Dragon Dreams: Book 2: Prophecy of the Dragons

by E. J. Krause

  They spent the rest of dinner sharing the various strange dreams they'd been having. According to Max, nothing like this had ever happened before, especially over such a wide range as the entire multiverse. No one wanted to know what would happen if the Demon of Dreams was gone for good.

  After they'd devoured the scrumptious meal — with three dragons and a teen-aged boy, it didn't take long — and Nix had set out chocolate cupcakes, various holiday cookies, and coffee, talk again turned to the Stronghold. Max handed Lee a small note.

  "That's the incantation you need to speak to gain entrance. Simply walk to the end of the pier and say it. As long as you four have linked hands, only one need utter the words."

  "The entrance to the Stronghold is at the end of the Newport Beach Pier?" Lee asked.

  "In this region, yes. That's why we're out there fishing most days. They need someone to monitor the area." Max grinned at Lee. "You didn't think I was simply goofing off, did you?"

  Lee's face flushed beet-red, and Ben, Andi, and Cassie tried to stifle their laughs. Before they'd visited the pier for the first time last year, Ben and Andi had eavesdropped on her parents and learned that was exactly what Lee thought. The smirks Max and Nix shared proved they knew this to be true, too. Lee scowled at everyone and shoved another cookie in his mouth, bringing out more laughter.

  Once they'd gotten their fill of dessert, everyone stood. Nix pushed them away from the kitchen when they'd offered to help clean up, and they were soon on their way. Max informed them they were expected in the morning, so they'd go home, get a good night's sleep, have breakfast with Ben's parents, and then be on their way back.

  Chapter 12

  Andi's jumbled nerves gave her a slight stomach ache as they stood at the base of the Newport Beach Pier. On one hand, they were going to the Stronghold, the home of the Dragon Council, the Mecca of all dragon-kind. Supposedly, there was nowhere more beautiful in all the multiverse. On the other hand, they were headed there because they'd been summoned by the Dragon Council themselves. Yes, she'd met some of them before, but never in an official capacity. It didn't help that Ben's nerves were sky high and feeding hers.

  "Chill out," she whispered. "Everything's going to be fine."

  "You're nervous, too," he said.

  "Yeah, but you're sending me into overdrive."

  They'd eaten breakfast with Ben's parents at Omelet's Waffles and Pancakes Eatatorium, and then headed down the 55 freeway to Newport Beach. Dad had parked the car in Max and Nix's driveway and left Nix the keys in case they needed to move it. Max was already at the pier to get a good fishing spot. They'd be in the Stronghold for at least two nights, depending on the agendas of the Council meetings. For the most part, they'd be allowed to enjoy the hospitality of the Stronghold. The legendary hospitality, according to Dad.

  "What about all these fishermen? What are they going to think when they see us disappear?" Ben asked, as they wandered towards the end of the pier.

  "No need to worry," Dad said. "The magic will shield us from their eyes. They'll not see us go, and not miss us when we're gone. Max alone on the pier will know anything has happened."

  Speaking of Max, he caught sight of them and waved them over.

  "I've let them know to expect you at any moment. So on your way. We can talk more when you get back." He pointed them to the end of the pier. When the four got there, they joined hands. Andi held Ben's in one and Dad's in the other. Dad spoke the incantation, there was a slight flash and jolt, and they were there.

  "Wow," they all said at the same time. That might have been funny if any of them had thought about it, but they were all too mesmerized by their surroundings. They stood in a huge courtyard. Lush green grass covered the ground; immense trees of every kind grew in groves all throughout the area; stone pathways moved through the forests, along with row upon row of flowers of every variety, breathtaking marble fountains, and comfortable-looking stone benches, placed strategically throughout for best viewing options. The courtyard was enclosed by marble walls and a ceiling, but strong magic gave it the feel of being outdoors. A soft summer breeze blew past, full of the wonderful fresh aromas of the trees, flowers, and grass.

  "I expected it to be special," Mom said, "but this is extraordinary."

  "Look how the clouds move as if there truly was a breeze," Dad said. Andi had never heard such reverence in his voice.

