The Prophecy Unfolds: Dragon Queen

by Scarlett Flame

  It is a huge cavern under a mountain. Follow your heart and you will find me. We are drawn to each other and always shall be. If I hadn’t had been chained here, I would already be by your side.

  Suddenly the connection failed and once again I could hear nothing. Despite being with Zarina and close to three of my mates I felt isolated, alone and bereft at the loss of contact.

  I shivered feeling suddenly chilled to the bone and shaky. Zarina reached over and touched my shoulder.

  “Come on. You’ve gone pale as a ghost all of sudden. Enough for today. Why not bring back one of the books and carry on researching the prophecy in the comfort of your chambers. I will light a fire for you to sit near. Unfortunately the scroll is not allowed to leave this library. First of all though we’ll go and find something warm to eat and drink in the dining hall”

  I nodded and she put the parchment carefully away leaving the other books ready for when we chose to return another day. I picked a book at random and we departed, closing the panel as we left.

  Leon was coming in through the main doors as we entered the hall and approached quickly taking me in his arms for a hug.

  “Are you okay? We could all feel your distress earlier but had no clue what caused you to feel so sad.”

  I hugged him back and held him close for the longest time as he rubbed my back to comfort me. Making me feel safe and secure. The thrumming of the energy between us warming me from the inside. Helping me to deal with my conflicting emotions.

  He whispered in my ear, “What happened? Why were you so upset. Your outpouring of grief was so overwhelming. None of us could understand what had gone on.”

  “I finally managed to connect with my dragon at long last. She is being held captive somewhere chained, and I could feel her anguish. It was gut wrenching. I have never felt so sad and isolated before. On second thoughts though I have. When my mother died on Earth I felt like this.”

  Leon pulled me to him cradling me in his strong safe arms, rubbing small circles on my back. This helped to ease my pain and the hard lump that had grown in my throat finally felt a little smaller as once again I could swallow. He put his hand in mine and led me out in to the hall twining his fingers through mine. We held hands and he didn’t even let go as we sat down to eat. I relished the constant hum and contact. Pulling his chair closer to mine, keeping his hand on my knee throughout the meal.

  Vanda and Aston appeared partway through the meal dusty and weary from their travels yet came directly to our table, I stood on instinct as they pulled me in to their embrace hugging me tightly. Vanda pulled away a little, put his fingers under my chin lifting it so that he could look deep in my eyes then kissed me. As he moved away a little Aston stepped in and kissed me thoroughly.

  We heard what happened Aston sent.

  Vanda followed with We felt your pain as our own. We will find her Alex. I promise you that. WE promise you that.

  With that they both sat and ate quietly, then took their leave to go freshen up.

  Leon stayed with me. It seems that my mates felt my pain as acutely as I did through our link and decided I needed companionship. Zarina appeared and promised to take me once again to the library to continue our research the following day.

  It was only when I began to nod sat upright in my seat that it hit me how exhausted I was. My hectic lifestyle of late and the grief I had felt through the link to my dragon had taken it’s toll. We rose to leave and the next thing I knew Leon had lifted me off my feet. I placed my arms around his neck and lay my head on his chest as he held me close. I was asleep before we reached our room. I don’t remember being undressed and put to bed.

  I awoke the next day feeling a little better than before I fell asleep, but not by much.

  The days passed this way, with Zarina coming to collect me, my studying the scrolls and books and endeavouring to understand as much as I could about the prophecy.

  I now began to comprehend that the prophecy was not absolute. Although what had passed, beginning with my abduction was not quite in the order it was expected to happen. Therefore my future and the prophecy itself was not set in stone. I didn’t get to connect again with Amrinth in this time which disturbed me deeply. Yet I also had a little hope now. That maybe I could manipulate my destiny as it had already veered from the original prophecy in some aspects.

  I was upset that I had not had any contact from Patros and Talos. I felt as if I had been forgotten and that my babies may never see their father.

