The Prophecy Unfolds: Dragon Queen (16 page)

Amanda
had dinner with me and we spent some time discussing Sarah and my
family back at Treetops. It was such a wrench when we said our
goodbyes but Amanda planned to visit in two weeks time.

I
was sad at her leaving but I continued to smile for the remainder of
the day vowing to try and reach my beloved Patros and of course,
Talos before I retired for the night.

The
opportunity arose as I had some time alone later in the day. My
werewolf mates were occupied elsewhere and I had retired to our room
on the pretext of having an afternoon nap prior to their scheduled
return that evening.

I
sat on the bed cross-legged, closed my eyes and reached out with my
mind. Tentatively at first. Then as I focused I felt my mind
travelling across the vast expanse between us travelling toward the
object of my desire, growing incrementally stronger as it did. With
every ounce of my being I reached out and connected with Patros who
was ecstatic and shocked in equal amounts yet relieved beyond
measure. As I began to bring him up to speed with all that had
happened I felt Talos enter my mind and I beamed. I was so happy to
finally be able to talk to them both. I told them of Amanda’s
visit today and that the twins were fine and growing beautifully.
Patros revealed that he and Talos had tried to reach me every day
with their minds but to no avail. Something had been used to block
them but they were unsure what it was.

As
evening approached I was happier than I had been in the weeks since I
was taken. Patros and Talos’s love shone through our connection
and filled me up. I hadn’t lost them at all. They had flown
over the compound and knew that rescuing me wasn’t an option at
that time. They had decided to take another tack as they had now sent
a messenger to the pack-house though neither would explain what
proposals had been made.

Despite
my concerns I couldn’t stop smiling and it wasn’t long
before others noticed. People started to smile back. Smiling is
contagious I realised.

I
ate breakfast the following morning and tucked away huge portions of
everything on offer. My babies moved and prodded me as if they
thoroughly approved of this new step back to normality. I knew I had
lost weight of late as my clothes that had fitted so well, now hung
off me My face had also begun to look gaunt despite my ability to
heal and my recently acquired glowing skin.

Zarina
appeared in the hall shocked to have found me there instead of
sulking in my room, “You’re here? I was worried when I
didn’t find you in your room”

“
Yes”
I beamed. “I managed to attract some attention and they
unlocked the door and escorted me here. I was hungry. I seem to have
got my appetite back.”

“
Yes,
I can see that too” Zarina responded laughing. “Thank
goodness for that. You were beginning to waste away to nothing. Do
you still want to go to the library today or would you like to take a
trip out? I remember a promise being made to you regarding a visit to
the caverns. To see where the power comes from.”

“
Yes.”
I almost shouted. I was becoming stir crazy in the compound and felt
some fresh air and a change of scenery would do me good.

“
I
have a question for you first... can you ride a horse? Because that
is the easiest way to get around and up to the glade. We will have to
take bodyguards with us as Aston won’t allow the visit
otherwise. He may even insist on his taking you himself. We will have
to see. We’ll use the skytrain to reach the caverns swiftly.”

I
tilted my head slightly raising my eyebrows enquiring, “What is
a sky train? I have never heard of such a thing before. Not sure we
have them on Earth.”

“
They
are a mode of transport we use when we want to travel long distances
quickly. They go up in the air. I am not sure how to describe one to
you to be honest. You will see for yourself soon enough. I’m
not even sure you have them on your Earth but I do know you need to
change into some breeches so that you can ride a horse so let’s
go and get you changed.”

With
that we returned to my bedroom. I put on my buckskin pants, although
pretty snug they still had some room for my growing girth. I hadn’t
ridden a horse in a while but was still confident of my abilities. I
looked down at my blossoming stomach stroked it lovingly and was
rewarded with my babies moving. This time more than a flutter. I
could see what must have been a hands or feet push again the skin. I
gasped a little in awe and astonishment what an amazing feeling. My
beautiful babies were getting bigger and stronger.

Zarina
shouted out asking whether I was ready or not. We walked out through
the dining hall to exit the building as we headed to the stables I
recognised from my tour. Five horses were hitched to the fence and I
immediately recognised the three outlines stood nearby. I think I
already knew that they would be there. That they would only trust
themselves to be my protectors. I was now too precious a treasure to
them for them to allow anyone else to escort me. This gave me pause
for thought. Such a strange sensation to feel so loved and treasured
by all these gorgeous men but still feeling the need to try and
escape from them and find Patros and Talos.

I
wasn’t the naive unworldly girl that I had been such a short
time ago. My staying on this planet meant so much to so many people
here. It could be the hinge-pin to a better future for both the
werewolves and dragon-kind. Now I had my babies to think of, their
future. With all the changes and metamorphosis I was apparently going
through I now belonged here almost as much as on my own world.

I
didn’t get a chance to ponder long as they had sensed my
approach turning in unison to watch me. I smiled and was rewarded
with a trio of sunny smiles in response.

They
all fussed over me as I was issued with the most docile of mounts,
and I refused all assistance proffered. Climbing into the saddle with
ease. The tack was a strange combination of what appeared to be a
Western gig and an English saddle. Resulting in what was a very
comfortable ride.

