Dragons are Forever

by H. M. Gooden

  "I was looking for my Yin, as well. I knew that I'd never find someone here. It's too small and I literally already knew everyone. And I had some, er, specific requirements that made finding a partner even more challenging."

  Mai looked at the ground, picking her steps out carefully as they crossed a rocky path over to a harbor lookout point while she formulated her response.

  "So now that we've found each other and will be married soon, then what? Our lives are in San Francisco, but everyone you love is here. Life's very short and as we've both already discovered, it can also be full of weirdness that makes sticking close to those you love more important. Have you ever thought of moving back?"

  Mai stopped walking and looked at him, waiting for his response.

  Jake sighed and stopped as well. They'd reached a railing along the boardwalk and he leaned on it, looking out at the vast waters.

  "The ocean is in my veins, for sure, and so is this town. But San Francisco has become my home as well. The sea is still there and so are all of our friends. I'd be happy to stay there, but I think some part of me has always thought I'd come back here someday, when I was ready to settle down."

  Jake looked at her with trepidation.

  "It's really not something I've thought about doing right away though, and if you don't want to move, I'm happy to go back to San Francisco."

  Now it was Mai's turn to look out over the water and away from Jake's worried face. She knew that her response would carry the weight of the future with it. She spoke slowly, considering what he was really asking, even though he tried to downplay it.

  "Meeting your family, seeing where you grew up, I can't understand how you had the courage to leave it all behind. Of course you want to come back here. This is, and always will be, your home. We'll figure something out. Maybe this will someday be my home as well, but I do know that as long as I'm with you, I'll always be home."

  Jake gathered her into his arms and held her, tucking her head under his chin.

  "We have plenty of time to decide. I'm just enjoying being here with you now. I never imagined how wonderful life could be before you came into it."

  They stood silently for a few minutes, while the surf crashed below them and the plaintive complaints of gulls filled the air of the otherwise peaceful shore.

  CHAPTER 8 WEDDING PLANNER

  Mai enjoyed their walk around the town. Since it only had about a thousand people in it, give or take, it hadn't taken long for Jake to show her all the high points. In fact, a few times, they'd even doubled back over already covered ground, just to pass the time.

  "I think I've shown you absolutely everything in town. We could take a car to see some of the outskirts, but we've probably been away long enough." Jake sighed, looking at Mai.

  She knew that he was as reluctant to return to his parents house as she was, but she also knew he was right.

  "We should get back soon. I'm sure that your mother will have some news about the wedding plans by now. She seems very efficient."

  Mai glanced at Jake, catching his amused expression, before he hooted with laughter.

  "You have no idea! She could have been a great military general. When I was a kid, she volunteered for every committee and ending up planning most of my school outings. I think she thrives on challenge."

  Mai smiled, picturing Astrid directing troops of school children, and knew that Jake was right. She seemed like a force to be reckoned with on Mai's brief meeting with her and Mai wanted to make sure that she remained on her good side. They walked much more slowly on the return trip, enjoying their last few moments of alone time. Mai knew without a doubt that Aud would be excited to see her and would likely have a million questions to ask the minute Mai set foot over the entryway, so she treasured the quiet while it lasted.

  When they got back to the house though, things were silent. Christian was in the living room playing video games wearing headphones. He grunted a response when Jake put his hand on his shoulder, but continued with his game. They didn't see anyone else, so they took a seat and watched him while he continued to play.

  "How's it going?" Jake asked his brother, just as his character died in the game.

  Christian shrugged. "It's okay. School. You know."

  Jake nodded. "Playing any sports this year?"

  Christian raised a shoulder slightly and Mai noticed a countdown on for his game.

  "Some hockey."

  The action started again and both Christian and Jake fell silent. Mai was starting to get bored. She'd just pulled out her phone when Astrid reappeared.

  "Oh, good. You're back." Astrid looked down at a stack of papers that she was carrying then smiled back at Mai. "I was able to secure a venue and a caterer for next Saturday. I hope that will work for you?"

  Mai felt her mouth drop open a few centimetres before she caught herself.

  "Ummm, I think so?"

  Astrid nodded brightly then checked something on a piece of paper.

  Mai looked at Jake, who also seemed caught off guard, and let him ask the next question.

  "Where were you able to get on such short notice?" Jake tried to keep his voice level, but they all heard it crack.

  Christian snorted in the background but kept playing his game, unabashedly eavesdropping.

  "The church is available that day and we can do a hand-fasting ceremony over by the sea either before or after. There's a lovely spot your father and I used years ago. I think it's only fitting that we have some tradition included, along with the legal requirements, of course."

  Astrid looked down at her paper again anxiously, before hesitantly checking with Mai.

  "If that's alright with you? I'm not sure if there is any traditions you wish to include from your heritage?"

  Mai could tell that Astrid was trying to respect her wishes in planning the wedding and felt her shoulders relax slightly.

  "I don't know what they would all be. I was very young when my parents died, then I lost my aunt when I was about sixteen. The only wedding I remember attending had the bride wearing a beautiful dress with red. At some point they released paper lanterns over the water. That's all I know."

