Tesser: A Dragon Among Us (A Reemergence Novel)

by Philbrook, Chris

  "Matty," Kaula said softly.

  "Yes, Kaula?"

  "You will be the first mother of a dragon. I cannot imagine the hardships you will endure. But your blood is strong, more than just human, as is your will. And my brother, as foolish and impulsive as he can be, he loves you, and will be by your side through it all. As will my whole family. Your whole family. You daughter will never want for protection and love."

  Matty started to cry. She nodded rapidly as Tesser put his arm around her.

  "I love you all. I always have, and forever shall I. Now Ambryn, as I wish, set my soul free so it may be born again."

  The black dragon gritted his teeth and fought his instincts to do exactly NOT that. After a painful moment, in the end, his sister's wishes won, and he approached her throat, sobbing, wracked with spasms of grief. He stood at her side, black as the deepest pit of sadness, and raised a single obsidian claw. It hesitated high in the air, shaking, unable to do what Kaula wanted.

  "Give my magic back to them, Ambryn. Give me peace. Set me free," Kaula said before shutting her eyes for the last time.

  The dragons watched as Ambryn nodded, crying uncontrollably. He struck down at her throat, and for the first time in all of ever, a dragon died.

  And then the dragons wept.

  Epilogue

  I am a nervous person right now.

  I am Tesser, and I am a nervous dragon.

  And yet here I sit, rich, powerful, loved, and successful, and I am far more nervous than I have ever been.

  Very nervous.

  It is late June. It has been almost nine months since the events below Fitzgerald Industries. Since the death of my sister, Kaula, the dragon of magic. I still cry for her now and then, more often than I should, but I suppose I always will. You can't live with someone in your life that long and expect her absence to not affect you from time to time. Yet in her death, so much good was to be found.

  She was buried in what is now Germany, near the circle of stones that predate dragonkind and all other life on Earth. Garamos carried her across the ocean with the rest of us in tow, and by hand, we dug her grave in the dark forest. She lies there now, under the guard of many proud sorcerers, trolls, werewolves and move.

  She rests in peace.

  With his own blood, on the wall of the room Matty was imprisoned in, Alec Fitzgerald wrote a new Will and Testament. It was simple, and in the wake of the revelations at his company, the courts said it was to be allowed to stand firm. He handed over control of his medical business empire and all of his assets to me. I am now wealthy, though I don't need the money.

  I gave Alan, the man at the Starbucks who gave me a small coffee and lessons on English, a million dollars. Hell of a tip for a cup of coffee.

  I have since dissolved much of the company after the investigation learned that much of the scientific advancements made were only because Kaula was abused so. It didn't help the company's chances when the taint of daemonic influence was found in their products and facilities time and time again. I made sure that each employee who lost their job was compensated handsomely, and I took the time to track down the families of all the employees who were slaughtered by Legion. They too will want for nothing for the rest of their lives. I hope they use their economic freedom to better the world. Fitzgerald Industries is now a hollow shell of what it used to be; yet it is still a company to be reckoned with. Time will tell if they thrive, or fade away.

  Alexis is now in charge. I have faith they will do the right thing from now on.

  After being dressed down for allowing so much destruction, Henry Spooner was lauded with commendations. The night of our great confrontation, he was able to direct the appropriate official assets in the short amount of time to the site of greatest need and engaged a daemonic enemy fearlessly. Without his work that evening, undoubtedly hundreds if not hundreds of millions of lives would have been lost, and the country and world saw to it he was recognized.

  He now serves as a senior agent at a newly formed multi-government agency headed by Director Fisher. In the wake of the assault on their reality by Legion, most of the governments of the world agreed that national boundaries would only serve as hindering barriers in the protection of Earth from outside, or paranormal, threats. I laugh at the idea of the word and concept 'paranormal.' They still think what they have known all along is 'normal.' Eventually, they'll realize all the things that have been weakened or in hiding have been here longer than they have. They are just as normal.

  Silly humans.

  This agency Spoon works at bears the moniker of The International Agency for Paranormal Response. They often refer to themselves as TIAP-R, or simply, 'The Agency.' The CIA doesn't like that at all, understandably so. The media likes to call them Tapper. Agents are often referred to as 'Tappers.' I like that. That's what I call them. Tapper has set up several locations across the world. Their headquarters in the United States is in Manchester, New Hampshire. The location had something to do with the airport being convenient and not what lies beneath the city. Such is the way of the government.

  This past Spring Mr. Doyle was able to set up the initial phases of a teaching college for Tapper. The Agency wanted him to relocate nearer to Manchester, but he was unwilling to move. He's set up his home in Boston, and after a little flexing, he persuaded them to relocate their college to Weymouth, near Wampatuck State Park. It's pretty there, and when they're done building the school, it will be beautiful as well. Mr. Doyle is seeing to it that the school is built with magical sensibility, rather than modern styling and economic design. Things are different now and he knows it.

