by M. L. Ryan
“I appreciate your efforts. I was stuck this way for a long time, so I can handle this,” Ulut assured us. But I heard a touch of melancholy in his words.
With all the official ceremonies to mark our victory over Keem during the next few days, it was difficult to find time to brainstorm potential solutions to Ulut’s problem. Most of the festivities were fairly low key—small, private ceremonies where delegations from the other kingdoms bestowed various honors upon us. My favorite was the “Medal of Meritorious Merit” from Jjestri, apparently given by the department of redundancy department in that fair realm. Even Ulut received the same accolades. As much as I wished he wasn’t stuck as a dog, it was amusing to watch foreign diplomats, decked out in their formal regalia, scrunching down awkwardly to place some award around his neck. More hilarious still was when they reached out afterward to shake his paw. I had to give them credit—not one hesitated in the slightest.
Ulut and I were also singled out by Alex’s parents, and a new designation was created just for us—Prylzok—which meant “other-dimensionals that aid the Xyzok”. I suspected the title was purely ceremonial, but Sebastian thought we might be able to partake in the Enforcers’ benefits plan, which included unlimited access to the Luminescent Geothermal Pools of Contentment in eastern Zylexai, which were apparently “to die for.” While never much of a spa enthusiast, checking out magically relaxing hot springs that glowed blue when the water was agitated did spark my interest.
We never did get all our questions answered about Keem. There were lots of theories, but no clear facts. The preponderance of experts speculated that it might be impossible to tie up all the loose ends given Keem’s demise, and the fact no one knew much about the magic in the third dimension didn’t help either. Even Ulut couldn’t provide much information. I really wanted to know why, when I was kidnapped, three days elapsed when it seemed like only minutes to me. Was there some rift in the space-time continuum or has the bastard left me unconscious for all that time?
In addition, there was no way to send some expedition to Dekankara to find out more because when the warehouse-conduit-thingy disappeared, so did all of Keem’s portals to the third dimension. We brought Ulut to the sites where each had likely been, and he detected no energy indicating a workable portal. Much as it pained us, we probably needed to get used to the idea that there were things we’d never know. Some people were okay with that sort of thing, but I was frustrated. I always liked closure.
It also meant Ulut couldn’t go back to his dimension even if he reverted back to his real form. He claimed he wasn’t all that upset about it, as life in the other two dimensions was much more civilized. I didn’t know if I believed him. Sure, his description of Dekankara indicated they hadn’t climbed out of the Middle Ages, and while I might be convinced to visit the third dimension, I sure as hell wouldn’t want to live there. But it was his home, and, if nothing else, he must have friends he’d miss.
As promised, Alex arranged for Hewlyxnathin to visit in an attempt to resolve Ulut’s problem, but even he couldn’t come up with a solution. He suggested—beaver to dog—that Ulut remain with him in Courso while he studied the situation more thoroughly. Ulut politely declined. It seemed he preferred to come back to Arizona because if he was going to be stuck as a dog, he’d rather be stuck with people he knew.
I was pleased, but a little surprised that Alex had no problem with that arrangement. The day we were scheduled to go home, I broached the subject while we sat in one of the many beautiful gardens that surrounded the royal residence.
“I appreciate all the time you spent helping Ulut shift back.”
“You sound as though you find that odd,” he countered.
“No, not odd,” I began, choosing my words carefully. “But, you’ve been kind of touchy about him since we found out he wasn’t really a dog. I thought you might prefer him furry.”
Alex’s brow creased as he considered my appraisal. “I admit I have some concerns about his intentions toward you, carisa, but I would never let those misgivings get in the way of doing what’s right. He proved himself to be a true ally, and he deserves all our efforts to get him back to his natural form.”
“But you still think he’s got feelings for me? Because, frankly, I don’t get that from him at all.”
“Trust me,” he said with a knowing smirk. “I don’t think he would make an overt play for you, but I want him to know I’m on to him.”
I couldn’t stop myself from rolling my eyes. “I thought we cleared all this up. If you trust me, then why bother?”
