yet,” he bellowed, “my God man, your wings are magnificent!”
The whole room erupted into cheers and loud clapping; at last the ice had been broken.
Everyone wanted a chance to meet and talk with Adam, but they were also aware that it was
just too much attention for him. They knew that Valotin would be at Dragons Hill for at least a
week or two and they would have ample time to meet and speak with the famous ‘birdman’. So
they left him alone to enjoy his meal. And enjoy everyone did, especially the dessert,
strawberry shortcake and peach cobbler. The strawberries came from Dragon’s Hill own
gardens. Growing in the rich earth they were twice their size and sweet beyond compare.
James had sent a crate of peaches from Dragons Bay the week before with a special request of
Sam for peach cobbler. Seeing it before him now, James couldn’t resist and had two helpings
of cobbler, much to the surprise and admonishment of Elizabeth.
Conversations broke out all over the Great Hall. At Steve’s insistence, Adam began to regale
his table with the tale of Diana’s visit and the uproar that ensued. They were all laughing so
hard that tears were streaming down their faces. As they settled down to the dessert, Oreo took
this opportunity to saunter into the Hall and make her way to their table. At one point she
stopped and sniffed the air; lowering her head, she crept up behind Adam with her tail high in
the air. Lady Sally began to smile knowing what was about to happen. She nudged Steve and
he joined her grinning at Adam.
Suddenly Adam stopped in mid sentence as he felt his wings being lightly caressed. He spun
around quickly and found himself face to face with the biggest cat he had ever seen. Oreo
stared at him for a long moment and then she licked his nose, purring loudly. Adam burst out
laughing as did all nearby. Adam pet her large head and began to purr at her himself. He
moved to a more open area and knelt down on one knee and called to her. She answered him
with a loud purring sound and came over to him nuzzling his face. She stepped back looking at
his wings, sniffing. Very slowly, Adam opened his wings to their fill spread. There were many
“ahs,” as the Hall became silent and everyone watched. Curious, Oreo pranced about Adam,
sniffing over his wings and purring loudly; then she began rubbing herself against them. After
a few minutes she walked completely around Adam and then sat before him staring intently.
Finally she threw herself down, and purring loudly began to ‘play’.
Lady Sally came to Adam’s side apologizing, “Please forgive her, I’ve never seen her quite like
this Adam.”
14
“It’s all right Lady Sally, she’s been telling me all about her life here.” Adam scratched her
massive head and slapped her large side lovingly, “She’s really very engaging, and she
absolutely loves you and the dragons. By the way, who is Rah?”
“Rah is my companion dragon Adam,” Lady Sally replied, “Jake’s First Wing; why do you
ask?”
“She said he is her big brother, I was just wondering who she was referring to.” Adam rose
and patted her head and walked back to the table with Lady Sally. “Emily,” he called to his
partner, “you wouldn’t believe the things she showed me. She is truly an amazing creature!”
“You can really speak to her?” Sally asked Adam, “Oh, this is wonderful! Rah has been the
only one able to communicate with her. I have so wanted to speak to her myself, but I just
don’t have the ability.”
“Nonsense!” Adam stood and took Sally’s hand, “Lady Sally you just have to be taught how it
is done. Come with me and I will show you.” He called Oreo over and placed Sally’s hand on
her head; she immediately began to purr loudly. “You must first forget how you communicate
normally. Close your mind to all the sounds and open your inner eye to the pictures that will
appear before your closed eyes. They will come very fast, as tho you are flipping thru a picture
book,” he illustrated with his hands. “This is how Oreo communicates, she sends pictures and
feelings.”
Sally tried and tried, but she was too excited at the possibility of communicating with the great cat, she was getting nowhere fast. She finally gave up in frustration and was about to return to the table when all of a sudden she ‘saw’ a quick flash of her and Oreo running in the field by
the horse pens, she felt warm and cozy.
“Oh!” She exclaimed wide-eyed. She quickly sent a picture of her petting Oreo and hugging
her. Oreo purred loudly and rubbed against her leg.
“She is pleased that you understand, you must find a quiet place and practice with her,” Adam
told a beaming Lady Sally. “She is looking forward to thanking you for her life here.”
Adam returned to the table and turned his attention to Michael. “Michael, do you know why
Jake asked me here, is there something he wishes me to do?”
“I have no idea Adam, Jake said nothing to me.” Michael replied.
Adam turned and looked at Steve, who quickly added, “me neither Adam; Jake must have
something special in mind for you.”
