Ddraig Chronicles: Return

Prologue

The white dragon tilted her head in suspicion. Despite the roar of the water falling across the front of the cave, she heard a pebble roll. Mentally, she pushed out an inquiry to see if the sound came from her expected visitor.

When a large black bulk materialized, surprising her with its closeness, the white dragon instinctively bared her fangs and lunged.

Cease, commanded the black dragon, deftly smashing the white dragon’s head into the side of the cave with his own.

The white dragon pulled back, her head throbbing from the blow. She settled to the floor, indicating she would not strike again. The cruelty he had shown her was unheard of among dragons who had grown up together.

I assume you were not followed, she said acidly.

The black dragon rumbled his disdain.

Six dragons had returned to earth as civilizations began to organize, called First World, through a wormhole. The whole species had escaped annihilation from a massive meteor hitting the planet long ago. Over the millions of years on the other planet, called Second World, they developed language. It was not like the two-legged beings they discovered on First World – sounds made with tongues and lips as they exhaled. Instead, dragons mentally used images, emotions, and concepts.

I should assume the same about you, he said. Even the green dragon, who is old and sleeps soundly, roused when you left.

They didn’t talk for some time, instead listening for the approach of another dragon. However, the sound of the massive waterfall and the dripping water within the cave were uninterrupted.

It seems your concern is unwarranted, she said.

Still, we are not safe, he said.

The white dragon thought of the sheer rock face to either side of the cave, extending a great way in both directions, facing the largest waterfall in the world. There was not a chance a dragon could perch on the cliff and catch the energy of the conversation.

I believe we are in one of the safest places on this planet for us to be unheard, the white dragon said.

Then, let us continue the conversation we started in Second World, said the black dragon. Our next queen, the red dragon, is here. If she should not return to Second World, you and I could find a way to claim the throne.

Why settle for one world? the white dragon asked. We could take both with her demise.

The black dragon puffed smoke, temporarily blocking his view of the white dragon. He chastised himself for not thinking about enlarging their plans to include both worlds.

This world is savage. I want nothing to do with it, he asserted as a disguise to his embarrassment.

I want it for myself, the white dragon asserted. It is a place where I can create my own domain.

You will be here alone. He chuckled. " Almost alone. You will have the two-footed beings the red dragon is fond of for company," the black dragon said.

Not if the gate opens again. With you in control of Second World, you could send dragons back, she said.

There is no guarantee the gate will open again after we leave. The green dragon can predict only the next opening, he said.

I studied the gateway’s openings before we came. It will open again before we reach the end of our lives, she said.

The black dragon turned his thoughts inward. Her statement showed him the white dragon had more thirst for power than he previously believed. Her presence in Second World would cause him difficulty when he tried to rule.

I agree to your plan, the black dragon said. We will need to end the red dragon’s life after the others have passed through the gate. Otherwise, we will be sentenced for her death.

The white dragon’s ice blue eyes contracted as she gazed at the other being in the cave. I will do it. You lead the dragons through. Mahrah will insist on being the last one. I will be second to last. I will tell her my intent to rule this planet.

She may choose to go through the gateway, the black dragon said.

She will not. Her sense of duty to our ancestors is too strong. She will stay to defend the beings of this world. Then, I will finish her, the white dragon said coolly.

The black dragon nodded in agreement at committing an act most dragons would consider anathema. Undoing the taboo around causing death was one of many changes the black dragon would make as he took the throne. He imagined the elders panicking at the change to their traditions.

We will make a blood oath, the white dragon said, pulling the black dragon from his plans.

His eyes narrowed until his irises were barely a slit. The white dragon called for the most intimate oath possible. The mixing of blood indicated there would be no change of direction, only a commitment to what they had discussed. He searched the memory of the conversation to make sure he was not being tricked.

The white dragon sat quietly, satisfied she had rattled her co-conspirator. He had outmaneuvered her too many times in their lives, and she was glad to have done so on this occasion. A blood oath wasn’t necessary; she wanted to watch him squirm.

We will do so, the black dragon conceded.

They split and hollowed out a rock. Each dragon pierced their own lip with a fang. Two drops of blood, one from each dragon, fell into the rock hollow at the same time. Carefully, the halves of the rock were put back together. Then, the black dragon used his stream of fire to seal the rock.