  Abraham has learned a lot from his mentor. So much so that he has entered into the FBI's academy so he can join Tapper. So far, Abe has performed admirably, though it is very difficult for him. He is a shoe-in for admittance once he graduates from Quantico. He and Alexis are engaged. I should've mentioned that already. I am apparently forgetful when I am nervous.

  Spoon continues to serve as my liaison to Tapper, and though they haven't called on me for assistance yet, they maintain a steady flow of information to me. I am able to advise them as needed, and one day, I am sure, they will get in over their heads and call in a panic.

  Until that day…

  The rest of the world aches in growing pains. Kaula's death released an invisible rippling explosion of magic across the world. Pure, primal energy flowed out from her and helped to reconstitute what the world had lost in her absence. Things are still not where they need to be, but the practitioners of magic across the world have rejoiced with their invigorated powers. All the creatures born of magic are back, for better or for worse. Mankind has created an uneasy truce with these creatures of magic, and I hope sincerely that the truce holds. Man has lived in fear of nuclear winter for many years, but what could happen in a war between humans and a race made of the ephemeral magic that binds all of reality together…

  Well, that would be bad.

  I am sitting in a hospital in Boston. The same one that Spoon and Abe were brought to the night Legion made his assault on me. The night I revealed myself to the world.

  I am in a waiting room. There are dozens of Tapper security men all about. They are as nervous as I am, but they hide it. Today is a day for excitement, not fear. Matty's parents are here, from Norway. They still fear me, I can smell it on them, though they also love me. I have taken care of their flesh and blood and very soon will give them a granddaughter. They hold each other's hands excitedly. I am growing to love them too. Near me is my sister Fyelrath. She sits in human form, waiting as nervously as I am. Across the room is Ambryn, the slayer of Kaula, dragon of death. He has been racked with guilt ever since, despite having received our forgiveness. He has his fingers interlaced in his lap, and he too is nervous. So many dragons, all so nervous. Outside, in the street below is Garamos. He is managing the crowds that have come here today, all here for the same reason I am here today. Above us all, flies Kiarohn, stirring the winds as always.

&
nbsp; Zeud is in the delivery room with Alexis and Matty. That’s why we're all here; Matty is giving birth. She is in labor and any moment now our daughter will come into the world: the seventh dragon of Earth, the second dragon of magic, and the first dragon born and not made.

  Her birth will usher in a new age of wonder and magic, bringing back all that was lost.

  And that's why I'm nervous. I am about to be the first father to a dragon.

  The double door leading to the birthing room opened. A young nurse, clearly more nervous than everyone else in the room walked out and saw Tesser. She approached him. "Mr. Tesser?"

  "It's just Tesser."

  "Everything went well. They'd like you to come back now." The nurse motioned for Tesser to follow her.

  "May I bring my brother and sister? Matty's mother and father?" Tesser looked at Ambryn and Fyelrath, both of whom had slid forward in their seats, excited.

  "I don't know how I would stop you," she said laughing.

  Tesser grinned, and the three dragons and Matty's parents followed the young nurse. It took less than a minute to reach the birthing room. It was colorful and clean, with plenty of comfortable furniture, and a spare bed off to the side. They'd intended to come here a day early and stay the night but their daughter had a different idea. She was several days early. Magic worked on its own schedule. It arrived precisely when it meant to.

  Zeud stood on the opposite side of the bed, all smiles. Her bright red hair made for an interesting bookend with Alexis, who stood on the other side of the bed. Both women turned and looked at Tesser as the dragons entered. Alexis went to Tesser and wrapped her arms around him proudly.

  "She's beautiful, Tesser. So beautiful," Alexis said. She had eyes filled with tears of happiness. Tesser did too. Lindsay, Matilde's mother, went straight to her daughter and embraced her happily.

  "Kaula was right Tesser. This child is special. Dragon-born, look at her," Zeud said in awe, looking down at the baby.

  Daniel, Matty's father, stood proud. "It would take a woman with troll's blood in her veins to bear the first dragon, wouldn't it?"

  "Troll's blood? What?" Tesser asked him, laughing.

  "You didn't know? I thought it was the ramblings of my insane grandfather for years, but now, I know he was telling the truth. He once said that our family had been part troll. They're strong you see. And Matilde has that strength in her." Daniel was beaming.

  Of course. The smell of running water and cold nights. That scent I was attracted to. She's more than just human. Tesser's realization made him love her even more.

  Tesser approached the bed and finally laid eyes on the mother of his child. Lindsay and her husband backed away slowly so Tesser could get close. Matty looked spent, but in a far different way than when she'd been poisoned at Fitzgerald Industries. She was exhausted from the exertion required to bring life into the world, and through her fading pain, she glowed. Her sweat and her smile made her more beautiful than ever.

  She held their baby.

  Tesser and Matilde's daughter was born with a near full head of violet colored hair. It was a soft purple, the shade of a summer New Hampshire lilac. Tesser loved that color. It reminded him of his sister.