  Despite events and the changes that were evident I became listless and dark circles developed under my eyes. I heard my mates muttering to each other and could now listen into their thoughts without their knowledge. My powers were growing ex potentially. I felt huge. I was expecting twins what did I expect? I hardly smiled, had problems sleeping, and had little or no appetite. I overhead a discussion between my mates about the fact that I needed to see the midwife. They decided that I needed to see her, and soon. I brightened at this. Maybe I could find out what had happened to Patros? Was he alright? I had had no contact now for almost two weeks but it felt like longer to. It felt like a lifetime had passed since I was in his arms.

  They arranged to pick Amanda up and bring her to the pack-house to examine me.

  The power of my mind was increasing day by day and hour by hour. I could now block out, or allow my mates in to my thoughts as I wished. They had no clue. I just assumed that this was one of the many powers I would acquire and didn’t even think beyond that. Finally I overheard that Amanda would be brought to see me the next day. As I slept with my mates that night and they continued to touch me they could sense both my sorrow and yet also my excitement. They could not fathom what was happening to me.

  The next morning I awoke refreshed. Anticipating the arrival of Amanda, my midwife and also my friend. I ate my breakfast in the dining hall with gusto which astonished everyone. Then we went, again to the library although there didn’t seem to be any more information regarding the prophecy.

  Amanda arrived in the afternoon and I feigned surprise when I was informed I had a visitor. I ran into Amanda’s open arms and we both wept openly as she held and comforted me. Stroking my hair, remarking on the changes she could now see in me, that were so very obvious. I asked how everybody was and she knew instinctively who I was referring to.

  “ They,” she emphasised the they,” are fine, and missing you so much, you would not believe it. If you try hard I am sure you can reach them with your mind. Believe in the power of your love and trust that you can do this.”

  No more was said on the subject. Too many people were listening for the conversation to continue. I now had a little comfort from these remarks and intended to try and contact Patros at the earliest opportunity.

  Amanda accompanied me to my bedroom, with her equipment stowed in her small leather bag. I lay on my bed and she spent some time checking me over Listening to my babies before smiling and telling me all was well.

  Amanda had dinner with me and we spent some time discussing Sarah and my family back at Treetops. It was such a wrench when we said our goodbyes but Amanda planned to visit in two weeks time.

  I was sad at her leaving but I continued to smile for the remainder of the day vowing to try and reach my beloved Patros and of course, Talos before I retired for the night.

  The opportunity arose as I had some time alone later in the day. My werewolf mates were occupied elsewhere and I had retired to our room on the pretext of having an afternoon nap prior to their scheduled return that evening.

  I sat on the bed cross-legged, closed my eyes and reached out with my mind. Tentatively at first. Then as I focused I felt my mind travelling across the vast expanse between us travelling toward the object of my desire, growing incrementally stronger as it did. With every ounce of my being I reached out and connected with Patros who was ecstatic and shocked in equal amounts yet relieved beyond measure. As I began to bring him up to speed with all that had happened I felt Talos enter my mind and
I beamed. I was so happy to finally be able to talk to them both. I told them of Amanda’s visit today and that the twins were fine and growing beautifully. Patros revealed that he and Talos had tried to reach me every day with their minds but to no avail. Something had been used to block them but they were unsure what it was.

  As evening approached I was happier than I had been in the weeks since I was taken. Patros and Talos’s love shone through our connection and filled me up. I hadn’t lost them at all. They had flown over the compound and knew that rescuing me wasn’t an option at that time. They had decided to take another tack as they had now sent a messenger to the pack-house though neither would explain what proposals had been made.

  Despite my concerns I couldn’t stop smiling and it wasn’t long before others noticed. People started to smile back. Smiling is contagious I realised.

  I ate breakfast the following morning and tucked away huge portions of everything on offer. My babies moved and prodded me as if they thoroughly approved of this new step back to normality. I knew I had lost weight of late as my clothes that had fitted so well, now hung off me My face had also begun to look gaunt despite my ability to heal and my recently acquired glowing skin.

