by Crystal Dawn
“Betty is from the new planet. Cretia was here before the incident. Her chosen mate died. When I met her, I instantly knew she was for me.” Toreen explained.
“That is a wonderful thing, knowing. I am so happy both my male offspring found mates.” Pa declared.
“Do you remember that Niku has twin female offspring and that Betty brought a precious little female with her?” Toreen asked.
His father rubbed his forehead. “I didn’t remember that. What of you and Cretia?”
“We’ve only mated recently, but we can share that we now have a dragonlet on the way.” Toreen admitted.
“The goddess has truly blessed this old dragon.” Pa said and his eyes looked watery. It was like he had his old Pa back. That would truly be a blessing. “You two lovely ladies just call me Pa.” He smiled at both of them.
“Pa, could you tell me more about your troubles?” Betty asked.
“I get headaches when I try to remember. Also, there are terrible dreams. I’m embarrassed to talk about them.”
“Would you prefer to discuss them privately?” Betty asked.
“No, I have nothing to hide from my youngsters. It’s just in the dreams, this strange female takes over my will. That’s a little embarrassing. You know?”
“I can imagine for such a strong male.”
“Exactly. She must be a witch or something. I wake and my breath comes hard, my heart pounds almost out of my chest, and my head is killing me. Crazy, I know.” He laughs but there is no humor in it.
“I’ve brought something with me. This tea is made from your comfort berry. It will help you sleep easier. Then when you rise, this powder made from a mix of herbs will help ease your headaches. If you’d rather not take it daily, you can take it if you feel a headache coming on.” Betty explained. “Other than that, just take care of yourself. Eat healthy, exercise daily. And get the right amount of rest. For now, eight hours a night. If you get to where you feel better, that would be anywhere from six to eight hours depending on how you feel. Also, let your dragon out daily for now. If he feels caged it could be effecting your health.”
Toreen was stunned. He’d bet that hateful bitch Mabest had kept his father’s dragon caged. Once freed, his dragon might fix all this. Dragons were the stronger half of them in many ways. Having a dragon caged could have serious health effects on a male. There were herbs that could cage a dragon. Mabest probably knew all about them. It was possible once his dragon got out, he would have his father back completely.
It was a shame his dragon wouldn’t repress all those bad memories, but they were now part of him. That meant Pa would have to deal with them and so would the rest of them. The rage Toreen felt when he thought about all that almost ate him up. He saw the others felt the same way he did but each of them would have to deal with it in their own way. They had Pa back, but he had baggage he would carry the rest of his life. It was baggage they would all help him deal with in whatever way they could.
Everyone turned their attention back to their meal. It was finished in no time and Toreen knew now they needed to take a flight. “Niku, would you like to go for a flight with Pa and me?”
“Of course. The ladies can talk while we hit the skies.” Niku said. It was clear he didn’t want his lady with them. There was a good reason for that.
No one knew how a dragon repressed for several years would react when finally freed. They left the females inside where they’d be safe as they headed to the yard with Pa. It was a perfect day for a flight. The sun was bright over head the breeze blew slightly. The scent of the flowers and some freshly cut grass floated on the breeze. Toreen could even smell the scent of water from the creek nearby.
Pa changed and lifted into the air immediately, but then he rolled head over heel and landed on the ground. His dragon roared and had he been a fire breather, it would have filled the air. Luckily their fire breathing status came from their mother’s side. His dragon roared in pain and misery, the sound hurtful to their ears. Niku and Toreen looked at each other, helpless to calm their father’s pain.
It was like all the hurt from their mother’s death and his subsequent handling by Mabest had hit him all together. His dragon slowly came under control. But Toreen saw tears hitting the Earth. The loss was hitting the dragon hard. Toreen had been sure his father had dealt with his mother’s death. After all, she’d not been present since he’d come around. Now it looked like he’d just put off with dealing with her obvious absence.
The dragon finally seemed to come around and he took to the air. Niku and Toreen followed, but not too closely. Pa went higher and higher until he was where the air was barely breathable. His two sons followed lower, but close enough to help if he became incapacitated. His flight was frantic and fast, so it took all they had to keep up.
After a time, his dragon slowed and eventually landed. “I’m sorry.” Pa said as they approached him cautiously.
“Why are you sorry?” Niku asked.
“For everything that happened starting with your mother’s death.”
“It wasn’t your fault.”
“She might not have killed your mother had she not thought me so easy to use.” Pa said.
“She killed our mother?” Toreen asked anger filling him.
“Mabest admitted as much. On those rare times I was somewhat clear headed, she told me her plan and how she had carried it out. I would have killed her had I not been chained to my bed.”
“She kept you chained?” Niku asked.
“Mabest used drugs on me. When it was time for the next dose, she’d have me lay down and she’d chain me or have her servant do it. She’d wait until I was clear headed then dose me. While she waited for it to take effect, she would tell me of her evil ways.”
“It was to torment you.” Niku observed.
“Yes, she loved to torture me with her words. The chains, my dragon tried to break them, but couldn’t. They were special chains, only those could hold an enraged dragon.”
