by Andy Holland
"Just one cousin I'm afraid," Leah replied. "I'm an only child and your father only had one brother who died when he was a child, and your mother's only sibling was my mother."
"Yes, I meant one more after Jenna," Crystal explained. "She's the niece of my adopted parents."
"Oh, I see," Leah replied, glancing at Jenna.
"You must all be tired," Paul stated. "And I know you'll want to catch up with your brother, but John, you need to rest for your wounds to recover. All of us will be back in the morning, so we can talk further when you're properly rested. Leah, Mark, let's leave them now. You'll have them all day tomorrow to get to know them properly."
Leah frowned disapprovingly, but merely nodded before kissing Crystal goodbye. Mark shook John's hand again before bidding them all farewell. The room seemed a lot emptier when they left.
"Now what?" Jenna asked, the room having fallen silent.
"We do as my father suggested," John replied. "I'll finish my food then I'll head to my room. I don't know about you, but I'm exhausted."
"It's pretty early, isn't it?" Seth commented. "Seems a shame to spend our first evening here asleep."
Crystal shook her head. "Give it a rest, Seth. I'm exhausted as well. Much longer down here and I'll need to be carried upstairs."
"I'll stay here with John," Daisy said. "I'll come up when he's finished."
Arthur frowned, but said nothing to avoid giving Seth new ammunition. "Very well. I'll walk up with you, Crystal. Coming, Jenna?"
Arthur and Crystal both took Seth's arms and directed him to follow them, leaving Daisy with John.
"Come on, Seth, leave them alone," Crystal told him as they walked up the stairs. "If Arthur can leave Daisy with John you can."
"Don't bother with your jokes," Arthur told him. "I'm too tired to listen or care. Besides, I trust both of them. I think I probably always have, but she's my sister, so I've always felt I needed to look out for her."
"Fair enough," Seth replied. "I doubt they have the energy to get up to mischief anyway."
"Goodnight, Seth," Crystal replied, rolling her eyes at him before entering her room and closing the door behind her. She suddenly felt very lonely in the large room, looking at all of the empty chairs and wondering what her parents were doing. But fatigue was starting to overcome her, and after collapsing into her comfortable bed, she fell into a deep and dreamless sleep.
Chapter 6 - City Tour
"Ready for your tour?" Leah asked. Crystal and the four Red Dragons had just finished breakfast and found her waiting for them in the lobby of Immigration House. "What would you like to see first?" She was dressed smartly, wearing dark grey clothes that although were clearly designed for transforming in, like most of John's clothes, were far more elegant and stylish than anything Crystal had seen John wear. Mark was waiting with Leah, although more casually attired and looking far more relaxed than she was.
"We're in your hands," Crystal replied. "What would you recommend?"
"What has John told you about the city?" Mark asked.
"Not much," Crystal admitted. "I don't think he knows that much about it. It's not as if he's been here recently."
"Yes, although I'd have thought he would have been able to tell you something about it," Leah argued. "After all, his job was to teach you. How did he do on that front?"
"He's a very good teacher," Daisy piped up. She had seemed a little lost since John had disappeared with his father and brightened at the mention of his name.
Leah eyed Daisy suspiciously. "Ah yes, you're the girlfriend. The princess. I've heard about you."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Daisy asked, sounding a little irritated.
"Well, perhaps if John was less focussed on you and more on what he was supposed to be doing, Crystal would have been here a little earlier."
Jenna laughed derisively. "John more focussed on teaching Crystal? He was obsessed with doing so. John may be many things but he didn't neglect that duty."
Crystal stared at Jenna in surprise. The last thing she expected her to do was defend John. Daisy smiled at her gratefully.
Leah shrugged indifferently. "If you say so. I guess we'll see when they finish assessing Crystal this afternoon."
"Leah, Crystal's friends are our guests," Mark told her. "I thought I had been quite clear on the rules regarding how we engage our guests. We're here to give them our tour, so you can either follow those rules, or you can leave."