  "If it wasn't so quiet," Ben said, "and if I couldn't feel all the magic in the air, I'd guess they had industrial-sized fans blowing."

  They stood looking around. She hugged Ben's arm and laid her head on his shoulder. It would be nice to spend hours here, checking out every nook and cranny of the place, with occasional cuddle-breaks on the benches. The way Mom snuggled into Dad, she had the same thought.

  "Gorgeous, isn't it?" a voice from behind them said. They turned and found Gretchen, one of her parents' good friends from the Council. Ben's jaw dropped, which Andi took instant notice of; he'd never reacted like this to any other woman he saw. Sure, Andi had to admit Gretchen was pretty — okay, drop-dead gorgeous — with her long, flowing red hair, her flawless complexion, and her curvaceous form, but he never looked twice at actresses or models who were just as good looking. She nudged him with her elbow to get him to stop staring, and he had the audacity to look back with confusion seeping off of him. She rolled her eyes. Boys.

  "Gretchen, so good to see you," Mom said, and rushed to embrace her. Dad smiled and did the same. Ben stepped forward like a lovesick little puppy to take his turn, but that was enough. Andi grabbed his shoulder and yanked him back.

  "Knock it off," she hissed, and Ben again gave her a look like he had no idea why she was upset. She expected Mom or Dad to admonish her, but both wore amused looks. Why was this funny to them?

  She turned, and Gretchen was right there. She engulfed Andi in a hug.

  "It was only a hundred or so years ago that I saw you, but you've certainly grown into a proper lady in that time." She then leaned down a bit and whispered, "Don't worry, dear. Males of all species tend to look, but you'll notice his eyes sparkle only for you."

  Before Andi could reply — she tried to think of something nice to say, but nothing came at the moment — a handsome man stepped out towards them. That was Reggie, Gretchen's mate, and though he was a bit older than Dad, she had to admit he was quite attractive. She thought at first she should openly stare and drool to get even with Ben, but then decided she should play it cool to show him how much of an idiot he was being.

  Mom hugged Reggie, and Dad and Ben shook his hand. When it was her turn, Andi held her breath while she got her hug. Ben had to feel her small infatuation, and she turned to give an apologetic shrug, but he was too busy drooling over Gretchen to notice. She gritted her teeth and didn't make a scene, even though she wanted to grab him by the ear and drag him away.

  Once the pleasantries, or unpleasantries as far as Andi was concerned, were taken care of, Gretchen led them towards the main building.

  "I'm sure you can guess why you've been summoned. Officially, you four are here because of your upcoming rescue mission in the Realm of Dreams. That will be taken care of later in the main council chamber. Unofficially, you're here because of the prophecy. The Council is divided, though not violently, on the subject, and we thought we'd take this opportunity to get to know you better." She nodded towards Andi and Ben.

  "What is the official position?" Dad asked.

  "It's wait and see," she said. "Eight members have opted for that position — nine if you count Jonas. Angus and I are in that group, though, of course, we know you two are destined for good." Ben gave Gretchen a dreamy smile, while Andi rolled her eyes.

  "And the other four?" Mom asked.

  "They believe Ben and Andi should be imprisoned."

  That brought out cries of protest from all four of them. They each stated how that was unnecessary, though it likely sounded like a jumbled mess to Gretchen and Reggie since they each stepped over the others' word
s. Andi took a vindictive little joy in the rage building inside of Ben. At least this way he wasn't fawning over the red-haired hussy.

  Gretchen raised her hand to silence them. "Don't be too harsh with your judgement until you've heard their side. They honestly believe they have your best interests at heart. And, remember, it's not going to happen anyway."

  Andi expected Ben's rage to continue to bubble, but at Gretchen's words, it died, and he went back to staring at her like she was a goddess. That was too much. She clicked her tongue a little too loudly, and Ben looked at her and flinched. Her jealousy had to have shot out at an amplified level, and that was fine with her.

  "Chill out, Andi," Mom said. "Ben can't help it. Gretchen has an inborn power which attracts males to her. It's going to take a little while, but his Dragon Guard powers will overcome it, and he'll be back to his normal self soon enough."

