The Dragon's Song

by Claire Fogel

  Kevin and Patrick heard Ryan’s last words as we climbed into the Jeep. Kevin, of course, already knew, but Patrick, who wasn’t telepathic, was just now hearing the good news. He leaned over the seat with a big grin. “This is wonderful news, Cara. I’m happy for your parents, and for you too.”

  I thanked him, hoping the rest of the day would go as well as this morning had.

  We met Amy and Neal inside the main entrance when we got to school. For a change, everyone was in a good mood. I didn’t even mind handing over my knives to Mr. Weiss.

  I was able to concentrate on my classes, which was a good sign, but I missed having Sean next to me in each class. At the same time, the prospect of having to tell Sean the truth about my feelings nagged at me.

  At lunch our table seemed a little empty, with only six of us instead of the usual eight. Sean’s buddy Danny and his girlfriend Sandy came over to eat lunch with us and fill the empty spots. Danny asked if I’d spoken to Sean yet.

  “Yeah, I actually got him on the phone last night, but he wasn’t totally coherent. He must be in a lot of pain because they’ve got him on some serious pain killers.” I laughed. “He was actually giggling, something I’ve never heard him do before!”

  Sandy smiled. “No, giggling isn’t something I’ve ever heard from Sean, but I did see his father this morning as he was leaving their house. He said Sean will be there for a few more days. Apparently, the surgery on his nose was extensive. Wilson’s baseball bat did a lot of damage.”

  Danny muttered, “I’d like to take a bat to Wilson’s head, that miserable cry baby. He’s never happy unless he can complain about someone. And I’ll bet his father put a lot of that crap in his head.”

  Kevin asked, “Is Wilson’s dad still on the police force? I thought the Chief would have canned him by now.”

  I shrugged. “I haven’t heard anything more about Wilson or his father. I was concentrating on Mom.”

  “How’s your mom?” Sandy asked. “We were so worried about her. I know she’s home now, but is she doing okay?”

  Finally a subject I could smile about. “She’s fine now. And some more good news: My parents have decided to get married. I’m so happy for them.”

  Sandy was wearing a big grin. “That’s great. Your mom and dad are such cool people.”

  The bell rang and we were all off to our last classes of the day.

  For a change, the rest of the week was uneventful. There were no kidnappings or shootings, no buildings were set on fire, and no one else was injured. It seemed like a minor miracle.

  The constant tension in my neck and back told me it wouldn’t last.

  By the end of that week, Sean was home from the hospital, sporting a dressing that seemed to cover half his face as well as his nose.

  “Hey, this is a new look for you,” I said with a smile. “’Man Without a Face.’ It might catch on.”

  He rolled his eyes. “At least I’m off pain meds now. I’m feeling better.” Sadly, there would be no more giggling. And I decided not to mention his marriage proposal.

  He wouldn’t be playing football for a while, but at Friday’s game, he sat on the bench cheering on the rest of the team, while Gabriel sat beside him wearing what looked like a football uniform under his gray hoodie.

  Sean had confided that Coach considered Gabe the team’s “secret weapon,” but would only put him in the game if, late in the game, Thornewood was losing. That week’s game was against another small town that wasn’t considered a threat, so Gabe kept the bench warm with Sean while our team won, 21 to 14.

  As we had the first week, we attended the game as a group with our bodyguards. There were police stationed all around the field, including that hill that overlooked the field. We tried to enjoy ourselves, but I think each one of us was a little tense, waiting for some new disaster. Our bodyguards wrapped themselves around us as if shots might be fired at any moment. Nevertheless, we yelled until we were hoarse as our team made their final touchdown.

  The following week we’d play Greenville, a city five times the size of Thornewood. I suspected Coach’s “secret weapon” would be needed for that game.

  Mom went back to work at The Crescent Moon, and Conor went with her. He confided that Arlynn didn’t feel equal to any more bodyguard duties. Mom had never blamed Arlynn for not being able to stop her abductors, but I think we all understood Arlynn’s feelings. Nevertheless, when I looked at Adam, sitting quietly next to me Saturday afternoon, I knew that he would never have let me leave the bookstore unless he was at my side.