  Zarina appeared in the hall shocked to have found me there instead of sulking in my room, “You’re here? I was worried when I didn’t find you in your room”

  “Yes” I beamed. “I managed to attract some attention and they unlocked the door and escorted me here. I was hungry. I seem to have got my appetite back.”

  “Yes, I can see that too” Zarina responded laughing. “Thank goodness for that. You were beginning to waste away to nothing. Do you still want to go to the library today or would you like to take a trip out? I remember a promise being made to you regarding a visit to the caverns. To see where the power comes from.”

  “Yes.” I almost shouted. I was becoming stir crazy in the compound and felt some fresh air and a change of scenery would do me good.

  “I have a question for you first... can you ride a horse? Because that is the easiest way to get around and up to the glade. We will have to take bodyguards with us as Aston won’t allow the visit otherwise. He may even insist on his taking you himself. We will have to see. We’ll use the skytrain to reach the caverns swiftly.”

  I tilted my head slightly raising my eyebrows enquiring, “What is a sky train? I have never heard of such a thing before. Not sure we have them on Earth.”

  “They are a mode of transport we use when we want to travel long distances quickly. They go up in the air. I am not sure how to describe one to you to be honest. You will see for yourself soon enough. I’m not even sure you have them on your Earth but I do know you need to change into some breeches so that you can ride a horse so let’s go and get you changed.”

  Chapter 10.

  With that we returned to my bedroom. I put on my buckskin pants, although pretty snug they still had some room for my growing girth. I hadn’t ridden a horse in a while but was still confident of my abilities. I looked down at my blossoming stomach stroked it lovingly and was rewarded with my babies moving. This time more than a flutter. I could see what must have been a hands or feet push again the skin. I gasped a little in awe and astonishment what an amazing feeling. My beautiful babies were getting bigger and stronger.

  Zarina shouted out asking whether I was ready or not. We walked out through the dining hall to exit the building as we headed to the stables I recognised from my tour. Five horses were hitched to the fence and I immediately recognised the three outlines stood nearby. I think I already knew that they would be there. That they would only trust themselves to be my protectors. I was now too precious a treasure to them for them to allow anyone else to escort me. This gave me pause for thought. Such a strange sensation to feel so loved and treasured by all these gorgeous men but still feeling the need to try and escape from them and find Patros and Talos.

  I wasn’t the naive unworldly girl that I had been such a short time ago. My staying on this planet meant so much to so many people here. It could be the hinge-pin to a better future for both the werewolves and dragon-kind. Now I had my babies to think of, their future. With all the changes and metamorphosis I was apparently going through I now belonged here almost as much as on my own world.

  I didn’t get a chance to ponder long as they had sensed my approach turning in unison to watch me. I smiled and was rewarded with a trio of sunny smiles in response.

  They all fussed over me as I was issued with the most docile of mounts, and I refused all assistance proffered. Climbing into the saddle with ease. The tack was a strange combination of what appeared to be a Western gig and an English saddle. Resulting in what was a very comfortable ride.

  We set off through the glade and I was treated to numerous descriptions and explanations for the flora and fauna we saw on our journey. It was like a sightseeing tour. I got my very first hand sight of one of the enormous beautiful iridescent dragonflies that abound on Syros. These are similar to those on Earth but much larger than I ever imagined they could be. Over three foot wide with mother of pearl wings glittering in the dappled sunlight through the trees. I already loved dragonflies from home but these were exquisite as they flew past.

  We travelled some distance through the glades and the trees finally began to thin out. There in the distance I had my first glimpse on the horizon of the skytrain. It was tethered to a large pole and as we approached I recognised the shape from Earth history. It was an airship, balloon or dirigible. Like the airships sometimes referred to as Zeppelins. I had seen them in pictures from our First World War. Strange how some things here were both different and yet echoed developments from my world.

