Everyone pulled back then stepped back with a few sighs.
“Sorry” Sara said. “Been worried about you all. Especially you Alex. Had a horrible feeling I might never see you again and then……” she stuttered.
She knows we might not be coming back from our mission tomorrow. I had to tell her. She is my twin sister after all. The kids are just picking up on the vibes she is giving off. Her and Will know our mission but no one else in the village does.
I kissed everyone in turn and gave Sara and Will especially tight hugs. “Thank you. I’ve missed you all too. Now how about a cup of tea for the pregnant lady and a place to put my feet up.”
Sara fussed around making tea and sent Andre to fetch Allysa, as she was aware that was part the reason for the visit.
Allysa arrived with Andre and we sat around having a general chit chat drinking our tea. It felt a bit surreal considering the circumstances and the fact that we had such a dangerous task the following day.
“Can we use your bedroom Sara?” Allysa said.
“Of course you can. Do you mind if I watch Alex? You never know I may even get to watch the babies being born.” Responded Sara.
Once in Sara’s bedroom I took off my clothes and Sara found me an old shirt of Will’s to wear to save my modesty.
“My you are growing apace now Alex.” Allysa observed as she measured my stomach and listened in to the babies heartbeats.
No scan for me to treasure like my friends back on Earth.
Sara had a listen as one day she would also help out and be a midwife herself.
“Two strong heartbeats there Alex. Those two are lively ones. I could feel arms and legs all over the place. You look a little pale though. Are you getting enough rest?”
“I have been busy of late but should soon be able to ease up soon with luck.” I reassured Allysa.
We returned to the main room and Patros chirped up. “We will all make sure she gets plenty of rest. Be assured. With four mates to look after her.”
“Hmmm.” Allysa said. “Perhaps having four virile mates is part of the problem.”
I blushed a bright puce and everyone fell around laughing.
They might have a point there I thought
Yes they may have Patros observed
After promises to visit again soon and arranging to come back and see Allysa for a check up in two weeks time we said our goodbyes. Sarah hugging and kissing us to excess.
We held hands as we we strolled back to Talos. Then Patros pulled me close giving me a passionate kiss.
“So nice to have you all to myself for a change.” Patros said out loud. Kissing me soundly once more.
The flight back to the lair was amazing as it was night time and I had not flown at night before. With light pollution surrounding the area of Manchester that I lived in I could see stars at night, but this sight in front of me was ethereal. Thousands of pinpoints of lights stood out against the inky night sky. The skies were clear and no clouds visible. We arrived back in the lair and my mates were very attentive as usual. Patros told them what the midwife had said, giving them a good laugh too.
Despite that, our love making that night was frantic and impassioned. Powerless to prevent or predict what may happen the following evening. Cleaving to each other, treasuring what little time we may have. Hoping that we all might make it through and survive the coming battle intact. Our bonds inviolable, but not of us was immortal. I could only pray that each would be whole and alive by the end of the night. Finishing up in a mass of arms and legs ready to settle for the night.
Cocooned in the arms of my mates, totally exhausted finally.
I had a sense of dread and foreboding about tomorrow. An impression of doom that continued to grow as I fell into a restless sleep.
Morning arrived too soon and the bags under my eyes were now the size of small suitcases despite my usual otherworldly appearance. My mates were all noticeably concerned by my appearance.
Chapter 14.
The day seemed to pass in slow motion. Breakfast dragged on as my feeling of dread and black mood persisted. In my practice session I demanded to learn some moves that weren’t purely defensive. Not able to shake off the thought that I would need moves that were more than that.
As the time for our departure drew closer I tried to put on a brave face as my black mood was affecting not only my mates but was so omnipresent as to affect every person that I was connected to through them. My cheeks hurt from the false smiles I ha worn.
Dusk began to fall,everyone began to gear up as a sense of anticipation and trepidation filled the air.
I had to force myself to eat some morsels of food, as we sat down and ate. Making excuses that I was experiencing morning sickness again, but no one seemed convinced. Now feeling jittery, shaking a little due to the nervous feelings I was having. Once back at our lair my mates surrounded me as if by some unseen signal and we were encompassed by a glowing blue aura that arced and formed around us. The connections between us alive and palpable especially with Talos being in close proximity. The entire room was illuminated bathed by this magical glow when I realised the power generated had multiplied exponentially. On a whim I sent to my mates and Talos.
Concentrate. Give me your power. Now.
With that they threw the power back toward me. My hair stood on end, lightening shot across the room. Static crackled loudly as I began to pull the power into myself. I threw my head back with a howl escaping my lips.
Feeling the energy building, building until it manifested as a ball of blue ball of power that I now held in my hands. Resembling a small star, brightly building in energy as if about to go supernova.
I asked them to move away as I began to manipulate and play with the ball. Tossing it gently between my hands Walking to the edge of the lair I then looked out across the canyon. I needed a target but what would be safest. Then, I spotted a small cliff jutting out from the opposite side of the canyon. Far enough away from the other lairs as to be fairly safe. Looked down and checked the floor of the canyon, took aim and threw it like a baseball. My mates and Talos watched in awed anticipation as it hit, exploded and the cliff wall blew out shattered and fell down into the canyon below.
