Dragon Dreams: Book 2: Prophecy of the Dragons (12 page)

"The books in here help her with decoding prophecies," Max said.

"What about Ben's question?" Andi asked. "What does she know about us?"

"That I can't tell you," Max said. "The final direction of a prophecy is never certain until that moment of truth. If I tell you what she believes right now, it may sway you two in a way you aren't supposed to go."

"But she thinks we're going to turn evil," Andi said. "She all but said so when I met you at the pier last year."

Max smiled at her, and it encompassed Ben, as well. "I'll tell you this: The stars and various other factors of prophecies change all the time. One week she may be certain it will all turn out one way, and the next, she knows it'll go another."

"So, why bother?" Ben asked.

"The changes all come about for a reason, and everything involved not only speaks about the prophecy, but also the world, and often the multiverse as a whole. Don't ask me how, as it all mystifies me. My expertise lies in cold, hard facts, things black and white in books and scrolls. She'll believe whatever her latest theory is about you two, while I much prefer to keep a wait and see attitude. I have no doubt you'll turn out fine, but we can never be too sure about these things."

"Is that the Council's position, as well?" Lee asked.

"I honestly don't know their official position, but for now I'd imagine it to be the case. They haven't brought it up with me. They'll discuss it with the four of you when you're there, I'm sure."

"Dinner's ready," Nix called, and the aroma hit Ben, causing his mouth to water. Intense hunger flashed off of Andi, but he was used to that. Cassie told him he could expect that feeling until she was fully grown, sometime when she was between 900 and 1100 years old, the equivalent of her late teens to early twenties.

They sat down to a full spread of ham and turkey, mashed potatoes, yams, various steamed vegetables, baked beans, and fresh baked rolls. It was another holiday feast, and Ben couldn't wait to dig in. Andi fidgeted next to him, since she was having a hard time figuring out whether she wanted to examine her ring in the low light of the dining room, or drool over the feast. Once everyone was seated and ready, the food won out.

"What were you talking about?" Cassie asked once everyone had taken their first portions.

"The prophecy," Andi said. "I didn't know Nix was a prophecy scholar."

"For more centuries than I'd care to admit," she said. "Your story has enthralled me since well before I knew either of you would be the subjects."

"But you can't tell us how it's going to end?" Ben asked. Surely she had to know more than Max since she was the actual prophecy scholar. Maybe she knew it was okay to tell them.

"The cosmos don't even know how it's going to turn out yet. And, as I'm sure Max told you," she added with a wink, "I wouldn't tell you even if I knew."

Andi kicked him under the table and shot him an angry look. He rolled his eyes back at her. They needed to know.

"I never could make heads or tails out of those star charts," Cassie said.

"And I never proved of much worth on the battlefield, even with my trusty quarterstaff," Nix said. "We all have our talents, and a scholarly pursuit works well for the mate of the Council's Record Keeper."

"Anyway," Max said, "the prophecy isn't what got you invited to the Stronghold, though I'm sure it will be a major point of discussion. The Demon of Dreams is what is on everyone's mind at the moment. Since you four have been tagged to save him that puts you foremost on the Council's list."

"But why us?" Ben asked. "This isn't a family thing, like with Derian, so why can't other dragons help?"

"No, you're right, it's not like that. But as you'll see, a small group works best in the Realm of Dreams. And since Rico claimed ownership of this one, the Council was happy to let you have the first crack. Knowing your abilities, you four will no doubt come out on top."

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.

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' words. 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.