  "I apologize," Gretchen said. "I thought you knew, or I would have warned you."

  "Be glad it wears off," Dad said. "It only does on mortals when she leaves their realm."

  "Which would make me the most jealous man in the mortal realm if I didn't know Gretchen was mine alone," Reggie said.

  They all laughed at that, Andi a little harder than it warranted. She was glad the red dragon hadn't done something permanent to ruin Ben.

  "While it has its benefits," Gretchen said, "it's usually more trouble than it's worth. Most Dragon Guards take a day or two to shake free of my grasp. If you two are as strong as everyone claims, though, I imagine Ben will be fine by dinner."

  "I'd say we should split up, but it'll be better to keep him with her," Reggie said. "That way it'll be a permanent fix sooner."

  Ben shook his head and confusion flew off like droplets of water. "I thought I felt something magical going on, but I couldn't place what." He closed his eyes, and a bright pink glow encircled him. It lasted about five seconds before dissipating. When he opened his eyes, he stared right at Andi, his gaze one of pure love. "She may be pretty, but you are the most gorgeous woman, dragon, in all the multiverse."

  She gasped, and her knees went weak, but she managed to clutch her arms around him and firmly plant her lips onto his. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she realized her parents would admonish her for this, but she didn't care. When no one said anything after a few seconds, she pulled away from Ben and saw all four adults staring at them, each of their mouths hanging wide open.

  "What?" she asked.

  Gretchen was the first to find her voice. "No one has ever been able to break my enchantment like that. I've held the most powerful beings in the multiverse captive for at least a few hours."

  "I believed the stories of your exploits to be overblown," Reggie said to Ben, "but, if anything, they may be understated."

  Ben shrugged and blushed, which caused Andi to giggle and hug him tight.

  "I'm not sure whether to say you get used to him doing the impossible, or if you never do," Dad said.

  "Either way, it's always entertaining," Mom said.

  "I can see that," Gretchen said.

  "I guess we should get ready to be treated like freaks this whole time," Ben whispered in her ear.

  "At least we're used to that," she whispered back. He smiled and they kissed again.

  "That's enough of that," Dad said, causing them to jump apart, even though they should be allowed to do whatever they wanted here. After all, this was the heart of all that was dragon, and they were considered to be mates. Here of all places, magical dragon law should trump any human laws and sensibilities.

  Mom whispered something to Gretchen, and both laughed behind their hands. Dad glared at them both, while Reggie looked on with amusement etched on his face. It had probably been something about Dad's reaction to their touching, and maybe about the chastity spell.

  "Let's get moving, shall we?" Gretchen said when everyone had composed themselves. She led them out of the courtyard and into a huge entry hall constructed out of marble, silver, gold and more sparkly gems than Andi could comprehend.

  "My god," Dad whispered, and she couldn't have put it any better.

  "I'm still dumbfounded every time I walk in here," Gretchen said, reverence in her voice.

  Ben, Mom, and Reggie all looked at each other, and she could tell it took every ounce of their willpower not to mutter, "Dragons." That they didn't showed how awesome this enormous room was. It went up three stories, with grand staircases adorned with intricate, gem-encrusted sculptures of dragons and guards rising to each level. There were even magical elevators in case one didn't want to walk. Simply stand on the marble disc, and it would raise or lower to the appropriate level. That was not merely a frivolous addition, since the floors were much further apart than in the mortal realm. Here everything was built with the size of dragons in mind, even if they usually walked about as humans. If one were to choose to wander in their true form, the walls and ceilings wouldn't prove a hindrance.

  "Where do the hallways go?" Mom asked.

  "Rooms," Gretchen answered. "Or suites would be a better description. Each is built to an extraordinary scale, so we dragons can stretch our wings in private. An important consideration." She turned to Andi and winked, bringing out a nod and grin from her. Dad also grunted his agreement.

  "And speaking of stretching our wings, you two will love this." Gretchen led them through a large set of double doors, opposite the courtyard portal. Behind was a wide hallway, decorated like the grand hall, in marble, precious metals, and gems. As they followed, doors opened every so often, and Andi saw quite a few empty rooms of various sizes that were lavishly decorated with exquisite artwork and other adornments.