Finally I had a weapon. I wasn’t sure how well I would be able to control it, but it was something. Something I could use to defend my babies, my mates, my people and myself. The magician would have no clue these new powers were mine. Maybe even with practice the others would be able to do this, who knew? Turning I was encompassed once again by my mates as they held me, congratulating me with touches and kisses.
Closing my eyes I drank it all in. This moment in time would be etched in my heart forever. Should anything go wrong later this evening, this may be the last time we will all be together.
Time flew quickly now and soon we were all assembled on the cliff top. The atmosphere electric. A mixture of anticipation and nervous energy.
We were ready.
As we set off on our journey my thoughts became random, disjointed and uncoordinated but I needed to control myself. Needed to calm down and pull myself together. I was no longer the little girl that I was when I first came to Syros. I couldn’t continue to be that scared emotional being. My destiny needed me to be more than that. I needed me to be more than that.
No one was to speak out loud. All were to use our physic abilities, and myself, my mates and Talos would act as conduits for the others. First to lift off was one of the dragons and his rider that had been in the scouting party. A few at a time they lifted off and followed in a loose formation, spread out so as not to become too obvious to the naked eye. The only noise being the beating of the dragons wings as we rapidly approached our destination.
As we made our approach, the last of the light failing, the two moons of Syros were shining brightly in the cool night sky. Reflecting on the surface of Dragonfly Lake. The water shifting and shimmering in the ghostly glow.
The ground below was not lush but had enough vege
tation, bushes and trees for each of the dragons to drop off their passengers easily. The plan was that once settled on the ground the dragons would make the opening move. There was tension in the air but is seemed to be a good tension. They were ready. I was ready.
Bring it on I thought
We took our positions across the large open field that led to the very entrance of the cavern. Looking around I scanned the area easily, enhanced vision had it’s advantages after all. I could see our small army bunkering down at each of the locations marked on the map in my hands. They were in their ready positions waiting for the signal to move forward. Once I could see them all settled, I sent to Talos, Patros and my mates that they were all in place. It was time to move and set our plan in motion.
At this point it was as if time stood still. Suspended, as all waited for the signal to attack.
On command from Patros, the attack began. The werewolves were to hold their ground as the dragons took to the air. Dragon riders armed with deadly crossbows. Bolts ready cocked. Ready to fire.
Unable to resist my eyes were drawn in search of my mates spread across the field. Patros, crouched down close to Leon and Vanda. Aston was easier to see, as he was closest to my position. I was furtherest away from the entrance, Talos close by.
Despite my earlier convictions that we had a fighting chance, an uneasy sense of doom and foreboding struck me hard. Sensing danger. Putting myself and all around me on high alert. My alarm broadcasting loudly. I looked left and right. My unease increasing. Beginning to growl and cower.
He was here! A sinister whisper in my mind told me. Fear gripped me. Heart stuttering. Adrenaline pumping. Fight or flight? Which will it be?
Trap
Traitor Hit me.
The words ringing out in my head.
Fire flared. Molten death. Bolts spat forth. Flash and flare. Flesh twitched as bolts found targets. The assault now in full swing. First of the automatons obliterated. Razed to the ground. Incinerated and sightless now. Splattered on the rocks. Sickening screams reverberated. Bolts sang, landing with a sickening squelch.
I could feel bile rising in my throat. The onslaught continued as the werewolves made their move.
Once again Trap rang out in my mind.
The challenge began. Caught off guard our people began to fall. Archers visible on the cliff tops above the entrance. The whoosh of arrows. Howls of pain as they found their targets. Werewolves impaled. Ambushed.
I heard a keening cry ring out. Mine. Enveloped by a radiant ball of energy, suddenly. A visceral reaction. Power crackled as I sent to everyone.
Retreat
Trap
We have a traitor.
The sound of fighting continued. Slam, crash and clang of steel on steel. Werewolves turned. Eyes flashed bright in the failing light. Some used the change to heal. Others not so fortunate. Death blows had been dealt. Eyes blank with surprise. Disfigured, impaled. Dragons regrouped. Werewolves took cover. Anxiously my eyes swept the field. Nothing could have prepared me as I witnessed first hand how brutal armed conflict was.
Mortally wounded from both sides lay about the field. Caught off guard, the only choice to flee. Close quarter combat continued. Parry and thrust. Odds now five to one against us.
My heightened sense of smell and hearing bringing a feverish intensity of emotion. My people now fought for their very lives. The acrid smell of burning tainted my senses.
I spotted Patros and Leon in mortal combat with the Bream army. Their movements programmed by muscle memory. Vanda was nowhere in sight. Where was he?
Patros was using a cutlass.
Ready to strike now. Power gathered I needed to deflect the opposing forces. Giving our army a chance to make their escape. Hearing a slight crunch behind me, I suddenly felt Vanda’s presence close by. Heartened, but not for long. As Vanda grasped me as I was about to fling my power toward the enemy. The thrum he was using dulling my resolve. Shocked at the implication that this gave me.
No. No .No. This can’t be happening. My mind screamed.