We
set off through the glade and I was treated to numerous descriptions
and explanations for the flora and fauna we saw on our journey. It
was like a sightseeing tour. I got my very first hand sight of one of
the enormous beautiful iridescent dragonflies that abound on Syros.
These are similar to those on Earth but much larger than I ever
imagined they could be. Over three foot wide with mother of pearl
wings glittering in the dappled sunlight through the trees. I already
loved dragonflies from home but these were exquisite as they flew
past.

We
travelled some distance through the glades and the trees finally
began to thin out. There in the distance I had my first glimpse on
the horizon of the skytrain. It was tethered to a large pole and as
we approached I recognised the shape from Earth history. It was an
airship, balloon or dirigible. Like the airships sometimes referred
to as Zeppelins. I had seen them in pictures from our First World
War. Strange how some things here were both different and yet echoed
developments from my world.

As
we moved closer I observed more details including how vast this ship
actually was, it was huge. Far bigger than those from Earth. The
shape reminded me a a sailing ship with a huge balloon strung to the
top of it. The ship itself was wood and had brass fittings attached
and the name, “The Endeavour” on the port side. The prow
of the ship reminded me of Viking ships as it had an enormous carving
of a wolf’s head intricately carved. I could see people milling
about at the base of the pole. It looked like they were just in the
throes of loading supplies. As we approached the base we were greeted
by what I took to be the Captain of the ship, ( as I‘d begun to
think of it.) Sure enough introductions were soon forthcoming.

“
This
is Captain Julius” Aston announced. “He is the Captain of
The Endeavour and will be taking us to one of the main caverns that
provides the energy we use at home. It will also be an opportunity to
see some of the land hereabouts.”

I
nodded and accepted the outstretched hand of the captain.

“
So
this is the Queen of both the dragons and the werewolves” he
bowed low over our clasped hands. “Enchanted. Especially as you
are even more beautiful than the prophecy foretold. I am honoured to
have you on my vessel.”

“
Thank
you Captain, very kind of you to compliment me. I don’t know
what to say.” I replied in embarrassment.

I
had a horrible feeling I was going to have to climb up some sort of
rope ladder to reach the deck of the airship but was relieved to
discover there was a lift of sorts in situ. We all ascended and
stepped aboard.

The
ship was opulent and was obviously used to transport both people and
goods on a regular basis as we were not the only passengers on-board.

As
on Earth we were piped on board by a number of uniformed crew members
and my identity had not gone unnoticed. As we walked across the deck
people bowed and curtsied acknowledging me with unmistakable awe and
pleasure. I blushed as I acknowledged them back, unused to such
attention.

The
ship appeared to be mostly made of some dark wood, very beautiful
with a patina acquired with age and care. Patterns and pictures set
into the wood and upon the brass set in to every conceivable surface.
I stopped a number of times to admire the workmanship stunned at the
beauty of the artwork and craftsmanship.

Leon
whispered in to my ear, “Beautiful isn’t it Alex,”
and I nodded when he continued to my embarrassment. “But not as
beautiful as you.” As he put his arms around my waist and
pulled me closer, sparks flying around us as he did. Causing
bystanders to stop and stare in amazement, making me blush a bright
crimson while setting my nerve endings on fire.

We
made our way across the deck towards the wheelhouse and escorted
inside as preparations were underway for our imminent departure. I
examined my surrounding with great interest. The wheelhouse resembled
the inside of a ocean going ship with numerous brass dials and
instruments on the main panel. Brass, or what I assumed to be brass
or copper gleamed. All were intent on getting ready to depart,
checking the dials and panels off a the list that they each held.
There appeared to be about ten crew members going about their
business.

As
I observed my surroundings I felt like I had not only been
transported between two worlds but also two time zones. This world
echoed so much that I had read about and pictures I had seen of the
late Victorian/ early Edwardian age. The style of the clothing, the
furniture and the machinery. The aesthetics of this world were
fundamentally pseudo Victorian. As if we on Earth had moved forward
yet here the lines of progression has somehow stalled in that age.
For some reason though it worked here, technology had somehow taken a
different divergent avenue resulting in a very alternative industrial
revolution. Fundamentally different to my own world’s.

The
clothing was utilitarian to a degree but pleasing too. The dials and
encompassing equipment was not only intricate and functional but also
beautiful. The clothing in particular reminded me of friends I had on
Earth that were in to Gothic clothing.

The
airship, dirigible, whatever you call this, was not only a functional
craft but a piece of well crafted art that had spanned both areas.
Functional yet still aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

My
train of thought was broken as an announcement was made over the
tannoy, and we were cast off from the pole. The lift I had ascended
seemed to move away from the ship. Slowly at first, then we began to
pick up speed. From my vantage point I could see others watching our
departure although most had disappeared below decks. Of course the
people on Syros were used to this form of travel so it didn’t
enthral them as it did me. A few remained though to wave to others on
the ground as we drifted away.

Vanda
came to my side and placed his hand in mine the comforting buzz
obvious immediately. I turned to him saying “Don’t worry,
I am not upset just excited”

Once
in flight the captain came over and asked if I would like a tour
around the ship which I accepted with pleasure.