  As we moved closer I observed more details including how vast this ship actually was, it was huge. Far bigger than those from Earth. The shape reminded me a a sailing ship with a huge balloon strung to the top of it. The ship itself was wood and had brass fittings attached and the name, “The Endeavour” on the port side. The prow of the ship reminded me of Viking ships as it had an enormous carving of a wolf’s head intricately carved. I could see people milling about at the base of the pole. It looked like they were just in the throes of loading supplies. As we approached the base we were greeted by what I took to be the Captain of the ship, ( as I‘d begun to think of it.) Sure enough introductions were soon forthcoming.

  “This is Captain Julius” Aston announced. “He is the Captain of The Endeavour and will be taking us to one of the main caverns that provides the energy we use at home. It will also be an opportunity to see some of the land hereabouts.”

  I nodded and accepted the outstretched hand of the captain.

  “So this is the Queen of both the dragons and the werewolves” he bowed low over our clasped hands. “Enchanted. Especially as you are even more beautiful than the prophecy foretold. I am honoured to have you on my vessel.”

  “Thank you Captain, very kind of you to compliment me. I don’t know what to say.” I replied in embarrassment.

  I had a horrible feeling I was going to have to climb up some sort of rope ladder to reach the deck of the airship but was relieved to discover there was a lift of sorts in situ. We all ascended and stepped aboard.

  The ship was opulent and was obviously used to transport both people and goods on a regular basis as we were not the only passengers on-board.

  As on Earth we were piped on board by a number of uniformed crew members and my identity had not gone unnoticed. As we walked across the deck people bowed and curtsied acknowledging me with unmistakable awe and pleasure. I blushed as I acknowledged them back, unused to such attention.

  The ship appeared to be mostly made of some dark wood, very beautiful with a patina acquired with age and care. Patterns and pictures set into the wood and upon the brass set in to every conceivable surface. I stopped a number of times to admire the workmanship stunned at the beauty of the artwork and craftsmanship.

  Leon whispered in to my ear, “Beautiful isn’t it Alex,” and I no
dded when he continued to my embarrassment. “But not as beautiful as you.” As he put his arms around my waist and pulled me closer, sparks flying around us as he did. Causing bystanders to stop and stare in amazement, making me blush a bright crimson while setting my nerve endings on fire.

  We made our way across the deck towards the wheelhouse and escorted inside as preparations were underway for our imminent departure. I examined my surrounding with great interest. The wheelhouse resembled the inside of a ocean going ship with numerous brass dials and instruments on the main panel. Brass, or what I assumed to be brass or copper gleamed. All were intent on getting ready to depart, checking the dials and panels off a the list that they each held. There appeared to be about ten crew members going about their business.

  As I observed my surroundings I felt like I had not only been transported between two worlds but also two time zones. This world echoed so much that I had read about and pictures I had seen of the late Victorian/ early Edwardian age. The style of the clothing, the furniture and the machinery. The aesthetics of this world were fundamentally pseudo Victorian. As if we on Earth had moved forward yet here the lines of progression has somehow stalled in that age. For some reason though it worked here, technology had somehow taken a different divergent avenue resulting in a very alternative industrial revolution. Fundamentally different to my own world’s.

  The clothing was utilitarian to a degree but pleasing too. The dials and encompassing equipment was not only intricate and functional but also beautiful. The clothing in particular reminded me of friends I had on Earth that were in to Gothic clothing.

  The airship, dirigible, whatever you call this, was not only a functional craft but a piece of well crafted art that had spanned both areas. Functional yet still aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

  My train of thought was broken as an announcement was made over the tannoy, and we were cast off from the pole. The lift I had ascended seemed to move away from the ship. Slowly at first, then we began to pick up speed. From my vantage point I could see others watching our departure although most had disappeared below decks. Of course the people on Syros were used to this form of travel so it didn’t enthral them as it did me. A few remained though to wave to others on the ground as we drifted away.