  My father had wanted to go to the bookstore with Mom, but she insisted his being there would draw in every woman in Thornewood, and they probably wouldn’t be shopping. He just rolled his eyes, and agreed that Conor could guard Mom as well as he could.

  In my opinion, silver-eyed Conor would attract as many women to the bookstore as Dad would. But for a change, I kept my mouth shut.

  Dad left Adam with me, taking the opportunity to spend a few hours at his camp, talking to the men who were still there. I knew there were Elves posted all around Thornewood, especially at Amy’s house, Sean’s house, and Kevin’s, around the corner. They stayed undercover for the most part, but I think my friends all felt safer knowing their homes were being watched.

  And that left Adam and me, sitting in the kitchen with nowhere we had to be.

  “Cara, it’s a nice day. Let’s take a pot of tea out on the porch. We should enjoy what you’ve been calling Indian summer while we can. After all, winter’s not far away.”

  “Ugh. I’d rather not think about winter. It’s my least favorite time of the year.”

  He laughed. “Why? Everything in nature needs time to rest, you know.”

  “Except for the evergreens, the trees lose all their beautiful leaves, leaving them looking dead. The flowers disappear until spring. It snows, the roads get icy, and I have to bundle up in puffy parkas, wool scarves, hats, and gloves, two pairs of socks and snow boots. Ugh.”

  With a grin, he said, “And I’m sure you look beautiful, even wearing ten pounds of clothes. Most humans enjoy ice skating, skiing, and many other winter sports, or so I’ve heard.”

  I shook my head. “Not me. I tried skating once. Spent more time on my knees and my butt than I did on my feet. As for skiing, my mother’s not a fan so we never tried it. She always said she preferred keeping her bones unbroken.

  “Do the Elves enjoy any winter sports?”

  “I imagine those who live in the mountains probably ski, but I never did. However, we do enjoy ice skating. Even Elvenwood has a pond that freezes hard enough for skating. I’ll take you there this winter and maybe you’ll be willing to try it again. I skate very well. I’ll help you.”

  I snorted. “Of course you skate well. You do everything well, Adam.”

  He smiled, amusement clear on his handsome face.

  “Do you have any plans for Sunday? I ask so I’ll know where I’ll need to be tomorrow.”

  “Amy’s coming over for brunch. After that, we have a wedding to plan!”

  “Have your parents picked a day for their wedding?”

  “No. I’m hoping to pin them down tonight. We talked about having a party in our backyard, so we’ll have to do it while the weather’s still warm enough. We’ll be having two weddings and one party, well guarded, of course.”

  “Ah. They’ll have a human wedding as well as an Elven ceremony.” He grinned. “I know everyone in Elvenwood will be ready to celebrate. Some may be brave enough to come here for the party.”

  “Well, they’ll have to because Mom can’t go to Elvenwood, although I know she’d love to.”

  He nodded. “That’s a shame. She’d be more than welcome.”

  We sat and talked, slowly drinking the entire pot of tea, until my father emerged from the woods.

  Adam stood. “That may be my cue to return to camp.” He looked into my eyes. “Don’t forget. You can always call on me if you need me.” His dark blue eyes were making
strange things happen in the vicinity of my heart. I groaned internally. Those eyes of his were lethal weapons.

  My father walked up the porch stairs with an amused smile on his face. “For a change, you two actually look relaxed, which is nice to see after this past week.”

  “I love this time of year. The leaves are turning into rainbows before they start to fall, and the air has a pleasant snap. It’s been really nice just being out here today.” I glanced at Adam. “And the company’s not bad either.” I grinned at them and was pleased to see Adam’s face turn slightly pink.

  Laughing, my father said, “You don’t have to leave, Adam. Stay and have tea with us.”

  Adam shook his head. “I’ve already had about a gallon of tea today, and I think Cara has some things to discuss with you. I’m heading for camp. Just call me if you need me.” He grinned as he ran down the steps.

  Looking confused, my father asked, “We have things to discuss?”