Leah nodded and smiled brightly at them all. "Of course. On to the tour. Would you all like to follow me?" She stepped out into the bright morning sunshine and beckoned them to follow. "I'll assume that you know very little about the city and tell you everything. Well, as you know, you were staying in Immigration House, which is the first place any visitors are taken when they first arrive in the city. This whole area is what we refer to as the Government Quarter. It's where all of the Government Offices are."
Crystal looked up at the buildings surrounding them. They were large, neat-looking buildings; perhaps a little dull, but well-spaced out and surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens. There was no mess and no people, as if they were the only ones there. She guessed that everyone must be working inside the buildings. Leah continued with her spiel.
"Many people in this city work for the Government in some form or another. I work for the Department of Foreign Affairs, as does John's father, which is a little further down this street. Those grey buildings over there belong to the Department of Defence. Our architecture could be described as a fusion between a number of different styles adopted by our neighbours. In other words, we take the best from each of them and leave out the rest. Would you like to fly, or are you happy walking through the city?"
The five of them looked at each other. "What do you think?" Daisy asked, addressing her question to Mark.
"While it is still early and not too warm, I think you should walk. It'll be easier for us to point things out. Besides which, you're the first Red Dragons that have visited our country and some of our residents might be a little alarmed to see you."
"Oh," Crystal said, surprised to hear him say this. "John always described your people as a very welcoming nation."
"Our nation, cousin," Leah corrected. "And that's exactly what we are, which is why a number of the residents of the city are not Golden Dragons. There's a whole section of the city devoted to housing other races. Some of them might not be as welcoming to Red Dragons as we are."
"Why not?" Jenna asked.
Leah paused awkwardly and looked at Mark, who answered her question. "Some of the races you may meet here are ones who you've fought wars against in the past. In some cases, you've wiped out almost their entire race, or so you may have thought, and they're the only survivors, their lands swallowed up by your Kingdom. We offer many of these groups refuge here, to keep their races alive."
"Should we be even leaving this building?" Jenna asked. "If they hate us that much, is it safe?"
"Fear more than hate," Mark corrected. "They've fled from you, remember? Look, don't be put off your tour or visiting the Sanctuary. It's a fascinating part of the city, and you won't be the first new arrivals who have former enemies living here. You'd be surprised how many sworn enemies are now good friends. To me, the Sanctuary is the beating heart of the city and if you don't visit it you can't ever say that you truly know this place. I'd like to take you there today if you are willing to go."
Crystal turned to the others, who were looking a little unsure as to what to do. Daisy spoke first.
"I say we go," she ventured. "We may never have another chance like this, and besides, Crystal has to go—this is her town and she needs to learn about this."
"Crystal would have nothing to fear," Arthur pointed out. "I'm not so sure about the rest of us."
"You'll be quite safe," Mark reassured him. "This is a very peaceful city and for most of these people this is not just where they live, but it’s the only place they can live without the fear of being wiped
out. They wouldn't risk losing that."
"We do stand out with our red hair though," Jenna pointed out. "I'm starting to understand how you've always felt, Crystal."
"Here," Mark said, pulling some hats from his bag. "Use these to cover your hair. It'll keep the sun off as well. It's cool now but it warms up very quickly here and the sun is a lot stronger than it would be where you're from. People will hardly notice you with these on. And I assure you, you'll be safe with me in the Sanctuary."
"We can decide in a little while," Leah told them as they put their hats on. "You haven't seen all of the Government Quarter yet. This next building is Parliament House. You'll be going there this afternoon."
Parliament House was a large, round building, grand and stately in design, and like Immigration House, surrounded by well-kept gardens. "There doesn't seem to be many people on the streets here," Arthur noted. "I would have thought it would be busier, especially around such an important building."
Mark shook his head. "You're looking in the wrong direction. We don't walk that much," he replied. "Look up, and you'll see how much activity there is."
