by Nira Steele
“Clever boy! You are getting very good at this,” Andie said as she moved up beside him.
Tessa watched on from nearby with her arms firmly crossed over her chest. Pouting like a petulant infant she frowned up into Darius’s face. He glared back as he rumbled deeply, dragging several of his claws over the ground.
Andie paid them no attention as she concentrated on buckling the saddle strap. It was at times like this she truly wondered about the Draconarid. For such a supposedly superior race they really had trouble tolerating each other.
Quietly shaking her head Andie then climbed up into the saddle. Once her feet were locked into place she asked Darius to leave. They moved out onto the platform, turning to face into the midday breeze. Andie looked up into the air… then she saw them. Distinct white outlines weaving their way across the deep blue sky.
Tessa sauntered out behind them and immediately noticed the figures in the air.
“The flight ban’s been lifted. Strange I didn’t hear about it,” she remarked.
“Will it be safe?” Andie asked with a little frown.
“I think so, they’re up around the peaks.”
Gazing up again Andie squinted in an effort to see them more clearly. Finally, yes finally she was actually catching a glimpse of some white dragons. If only she could get a closer look - but no, it wasn’t a good idea. They were too high up for her to fly and the air around her was vibrating with a deep rumble.
“Just ignore them boy,” Andie stated firmly.
Darius continued grumbling as his golden eyes followed the white dragons.
Taking a deep breath Andie turned away from the sky. It was quite possible Darius was detecting her excitement about seeing the Lunarians. Then she realised there was something important she needed to do today.
“Oh I just remembered - I really need to visit my aunt’s house,” she told Tessa. In three more days her aunt would be returning from her travels. If she came home to a yard of starving animals Andie would never hear the end of it.
“Is that wise?” Tessa asked as she moved up next to them.
“I have to feed all the beasties and leave a message for my aunt,” Andie explained. “She will be expecting me to be there.”
Letting out a whistle Tessa then declared, “She’s going to have a fit when she finds out where you are.”
“Yeah, but at least she will actually believe me,” Andie said with a wry smile. She had already decided she was going to stay in Lunaris. Sure her parents would be furious but what use was college now? Andie had something far more important to do here with the Draconarid.
“It’s probably good to tell your aunt but I have to warn you, she’ll probably pay you a visit,” Tessa advised her.
That wiped the smile from Andie’s face.
“Thanks. There’s something to look forward to,” she bleated loudly. Fixing her goggles into place Andie grimaced at her little friend.
“It certainly is!” Tessa yelled with a cheeky grin.
Shaking her head, Andie popped some gum into her mouth.
“Can you please take me to my aunt’s place?” she asked Darius.
He turned his enormous scaled head and tilted it slightly to the side. Releasing a short grunt, he gave Andie the subtlest of winks.
“Thank you,” she responded with a smile.
Darius then swung his head back to face towards the sky. Lumbering forward he approached the crystal-edged precipice of the platform. Crouching briefly, he tensed his huge body before leaping into the air.
Chapter 13 - Closer
“Woohoo!” Andie wailed as they plummeted through the icy air.
She had finally begun to enjoy their free-fall dives off the platform. Throwing her arms out wide she surrendered herself to the experience.
Over time she had learned to trust in the reliability of the stirrups. When her feet were locked into place Andie knew she could not fall from the saddle. Beneath her heels the sheer cliffs rushed past as they plummeted earthwards like a bullet. Far in front the dark forest loomed between an enormous set of gleaming black horns.
Andie would never get tired of this. To even have this experience was truly extraordinary to her. It really felt like she had been given the greatest of privileges.
Just as the trees grew into relief Darius levelled off into a fast glide. Andie relaxed back into the saddle, knowing the trip to her aunt’s would be short. Taking a deep breath she gazed around at the spectacular view stretching out around her. From where she was sitting she could see for many leagues in all directions.
It really was like another world up here. The sharp mountain peaks, the dark recesses of the narrow valleys… it was hard to believe she was still on a large tropical island. The Nevari highlands were rugged and harsh, yet utterly beautiful in their sheer majesty. Sometimes they looked savage and other times they appeared serenely peaceful.
Rather like a dragon.
After a few minutes the terrain softened into densely wooded hills. The forest rolled out into the distance in a never-ending carpet of green. Before long Andie spotted the grey rooftop of her aunt’s cottage. Banking around in a long slow curve they made a quick survey before descending. Darius landed with his usual flair, dropping down swiftly into the centre of the back paddock.
“Nicely done!” Andie gushed as she leaned forward to pat a large scale. “I’ll need an hour to get everything done today.”
A couple of deep huffs indicated Darius understood her.
“I know it’s boring out here but try not to stick your head over the fence again.”
He released a short grumble, punctuated at the end by a hard grunt.
“Well don’t blame me if you get zapped then,” Andie chided him. Climbing down out of the saddle she quickly wiggled her goggles onto her forehead. “Hey, why don’t you go and get something to eat? There’s no point in sitting around here.”
An enormous armoured head snaked around to look at her. Turning sideways, Andie waggled a finger at Darius’s closest eye.
