Dragon Lost

by Lisa Manifold

  “We will.”

  I spread my arms. “This is it. No one will see us here.” I’d led us to an open space between two buildings. There could be people roaming around, but it wouldn’t be anyone to worry about.

  “Very well.” He held out his hand, and I could hear him whisper something. A small flash of light, and then a small, glowing circle appeared. It great larger and larger. When it was as tall as Fangorn, he looked at me. “We are ready. Follow me.”

  Then he walked into the ball of light.

  Feeling like I’d landed in the worst sci-fi film ever, I took a step into the circle. It didn’t feel hot, or burn me. Not that I’d admit it, but I was kind of worried about it.

  “Do not tarry, Aodan. This will not remain open forever.”

  Fangorn sounded annoyed.

  I moved forward and where it had been dark, we were now in a room lit with late afternoon sun and candles.

  Did time move differently here too? I shook my head. Part of me kept waiting for me to wake up, to see that it was all a bad dream.

  It’s not, Fangorn said in my head.

  Stop it.

  He gave me a brief smile and said something in the language I didn’t understand. The light behind us was gone as though it had never been there.

  Without speaking, he walked further into the room. He looked like he was waiting for something.

  Times like this made me wish I had a gun, or some kind of weapon. I felt danger all around. More so than usual.

  “What are you doing here? What happened?” A woman’s voice came from off to the right, and after, the woman herself.

  She was my height, with dark hair, and dark eyes. She wore a dress that came down to the ground, and it was some shade of purple. She was gorgeous. Her arms open, she went to Fangorn.

  “Grandfather, I’ve been worried. You were gone too long. What happened?”

  He turned and held a hand toward me. “I have brought your brother with me.”

  The woman dropped her arms and faced me. Her mouth fell open. “Aodan?” She breathed.

  “Yeah. You are?”

  “I am Aine.” She held her arms up again, and came at me, wrapping them around me before I could say anything or get away. “I never thought I’d see you.”

  Her voice broke, like she might be crying. I patted her back, not sure how I felt. Part of me felt right, felt as though I belonged here.

  The other part of me had never felt more out of place.

  Aine stepped back. “It’s like looking in a mirror. Except the eyes. And you need to shave,” she brushed at my face. “I’m so glad that you’re here,” she whispered.

  There were tears in her eyes.

  “I didn’t want to be.”

  That stopped whatever emotional thing that was going on. “Then why are you?”

  She could shift to all business just like I could. It was a quality I appreciated, and I felt my mouth turn up in recognition.

  But Aine didn’t notice. She was glaring.

  “My best friend has been kidnapped.”

  “By Eilor,” Fangorn added.

  Aine’s mouth twisted, and she turned from me, striding away. Not walking. Striding. Angry walking. She made it as far as a small table and kicked it.

  “Will he never go away? Haven’t we all suffered enough?”

  “As soon as I get Margrite back, I’m going to kill him.”

  Aine whipped around. “He’s powerful. More than you know. We thought he was dead.”

  “I know—” I started.

  “He fooled us. All of us. Well,” she glanced at Fangorn. “Almost all of us. Grandfather didn’t believe it, not even after the body was found. He’s outsmarted and escaped the Fae King, the Goblin King, and the Dragon King. Yet somehow you will succeed where they have failed? Don’t be arrogant, brother!”

  “Don’t make assumptions about someone you don’t know, sister,” I shot back.

  18

  Aine’s brows came down as she frowned at me. “Oh, you’re one of those. Isn’t that perfect?” She rolled her eyes. Then she turned to Fangorn. “I’ll get Drake.” And she whirled away, skirts flaring out.

  A moment later, I heard the door slam.

  “That was well done,” Fangorn said, walking over to look out a window, his hands clasped behind his back.

  “I’m not going to pretend this is some kind of happy family reunion. I don’t know any of you. My goal is to get my friend back. You said you’d help me. That’s it. That’s all there is.”