Are you satisfied with the outcome? he asked.

In dragon culture, questions were asked only with permission. The white dragon chafed at it, his strike at her for putting him ill-at-ease.

I am. An oath rock on this world; I wonder if any of the others would imagine it, she said while putting the rock into one of the cave’s crevices.

The black dragon stood and began to back out of the cave, suddenly wanting to be away from her. Don’t follow me. If we return too close to each other, there will be suspicion.

I know, the white dragon said with exasperation. I will hunt and then return.

After the black dragon left, the white dragon sat in thought. Her mind tumbled with possibilities for the black dragon to double-cross her. Finally, she had an idea.

As the cave entrance began to grow light with the coming day, the white dragon prepared another rock. In this, she put four drops of her own blood. After sealing it, she placed it where the oath rock had been.

The white dragon launched herself from the mouth of the cave, the torrent of water pushing her down a hundred feet. Once she freed herself of it, she extended her wings and skimmed the top of the pool at the bottom of the falls, dropping the oath rock into it.

Chapter 1

The quiet tap at the front door was quickly drowned out by Wizard’s barks as he rushed to it. The large black and gold German Shepherd sniffed across the bottom of the door and then sat down. We had recently developed the cue to tell me the person at the door was someone he knew.

Who is it? I asked through our mental connection, reaching for the doorknob. He lolled his tongue at me in reply. Our ability to communicate better, given to us by a dragon, didn’t mean though he was going to be a fountain of knowledge. I sighed and opened the door to a very familiar face.

Hodi? the tall Kenyan said, giving me his customary gap-toothed smile.

Joe was dressed in tan cargo shorts and a dark blue t-shirt which hung loose on his tall, lean frame. His shoes were in his hand. I looked down to see his feet were bare.

Hi, Joe. I see you’ve been running. Joe smiled more broadly.

Yes, it is a nice day for a run, he said with a wide gesture at the clear blue sky, indicating the warm summer day.

You have a key. Why didn’t you let yourself in? I asked as I pushed open the screen door.

It is impolite walk into another’s house, even if you know the person, he said, crossing the threshold. He reached down with his empty hand to pet Wizard.

I closed the door behind this man who had become not only a protector but a friend.

I think we have been through enough.

Seven weeks earlier, a small box arrived on my doorstep. The unordered package, addressed to me, contained an exquisite silver bracelet in the form of a dragon. Putting it on changed my life.

The bracelet was a communication device for a dragon. She was the queen of an ancient race which had left earth through a wormhole right as the planet was hit by a giant asteroid. They were happy to escape but felt remorse over leaving the rest of life on earth, First World, to be decimated. The dragons spent millions of years living on a planet in another universe, waiting for the gateway between the worlds to reopen.

Once it did, six individuals came back to see what had happened to First World and to give it the help their ancestors did not. The dragons were shocked at the changes in creatures; gone were the large animals who were their rivals. Determining humans were the best species to help the new world, the dragons made devices, Talismans, which helped humans fearlessly interact with the world.

There were five. The Kinetic Talisman repelled any force directed at the Bearer. The Torch Talisman and Weir Talisman allowed the user to divert fire and water. A person could hide from all but direct touch with the Conceal Talisman. Lastly, mortal bites from animals and insects would be rendered ineffectual with the Venom Talisman.

Over time, humans showed their inability to use these gifts to help others, instead exploiting them to selfishly gain power and wealth. The dragons aborted the plan, and the devices were hidden since they could not be destroyed. With regret, the dragons returned to their own planet, Second World, when the gateway once again opened.

Mahrah, the queen of the dragons, contacted me because one of the Talismans had been found and used. She wanted the devices gathered and kept by one person, the Chosen.

Though I accepted the job as Chosen, the task was not mine alone. Four individuals, the Watchers, helped as we began looking for the Talismans. We played catch up to the person who already had a Talisman and was looking for others. He had other people on First World and a dragon on Second World helping him.

I followed Joe into the dining room.