  The baby girl had a round, cherubic face that already faintly resembled Matty. She was calm, already sleeping dreamily, happy to be in the arms of her mother. She had one tiny hand wrapped tight around Matty's index finger, clutching on to her mom, wanting to be a part of her, despite not being aware of the world just yet.

  "She's here," Matty said, looking up at Tesser.

  She's everything. Never have I had a child I've loved so much without ever having laid eyes on her. "She's so beautiful, Matty. She looks like you."

  Matty agreed with a nod and a smile. "Yeah. A little like you too. Do you want to hold her?"

  Whoa. Now there's an anxiety spike. "Yeah. I do." Tesser reached down and the mother and father exchanged the baby. She was heavier than Tesser thought she'd be, but he lifted her carefully, as if she would break, beaming with his own pride.

  Ambryn and Fyelrath leaned over his shoulder and looked at the baby. Both dragons were overcome with emotion. The tears flowed, though this time not in grief, but in exultant celebration. True, selfless joy. I am the father of a dragon. The greatest of all life.

  "What will you name her?" Ambryn asked, sniffling.

  Matty answered him. "Tesser once knew a Valkyrie named Astrid. Her name means to be fair, beautiful, and of God. Her name will be Astrid Kaula Rindahl. The eighth dragon."

  "That's an incredible name you two," Alexis said softly.

  Astrid opened her eyes and looked up at her father for the first time. Her eyes were the same soft purple as the shock of hair on her head, but tiny vibrant flecks of green were there too. The tiny baby smiled and her feet fluttered. She cooed.

  She knows I'm her father. Or maybe… my sister's soul recognizes me.

  Tesser walked over to the window holding his baby and looked out on the city of Boston. Down in the streets below, he could see Garamos looking up at him eagerly. The two caught each other's eye, and Garamos looked at the baby as Tesser presented her. He is happy. And finally, after all this time, I think he might approve of a life I created.

  Tesser smiled.

  Garamos reared up on his two hind legs and began to clap thunderously. The crowd gathered at his feet, lining the city streets almost as far as the eye could see, went wild, for his celebration signaled the birth of Tesser and Matty's child ushering in a new age for the world. Their applause and celebration could be heard through the window, many stories above. Tesser watched as several helicopters came into view, attempting to get a good view of their window to capture the first images of the new dragon child. Tesser held his baby girl aloft in front of the window and let them drink in the majesty of Astrid.

  "That's right. Take her in. Get used to her world. She's going to be a big thing for a long time."

  "Aren't you the proud papa?" Matty said from the bed.

  Tesser turned, disappointing several billion television viewers around the world. "Have you seen this child? She's perfect. She's the best thing I've ever done. Aside from meeting you."

  Matty looked at the man she loved, the dragon she loved, and rested her head back on the pillow. Zeud took her hand and squeezed it.

  Tesser turned back to the window, and held his daughter to his chest. He whispered, speaking to the world, but only loud enough for his daughter to hear. "You're going to want to pay attention, Earth. This is my daughter, Astrid. I love her, and you will too. Now that she's here, everything will start getting back to normal. Back to the way things should be. But different too. And I'm okay with that. But it's time to get back to work, Tesser. This world has missed you fiercely, without even knowing you were gone. But it'll be easy."

  Tesser kissed his daughter's forehead. She smelled nice.

  "I am yours in the way a Princess owns a King."

  Tesser kissed her forehead again and looked out at the sea of people below celebrating the birth of his child with him.

  "There is a new dragon among us.”

  About The Author

  CHRIS PHILBROOK is the creator and author of Tesser: A Dragon Among Us, as well as the popular webfiction series Adrian’s Undead Diary and Elmoryn: Wrath of the Orphans.

  Chris calls the wonderful state of New Hampshire his home. He is an avid reader, writer, role player, miniatures game player, video game player, and part time athlete, as well as a member of the Horror Writers Association. If you weren't impressed enough, he also works full time while writing for Reemergence as well as the worlds of Adrian’s Undead Diary and Elmoryn.

  Find More Online

  Check out Chris Philbrook’s official website thechrisphilbrook.com to contact the author and keep tabs on his many exciting projects, or follow Chris on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ChrisPhilbrookAuthor for special announcements.

  Visit adragonamongus.com to access additional content and learn more ab
out Tesser and the world of the Reemergence Novels.

  Don’t miss Chris Philbrook’s smash hit: Adrian’s Undead Diary. Follow the exploits of Adrian Ring in this epic eight-book series as he searches for meaning, survival, and hope in a world ravaged by the dead. Visit adriansundeaddiary.com to learn more about Adrian’s world. Available in print, Kindle, and online.

  Read more by author Chris Philbrook in The Kinless Trilogy. Explore Elmoryn, a world of dark fantasy where death is not the end. The story begins in Book One: The Wrath of the Orphans, available in print, Kindle, and online. Visit elmoryn.com to learn more about Elmoryn, view concept art, and much more.