  I ignored the warm flare I’d had in my chest since I’d stepped into this room. The one that felt at ease immediately. It was like something inside of me knew this was somewhere I belonged.

  That I’d once belonged. My mother had been so frightened, she’d taken me and run. Run back to her world where she never got better. I didn’t have many memories of her—most of the ones in my head were good, and of a woman signing to me in a soft voice—but I knew she was tired. She didn’t run, or play, or do a lot with me.

  She sat in a window. That memory flashed in front of me like it was on a TV. She was sitting on a couch, looking out a window. I’d come in the room, and she didn’t move. It was like I wasn’t there.

  She must have heard me because she turned quickly. When she saw me, her face broke into a smile. Even though she smiled, from this distance, I could tell that she was sad. She opened her arms to me, and I crawled up on the couch next to her. Cradling me to her, she began to hum into my hair, her sadness enveloping us both.

  What the hell? I hadn’t thought about my mom in years. Was it this place? I didn’t have the time to go through ancient history. I had a job to do. And then Margrite and I had a plane to catch.

  Well, a plane to reschedule, and then catch. I could almost hear Margrite correcting me.

  The door opened again, and a man strode in with Aine behind him.

  “Fangorn! I’m glad you’re back.” The man clapped Fangorn on the shoulder. “How did everything go?”

  Fangorn nodded his head at me.

  The man openly appraised me, taking my measure. I met his eyes, not moving, not flinching. He was measuring me.

  As I was him. He wore leather… armor, it looked like. A sword hung at his side. He was as tall as Aine, and he had an air of command. Like if he told you to hop it, you’d better do so.

  I wasn’t hopping it for anyone.

  He gave a short nod as though he’d come to a decision, and took the steps toward me, holding out his hand. “I am Drake. I’m married to your sister. That makes you family. I am grateful you are here although sorry that bastard Eilor is the reason.”

  I studied him and then reached out my hand. I was expecting him to shake, but he reached past my hand and clasped my forearm. I did the same.

  “Aodan.”

  His face changed as he smiled. “I would have known even if you’d only passed me in the market. You and Aine look like mirror images—although you’re much more attractive,” he tossed that last bit over his shoulder.

  I heard rather than saw Aine make a noise of impatience. “Be quiet. There’s more.”

  Drake dropped my arm and immediately looked to Fangorn.

  “Aine told you of when she and I went through?”

  Drake nodded.

  “Not only did we see Eilor, very much alive, but his brother Stefan was there.”

  “That doesn’t mean anything to me,” Drake said.

  “It wouldn’t. He was banished before your time. We will need to notify Jharak.”

  “Because I haven’t sent him enough bad news today,” Drake said, with a twist of his mouth. “I love adding onto that.”

  “Stefan is worse than Eilor—”

  “How can anyone be worse?” Aine interrupted.

  “He is. That is why he was banished.”

  “And sent to… to the human world?” I asked. “That was really good of you guys. Thanks.”

  Aine glared at me, but Drake smiled briefly.


  Apparently my sister didn’t share my sense of humor.

  Fangorn shrugged. “Fae are less powerful in the Human Realm. They are not as capable, and magic doesn’t work as well. It was the safest place for him.”

  “I’m not so sure about that. He’s a serious crime boss, and he scares the shit out of anyone who has to work around him. That doesn’t sound safe for any of us.”

  None of them responded.

  Then Aine said, “Your point is fair, and probably accurate. The fae don’t always,” she looked at Fangorn, “Make the best decisions. But when they find they have made a mistake, they fix it.”

  Fangorn didn’t say anything but the look he gave Aine made my heart twist.

  He loved her. He loved her very much. It was the look of a grandfather to a beloved grandchild. It was a look of shared history, of a past, of pain and suffering and triumph.

  I looked away.

  You are my grandchild as well.

  Go away.

  No. This will need to be addressed. Your feelings, the past, all of it. Ignoring it or attempting to negate it via bluster and rude behavior will not change a thing.