“Just don’t make it local okay? I don’t want to hear about somebody’s dog going missing.”
Leathery lips slid open to reveal a row of teeth the size of fence palings. Then a gigantic pink tongue began snaking its way out.
Andie lunged sideways to avoid the wet monstrosity.
“Not me! You rude thing!” she blared at him. Slapping his muzzle, she then strode off towards the back fence. As Andie approached the old wooden gate she heard the familiar strains of screeching. Taking a deep breath she carefully released the catch and slipped into the yard.
Once again she was greeted with a riot of feathers and fur. Reaching the back door unscathed, she retrieved her keys from inside her fitted leather jacket. Once she was inside Andie quickly checked the lower level of the house. Satisfied everything was still there, she ventured out front and collected some mail from the letterbox. Dropping it off on the kitchen table she then headed upstairs to check her phone.
As she was scrolling through her messages Andie nearly dropped her phone in a moment of panic. Her father had recently sent a text threatening to come and visit her at the house. Andie wasn’t responding to any of her mother’s messages, so he felt compelled to check up on her.
She quickly responded to his warning, quietly terrified she was about to be caught out. If her father turned up at the cottage he would quickly realise something was going on. He regularly visited the large observatory located on a large hill outside Bakersfield. It was only half an hour’s drive from her aunt’s house, so he could easily call in and see what was going on.
After sending her lengthy excuse, Andie sat down heavily upon her bed. She had told her father she was trying to de-stress by avoiding her phone for the last few days. He responded to her message within a minute, seemingly satisfied with her answer.
Taking a deep breath she sat back and sighed, somewhat relieved her aunt would be returning soon. Then she had a thought – should she be contacting her right now? Her aunt would be
genuinely shocked when she learned where Andie was. Deciding to think about it she headed outside to feed the animals.
By the time she was done Andie had worked out what to do. A hand-written note was the best way to safely inform her aunt. Andie knew from her college studies how unsecure digital communications were. Sending a message posed a risk of accidentally exposing the Draconarid. It was probably dangerous to even mention their name in case somebody was monitoring its use.
Andie could not be the only human who knew about these people. Actually she wasn’t - there was her aunt and the other Merchants of course. But how many of them were there? What methods of communication were they using to talk to each other?
Heading back into the house she found a pen and notepad in a drawer. Parking herself at the kitchen table, she tried to work out how to begin her message. What was the best way to word this? Trying to be glib or amusing probably would not work.
Pressing the pen to her lips, Andie did not notice the room darkening around her. At first it was subtle but then her eyes detected the change. Glancing around, she saw the long shadows stretching out across the floor.
This was not right. It was the middle of the day for goodness sakes.
Sucking in a sharp breath Andie immediately jumped to her feet. Her eyes shot to the windows but there was nothing going on outside. Everything looked pretty normal with the sun shining brightly as usual….
Then a deafening crack split the air.
Dropping to the floor, Andie released a yelp as she curled up into a ball. Wrapping her arms around her head she began wincing as her ears rang like sirens. Andie lay there panting as she waited for something else to happen.
However nothing did. Glancing around, she noticed the shadows had disappeared. After a few seconds she cautiously started uncurling herself. Releasing her head she began rising as she scoured the living room.
Spotting the pen she snatched it up and gripped it tightly in one fist. Then, ever so slowly Andie started edging towards the back windows. Her eyes caught the brilliant lights flashing all along the back fence. Her aunt’s crystals were doing their job and protecting the property from intruders.
Letting out a huge sigh she started to relax a little. Then she heard a creaking coming from the front veranda. Her ears were still ringing so she did not catch it immediately, however as it grew louder it began to register.
It was the measured sound of footsteps bending the floor boards.
Andie spun around on one heel and turned to stare down the short hallway. Going numb she realised the front door was unlocked. She had not secured it when she went to check the mailbox earlier on.
There was nothing she could do now though - the intruder was already at the threshold. A familiar squeaking filled the air as someone turned the old metal handle. Andie stared breathlessly at the wooden panel as it began to open.
“So this is what it looks like inside.”
Her mouth fell open. Andie recognised his face as soon as she saw it. Unfortunately she also remembered his naked body….
Screeching like a banshee she dived behind the nearest couch.
“Oh shit! Are you okay?” Darius exclaimed.
He strode up the short corridor and pulled up just inside the cabinet-lined living area. The moment he stopped a pen flew through the air towards him. It missed his head, but then a pom-pom edged cushion found its mark.
It managed to land right in his face. Releasing a yelp, Darius caught the pillow with one hand.
“Sorry! I didn’t mean to frighten you,” he chuckled. Looking around he could not see Andie anywhere. Then he noticed a pair of hands sticking up from behind a couch.
“Can you please lower the cushion?” Andie choked out.
“What?” he muttered as his brow furrowed. Then he realised her hands were waving in the direction of his groin.
“Oh yes. I keep forgetting about clothing.” Grinning, he moved the pillow down over his nether regions.