You could just say hello mentally and then come in, I said. Each Watcher wore a band with the signet of a red dragon. The bands allowed them to create a protective energy field around me. A less intense energy setting allowed us to communicate like the dragons did, telepathically.

I would rather surprise you, Joe replied. Besides, you have been sitting at your table all morning. You needed to get up and move.

How do you know?

Iolani told me.

Iolani was another Watcher. I looked at the top of the tall pine tree across the street. The Peregrine Falcon sat erect, looking like an extension of the tree itself.

What did she tell you? I asked as I closed the door and we made our way to the dining room.

She sent images of the house as she saw it today. You have not even walked Wizard. Our connection with the non-human Watchers consisted of what they perceived and their emotions.

I gave Wizard an apologetic look.

Sorry, big guy. I didn’t mean to neglect you. With my sentence, I pushed out my regret. Wizard padded over to the dining room chair I had reclaimed. I leaned over to give him a hug. He turned and slopped his tongue across my face.

Wizard!

My service animal still had a few bad habits. Since they did not interfere with his ability to keep me safe from epileptic seizures, I didn’t take the time to train them out of him.

Joe looked over my shoulder at the maps and notes which littered the dining room table.

You are still searching? The tone of his question indicated it was more of a statement.

After the whirlwind trip which took us to Mt. Kilimanjaro, Stonehenge, and the Caucasus Mountains, Joe indicated the delay of weeks since our return felt like an eternity. As an archaeologist, this delay wasn’t new since I often spent time researching and then traveling to find or analyze ancient habitations. Though, even I was getting antsy. I still did not know our next destination and felt the pressure of needing to act before our adversaries did.

I looked through the sheets of paper until I found my notes on ancient North American people. I initially considered looking in the ancient city of Cahokia, in present day Missouri, since the people there had been called the most sophisticated culture north of the Mayans. Indeed, the city in 1250AD exceeded the population of London, half a world away.

Joe remained unconvinced about my assumption.

My people were not the most sophisticated in Africa during the dragons’ visit. I think we should look for a place where the Talisman would be very helpful instead of where people looked more like today’s civilization, he said.

Joe, there were so many cultures in North America. I just want to look for a clue. We need something better than throwing a dart at a map.

Each of the Talismans had been taken to a continent where they would do the most good. The Conceal Talisman, its powers allowing one to be invisible and soundless, was given to the people who inhabited the Serengeti. The Kinetic Talisman had been found in Europe where tribes were already beginning to war against each other when the dragons arrived. These two were in our possession after a skirmish in the country of Georgia.

Mahrah possessed some information about the other three Talismans but she knew the least about the Torch Talisman. It had been hidden in either North or South America.

Joe dropped his shoes in the corner of the room and pulled one of the other dining room chairs next to mine. Just as he sat down, Wizard barked and scrabbled to the front door. We looked at each other and I shrugged.

Busy day, I said as I made my way to the door for the second time in five minutes.

Wizard once again was sitting quietly next to the door. And again, he would not tell me who it was. I rolled my eyes and yanked open the door.

Mom and Dad, I said with surprise, I thought you were still visiting Grandma. My parents had been out of the country. My dad was an avid birder, and my mom enjoyed other cultures. When they returned stateside, they decided to spend several weeks in Florida instead of coming directly back to Colorado.

My mother’s smile dimmed a bit as she took in my new look. I was certain my mother couldn’t see the dragon bracelet on my left wrist, very few people could. But the bracelet was not the only piece of jewelry I had acquired. I knew she could see the arm band which came with the Conceal Talisman and a large silver necklace called the Amulet, a device made to coordinate the power from all the Talismans. The necklace could not be ignored; it was the length of my hand with the image of a dragon adorning it. My mother, who favored subtle jewelry, opened her mouth to remark.

Good to see you, Nadia, my dad said as he opened the screen door.

Taking the hint, my mother pursed her lips and stepped inside. I received a bear hug from my dad. My mom handed him a large bag and gave me a strong hug.

You look good. How do you feel? she asked. This was a standard question from my mom since I began having seizures as a teenager.

And, you have changed, she added, turning back to my dad for the bag. He winked at me, his signal he would help keep my mom from being too inquisitive.

