. “Apparently, you were wrong,” she replied. “You should have known better with Pyro. By now, he’s obviously gotten them lost elsewhere in the galaxy.”
“Or worse still, the universe,” sighed Lendric, rubbing his forehead. “When it had only been a month, at first I thought they’d simply gotten sidetracked. But even Zaruldar wouldn’t disappear for longer than that. They were due back nearly three months ago, and there’s been no word from either since.”
“But surely there’s some way to contact them,” pressed Dominick. “A spell of communication?”
“It’s been attempted, with no success. Even skilled dreamphasers were unable to find them. Seeing no other choice, I contacted some demons I know and sent them after my brothers a month ago, in the hope of locating and bringing them back.”
“You sent demons after them?” asked Discord. “Aren’t you concerned they might steal the Staff for themselves if they do find them?”
“This pair won’t, since they already owe me for several debts, let alone I’m taking care of their infant son in the meantime.”
Carilya’s eyes widened. “You have a demon child here? Do you have any idea what kind of trouble they cause?”
As if in answer, a loud wail erupted, followed by what sounded like a small explosion. Lendric glared at his sister. “Dammit, Carilya, you know that even from infancy, they’re highly intelligent and temperamental when offended. Thank you for indirectly destroying my back room!”
Another explosion emphasized this.
Not wanting to deal with another tongue-lashing from her brother, Carilya went to see to the infant, along with Devon, both hoping the damage wasn’t as bad as it sounded.
“As I was saying,” continued Lendric, rolling his eyes at an angry screech from his sister, “Those demons are my most reliable sources, as well as friends of my brothers, and they’re equally concerned by their disappearance. If anyone can locate Zaruldar and Pyrozill, they can. In which case, if the staff is brought back safely as well, I can surely bring you and your Julianna together in reality. But until then, there’s not much I can do to help you.”
Dominick leaned forward in his chair, clasping his hands. “Then I suppose that’ll have to be enough, unless an alternate means can be found,” he sighed. “I only wish I’d met Julianna six months ago, when the means was still a certainty.”
Lendric rested one hand against his shoulder. “Time and space cannot bar the path of destiny, Dominick,” he said quietly. “If you and Julianna are truly meant to be together, a way will be found. And I swear I’ll contact you as soon as I have more information.”
The younger man glanced up at him with a somber nod, oblivious to when his parents stood. “We’d best get you back to the island now, sweetheart,” Warp interceded. “Night falls quickly at this time of year, and I’d hate to push our luck with the creatures of this area.”
Seeing their son’s hesitancy to speak, Discord patted his back once. “Hey,” he murmured, earning Dominick’s attention. “It’s not like all hope’s been snatched forever here. The teleportation staff’s still a viable possibility. It just may take some time to locate it and its two bearers, that’s all. Look at the bright side. At least Chaos won’t force you to wed Sionne in the meantime.”
As if he could, Dominick thought, nodding silently with a grim smile.
“It’s just as well,” Warp added curtly. “There’s something about that girl’s nature that seems to be more of an illusion than that ability of hers. I’m sure your Julianna will be a much more suitable marriage partner.”
“I doubt the boy would be putting himself through this ordeal if he thought otherwise,” retorted Discord.
“Hmph!” sneered Warp. “He should only know the ordeal I went through getting you to the altar, with us being on the same world.”
As she swept past her husband, Discord gestured towards Lendric with a forced smile. “If you’ll excuse me while I straighten out my wife’s obviously confused memory on the subject, I’ll wait with her by the exit.”
Dominick stood quickly. “Actually, Dad, would you and Mom give me another few minutes with Lendric. I have something else I need to speak with him about, and it shouldn’t take long.”
“By all means,” Discord replied. Smiling meaningfully for his benefit, he added, “And no need to rush, son.”
Glancing after the departing couple, Lendric laughed quietly. “Some things never change,” he remarked.
“Maybe not,” agreed Dominick. “But there may be one other way you could help my situation with Julianna.” Lendric nodded for him to continue. “Is there any way to prove to her beyond a doubt the truth of our existence and Chavernos?”
The
dragon sorcerer rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Hmmm, you don’t ask easy requests, do you?”
“It would mean a great deal to me if she was granted the truth, so she needn’t doubt the legitimacy of what we have.” Sighing once, he stared at the ceiling. “I thought of two solutions myself, but even they can only prove so much.”
“Which are?”
“The first is that I can appear to her in my astral form while she’s completely awake,” explained Dominick, “but it would still be difficult for her to see me then, and she might think it to be a hallucination.”
Sighing once, he went on. “The second method involves her elder sister Crystal. From what Julianna says, she seems fairly open-minded, so I’ve considered the notion of visiting her in the dream-state to try and convince her of the truth.”
“Which might only result in having Crystal believe she’s conjured up images of you from Julianna’s stories, proving little.”
“Exactly,” exclaimed Dominick, “but what else can I do? As things stand, I know part of Julianna wonders if any of this is real at all.”
Lendric was silent for long moments before replying. “There may be one other way,” he replied softly, “but if I tell it to you, you must swear it will never be revealed to anyone else on Chavernos, with the exception of Chaos. Since he’s the one who sent you here, it’s only fitting that you can share this information with him, and my old friend does well in keeping things confidential when needed, as do I.”
“All right... go ahead.”
“This is most serious,” hissed the dragon, his eyes glowing red. “And I must insist you swear silence of it!”
Sobering completely, Dominick met his gaze. “On my honor, you have my word, I swear I’ll tell no one on Chavernos besides Chaos,” he replied.
His eyes returning to their normal shade, Lendric clasped Dominick’s shoulder. “Please forgive my seeming harshness. It involves a boy I brought to Earth years ago, along with his parents.”