Daniel then informed them about the recent battle and the final destruction of the marauders.
Steve suggested that perhaps they should speak with Master Jeffery to get caught up on all that
had happened since the Great Burning. Daniel offered to loan them a Town Crier when they
returned to Thunder Mountain; it would make it easier to inform the people about all the
changes that had taken place. He also offered them a generator to take back with them to help
boost the power to their radio. He explained he would be gone for several weeks tending to
other communities, but that Steve would be left in charge.
He told them that when he returned he hoped to be able to speak with Lester again.
Then the group went to pack for the trip.
In the early morning before they all met on the plateau for the trip, a golden figure approached
Jake. Crouched low she circled around him, purring softly, and then she came and sat at his
feet.
The evil one is here… he fools many, but I watch.
He tried to hurt my brother’s mate.
He is mine!
Jake lowered his head to her.
As you wish, my sister.
A few hours later all the travelers were gathered on the mesa. Duffle bags were loaded onto the
dragons and all was made ready for the trip. Adam flew to the mesa and joined them much to
Charlie’s joy. Since learning of all that had taken place, she was looking forward to meeting
him and learning his story. He flew to Jake’s side, as he would ride with Daniel on Jake thru
the Thermals until they arrived over Peru.
Daniel shook hands with Steve, “Hold down the fort Steve, we’ll see you in a couple of weeks.”
“Don’t worry about anything; we are very capable of taking care of Dragons Hill.” Steve
waved as they rose into the air and took off, heading upwards towards the thermals. When
they were out of sight he turned to Jerry and Andy, “Well gentlemen, let’s get moving.”
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10
Kate woke to the beautiful sound of birds singing their early morning praise. She lay there for
a moment listening in gratitude as a ray of sunshine filtered in thru the window and made its
way across the room. A deep breath and she inhaled the sweet scent of the many flowers
hanging about her bungalow.
What a wonderful way to start the day, she thought to herself as she stretched and yawned.
Billy came running into the room and jumped onto the bed.
“Mommy, Mommy; Daddy is coming today,” he exclaimed excitedly.
Kate had learned in the past few days that little Billy was beginning to exhibit the first signs of precognition; psychic awareness of his surroundings. It was Lady Elizabeth who first brought
it to her attention. It was in small things; knowing who was at the beach, the arrival of
someone new, where the others were hiding when playing a game. And most important, Lady
Valeria had informed her that the boy could speak to dragons unaided. And then just last
night he had announced at dinner that Lady Emily had a surprise for Adam when he returned
from Dragons Hill. Kate was grateful that they had not taken their meal in the main dining
hall.
“So you think Daddy is coming today do you?” Kate tickled her son and played ‘kisses and
hugs’ with him. He giggled delightedly rolling about the bed.
“Mommy, stop Mommy!” He laughed and giggled twisting and turning about. “It’s true, it’s
true! Just ask Queenie, she knows too!”
Kate sat up and directed her thoughts to Queenie and asked her if she knew. Her reply was
immediate, yes Lady Kate, Daniel and my mate will be arriving today. I wanted to keep it a secret
so as to surprise you, but little Billy was too quick. He picked up on it when he awoke this
morning and there was no stopping his enthusiasm.
Thank you for telling me Queenie, Kate added with a smile, we will both be happy this night.
Kate turned her attention to Billy, “okay you, up and at it. Come on, let’s get dressed and get
some breakfast. This is going to be a happy day.”
She grabbed Billy and threw him in the air and as he bounced on the bed she jumped on him
tickling away. He giggled and twisted again in delight and breaking away from her grasp
jumped off the bed and ran out of the room. She watched him go and smiled contentedly.
This is what happiness is all about… family; she closed her eyes and directed her thoughts as Jake had taught her. Thank you so much for giving me this second life, my cup truly runneth
over.
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Just after the noon hour the large group came out of the thermals and began the slow spiral
descent to the continent below. During the trip Daniel related an abbreviated version of the
story of Adam to Trey and Charlie, as they had not been introduced properly before they left.
Both were fascinated by the birdman and his gentle manner, even after all he had gone thru.
As they approached Dragons Bay, Adam spread his wings and took to the air as Trey and
Charlie watched enthralled.
Lady Mariah was heard to comment; our new world is full of wondrous things!
Yes indeed Lady Mariah, Jake chuckled at her remark, indeed it is!
As Adam descended towards Dragons Bay, Lady Arian flew up to meet him roaring a
welcoming call loudly. The two flew about each other excitedly in a greeting of equals. Those
above were touched by the obvious joy of the two friends greeting. Daniel explained to Trey
and Charlie that Lady Arian was the companion of Adam’s mate, Lady Emily.
