I heard his voice in my head as he softly chuckled If you weren't already pregnant, which you were by the way. Then you definitely would be now. He held me close to him, and we fell asleep locked together as one.
Dawn arrived and the day began as we witnessed the most spectacular sunrise. This truly was a beautiful planet. We gathered the remaining food into bags and prepared to leave the lair. Set to return to what would now be my new home.
I felt different today. Not that I felt pregnant. It still hadn't sunk in that I really was. But I had accepted my fate and did not intend to fight it. I still hoped someday to return to Earth and visit my father. I accepted too that this visit may involve introducing my father to a surprise grandchild or possibly even two. On the plus side the sex was amazing and unbelievably mind blowing, I could also feel my connection growing quickly to Patros, and in it's turn to Talos. I was still in shock that I'd had unprotected sex in the first place without considering the consequences. How stupid was I? As a nurse, I should have understood the risks. Yet, the emotional and sexual bond I had with Patros had seemingly put those concerns to one side and overridden them.
In a way I was a little sad to leave. Just as Patros had said, our mating the previous night and morning had been beyond any thing I could ever imagine. The journey back to our lair was silent yet, it was a comfortable silence as I held onto Patros my head lay against his warm back. Savouring the sensations running through our connection.
The other dragons knew of out return and instead of being out hunting as they usually would at this time of day. They were all there to greet us alongside their accompanying Dragon Riders. They roared and shouted out at our return. I knew then that they were already aware that the mating had been completed and that it had also been successful.
I must admit I was blushing from my head to my toes knowing that this was a cause for celebration. I was also a little abashed when all the dragon riders saluted and cheered. I think Patros blushed more than I, as they were also saluting his prowess. It was then that I noticed that there were no female dragon riders as Talos spoke to me.
No Alex, at this time you are the only one. You are the future hope for the Dragon Nation. Our hope is that this will result in many successful matings in times to come. For now we continue to be in competition with the werewolves and others on our world. But,for now we have hope for the future as the prophecy unfolds. We are all indebted to you. You are revered amongst our people.
After we had settled back in to the lair I was given some new clothing. Apparently Talos had communicated with the others whilst we were gone and asking for these to be prepared. The clothes were fastened up in a small bright blue cloth, tied with a red satin ribbon. I looked from Patros to Talos and Patros's eyes were glittering. He had a huge smile on his face and I could swear Talos looked like he was smiling too.
Must have been my imagination. I thought.
I opened the parcel carefully and out slipped a pair of buckskin pants similar to the ones I'd seen worn by others. Then a cream buckskin shirt that was velvety soft to the touch. The shirt had dragons in a myriad of colours embroidered all around the neck and the bottom of the sleeves. It was so beautiful I felt a catch in my throat. I looked up and spoke to them both telepathically. I was becoming more adept at this.
How did you know my size, these are so lovely. Thank you so much.
Try them on quickly. The ribbon is for your hair. Then when you are ready we can attend the welcoming ceremony that is being prepared in the main cavern. Everyone is eager to make your acquaintance for now you have become the Queen of all the Dragon Riders.
I was stunned. I didn't know what to say. I spoke out loud “What do you mean Queen? Where is
their other Queen? Who was she? And who was the King? I don't understand you. You need to tell me more about this before this meeting. “
Patros then gently took my hand and we sat down. He explained that it had been many years since they last had a Queen amongst the Dragon Riders. But that my dragon was destined to be a gold dragon and the queen of all the dragons on Syros. Therefore I was destined to lead the Dragon Nation as their Queen and as her rider. He told me that now was the time to set that in motion. He further explained this was because I was his mate, and that Talos and himself had chosen each other. Now, once mated, the dragons numbers would again increase. This meant that eggs would then hatch for the dragon riders at the hatching grounds.
I sat there a little while longer trying to absorb all he had said. Yet I was confused by the talk of new riders. Patros didn't even look as old as I was. Possibly mid twenties but surely not older. Then I thought back to something I remembered the werewolf Aston saying, and felt compelled to ask Patros face to face.
“Just how old are you Patros? Because you don't look older than twenty-five perhaps twenty-seven tops.”
He looked a me for a long time in silent contemplation and put his hand in mine interlocking our fingers. Again I felt the now familiar low buzz from when I had been upset earlier. The buzz I now thought of as the “calming” buzz.
He tilted his head to one side, looked deep into my eyes and spoke in my mind.
I am 226 years old. On this world we age very slowly.
I stared back, and only when he took his free hand, placed it under my chin and gently closed my mouth and I swallowed did I realise that my mouth had fell open in shock.
“226” I stuttered “Did I just hear you correctly? You are 226 years old?”
This time I heard chuckling from both Talos and Patros at my shock and wonder at what he had just told me. Funnily, I had thought that I was the one cradle snatching. Far from it. I was the one being snatched.