“This is true.” Toreen agreed. Those kinds of chains were illegal to be used by anyone but the military. All law enforcement was military. They were under the purview of the lords, the kings, and finally, the emperor.
Draconis was completely ruled by royalty. Lately, because of the emperor’s and the king’s new outlook, some civilian leadership was being allowed. They called them mayors after similar positions on Earth. They didn’t run law enforcement though, they only oversaw commercial and personal things. That meant they couldn’t give someone chains. That meant only someone in the military or possibly someone off world had access to them.
The king would need to know about this and secure the chains Mabest had. They also needed to track them back to who had gotten them for her. Of course she’d probably used control on the poor bastard because what dragon would chain another or give someone the means to? It was unthinkable for any of their kind to willingly work with one such as her. Not only was it just wrong, but there would be a death sentence attached to the behavior.
Pa was still shaking, but he had begun to calm. He’d known his mate had died, he’d simply not been given the opportunity to grieve. Now, he would do that. At least he had his offspring, their mates, and the offspring they had. Toreen found he liked the terms Earthers used. Son, daughter, and the grandchildren. It held warmth and regard for the little ones. Once his father got his emotions under control, he would enjoy time with his grands. Once Cretia delivered, he would have four.
Four grands was more than many males had. Pa would feel that he was finally blessed. Niku’s twins were adorable, Selia was pretty, and he was certain his own offspring would be just as wonderful. In truth, he couldn’t wait for his dragonlet to be presented. Looking at Pa, he saw he was ready to head back. It would take time, but they would be a family once more with Pa at the center of it.
They flew back much slower and it took some time because of the distance Pa’s crazy flight had covered. Once they made it back, they found their ladies sitting
outside at a table waiting for them.
“I hope we didn’t keep you waiting too long.” Pa said.
“No, we had much we could discuss. Betty know a lot about plants and I have a garden that helps feed those at the manor house. Herbs are also a hobby and Betty suggested some that would be helpful for our household.” Cretia explained.
Betty blushed. “I have a little knowledge that I like to share. Cretia has knowledge too that I like to gain. She finds the best herbs for the castle to buy. Even Mom hasn’t caught up yet.”
Toreen thought it endearing the way each of the females tried to make the other sound good. “I’m sure both of you are interesting to talk to.”
“As am I, but Betty and I must go home. Perhaps you will join us for supper soon? In a few days we plan to have a pit cook off. Betty’s family will join us as well.” Niku invited.
Cretia looked to him. “We would be pleased to join you. Pa, you wouldn’t miss it either, would you?”
“Never. I wish to see the twin dragonlets and little Selia, too and meet Betty’s family.” Pa agreed.
“It’s settled then. In three days’ time, we will begin at midday.” Betty announced.
Betty changed to her dragon first and took off. Niku shrugged then he changed and he chased her in the direction of their home. “It’s a wonderful thing when your mate can change as well. Rare, but lovely.” Pa said with a wistful look on his face. Toreen knew he was remembering his mother and her dragon. They had played in the skies whenever they could find time.
Toreen was happy his mate could turn as well, he knew he was lucky to have a mate and a fated one as well. He was already blessed more than many of his fellow dragons. That Cretia was so helpful with his work was another blessing.
They went into the house and Cretia went to the kitchen where she and her helpers would see to supper. He led his father into his office, he felt his father wanted to talk. Toreen motion to the seat for his father to sit as he closed the door for privacy. Taking his seat across from him, he waited to see what he would say.
“You were going to mislead me?” Pa asked.
“Only for your own peace of mind. It never occurred to me your dragon had been bound and the memories would all return.”
“Never keep things from me again, Toreen. I understand you thought to shelter me, but a male must deal in truth. Eventually, I would have remembered and it would have been even harder.”
“Okay, Pa. I can see how you feel about this. Is there anything you need to know?”
“Yes, what happened to Mabest?”
“She is being sent to the mining meteor. I am sure she will never leave there.”
“They should destroy her. If any could escape, she will.”
“They plan to use some new technology to limit her mental abilities.” Toreen explained.
“How could they have such a thing?”
“It came from Earth. While it’s true most Earthers no nothing of us, we contacted the military. We’ve done some trading and that is something we got from them.”
“Trading can be a worthy activity, but I hope we are careful on what we give back.”
“We’ve mainly traded medical advances so far. They’ve asked for weapons and spaceships, but accepted what we’ve been willing to give. We did improve their solar energy program and give them plants to clean their water. Beyond that, we haven’t approved anything else.”
“You are kept informed?”
“All lords, kings, and of course the emperor are. This new planet we are dealing with has both the best and the worst in people we have ever found present anywhere.”
“As long as you are all being careful, things should work out fine.”
Toreen watched his father leave his office. His life had changed so much in the last few weeks. He had the greatest of hope that his life would finally be all it could have been. Time would tell and time could be either on your side or against you.