Valotin and James rose up and as they approached, Trey excitedly shouted out with a loud,
Mariah, just look at the size of that fellow!
He is most impressive Trey; she answered quickly , but powerful though he is… he comes nowhere
near the power of the First.
Valotin greeted Jake in the air bidding him welcome to Dragons Bay.
Hail to the First, welcome to Dragons Bay!
With James on his back, introductions were made and then Jake made a rare request of
Valotin. Daniel climbed over to Valotin and rode the rest of the way to the plateau with James,
and soon understood why Jake had requested it. Queenie suddenly soared above in a silver
flash calling out a greeting to Daniel. Her voice was high pitched and very excited as she flew to her mate. Jake flew about her and off a ways. He waited for her and then the two entwined
their long necks and a great purring could be heard across the sky.
Daniel felt Queenie’s excitement and his loins begin to react. He immediately looked below and
searched for Kate.
Returning to reality for a moment he asked Trey to give him time to prepare Kate for the shock
of his return. Trey said he understood, and Michael, sensing his nervousness assured him that
she would be shocked at first, but happiness would follow quickly.
As they landed on the plateau Daniel saw Kate running up the pathway. He dismounted and
politely bowed and thanked Valotin for the ride. Then he turned and ran towards the pathway
just as Kate came over the rise. She was in his arms in seconds and he was never so glad to
hold her. They kissed passionately, and then Daniel swung her about in a circle.
“I missed you woman, so much,” he told her with a smile, hugging her close.
“I’ll show you later just how much I missed you,” she replied with a sly smile.
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They embraced again and Trey ‘felt’ their love, it was so clear and so strong. Then Trey
turned towards Michael and watched.
Michael dismounted as he spotted Lady Sally coming onto the plateau. They ran to each other
and embraced; kisses and hugs followed. Lady Jennie took to the air when she heard Rah
calling for her; they entwined their necks and flew towards the sea.
Valotin welcomed Lady Mariah personally and bade her join his dragons diving into the water
near the beach. Inquiring of Trey if he minded, she gladly said yes and flew off only to be met
by Lady Arian and Adam, much to her delight.
Trey and Charlie stood on the plateau hand and hand watching the reunion. Trey watched in
total fascination at the interplay between Daniel and Kate, a large grin on his face.
She’s so young and so beautiful, he thought to himself, but he could still see his old ‘Me-Maw’ in her face and mannerisms.
Kate and Daniel walked over to Lady Sally and Michael. Kate greeted Michael with a big hug,
ruffling his hair as she told him how glad she was to see him again. Then she began to tell
Daniel and Michael all about the young boys, Billy and Taylor. Like a true ‘grandmother’ she
went on and on for a bit and they all laughed at her enthusiasm. Then she changed the subject
and asked both about the battle. She wanted to hear everything, every detail. She could see
that Jake would be busy for a while with his Queen.
They promised to give her details of the battle but first they had some news. Then they told her
they brought a new rider with them and explained how Trey and Lady Mariah had showed up.
They told her of the closeness of the two and Trey’s healing abilities. Kate glanced up and saw
Trey standing there with a big grin on his face. She disengaged herself from the group and
turned her full attention towards him.
Just like my dream… she thought to herself.
She began walking towards him and faintly heard Daniel calling to her. Trey stepped forward
a few paces and waited. The morning clouds parted and a single ray of sunlight burst thru and
highlighted Trey. His hair radiated the deep red auburn color, his face clearly accented by his
freckles.
Kate stared and suddenly her eyes went wide. She held her breath; she dared not believe what
she was thinking…
She stepped forward again hesitantly.
When she spoke it was a trembling whisper... “Trey…?”
She went to him hesitantly and stared at his face; so familiar…. Slowly she ran her fingers thru his hair; she traced the freckles on his face; and then saw the scar on his neck. Her heart
leaped and she almost jumped.
“Trey…?” She asked as her eyes filled with tears.
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Trey grinned and answered confidently, “Me-Maw!” He took a step towards her.
A moment of hesitation and then Kate threw her arms around Trey. They locked in an
embrace and spun each other around. There were kisses, and questions flying, and then they
just stood there facing each other, smiling.
Suddenly there was a loud roar of approval from the beach area.
“That was Mariah, she’s happy for us,” Trey told her.
“I look forward to meeting her,” Kate said holding Trey’s hand. Trey introduced Kate to
Charlie and explained that they had just been married two days ago. She was delighted for
them both and embraced Charlie and welcomed her to the family.