  Mai felt sad as she remembered that wedding. She'd been six and very excited. It had been a wedding of the daughter of one of her father's diplomatic connections and the entire event had been magical to her- especially the way the box lanterns had seemed to float into the sky like glorious angels of fire.

  Jake noticed her face droop at the memory and pulled her closer to him on the couch.

  "I like the idea of you wearing red. It's definitely a color that makes you even more beautiful. And lanterns would be a nice way to end the ceremony, don't you think Mom?" Jake turned back to Astrid.

  She nodded. "It sounds lovely. We can do an afternoon church service, followed by a hand-fasting outside and then paper lanterns as the sun sets. Mai, you'll need to have a dress made. I know just the woman. Would you be able to meet her tomorrow? I've already spoken with her and she's expecting you. I want to get started on that right away, as it will most likely take the most time to prepare."

  Mai nodded gratefully. "That should be fine. I don't have any other plans that I know of. Was there anything you had planned, Jake?"

  Mai looked at Jake and he shook his head.

  "We'll make time for that. I was just going to show you some of the historical areas nearby, but that can wait until afternoon. We'll go talk to the dress lady, then we can go for lunch and do some touring afterward."

  As they spoke more about the arrangements for the day, Mai realized that not only was her almost mother-in-law well put together, but she was also very particular about details. While obviously trying to be flexible for the bridal couple, Mai could tell that Astrid was having a hard time remembering to ask for their opinions about what they wanted. By the end of the hour, Mai had been told where they'd be getting married, when, by whom, and what to expect for food, flowers, and guests. She'd been flooded with anxiety when she'd hear
d that she could expect to say her vows in front of an audience of several hundred people, but tried to calm herself by reminding herself that it was only for one day.

  "I'm sorry, but I'm feeling really tired. Would it be okay with you if I went to lie down?"

  Mai's head was swimming with all the details and she felt a little sick.

  "Oh, of course. We can continue later. I've got a few more phone calls to make right now anyway. If you aren't down, I'll send Jake or Aud up to get you at supper time."

  Astrid, oblivious to Mai's turmoil, practically sparkled with excitement now. Mai smiled weakly, before standing and walking up the stairs to return to the room Aud had shown her earlier.

  When Mai opened her door, she was so grateful to see the bed that she flopped down onto it and closed her eyes, taking several deep breaths. Her introvert senses had been completely overwhelmed.

  Vows in front of the entire town?

  But at the same time she was still looking forward to marrying Jake. She was also legitimately tired. Mai closed her eyes for a minute to try to relax. When she opened them a few moments later, she was confused to see that the light in the room had almost disappeared. Looking at her watch, she realized that she'd slept for several hours, and it was already into the evening. She felt embarrassed until she remembered that she'd asked to go lie down because she was tired. Well, at least she hadn't been lying.

  Mai found her phone and quickly texted Vanessa, Cat, Zahara, and Evelyn on a group chat to let them know that her wedding plans were in full effect for the near future. Then she got up to check her reflection in the mirror. Satisfied that she looked slightly less pale than when she'd first come up to the room, Mai quietly opened the door and went downstairs.

  The whole family, including Jake, were seated in the living room and appeared to be having a rousing game of monopoly. Jake looked up when he heard her on the stairs and came to meet her.

  "Are you feeling better? I was a little worried that we'd played you out."

  Mai smiled. "It's mostly the travel. I'm not used to that much exercise and needed to have a nap, but I feel fine otherwise. Much better now."

  Mai tried to reassure Jake, but he kept looking at her with concern, so she continued. "I'm a little hungry though. Did I miss out on supper? I could make myself a sandwich if you show me where you keep things?"

  Aud jumped up and stepped between them, pulling at Mai's hand. "Come. I'll show you where all the food is. I went upstairs to wake you for supper but when I saw you asleep, I didn't want to bother you. But now that you're awake, I want to talk about the wedding plans! It's so exciting!"

  She continued to talk as she led Mai away, giving Mai just enough time to throw one last amused glance over her shoulder at Jake who just shrugged helplessly and mouthed 'good luck'.

  Mai found that Aud could prep food as fast as she spoke. Within minutes, Mai was seated at the table with another sandwich comprising of thick bread, cheese and meat while Aud kept up the same stream of conversation. Mai felt her energy drain again as she finished the food and realized that she wasn't as caught up on rest as she'd thought she'd been following her nap.

  "Listen, Aud, I know I just woke up, but after eating, I think I'm ready to go to bed for the night. Can we talk more tomorrow? I'm having a good time but my eyes are feeling really heavy." Mai rubbed them for effect.

  Aud clucked at her. "Well, of course! Let's get you up to bed again. Your day will be starting early with the wedding planning anyway. Christian and I have school, but we can talk more tomorrow night."

  Mai smiled warmly at the younger woman. "Thanks for being so understanding. I'd love to chat more tomorrow."

  Mai cleaned her plate up and walked back to the living room to say her goodnights. After a brief round of good nights from the family and a chaste hug and kiss from Jake, Mai went back to bed.

  CHAPTER 9 WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN?