Crystal looked to where Mark was pointing and realised that there was a hive of activity above them, with a stream of Golden Dragons taking off from and landing on a large balcony on the first floor of the Parliament House. It was a wonder that they didn't collide.
"Of course, I forgot to look up," Arthur said. "Although we can fly, people usually enter through the ground level in our buildings, other than our military, who need to take off quickly if we're under attack."
"Something that you won't experience here," Leah told them confidently. "There's probably no safer place than this city. Anyway, moving on. The next building is the Presidential Palace, and just beyond that is the City Circle, which is a really big, open space where the President gives all of his speeches. It's the centre of the city."
"So what's a President?" Seth asked. "Is that just your name for your King?"
"You could put it like that," Leah replied. "Officially, he is the leader of the country, although I think you'll find our Presidents are very different from your Kings."
"The President is largely powerless," Mark explained. "He's just a figurehead. Power really sits with the Parliament and the Speaker, who is the leader of the largest group of representatives."
"But he lives in that huge Palace?" Jenna asked, marvelling at the impressive building ahead of them.
Mark nodded. "Just while he's the President. It's an eight year term, and then we choose a new President."
"You choose your President?" Jenna asked in amazement.
Leah laughed. "Of course we do. We choose all of our leaders; the President, the members of the Parliament, the regional Council members—"
"But surely not just anyone could become one of your leaders?" Jenna asked. "It would have to be someone with the right background, surely?"
Mark smiled. "Anyone could," he replied. "Even Crystal could, if she decides to stay."
"They let women rule?" Crystal asked in amazement. Even John's lessons hadn't prepared her for this revelation.
Leah shrugged. "How could they stop us? About half of the members of our Parliament are women, and the last President was a woman."
"We'll move on to the Sanctuary after this," Mark told them, changing the subject. "We'd love to show you more of the city, but we won't have time today, so we'll just show you the Sanctuary and then after that to Leah's favourite part of the city, which I'll leave her to tell you about. Let's pick up the pace a little. It's just a short walk to the Sanctuary, but we don't want to waste any time."
Mark led them past the palace and then across the wide City Circle, a large grassy open space which resembled a public park more than anything else, with groups of golden-haired children playing and a few elderly people enjoying the sun. The edge of the Circle was much livelier, being ringed by a busy road, filled with horse-drawn carts carrying all manner of things and merchants plying their goods from noisy markets. Multi-story buildings lined the far side of the road, a mixture of hotels, restaurants and shops. Mark carefully led them across the busy road and to a side road with an arch connecting the buildings on either of the road, inscribed with the words "Welcome to the Sanctuary" spelt out in foot high golden letters, with a wooden gate under the arch, which was wide open.
"Welcome to the Sanctuary," Mark said echoing the sign, as they passed through the old wooden gate to a narrow but lively street full of activity. "This is my favourite part of the city and I think you'll find it's the most interesting. There's not a place like it in the world, where you have so much diversity in one spot."
Leah raised her eyes to the sky, shaking her head dismissively. "Probably the most run down and dirty part of the city as well. I always feel as if I need a bath when I leave this place."
Crystal frowned, looking around at the crowds bustling around them, full of numerous different races all mixed together. Wouldn't they be offended if they heard Leah's words? Admittedly, she had spoken quietly, but unfortunately Jenna didn't share her caution.
"It is a little smelly, isn't it? Do these savages even wash?" Jenna commented loudly, oblivious to the angry glares she received from a group of men standing outside of a shop. The men had dark, purple skin with short black hair and seemed to take offense at her comment, glaring at her menacingly.
Mark shrugged, not appearing to notice the men. "It's a little more crowded than most places, and I guess that makes it a little messier. Just adds to the character if you ask me. Anyway, moving on. This is the main street through the quarter, and it's the place where all of the different races meet. The Sanctuary is divided into areas for each race, areas we refer to as the villages, and generally, each race stays in its own village and doesn't visit the other villages. But this street is different, and along this street and its numerous side alleys, all the races mix. It's truly the most amazing place in the city."