“Well so much for preparing her,” Michael said sarcastically elbowing Daniel.
Kate turned to Daniel, “you knew? You knew and didn’t tell me?”
“Kate,” he said raising his hands defensively, “It all just happened this past week. We were
coming to tell you, to prepare you…”
Kate threw herself into Daniel’s arms. “You big lug, did you think I wouldn’t recognize my
own grandson?” Everybody broke up laughing.
“This calls for a celebration,” Kate decided to prepare a welcoming feast for the evening.
Lady Elizabeth took Trey and Charlie on a tour of Dragons Bay and introduced them around
to everyone. She also prepared a secluded bungalow that had not been used in a while and told
them to consider it their honeymoon oasis while they were visiting. After settling in they
changed clothes and ran down to the beach to join the other riders.
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Lady Emily was sitting on the back porch dozing when Adam returned. He quietly descended
onto the grassy lawn and slowly walked over to the sleeping Emily. She looked so peaceful, and
so beautiful he thought. He gently bent down and kissed her softly on the lips.
She smiled and opened her eyes and looked at him. “Welcome home my love,” she said softly
raising her arms around his neck. He lifted her up and kissed her again.
“I didn’t realize how much I would miss you Emily,” he said in a deep voice. “You have been
in my thoughts constantly for the past few days. I couldn’t stay away any longer.”
Emily smiled, disengaged herself and opened her robe, Adam stared at her naked body, as she
turned sideways cupping her small protruding belly.
Adam’s mouth dropped open, as he suddenly understood. He stared at a smiling Emily in
disbelief.
“Are you… can we…? Emily…?”
Emily smiled and nodded.
“Hoo-hoo!” shouted Adam in delight, rising into the air.
The birds in Emily’s garden took to the air and rose and dove in joy with Adam. Adam picked
Emily up in his arms and kissed her and flew back and forth in excitement. Suddenly realizing
what he was doing, Adam stopped and put her down carefully. He stared at Emily and gently
touched her small belly.
“Oh Em… I never thought we could….
…Have you seen Nigel yet?
…Does Valotin know, or Lady Arian?”
She told Adam she had gone to Valotin first, to share the news.
Of course Lady Arian had known all along.
Adam rattled on and on and finally took a deep breath, and looked at Emily and smiled. She
was laughing at his reaction to the news.
“You are so beautiful right now Em. I didn’t think it possible to love you more than I do, but
you have given me reason to soar to the heavens. Oh Emily,” Adam kissed her again and held
her to him wrapping his wings about her.
Two weeks later the entire populace of Dragons Bay knew that Lady Emily was expecting.
Nigel was informed and promised to take great care of Emily. He would keep copious notes, as
this would be a first. It was decided that when Emily was five months along they would pay a
visit to Lady Sarah. Her hospital was up and running and they would be able to perform an
ultrasound, to check the baby. Of course, everyone wondered if the baby would have wings like
his father. Adam and Emily didn’t care, as long as he was healthy.
Valotin alone knew only one of the twins she was carrying would be a flyer like his father.
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Two weeks later, Jake and Queenie, Rah and Lady Jennie, and Lady Mariah left Dragons Bay
on a happy note. Their visit had been a resounding success for all parties. They rose above and headed towards the Thermals that would take them to Austria where they would visit Ichor
and Lady Isabol at their home base, Dragons Mount. Ichor had been overjoyed at the news of
their impending visit and had spread word to his people.
As they came out of the thermals and spiraled down they could see a large crowd waiting for
them. Word had spread like wildfire that the fabled First was coming for a visit. The people
thronged to the grassy plateau to get a glimpse of him and Kate and Daniel. Jake was taken
aback by the large crowd, and could hear Ichor laughing at his dismay.
I told you my people were thankful Jake, he shouted proudly, now you can see for yourself.
We are humbled Ichor, Jake replied lowering his head in a salute to Ichor, truly humbled. Please
let your people know we are very pleased at this gracious greeting.
Jake landed and all dismounted and waited for the proper protocol before moving. Ichor
approached Jake and bowed, as was fitting, and called out a loud greeting, which was relayed
to all. A great cheer went up from the people and they thronged about Jake. Their hearts were
filled with good wishes and cheer, and Jake could see that it was a good choice indeed to put
Ichor in charge of Europe.
Soon a pathway was opened amid the throng and a very pregnant Lady Sarah made her way to
Jake with Jackson by her side. She welcomed them all to Dragons Mount and informed Jake
she was carrying twins. He replied she and Jackson were blessed indeed; twin boys