  He sat down next to me and I said, “Yes, a wedding. Actually, two weddings!”

  He smiled. “Ah, yes. Two weddings. Your mother warned me you were going to make what she called ‘a big production’ out of this. What exactly are you planning, sweetheart?”

  “Well, first of all, you and Mom have to pick a date, and it has to be soon so we can have the party out here in the yard. This warm weather won’t last too much longer. Mom may have other ideas, but what I was thinking was that we have your human wedding at City Hall first. You’ll probably want Conor to be your best man. I’m pretty sure Mom wants me to be her maid of honor. A few of our friends will want to be there, but it will be very simple.”

  “What is a best man and a maid of honor? What do the two have to do?”

  “It’s just tradition, Dad. We’re like witnesses to your wedding vows. I think Conor and I will just be there to lend moral support. You know, in case one of you gets cold feet. We’ll hunt you down and haul you back to complete your vows.”

  Grinning, he rolled his eyes. “I trust that won’t be necessary, dear.”

  “I know, just kidding. After that brief ceremony at the courthouse, we’ll come back here and have your Elven ceremony. You’ll have to tell me what that involves.”

  “It’s very simple, Cara. The eldest of the Elders, if he chooses to leave Elvenwood, that is, will say a few words about the Elven tradition of mating for life, and then read the Elven blessing. Our wedding ceremonies are always held under the Joining Tree, so this wedding will be unlike any wedding my people have seen before. Because Elves don’t have anything like divorce, our weddings are sacred ceremonies, followed by great rejoicing. I imagine that’s very much like what follows your human weddings.”

  “Will most of your Elves come here for your wedding?”

  He nodded. I expect that a few will remain at home. But I have a feeling your mother’s big backyard will be quite full for our wedding.” His green eyes twinkled.

  “I hope you’re right. And tonight I want you and Mom to choose a date. Amy and I have to plan a party and we can’t do it overnight!”

  “We can discuss this over dinner, dear. I’m leaving most of the decisions up to your mother. Anything she wants is fine with me. I just want her happy.”

  My cell phone rang. “Hi, Mom…. Okay, will do.”

  “Is your mother all right?”

  “Yep. She just asked me to take the lasagna out of the freezer and make a salad for dinner.”

  My father’s eyes lit up. He’d had Mom’s lasagna once before.

  Kevin and his father joined us for dinner and it was definitely a party atmosphere. I finally managed to pin down my parents on a date for their wedding: October 10th, which was only three weeks away. Thankfully, Amy had catering experience.

  Kevin and Kelly congratulated Mom and Dad. Kelly quoted a humorous poem about marriage that he’d found, and that got us all laughing.

  After Kevin and I cleaned up the kitchen, he and his father left. Kevin wanted to get home to work on his new video game, “Dragon Wars,” and Kelly would be stationed in the woods behind Kevin’s house, as he’d been every night since the “reign of terror” had begun.

  I went upstairs to call Amy and left my parents in the kitchen making their own plans. They both looked so happy, I wouldn’t allow anything, or anyone, to mess up their plans. We’d all waited too long to be together permanently.

  Naturally, when I told Amy the wedding date Mom had chosen, I had to hold the phone away from my ear while she screeched.

  “Cara, we have an awful lot to do in the next three weeks. That’s really not much time.”

  “With you to guide me, I know we can get it all done. After all, how long does it take to make a wedding cake?” I was teasing her, of course.

  “A menu has to be planned, food has to be ordered, we’ll need tables and chairs for your backyard. We have to have flowers and linens for the tables. Maybe hurricane lamps for the tables. . . “ Amy was full of ideas, and I was beginning to understand why three weeks was really not much time. I was counting on Amy to help me pull it off in style.

  I wanted their wedding to be one we’d remember forever because my mother and father had waited so very long to be together.

  Although we’d all grown accustomed to seeing Thornewood’s police everywhere, including the hallways at school, for me it was a constant reminder that Donald Gaynes and his goon squad were still out there, probably cooking up more threats to our health and welfare. I was trying to pretend our lives were normal. Occasionally, I succeeded.