I would need to pay close attention to her questions so she didn’t find out I was now helping a dragon recover powerful devices to keep them from falling into the wrong hands. I was also going to have to come up with an explanation for the Maasai tribesman currently sitting at my dining room table.

I caught my reflection in the glass of the door as I closed it. My brown eyes stared back at me. I tucked a lock of my brown, shoulder length hair behind my ear. My mother had already begun to walk through the house, her voice floating back to me. My dad hung back, kneeling to pet Wizard, a ritual Wizard loved.

Your dad and I thought it was getting too hot in Florida and decided to come back earlier than we planned. I told your brother to get in contact with you to let you know. He said…

She stopped mid-sentence which meant she had reached the dining room and seen the man sitting at the table. I walked into the dining room and stood behind my parents.

Hello, my name is Joe, he said walking around the table and extending his hand. You must be Nadia’s mother and father.

My dad cocked his head to one side. Is that your given name? he asked, looking at Joe with disbelief.

Joe laughed, No, sir. It is Ntrikana Zakia Azima Athumani. His voice was rich with intonation and pride as he said it.

I see why they call you ‘Joe’, my mother said.

I am Nadia’s father, he said giving Joe’s hand a mighty shake.

My dad straightened to his full height and squared his shoulders protectively. I almost sighed. Joe finished greeting my dad and, undaunted, turned to my mom.

Nadia said you were a lovely woman, but I think she did not do you justice. You look more like her sister than her mother. Joe’s gap-toothed smile was warm and genuine.

At this, my mother tittered a bit, Nice to meet you. I am Lydia. I didn’t expect Nadia to have company. I thought I would just bring her the things we picked up for her overseas. She hasn’t been answering her phone so we also brought her some food.

Here, she leaned in conspiratorially and said, She forgets to eat when she is working on a project.

She turned and gave me a questioning look. I shrugged a reply. When she went to the kitchen to put down the bags she had brought, I gave Joe a stare.

What are you doing? I asked over our mental link.

Being courteous, he replied.

My dad’s question kept us from focusing on our internal dialogue.

Nadia, what are you working on? he asked gesturing at the dining room table.

My mother’s return to the dining room kept me from answering. Nadia, I think you should put away the items I brought for you. I don’t know where you keep things and I want you to be able to find them.

This was my mother’s way of getting me out of the room. I shot Joe a mental warning and went to put away the groceries my mom thought I needed. As soon as I was out of the room, I heard her begin questioning Joe.

You have a beautiful way of speaking English. Where are you from?

My people live in different countries depending on the rains. I was born in Kenya; I have spent much of my life there, and in northern Tanzania.

Did you just meet Nadia?

I met her recently but have known about her for some time. She has an outstanding reputation.

Does that mean you are an archaeologist?

I am more of an expert on the culture of people who live close to the land.

I see, she drew out. By the tone in her voice, I knew the look which would be on her face, one of interest mixed with skepticism.

After I heard a rustle of paper, she continued, Are you working together?

We have a project we are working on which deals with tribes of people about three thousand years ago.

I opened the bag with relief, thinking Joe had given a safe answer. As I put away coffee from Turkey and chocolate from Belgium, I envisioned the scene in the dining room. My mother most likely stood where I sat; Joe still stood on the opposite side of the table; my dad looked on as he leaned on the hutch.

As I put away lunchmeat and cheese in the fridge, I remembered I had left my notes about the Talismans on the table. I practically ran back into the dining room.

There, my mother stood, looking over the maps of eastern North America and Central America spread across the table. Only the maps were on the table. I didn’t see my notes anywhere.

Why are you studying this part of the world with Nadia instead of Africa? my mother asked, shifting her eyes from the map to Joe.

Mrs. Kokinidis, your daughter has asked me to help her understand people who lived before written history as she looks for sites. Since my people currently live much like they did, I can give her information about possible village locations.

Please call me Lydia, she told Joe.

Then, she turned to me, Where did you meet Joe?

I chose not to lie. Near Mount Kilimanjaro.

You were in Tanzania? Why didn’t you tell us? You said you were just going out of the country for a short trip.

I was in Kenya speaking with a person there about managing the country’s archaeological sites. Jannet had a diplomatic trip to the south side of Kenya, and we met Joe when we went there. I tried to tell the truth and stay as vague as possible.