A sigh emanated from the lounge. Popping her head up Andie glanced warily at him.
“Why are you like this? You’re supposed to be royalty,” she spluttered.
His smug look instantly evaporated.
“As opposed to whom? Those prancing fairies in Lunaris?” he sneered.
“They’re not fairies! They are gracious and regal,” Andie declared as she began to rise.
“Only when you see them, my little human.”
Andie groaned quietly before stating, “Okay, can we focus on what just happened? Something tried to attack the house.”
“That was just me entering through the front gate,” Darius advised her blithely. “The protections on this place are quite impressive.” Sauntering over to a sofa, he sat down casually and swept his long hair back.
Wincing fiercely Andie flicked her eyes away.
Mercifully Darius finally decided to show some decorum. He noticed there was a throw blanket folded over one of the arms of his lounge chair. Flourishing it briefly like a sideshow magician, he carefully draped it right over his body.
“Better?” he said with a curl of his lips.
“Much,” she responded flatly. Well it was an improvement, although her aunt’s rainbow crocheting wasn’t exactly flattering. Or completely concealing for that matter.
“You can relax now. Your aunt’s security system was just a bit tricky,” he said with a little smirk.
Andie took a deep breath and dropped her shoulders.
“How did you manage to get inside? The perimeter crystals are going off like Christmas lights.”
“The shields didn’t like me at first,” he said with a nonchalant shrug. “Then I tried again and they just let me through.”
Andie narrowed her eyes at him. She considered questioning him further but there really wasn’t much point to it now.
Darius hooked his arms over the back of his chair before stating, “Come and take a seat. There are things we need to discuss.”
Andie sat down carefully in the adjacent lounge.
“Look, I know you wish to stay in Lunaris but there is something I must tell you,” he said in a level tone. “You are not going to like it though.”
“Alright then, let’s hear it,” Andie said quietly. Squaring her shoulders she braced for the delivery.
“I will definitely be leaving soon.”
“What?” she gasped.
“The Lunarians cannot be trusted,” he announced tersely.
“I don’t get it. What have they done to make you feel like this?” Furrowing her brows Andie shook her head a little.
“It’s simply a matter of reality. Do you honestly believe they will allow me to reclaim my family’s throne? All this kindness is just a ploy to keep me here.”
“What nonsense,” Andie declared as she drew her brows in further. “Why would they bother to be nice then? They would simply lock you up or kill you.”
“You sound very certain,” Darius stated brusquely.
“It’s not what they want,” Andie professed. Lifting her chin up she began to glare at him. “Overlord Tiberius said he wants you to rule your people.”
Darius’s intense eyes flew wide as he gasped, “You met him? How did you manage it?”
“I was summoned,” she responded blithely with a flick of her head.
Leaning forward in his chair, Darius began narrowing his eyes at her.
“And what exactly makes you so special?” he muttered with a little sneer.
“The fact I’m helping them out.”
They stared at each other, locked in a state of discord. Andie could feel her chest tightening as she realised how obstinate Darius could be. Why did he distrust the Lunarians so much? And why did he think they would want his throne?
“So, does this mean you won’t be leaving with me?” Darius grumbled as he sat back in his seat.
“What?” Andie muttered.
“Well, didn’t we agree to it?”
Andie turned away from him, unable to remember eve
r consenting to such a thing. Rubbing her chin she thought carefully about their last encounter.
“I never said I was going to leave with you,” she eventually stated.
“Not in so many words but there is nothing stopping you, is there?”
Blinking, Andie frowned as she glanced sideways at him. She had never considered running away with Darius.
“What use could I be to you elsewhere?” she responded levelly. “I’m only a human like you said.”
Darius leaned forward and allowed the blanket to slip casually from his shoulders. Focussing intently, he then began speaking in gentle tones.
“You’re not just any human - you’re obviously a Merchant like your aunt. Do you know what this actually means? You come from a line of witches and shamans who have served my people for millennia.”
Smoothly he slid onto his knees while he carefully held the blanket around his waist. Reaching forward, he attempted to take one of Andie’s hands. He wasn’t quick enough though and she deftly snatched it away from him.
“My family’s history doesn’t change anything,” Andie murmured with a little twitch. “I can’t just leave with you and disappear to another country. That is what you are suggesting, isn’t it?” Swallowing quickly she then uttered the one truth which changed everything. “You seem to be forgetting one very big thing here - how quickly I’m going to age.”
She watched as the intensity vanished from his face. It was a brutal point to make but she obviously wasn’t getting through to him.
Andie already knew why this exchange was not going well. All the time they had spent together, flying and exploring the countryside… it was not the same as having a conversation. Pulling herself up straight she looked him squarely in the eyes.
“We really haven’t a chance to discuss any of these things. If you would just stay in your human form then we could change that.”
Blinking, he sat back onto his haunches.
“What difference does it make what skin I’m in?”
“It makes a world of difference. As a dragon you can’t talk to me. How am I supposed to know what you’re thinking? I’m not a mind reader you know.”
“Words are useless. We all know instinctively what others mean,” he muttered.