"You work here, don't you?" Daisy asked. "For the Department of Refuge? That's what John told me."
"That's right, I do," Mark replied proudly. "Most of my work is done on this street."
"Stopping them killing each other, I imagine," Leah commented drily.
"We have to help keep the peace occasionally," Mark agreed, "but that's just a small part of our work. But we're not here to discuss my job, but the Sanctuary itself and the people who live in it. Ah, perfect, an interesting example for you. Look over there above that building—quickly now."
Crystal was the first to spot the tiny dragon flying low over the city; a black and white dragon that disappeared into one of the buildings.
"Wow, how sweet!" she declared. "What is it?"
"Perhaps it would best not to use the word sweet," Mark said quietly. "They tend to get a bit offended. That's a Magpie Dragon. They're one of the smallest dragons you'll see around here."
"No surprise that they were wiped out then," Seth commented. "I'm guessing they don't do well in battle."
Mark nodded. "Well, it's true that their size puts them at a disadvantage. But they do have something no other dragons do: poison, and you'd be surprised how effective a weapon it can be."
"They'd have to be able to bite you first though," Jenna pointed out. "One swipe of my claws and that thing would be squished."
"Oh, they don't need to bite you," Mark replied. "They can produce a little cloud of gas. One breath of that and you'd pass out. Imagine how that would work out for you if you were flying."
"Charming," Leah commented. "What lovely company you keep here."
"They're actually very pleasant," Mark replied. "I have a number of friends within their community. I'm just explaining what they are capable of. Oh, and Seth, they weren't wiped out. They're from the deep south, near the Empty Quarter and as far as we know they haven't lost any wars. Their story is an intriguing one—one I'd love to tell you all some time."
"Can you change into one of them?" Seth asked.
Mark shook his head. "One
of only two dragons we can't turn into. They're not a fire-breathing dragon, so we can't take their form. Come on, I'll introduce you to some more of my friends. Follow me."
Mark led them down a narrow street in single file, till they reached a large stone building with small windows and a dark wooden door. Mark rapped twice on the door. The door opened but they couldn't see anyone at first.
"Mark, good to see you!" a voice called out from the dark interior of the building.
"This is Clay," Mark said as a young man emerged from inside. He was rather unusual-looking and had very short hair and grey skin. "He's a Sea Dragon and is almost a permanent resident here in the Sanctuary."
Clay raised his hands to protest. "I wouldn't go that far, Mark, although I do spend a lot of time here. I take it these are the Red Dragons we've all heard so much about."
The four Red Dragons looked at each other in surprise, scrutinising each other for hair that had fallen from their hats. "Oh, your hats fool no one, I'm afraid. News of new arrivals always travels quickly in the Sanctuary and we can all spot a newcomer from the way they walk around the city. You have that look of wonder which residents never have."
"Leave your hats on anyway," Mark murmured. "Let people work it out slowly."
"Why do you live here, Clay?" Daisy asked, smiling politely at him. "Your people live on an island, don't they?"
Clay smiled and nodded. "Yes, very good. I didn't expect a Red Dragon to know about our home. Do you know how we ended up there?"
Daisy nodded. Crystal and her had been tutored by John for several months and knew a lot about the different races, but the others knew about very few races.
"No," Jenna answered.
Clay nodded. "I see. Then let me explain. We used to live on the mainland, but we lost our original home a long, long time ago. We were attacked by our neighbours; first the Brown Dragons, and then the Blue Dragons and most of us were killed. We can't fly, you see, and we were completely unprepared for an attack, so we didn't stand a chance. Our home was a stretch of coast that is now completely in the Blue Dragon Kingdom. The Golden Dragons evacuated an entire village of our people and moved us to their coast, where we lived for a long time, with a few of us staying in their capital.