  "Multipurpose rooms" Gretchen said when asked. "They're most often used as private meeting rooms."

  Near the end of the hall, Gretchen stopped at a set of unimposing doors. By the look of her smile, Andi knew something special lay behind the plain wooden portals. Reggie's grin cemented her assumption.

  "Lee, Andi, you two are in for a treat," she said as she pulled the doors open. Andi's eyes went wide, and every one of her muscles twitched in anticipation.

  A large cavern greeted them, easily as big as the various valleys she and Dad flew through in the San Bernardino Mountains. It was thousands of yards across in every direction, including up. The entire center section was wide open, perfect for stretching one's wings and breaking the sound barrier, as Dad called flying fast. Along the rocky edges, obstacles and other apparatus looked perfect for fun and training. Various openings in the rocks invited her to head over to see how deep they went. Maybe they lead to an even bigger flying course. Hey, this was a magical realm, after all, so space didn't mean much here.

  She must've taken an enthusiastic step forward because Gretchen put a hand on her shoulder.

  "Later, I promise. You can fly and explore to your heart's content, but first we have some business to take care of."

  They went back out the way they came, much to Andi's dismay, and continued to another set of doors.

  "We're getting close to where the Dragon Council conducts business," Gretchen said. Though the door didn't look like much, behind it was as grand as the entry hall they'd come into from the courtyard. Maybe more so. In addition to everything that had been there, including the magnificent sculptures, there were dozens of beautifully detailed paintings of every kind showing dragons and guards accomplishing everything under the sun.

  "The Great Pictorial History of Dragonkind," Dad said in a reverent whisper. "I've seen reconstructions, but to be in the very room…" His voice choked up, and he couldn't finish the thought. Mom wrapped an arm around him, her own mouth hanging open as she scanned the room.

  Andi had no idea what the Great Pictorial History of Dragonkind was, if that was the actual title, so she looked inside her encyclopedic brain and found that was its name indeed. An influential artist, a dragon commonly referred to as Daniel of the Canvas, had painted these accounts of great deeds in dragon history. Each was a first-hand account,
and Daniel took great pains to recreate them as close as possible. They were considered some of the greatest treasures of all of dragonkind, rivaled only by the great library hidden in the bowels of the Stronghold. Andi had a feeling there would be no way they'd be able to see that, at least not on this trip.

  Ben gave her a questioning look, but she only smiled. She'd tell him about the works later.

  Before she had a chance to study any of the paintings — supposedly there were secret codes hidden in each — Gretchen moved them along. "We're going to see Jonas first. He feels it's his honor and duty to give you an official welcome to the Stronghold. I'm sure he won't say anything I already haven't, but, hey, it's his prerogative as the head of the Council."

  They moved out of the area, but before they got too far, a dragon and his guard, both in extravagant dress, walked up to them. The dragon stood at an imposing height, almost as tall as Dad. He had short, jet-black hair and a neatly-trimmed mustache-goatee combination. Andi guessed him to be older than her parents, probably in his early to mid-40s as a human. He wore a long, flowing black robe, matching his color when he transformed into his true form, adorned with dark blue, green, and red gems. The woman behind him, his mate and guard, was also quite tall, but nowhere near as tall as him. She stood eye-to-eye with Ben, close to six feet. She also had black hair, which she wore long, halfway down her back. She wore a matching robe, though hers had a soft, silky-gray lining. Both their eyes, his black, hers dark blue, devoured her and Ben.

  "Timothy, Sasha," Gretchen said. "We were on our way to present our Champions of Dreams."

  "And our two stars of the prophecy," Timothy said. His voice came out low, smooth, like honey. There was something fake about it, something almost menacing deep down. Mistrust bled off of Ben. Did his powers sense something, or had he picked up on the same thing she had?

  Timothy shook hands with all four of them, a big smile on his face. She couldn't tell if it was obviously fake, or if she felt it was because of her first impression. His guard, Sasha, hung back, a sour expression on her face.