  It might get you slapped, another voice chimed in.

  My head shot up.

  Aine had her hands on her hips, glaring.

  “No.”

  The sound of Drake’s voice made all three of us look at him.

  “I hate it when it’s the two of you and you do that head talk business,” Drake said. “Now I have to put up with three of you? No. I’m drawing a line, right here.” He made a motion like he was drawing a line in front of him. Then he continued, “I’m going to have to tell Brennan. Which means I’ll also be telling Iris. Which means,” he looked at me and grinned. “Whatever else is going on, you’re going to have to spare some time to meet the family. There’s probably going to be a baby, as well. She doesn’t let it out of her sight. I don’t need the three of you chattering behind my back.” He rolled his eyes.

  Aine laughed. “You love that child, so stop pretending otherwise.”

  “This doesn’t help Margrite. My friend. The one that Eilor kidnapped. Fangorn told me that humans don’t do well here. She doesn’t have a lot of time.”

  “She has more than you think. If Eilor took her to use as leverage against you, he will make sure she stays alive and well. She’s of no use to him dead,” Drake said.

  “That was helpful,” Aine said.

  “What?” Drake looked at her. “I don’t mean to be insensitive, but he’s horrific in his practicality. You both know that,” he looked at Aine and Fangorn. “If Aodan has something he wants, he’ll keep dangling the friend over Aodan. No sense pretending otherwise. Let’s use that to our advantage.”

  Everyone looked at me. I didn’t like to hear Margrite dismissed to leverage, but what Drake said made sense. He was being practical, and I appreciated that, even as my worry for Margrite rose.

  “All right. What do you suggest?” I asked.

  Fangorn smiled.

  Aine crossed her arms.

  Drake said, “I’m going to, as I said, contact my brother. We take the fact that Eilor is alive rather personally since we thought we’d found his dead body. I hate being wrong,” he grinned at me. “So I’m offended on that count, too. You’re not alone in this, Aodan. We’re going to get your friend back. Eilor won’t let her die. Trust me on this.”

  I looked at him. “All right.”

  Drake pulled a small silver mirror from a pouch on his belt. “Brennan,” he said to it.

  “What?” The mirror barked back.

  “I need you.”

  Silence, and then the mirror began to wail. Like an angry baby.

  “I have my hands full at the moment,” the mirror said. The voice sounded kind of snotty. But that could be due to the screaming kid.

  I covered my mouth so no one would see me laugh. These people were a lot more formal than I was. I didn’t want to offend them—all right, I didn’t want to offend them more than I already had.

  Well, maybe it was just Aine. Fangorn and Drake seemed okay with me.

  Here I thought I’d be delighted at meeting my brother. But you’re kind of ruining that, her voice said.

  Well, you’re not the best chips and guac, either. Sorry that my agenda doesn’t match yours. But I’d like to keep my friend alive.

  I think you insulted me, but I can’t be sure. She sounded frustrated. What are chips and guac?

  Not you, I thought.

  I grinned when she glared.

  Stop, the voice of Fangorn said.

  How come I can tell the difference now? I asked.

  What do you mean? He thought.

  Before… I couldn’t tell the difference between the two of you. But now, you and Aine sound completely different.

  What are you talking about? Aine interjected.

  “You’re all doing it again!” Drake threw up his hands. Then he spoke to the mirror. “Now there’s three of them that head talk,” he sounded really put upon.

  “I’m on my way. Have you let Father know?”

  Drake nodded. “Aine did when she returned. You coming alone?” He laughed as he asked.

  “Must you?” The mirror asked.

  “Yes,” Drake said. “Bring your entourage, brother. We can handle the invasion.”

  The mirror said something I didn’t understand, but the other three laughed as Drake put the mirror back into his pouch.

  “I’m guessing he told you to piss off,” I said. It was amazing how you could tell what people said just by tone.

  “Something along the lines of he hoped my progeny never allowed me to sleep again,” Drake said.