  At school, classes were going well with Sean beside me, again taking copious notes, which he promised I could borrow.

  In Art class, I was finally getting the hang of painting with watercolors. The colors I created were much more saturated than the colors I’d been able to get with my drawing pencils and pens. If I could find a way to get out in the woods to paint, the autumn colors would be wonderfully vivid in watercolor. I could see the colors in my head, and I longed to be out in my beautiful forest.

  Miss Burrows, my art teacher, stopped me one day and asked if I would have time to make some drawings for our senior yearbook. She wanted a drawing of the main entrance of the school, along with sketches of the football field during a game. I was happy to agree.

  To be safe, I would just have to make sure I had plenty of company when I was outside drawing. Which reminded me again that my life was anything but normal.

  On a happier note, Amy was busy lining up vendors for the wedding party. When she asked me what our budget was, I drew a complete blank. But when I asked my father about a budget, he just smiled.

  “The sky’s the limit, sweetheart. Just have all the bills sent to Harry Callahan’s office.” His voice got soft as he said, “I want your mother to have the wedding she dreamed of seventeen years ago.”

  When I told Amy what my father said, she grinned. “No budget? This is going to be fun!”

  Instead of going to Art class Thursday afternoon, I had permission to be outside school to draw Thornewood High’s main entrance, a really handsome entry featuring a columned portico. The school had been built in the 1930’s and featured the kind of classic architecture typical for that era, according to my Art teacher.

  With Ryan and Adam keeping me company, I had stationed myself across the street from the main entrance, so the eastern edge of the forest was behind me. A few of my father’s men were inside the woods, barely visible in their green tunics and pants. My knives might be in Mr. Weiss’ desk drawer, but I had plenty of protection.

  Ryan had brought a chair outside with us so I’d have something besides the ground to sit on while I sketched. He and Adam stood on either side of me. I’d been given the fifty-minute class time to work on my drawing, so I didn’t have to rush.

  I’d been surprised when Adam joined us. He said my father had asked him to keep Ryan company today, but he didn’t know why. I made a mental note to ask my dad later.

  It was another beautiful late-September day and I
was enjoying sitting outdoors with a pen in my hand and a drawing pad in my lap. I’d always loved the smell of dried leaves, that sharp but pleasantly earthy scent. The sun was high overhead, perfect for artwork.

  A little while later, a dark sedan drove by slowly, a stranger looking out the window at me. When he spotted my two bodyguards, the car sped up and disappeared around the next corner.

  I looked up at Adam. “Coincidence?”

  He shook his head. “I didn’t like the way that man looked at you. Did you get the license plate number?”

  I smiled. “Yep.” I had jotted it down in the margin of my drawing. I pulled out my cell, hit speed dial and was speaking to Chief O’Donnell a few seconds later. I described the car, where it seemed to be headed, and gave him the plate number. He said he’d get right on it.

  Ryan said, “Lass, I think we should go back inside now. Have you got enough of your drawing done?”

  “I think I can finish it from inside.”

  I turned to Adam. “Will you be out here until school’s over for the day?”

  He nodded. “I’ll wait by your car. I want to see if that stranger’s car shows up again.”

  I threw my car keys at him. “You’ll be more comfortable waiting in the car.” He caught them, grinning at me.

  Picking up my chair, Ryan and I walked back inside. We headed for Art class, which wouldn’t be over for another fifteen minutes. I showed my sketch to Miss Burrows and she was delighted with it. “You can finish this in class, Cara. If you’re going to this week’s football game, you can do some sketching there as well. This will look wonderful in the yearbook.”

  Ryan and I met Kevin, Patrick, Amy and Neal after the last bell. I collected my knives from Mr. Weiss and we left school. My car was parked half a block away. I’d told the others about the car we’d seen earlier, so we hurried to my car, despite the beautiful weather.

  Amy and Kevin were surprised to find Adam waiting for us. Adam tossed my keys to me with a grin. “Thanks, Cara. This was a lot more comfortable than leaning against a tree.”