  Mai slept deeply that night, but her dreams were troubled. All night, images of being left at the altar played through her head. Jake was standing at the end of the aisle, waiting for her, then suddenly he turned into the dark man, Dub. She screamed as soul suckers attacked the wedding, crying as Aud fell beneath one and lay still. Mai tossed and turned as the images changed to ones of Jake telling her that he didn't love her, then walking away as she cried. Then, while she died of a broken heart, she thought she heard the sound of a small child crying somewhere nearby.

  She lifted fractionally from her dream, her conscious mind recognizing something was different about the noise. It sounded like it was in the next room, or somewhere nearby. She tried to find the child in her dream, but when she looked for it, the sound disappeared and her dreams faded away into the haziness of deep sleep.

  THE SUN STREAMED ACROSS her bed, let in by lacy curtains that were never meant to block the light. Mai squeezed her eyes tighter and put the pillow over her head before awareness returned and she rolled back over. Slowly, she returned to her surroundings, realizing that it was already past seven. She'd slept for ten hours straight, fourteen if she included her nap preceding her supper sandwich the previous night. Mai stood up cautiously, testing her body, and was happy to discover that she felt almost back to normal.

  She dressed quickly and went downstairs to find the atmosphere at the table wasn't the comfortable one that she'd already become accustomed to during her short time at the Larsen house. Aud and Christian were there, eating breakfast before school, but appeared to be having a hard time choking their cereal down. Astrid and Anders were standing in the kitchen holding hands and looking grim, while Jake was at the table looking paler than Mai had ever seen him. Fearing the worst, Mai announced her presence.

  "Good morning. Is everything alright?"

  At that, Aud burst into tears and ran to her room.

  Mai looked at Jake with bewilderment.

  "I'm sorry, what did I say?"

  Jake gestured for her to sit next to him and when she did, he grasped her hands in his, looking at her somberly.

  "There's been a kidnapping during the night. Actually, more than one person. From what my dad has been able to find out from the town constable, it appears that six children from the town are missing, including Aud's best friend."

  "No!" Mai gasped. "What happened? Do they know where they were taken?"

  Jake shook his head. "Not yet, but there's been some talk in town."

  Jake looked at his dad in the kitchen who nodded, almost imperceptibly, then turned back to Mai.

  "Some of the town elders think that it may be the work of a creature. Maybe even a troll, although it's been years since the last time this has happened."

  Mai held up hand. "Wait. You're telling me that trolls are real as well?"

  Mai sighed with dismay. As much as she quite enjoyed having more than just the usual human gifts, she didn't enjoy discovering the scary creatures considered to be evil in folklore also existed. She remembered Cat always complaining about this and couldn't help but agree with her now.

  "So what happens now? If it is a troll, how do they operate? Do they have magic powers or something? How do we get the kids back?"

  Mai couldn't believe she was asking the question, but it felt like they should be doing something. After all, if they had powers, it was up to them to keep the balance steady, and right this wrong. Her friends weren't here to do it for her this time, so she knew she needed to step up and use her power to help.

  "Traditionally, trolls like to live away from humans, in the mountains. Some legends say that Thor got rid of them all with lightning strikes, but others say that it's the town's church bells which keep them at bay. Unfortunately, and likely not coincidentally, the church's bells were recently taken down to be repaired. They were almost ready to be replaced and now this has happened."

  Anders answered Mai's question from where he was standing with Astrid and she turned to face him.

  "Is this something that's happened before?" asked Mai, curious regarding why he seemed so certain
of the cause.

  Anders nodded. "The last time this happened was in the late eighteen hundreds, just before we got the current church. That's actually the reason why it was built in the first place. Several children were kidnapped over a period of a few years and people were becoming afraid to leave their houses. The problem with trolls though is that they do have some magic. They can easily travel unseen by night. By the time morning comes, they've already disappeared, along with the victims they've stolen right from their beds."

  In a small, tentative voice, Mai asked, "What do they do with them?"

  Anders shrugged, but looked sad. "No one's sure, but they're never seen again. It's thought that they eat them, or maybe turn them into another troll. But it's simply speculation. We have nothing to go on, other than stories that have been passed down, but none that speak of victims who have ever returned from such a fate."

  "Jake, can we get them? What if we tried to follow the trail? Could we get there before they hurt them? Is that possible?"

  Mai looked up at Jake, eyes wide with concern and he smiled, cupping her cheek affectionately.

  "We could, but it will likely be dangerous and uncomfortable. And it may mean a fight that we can't walk away from. Trolls are known to be quite violent."

  Mai looked at the spot where Aud had been sitting before she'd run off in tears and felt her resolve harden at the memory of her soon-to-be sister's devastation.

  "I'd do it for any of my friends. Aud's best friend is missing, Jake. I can't let that be something that I don't at least try to fix."

  Jake kissed her lightly on the nose with a look of mixed pride and gratitude, before standing up and going over to where his parents stood.

  "Dad, can we get as much information as possible? Surely, someone must have an idea where a troll would be living. It's not like the world is as big and hidden as it was a hundred years ago."

  Anders clapped Jake on the shoulder, a pleased expression flitting over his face before he became serious again.