He shrugged his shoulders. “It’s a guy thing.”
“That clears up everything,” I muttered under my breath.
“Speaking of Ulut,” he said evenly, “Did you and he really bathe together while at the summer residence?”
“I knew you had those guards spying,” I shouted. “You are so busted, Blondie.”
He tried to retain his unconcerned façade, but he was obviously taken aback that I’d seen through his attempt at espionage. “How did you know I asked them to listen in?”
“I didn’t until this minute. I was suspicious, so I made up that stupid story. I can’t believe you thought I was taking baths with a dog.”
“I must admit, it did seem preposterous.” Alex inclined his head as he regarded me. “I’m impressed. Nice ploy, carisa. You are a natural at this.”
“Don’t try and butter me up. I’m still annoyed you thought we were up to something.”
“Frankly, I rather enjoy buttering you up. But I thought he was up to something, not you. Would I have waited this long to bring it up if I thought you were doing something improper?”
He had me there. “And how do you feel about Ulut returning with us to the human dimension?”
Alex smiled and put his arm around me. “He’s in a vulnerable situation. Even excluding his obvious crush on you, I can appreciate why he’d prefer to hang with people he knows, in a place he knows. But if I catch him sneaking into bed with you, even just to curl up beside you, he’s going to the pound.”
I wasn’t sure if his last statement was a jest or a real threat. Probably a little of both. I assured him I’d do worse than exile Ulut to an animal shelter if I woke up to find him snuggled next to me. Alex laughed, but I still detected a smidgen of jealousy buried beneath the mirth.
“Look at the bright side,” I teased. “I was getting used to being a dog owner, and this way, I won’t feel compelled to get a new puppy.”
“That will certainly make Sebastian happy. The only reason he agreed to let you keep the dog in the first place was because he was housebroken and didn’t chew the furniture. As for me, I might be inclined to go for the puppy. They only have the fragrant breath you love so much for a few weeks, right? According to you, Ulut has it even as an adult dog.”
I didn’t have the heart to tell him Ulut had puppy breath even as a man, though it wasn’t nearly as alluring coming from a person’s mouth as it had been from a dog’s. I really was one weird chick—my boyfriend wasn’t human, I smelled stuff no one else did, my borrowed magic didn’t behave according to any of the natural laws of anything, I had a dog who wasn’t really a dog, and I could turn into a hawk, or a dragon-hawk given the right conditions. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Incidentally, Aiden called and said to tell you Rufus’ DNA tests came back. Shockingly, they couldn’t come up with any single known dog breeds to match. And,” Alex added, “you are banned from ever sending another sample, as they are rather miffed you tried to sneak by a non-canine sample to trick them.”
“Good to know they are a reputable company.” In truth, I was quite proud of myself. I’d never been banned from anything before.
I stood up and took Alex’s hand in mine. “Let’s go home, Blondie,” I declared as I pulled him from the bench.
He winked. “You got it, Birdzilla.”
About the Author
M.L. Ryan is a professional woman - which is not to
say that she gave up her amateur status, but rather that she is over-educated with a job that reflects her one-time reluctance to leave school and get "real" work – and she spends a lot of time in that profession reading highly technical material.
She has many stories rolling around in her head, and she finally decided to write some of them. She prefers literature that isn’t saddled with excruciating symbolism, ponderous dialogue or worldly implications. She also doesn’t like plots so reliant on love at first sight that it makes her feel like her head might implode.
She lives in Tucson, Arizona with her husband and teenage son, three cats, two dogs and an adopted desert tortoise.
Books by M.L. Ryan in the Coursodon Dimension Series:
Special Offers
Special Rewards
Special Attraction
Special Passage
Special Deceptions
Coming soon, Book 6!
Other works by M.L. Ryan:
Life Companion – A Sci-Fi Romance Short Story
I love to hear from readers!
Contact me at:
www.coursodondimension.com
On Facebook
Twitter: @MLRyan1