I listened to Talos as he explained in my head On Syros, many many things are very different than on your world. Syros is where some of your myths and fairy tales originated. Werewolves, dragons, witches, magic, many things are connected to when we have visited your world over the millennia. It will take some time to tell you all you have inherited, and about the creatures and powers we possess. This will take some patience on your behalf. Your innate ability to really listen. I believe your previous profession as a nurse will become useful in that respect. That, and your ability to reflect on past experiences. Now, do you feel able to meet some of your new extended family?
I nodded went and picked up the bundle of new clothes,then headed toward the bathroom to shower, and change. The pants and shirt fitted like a glove. I brushed my hair and tied it back with the satin ribbon and stepped back to inspect my reflection in the mirror.
What have I become? Just a few days ago I was a struggling nurse deciding what my next career move would be. Who would have thought “Queen” would have been anything I would ever have aspired to.
On my return to the main room, Patros and Talos appeared to inspect me from head to toe. Both nodding their approval. I finally got to step through the imposing wooden door at the rear of the room.
Patros explained that the dragons could either go through these doors or that there was a separate entrance that they could fly through. Talos sent that he felt it was appropriate to approach in our company due to the importance of the occasion.
“Shouldn't I be wearing a crown and a long dress or something?” I quipped and got a strange sideways look from both dragon and rider.
“We are not on your Earth now and this is not a fairy tale – but real life.” Patros quipped back.
I kept quiet after that comment feeling as if I had just been put in my place somehow.
The corridor stretched out in front of us and as we slowly travelled down it. Not easy for a dragon as they sort of waddle. As we walked along, I noticed a clamour of voices and loud bugling noises. As we approached the entrance it grew louder. I could hear numerous voices shouting and the roaring of dragons as the entrance got closer.
Talos roared once and everything went quiet – and I thought to myself.
I wouldn't like to upset a dragon.
So kept qu
iet myself. I then heard the pair of them chuckling again at that thought.
I asked telepathically Can everybody hear what I think? I mean by that the other dragons, and their riders?
We all stopped for a moment and Talos explained.
Once you have chosen and been chosen by your own dragon you will then be able to hear all the dragons and their riders if you so wish. But until that time only Patros and myself can hear you and send to you. I of course can converse with all the other dragons and they with me. he said proudly.
We entered a vast chamber that was brightly lit by hundreds of lights. Almost circular in shape with dragons of all shapes and sizes stood watching Their scales glittered in the light reflected bronze, green, red, blue, too many to take in all at once. All with their respective dragon riders at their sides.
I moved to the centre of the chamber as instructed. Then to my utter amazement and as if to some silent signal every dragon bowed their heads and their dragon riders knelt as one including Talos and Patros.
I was take aback and nodded to each corner acknowledging their homage. Although I still didn't understand why I deserved it. I felt I had to respond so to my own amazement spoke out as loud as I could to those gathered.
“Thank you for your kindness in greeting me and for aiding us when the werewolves tried to kidnap me. I have a lot to learn and I am hoping that you will all help me the best you can. I need to both understand your ways and work out how best I can serve you.”
Luckily the natural acoustics in the cavern aided me and carried my voice to each corner of the room. As I finished speaking all the dragon riders cheered and a huge roar was taken up by the dragons making me blush with pleasure.
On one side of the cavern there was a dining area resplendent with Gothic chandeliers and velvet drapes. At the head of the table there were two throne like chairs with benches running either side of a huge wooden table. The table was set with roasted meat, vegetables and flagons of drinks. I lived in hope that at least one of them contained red wine.
Patros held out his arm which I accepted with a huge grin as he led me to the chairs. He inclined his head and I took my place turned and waited for everyone to be seated.
Once again the wrong thing to do as Patros then sent to me No one will sit before you do.
I sat down abruptly causing more than a few of the riders to chuckle. As they realised I had been prompted to sit by Patros.
As I sampled some of the various meats and vegetables on offer one of the riders offered me some wine. I was just about to accept when Patros leaned over and shook his head. Patros asked for the other flagon that was set close by which I just assumed it was a slightly different wine. The look Patros gave me was unreadable but the thought he sent me next made me more than a little mad.
You will not be having wine tonight Alex or for the foreseeable future until our child is born. I believe it is not recommended in pregnancy on your world either.
How quickly I had forgotten the fact that I was now pregnant but I didn't think one teeny weeny glass of …...
Patros chose that exact moment to interrupt my pondering by adding out loud“ Our child is too important to everyone here, to risk any problems. Isn't it Alex?”
I inclined my head and gave a slight nod. Understanding that I wouldn't be drinking any wine tonight. Patros then added a little sweetener by adding “Maybe.....I can make it up to you when we return to the lair.” at which point he touched my hand and a huge jolt shot through me and sparks flew making me smile.
All present laughed loudly. They obviously had an inkling what the sparks meant. Perhaps everyone produces sparks when they touch?
He continued to hold my hand throughout the dinner making me more than a little hot under the collar as I smiled and thought to myself.
I think I am turning into a nymphomaniac. At this Patros squeezed my hand and grinned broadly.
The dinner seemed to go on for hours and I was introduced to a numerous dragon riders. So many that I simply couldn't begin to remember all their names. All of the dragons had headed off earlier to hunt for their own dinner. Finally everyone began to drift off to their respective quarters. It had been a long day and after the excitement of the last few days I was exhausted.