It’s good to hear Jannet was with you, my mother said. Jannet was my best friend from college and the fourth Watcher.

My mom returned her gaze to the maps, tracing the long line of the Mississippi River on one of them.

Appearing nonchalant, she asked, Is that when you received your new jewelry? Her shifted gaze was as direct as the question. My dad stirred slightly knowing from experience there was potential for the conversation to be less cordial. My mother could be as frustratingly persistent as she was endearing.

Just the arm band, I replied evenly. I could tell this wasn’t enough information for my mom based on her reaction. Once again, she looked back to the map on the table.

Joe, how did you come to know about Nadia since you lived in the Serengeti? Most days, I was happy my mother was knowledgeable and inquisitive. This was not one of those days.

I did not spend all my time there, Joe replied. I went to University in England. While there, I spoke with people who studied many things. One of my friends studied archaeology.

You remembered Nadia from a conversation with a friend when you were at University? My mother’s tone reflected her doubt at the veracity of the statement. Joe was on thin ice.

He seemingly took it all in stride, smiling his reply. The last name is quite distinctive. When I met Nadia and learned her name, I knew she was the same person my friends talked about. It was a fortunate coincidence.

I envied Joe’s ability to easily withstand the interrogation of my mother.

So, you gave her the arm band?

The elders in my village wanted her to have it. They believed her visit was very special, Joe said truthfully.

The elders knew the Chosen, me, would come to claim the Conceal Talisman the tribe had hidden because of a vision one of their ancestors had many years ago. As far as I could tell, the arm band merely held the Talisman, unlike the Amulet and bracelet which manipulated energy.

My mother nodded approval. I see why you wear it, she said to me. It is an honorable gift.

At this point, my dad stirred from his post. Dear, let’s quit pestering Nadia and her guest. My dad and I both knew she would begin an interrogation about the necklace if she had the time.

There must be a game on soon, I said, checking the clock on the wall. My dad’s dedication to baseball, and the Rockies in particular, was well known among his family and friends.

You know me too well, he said, smiling.

I thankfully walked my parents back to the door. My mom gave me a hug and then looked at me with concern, You’ve changed so much since we left. You never used to wear any jewelry.

I knew I couldn’t tell my mom most of what had happened to change me. The transformation went so much beyond the pieces of silver I now wore. I had abilities to manipulate energy to conceal myself and others; to deflect forces meant to harm; and to transport select objects from where they were to me. I was both perturbed and touched by my her concern.

It’s okay, I told her right before she went out the door, I’m only changing like you did when you decided to try a new hairstyle. You went from long flowing tresses to a spiky hairdo. I think dad wondered who you were.

She smiled, more deeply this time. Yes, that did shock you all a bit.

My mom squeezed my hand and laughed. I could tell I had eased her concern but not erased it. I gave my dad a hug and told them both I loved them before closing the door.

Joe was sitting with his hands clasped behind his head in the chair he had moved earlier when I returned to the dining room. Despite the questioning my mother gave us, he was smiling.

Chapter 2

I started my conversation with Joe by invoking the name of an Assyrian deity, Ashur. It was a practice I picked up in college, believing all gods should be used equally when swearing.

I can’t believe she questioned us like I was in high school and you were my first date. I’m sorry, I should have done something to slow her down at the door. I was just so shocked my parents were here.

Joe spread his hands in a friendly gesture.

She was making sure you were safe. Your parents saw their daughter wearing jewelry when she never had and a man at home in her house.

I laughed at Joe’s implication.

You mean they think I’m no longer gay?

Your dad’s handshake was beyond firm, Joe said.

Maybe so, I replied, unwilling to accept the truth of his statement because I hoped I had grown beyond their protective impulses. Then, I sighed, knowing my parents were being protective out of their love for me.

Chosen, I now see why you are direct, Joe said, changing the conversation.

I could not seem to break Joe’s habit of calling me Chosen. It was a term he had used from the time he had a vision of me coming to claim the Conceal Talisman. To him, it was my name.

Are you saying I am rude? I asked defensively.

Joe held up his hands as if surrendering, "Not