  The laughter that came after his statement—laughter that included me—reminded me of Tina. A pang hit me. She’d always told me that I was so much more than what I let others see. I’d gotten into a fight at school, and she had to go to see the principal. The other kid’s mom was all offended and told Tina that she ought to do better to keep those foster children in line. Tina had told her she hoped she stepped on a Lego. I could still see the woman’s outraged expression. I’d stepped on Legos. It hurt. The other mom must have stepped on them too because she was more pissed about that comment than the fact I kicked her kid’s ass.

  Tina told me then that I was not just a foster kid, but Aodan, who was amazing and smart and worthwhile. That while family seemed hard right now, it would change.

  Looking around at these three people, I had a glimpse of what she’d meant.

  I had to turn away. I could feel a lump in my throat.

  “Are you all right?” Drake asked.

  “He’s fine,” Aine said. Unlike before, her voice wasn’t annoyed. It was softer, and I knew she’d heard some of my thoughts.

  For the first time since I’d learned this kind of thing happened with dragons, I didn’t mind.

  “Let us alert the staff that we will need some things for Iris and the baby,” Fangorn said.

  I could hear footsteps as he and Drake left.

  Aine came up to me and put her hand on my shoulder.

  “Your life has not been easy, either, has it?” She asked quietly.

  “You can’t read my mind and tell?” I wasn’t ready to get all touchy feely.

  “No. I felt your emotion then. It was strong. When we’re close like this, physically close, it’s hard to keep emotion to yourself. Fangorn’s better at it than I am. But he’s starting to let me in more. He was in a cage for over one thousand years. He had to shield himself. So did I. And so did you. Habits die hard.” Her hand squeezed my shoulder. “But you are safe with us. When we find Eilor that will be different. Here, however, you can let down the shields.”

  I felt the lump in my throat increase to painful proportions. It was stronger than the feeling of smoke that was always with me. I reached up and put my hand on hers.

  When she wasn’t annoyed, Aine spoke with a quiet confidence. I found it comforting.

  A lot better than the
snarly side, I thought.

  She made a noise.

  Shut up.

  I held her hand tighter.

  19

  We stood together until the door opened. I could hear a buzz of conversation. Drake, Fangorn, and someone I didn’t know.

  Aine let go of my hand and went to greet the new arrivals.

  I watched.

  A woman entered who was small, blond and attractive. She held a baby. A dark man was right on her heels and talking to Drake even as his hand guided the woman.

  Then two more people who fanned out around the couple. They were women carrying trays—one with a pitcher and cups, and another with food. It looked like bread, at least. They headed for a table against the wall that I hadn’t noticed before.

  “Anything else, m’lord?” One of the women asked.

  “That’s all,” Drake said.

  The women hesitated.

  “Oh, all right. Go on,” he added. “It’s like a sickness,” he said to the dark haired man with him.

  Both women went to the woman with the baby. “Y’majesty,” they curtsied as one spoke. “How is the little one?”

  The blond woman smiled. “See for yourself,” she held out the baby, and the older of the two women, who must be servants, took the baby.

  Both the women bent over the baby. Thankfully, it wasn’t crying. As I watched, a small, pale arm reached out and grabbed at the scarf around one woman’s head.

  I could feel the pleasure from these two women. They were obviously servants, and the man and woman were royalty, if that’s what being called ‘majesty’ meant. Yet none of these people acted like royalty.

  They were just… people.

  Your family, Aine said.

  I didn’t respond. My family was Margrite. She’d been my only family since Tina was killed. I wasn’t ready to—

  Stop it, Aine spoke again. Just let the shields down. That’s all you have to do. Don’t be such a man.

  I am a man, I thought.

  This is the Goblin King and Queen, and the baby is their son. There hasn’t been a baby born to one of the ruling couples since Brennan, over seven hundred years ago. People are thrilled to see a baby.

  I could hear the tone. I could actually hear it even though she wasn’t speaking. Aine was as fond of this couple and the baby as everyone else seemed to be.