Was it only three days ago that I was first kidnapped and brought to this world? So much had happened in such a short time, it was unreal.
Patros must have been following my thoughts as he once again gave my hand a squeeze and said out loud “I think it's time for us both to leave. Please enjoy the rest of your evening. I know you are all aware that the mating was successful and our Queen requires her rest.”
A small cheer rose amongst the remaining groups and they rose as one bowing their heads as we stood. We departed the hall as once again I blushed at Patros's comments. As soon as we were out of sight of the hall Patros spun me around and gave me a huge kiss full on the lips. My heart leapt and he told me how proud he was of me and apologised for forbidding me the wine. Which made me feel selfish for wanting it in the first place. Sweeping me up in his arms as he carried me back to our lair.
Once inside Patros set me on my feet and I headed for a shower. After I stood in the bathroom a few minutes flustered. I realised that the only clothing I possessed was what I had worn earlier with the exception of my old and now dirty clothing. What could I possibly wear to bed. I thought
Eventually I folded my new clothes up and washed the old ones in the sink. Nervously I left the bathroom with just a towel wrapped abound me suddenly feeling very shy.
Patros looked up and his gaze swept top to toe as a huge grin lit up his face. He held back the rugs ready for me to get into bed revealing that he was once again commando.
Does no one wear clothes to bed on Syros? Or is it just when I'm around?
At this thought his grin stretched from ear to ear. His smile wasn't the only thing to grow either!
I hung my clothes close to the fire and removed the towel as I climbed into bed. Deciding that it was probably a bit late for false modesty considering the fact that we were mated and I was already pregnant.
As our skin brushed together the buzz and static started anew and fireworks, as I now thought of them commenced. At least I didn't need to worry about “working out” as Patros was giving me the best work out of my life. Talos returned and settled down to sleep. Although none of us got to sleep straight away. The connection between the dragon and ourselves meant that I could see his bright swirling eyes as he watched us quietly across the lair. Through our connection he knew what we were thinking and feeling. More than a little disconcerting initially but then as we both lost ourselves to sensations I became oblivious to his presence. Eventually we all settled down to sleep. Patros and myself sated and exhausted. I fell in to a deep slumber hoping that tonight there would be no werewolf dreams to disturb me.
Morning arrived and it had been decided by Patros and Talos that my education regarding the world I now lived in would begin in earnest. This I was informed, would begin with an aerial tour of the surrounding countryside and at my request a visit to the nearest village. A ride to the shops was just what I needed and a bit of retail therapy seemed in order to secure some extra clothing . Although I doubted that I could compare it to shopping at home.
Once dressed we mounted Talos and flew off the ledge. I gasped out loud at the speed as I grabbed Patros's waist in a death-grip. After a little while I began to relax and enjoy the ride as I tried to absorb some details about the surrounding countryside. The day was clear and sunny with a few wispy clouds as we flew above the mountain tops. Below I could see cultivated fields and a mountain range with snow visible on some of the peaks in the distance.
Spotting numerous building dotted about I could only assume were farms. Patros and Talos started a narrative in my head as we flew along.
Although the countryside was beautiful I was eager to stop and see one of the small towns up close that were scattered below. My wish was soon granted as we app
roached a group of stone buildings.
This is called Treetops and is the closest village to our lair. We can buy provisions here and arrange for clothing to be made. Let me deal with the villagers as they are a little wary of strangers. Patros sent.
Talos landed in a clearing on the edge of the village. Made up of four small streets set at right angles with a small green situated at the centre most point. Four small copses of trees surrounding the village and I imagined that this is where “Treetops” had come from.
Patros dismounted first jumping down easily then helped me to dismount. As we did so some of the villagers and their children came out to greet us. They must have made a special effort as we had landed some small distance from the village. Talos remained in the clearing as we set off down the narrow path that led to the village.
We must have been spotted flying over,as quite a few people were gathered in the centre of the village. As we approached more people arrived to augment the gathering crowd.
As we passed the men bowed and the women dropped in to a curtsy.
Patros sent The villagers surrounding the lairs are our serfs. We protect and rule over them. They are already aware of who, and what you are. This is something you will have to become accustomed to Alex.
I gave a nod to those I passed acknowledging their homage. Eventually we arrived outside a small redbrick house and a young woman exited dropping in to a curtsy to me. She then turned and threw her arms around Patros hugging him fiercely. I raised my eyebrows and looked at them feeling a sudden and unexpected surge of jealousy.
Chapter 5.
Perhaps sensing my discomfort Patros spoke out loud “This is my sister Sara. This is where I was born and lived before being chosen as a Dragon Rider. A few of the other Dragon Riders come from here too.”
I reached over to take Sara's hands and she hugged me tightly to her saying “Sister I have heard a little of your adventures. I am so happy to finally meet you and congratulate you on your successful mating. I look forward to having some nieces and nephews finally.”
The Prophecy Unfolds: Dragon Queen Page 4