Chapter 8
Living Life to the Fullest
Cretia walked beside Toreen with Pa behind them. They didn’t go inside first, they knew Betty and Niku often entertained outside completely. A lovely outdoor kitchen graced their backyard, and just as expected, everyone was out there talking as they prepared food.
Two berry pies were in Toreen’s hands and he set them on the table. They were wrapped and ready to eat so the only danger to them would be a hungry dragon. He set them on the table where most of the food was. Everything was covered except a warming platter which would hold the meat that Niku was about to place in it.
The variety of foods was astounding. Even the meats numbered nearly a dozen. Sausages were well known to dragons but only a couple kinds were made. Dori and her girls made hot dogs which were unheard of on Draconis and the bratwursts which the males loved. The buns they fashioned were popular too. Tomi served them one day a week at the castle and the café could barely keep up with the demand. Cretia sometimes went in to help her serve the food on that day.
All those things and hamburgers were there as well. Cretia enjoyed cooking with the hamburger because she could add things to it and make a meal in one pot. Toreen and Pa went to the pit to sit with the males. They all said they helped cook, but only Niku was doing anything.
Cretia went to the outdoor kitchen where all hands were helping. She sat at a work area and began to peel shallow roots which Dori had adapted to her potato salad. As she worked, she listened to see how everyone else was doing.
“Tomi and Erak are here, but they are keeping the little ones busy.” Dori explained. “We’ve been working for a while, but we will be cooking until we serve the food. That way Betty will have enough food for the coming week.”
That made sense since she had two little ones to care for and had just returned to work at the castle. Cretia felt for any mother that worked even if she chose to. It had to be difficult to be torn between your offspring and the need to help support them or as in Betty’s case, something you felt strongly about. Betty was an amazing healer and her being at the castle would very well save lives. She’d saved Cretia’s life when most likely not even the royal healer could have.
Food was done and they all gathered around the outdoor dining table, including Tomi, Erak and the little ones. It was good to feel part of a family. That’s exactly what this was. There was much talking and an air of easy joviality. She was glad to see Pa having a good time and fitting in. He’d been introduced to the twins and Selia. Selia was sitting on his lap feeding him off her plate. They were talking in between bites and he seemed to be completely wrapped around her little finger.
Maybe she would see if Dori could find a widow for him to spend time with. He’d been worse than alone since his mate had died. Her heart bled for him. It had only been a few days since his memories had fully returned. He was coping well, in her opinion. Pa had taken on duties that helped Toreen and allowed them some time together. As far as she could tell, he was a good dragon and had been victimized. Cretia was beginning to feel true hate for Mabest and her own sister Dannia.
Those two females were selfish beyond anything she could imagine. Their powers gave them the ability to hurt others and they used them to their fullest abilities. Dannia being loose worried Cretia and there was nothing she could do about it.
They’d eaten their meal and now they sat around with their desserts and drinks. Erak cleared his throat looking around nervously. It was an unusual look for him. “I need to pass on some information, mainly to Toreen and Cretia, and Niku and Betty. Dannia was spotted in this vicinity. It is confirmed that she left the planet, but it is upsetting that she managed to land and apparently complete whatever she came for. I’m very sorry that happened.” He nodded at Garulto.
“My people are investigating in an attempt to discover what she is planning. We are also considering hiring an assassin to take her out. The issue is that she is not in our territory and if our plan is discovered, it may be taken as an act of war. We need to proceed carefully.” Garult
o explained.
Cretia felt sick. Perhaps she needed to hire an assassin, it would be self-defense, wouldn’t it? Those on Dannia’s side like those she had taken up with might not agree, but it was getting to the point she might not care.
“Where was she seen exactly?” Toreen asked.
“In your lordship just off your personal lands. It was near the hut Cretia once resided in.” Garulto informed. “The male staying there claims he never saw her.”
“You don’t believe him?” Toreen asked.
“I believe he believes it. The problem is the female has great powers to affect and influence males and even some females.” Garulto admitted.
“Females?” Cretia asked.
“I’m afraid so. Certain females that don’t have any mind shields can also be influenced.” Garulto explained.
“You mean the weak minded?” Niku asked.
“I suppose you could describe it that way, but some brilliant people have little shielding. It’s not something we think we need to work on. Dragons are actually empathic to various extents which means some of us can’t be influenced.” Garulto explained.
“Wouldn’t empathy make us easier to influence?” Erak asked clearly surprised by this little tidbit if information.
“No, those with great empathy sense the evil in her.” Garulto explained.
“So I’m a weak willed male?” Pa asked.
“No, the same thing can happen to someone who has a major life changing event, especially a bad one. Your mate dying opened you up to her influence. It’s unlikely she would have had a chance otherwise. She hoped to get to Toreen, that’s why you two never actually mated. It should have been obvious to us, but we didn’t like her so we all kept our distance and just assumed you’d mated.” Garulto observed.
“Won’t it be harder for her to influence people that are aware of what she is and what she does?” Erak asked.
“It will be for those that care. There are always some that barely get by and want to gain without work. Those will be open to her lies and influence. It is those we must watch out for.” Garulto explained.