He was using his connection to calm me, lull me, as a short distance in front of us appeared a man. Not just any man. My nemesis.
I looked desperately for Talos, already aware that his presence had left and moved away. Called to Patros no doubt feeling I would be safe in Vanda’s presence.
Vanda’s dissimulation had worked. Betrayed by one of our own. My own mate! The man approached carefully. We had been duped, outflanked and betrayed. Led to believe that this would be a surprise attack. My breath ragged, still coming in loud gasps as if I too had been fighting hand to hand.
I studied the man. Dressed in, for the most part, leather. A pastiche. A strange combination of the Matrix crossed with Mad Max. I took in more detail as he approached, aware I still had a dagger hidden in my boot. My mind block firmly in place so as not to alert Vanda to my plan. The magician had a pockmarked, blemished complexion. With unkempt straggly hair that was black as a raven’s wing.
Anger and adrenaline continued to fuel my anger as I shouted out loud to Vanda.
“You traitor. You betrayed me. You betrayed us. Let. Me. Go.” I roared.
The magician has moved closer, allowing me to see even more detail. He was using his powers. I could feel it . He was adding it to Vanda’s inexplicably. Slowing my heart rate and trying to calm me further. As he reached me he pushed back his goggles revealing pale glacial blue piercing eyes. His face criss crossed with numerous scars. One marring the left hand side near his lip. Another larger one ran down his right cheek. Others still appeared crudely stitched reminding me of Frankenstein as they littered his face.
Despite all these imperfections he had a certain unearthly appearance. Fearsome yet striking. He tried to get eye contact, and I resisted as best I could. A sardonic smile evident as he seemed to inspect me at length.
As he drew closer I swiftly reached down to my dagger. This might be my only chance so I had to take it. Seizing the dagger I quickly plunged it deep into Vanda’s thigh, hoping his hold would loosen.
The growl Vanda let out reverberated through me as he snatched me closer.
“You’re going nowhere Alex. Submit or bear the consequences.”
I blinked back hot tears. Heartbroken that Vanda could treat me like this after the bond we had forged. I then faced the magician and demanded.
“What is your name? Are you going to kill me?”
His smile just grew wider, showing the most amazing even white teeth, at odds with his damaged countenance.
“I’m going to do something worse than that.”
I waited nervously to hear my fate.
“We are going to be married. You will be my bride.”
I shuddered trying to catch my breath. Grasping my shoulders he looked behind at Vanda saying angrily.
“Remove the dagger and heal yourself. We haven’t got time for this. We need to move quickly before they realise I have her. They will fight like demons and to the death to get her back.”
He looked back to me saying.
“You asked my name Alex. It is Zograx my sweet. When the time comes you will beg me to marry you and plead to be mated to me.”
Epilogue
Back on Earth Peter Hinchcliffe was struggling to hold himself together.
It had been four long months since his only daughter’s car had been found, deserted in a car park adjacent to a picnic area in the Snowdonia National Park, North Wales. Locked up. The keys still in her handbag. This had been found next to one of the many pathways leading from the picnic area there. A half eaten packed lunch strewn across a picnic table nearby. No sign of Alex anywhere.
When she hadn’t returned any of his many phone calls, texts and messages he had sent. Nor arrived at the little B & B she was due to stop at in Bangor, Peter had panicked. Especially as his calls and texts still remained unanswered. This was so unlike his considerate and kind daughter. Very out of character, especially considering how very close they were.
Finally after contacting the local Police, using her phone’s GPS they had at least tracked down the location of her phone, and hopefully Alex in turn. That was when the unsettling discovery of Alex’s car and valuables was made.
Local Forest Rangers, Police and even Alex’s former colleagues and her ex boyfriend Paul had been involved in the many hours of searches covering miles of roads and forest land.
Alex’s face had even appeared on the local and national news with requests for information. A reward offered, but to no avail. No trace could be found, no leads for them to follow.
No one had seen hide nor hair of Alex. No body or evidence of foul play, no one admitted to hospital answering her description.
Peter and his father Petrov were distraught, anxious for any snippet that may lead to her whereabouts being discovered. Theirs was a small family unit, consisting of Peter and Petrov. Alex’s mother had died of cancer some years ago, bringing Alex and Peter closer than ever. His father Petrov his only other living relative, or so he thought. Petrov didn’t live in England, but in the wilds of Scotland in a small cabin. Therefore it had taken some time for Peter to contact him with the news of Alex’s strange disappearance.
Petrov Hinchcliffe journeyed South as soon as he knew, arriving at Peter’s late at night,but not alone. He was accompanied by a mysterious stranger. The man was clearly some sort of relative because his close resemblance to Petrov which unmistakable once they were side by side. .Petrov introduced his companion as Storios and revealed that Storios was none other than Petrov’s brother, uncle to Peter and in turn great uncle to Alex herself.
Storios and Petrov began to explain to Peter about his heritage and Alex's. That they were not from this world but from a faraway planet called Syros. They had a plan to get Alex back that would involve travelling across time and space via a portal deep in the heart of the Snowdonia Forest and about a prophecy that was two hundred years old.
The Prophecy Unfolds: Dragon Queen Page 15