Daniel stood up at the head table and announced to all, “the ceremony will take place
tomorrow morning at dawn. Everyone enjoy the rest of the day, we will all meet at dawn on
the high mesa.” Daniel and Kate stood with James and Elizabeth and began to go around the
Hall greeting and talking with all the riders. Elizabeth turned to Kate and they discussed the
children and the many new changes at Dragons Hill.
15
“Where are the children Kate? I have really been looking forward to seeing them. They must
be toddlers by now,” asked Elizabeth, “I bet they have grown a lot.”
Kate chuckled, “you have no idea Elizabeth. It seems that our children are the new future of
our world, and they are all very special. The Dragons are keeping tabs on them while we meet
here. I’ll take you to them later.”
“Wonderful, I look forward to it Kate,” Elizabeth answered with great excitement.
A line of sorts had formed around Adam as each of the riders was introduced and had a few
words with him. Lady Emily and Lady Sally watched with amusement off to one side.
“I hope you don’t mind Emily, but we are all in awe of his beautiful wings and ability to fly.”
Sally told her excitedly.
“Adam tends to cause a stir everywhere he goes,” Lady Emily replied softly, smiling. “It
wasn’t so long ago Sally,” she said placing her hand on Sally’s arm, “that he shunned attention
of any kind. But all that changed when Lady Arian came into my life.”
“Did she change Adam’s heart?” Sally asked intrigued.
“She gave him a new way of looking at all that had happened; and Jake did the rest. In the
process Adam found peace; the physical change was just a bonus. So you see I don’t mind the
attention he receives, for I know where his heart lives.” She smiled knowingly.
Big John, Diana, and their children waited patiently for an opening to meet and speak with
Adam. As they stood there Kyra moved back and forth restlessly, she did not possess her
father’s patience. Checking to make sure no one was looking she sent out a quick ‘flash’ in
Adam’s direction. He looked up almost immediately and searched her out (correctly), and then
excused himself and made his way over to the group.
Looking directly at Kyra he said, I received your picture, what can I do for you Kyra? With her brothers and sisters snickering behind her she turned beet red.
Big John laughed loudly, “Ha! Got you good girl! You should have waited your turn.”
Turning to Adam he apologized for his daughter’s rashness; “I’m afraid she’s just like her
mother in temperament.”
“It’s quite alright, I planned on coming over after I was freed up.” Turning to Diana and
taking her hand Adam quickly added with a smile, “You don’t think I would pass up an
opportunity to fly with you again, do you, Diana?”
Diana giggled and winked at Adam, “Only if John-of-my-heart approves; I would give proper
honor to Wolf on this, his day.”
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“It’s all right Diana; I know you want nothing more than to fly with Adam.” Turning to his
children he told them, “All of you, go! Fly with Adam and have a good time!”
All seven ran to the mesa for their dragons. They called ahead and their dragons were ready
and waiting for them. Diana took off first and her children followed quickly behind.
Adam was waiting for them in the air and they took off at breakneck speed and were soon lost
from view.
For 60 minutes Diana and Adam went thru a series of dives and twists and unbelievable close
shaves. The children were amazed at the birdman’s abilities, and the fact that he could keep up
with Surfman and Diana. When they returned to the mesa, they quickly went below and
gathering around their father excitedly described to him the workout Diana put Adam
through; Big John laughed loudly at their unabashed enjoyment. Diana returned to Big John’s
side smiling brightly and took her place as befitting a Queen.
Adam returned to Lady Emily spent, and they made their way to their cave. He was panting
and sweaty after his flight with Diana; she wore him out and he needed a rest.
“She is flawless in the air Emily, never seen anything like it,” he told her, “She has a natural
ability that is stunning; she and Surfman work as one; it’s incredible!”
“Well, while you were off flying about the countryside, I was sketching pictures of everyone
here in camp. And I’ll have you know, even Oreo herself sat and posed for me!” Emily said
triumphantly holding her sketchpad for Adam to see. “You’re not the only one who has a way
with animals.”
Adam looked at the sketch of the beautiful cat, and marveled again at the ability of his talented mate. He looked at Emily again and thanked God that he had found her. Then he impulsively
scooped her up in his arms and made for the bedroom with a leer on his face laughing all the
way.
“My sweet lady, let me show you just what kind of an animal I can be!”
Emily chuckled and held on knowing how much Adam enjoyed spontaneous lovemaking.
17
2
Up above on the plateau Jake and Valotin were going over the next day’s event when suddenly
both dragons chuckled loudly.
Valotin advised Jake, when Adam gets this way it affects everybody in camp. I’m afraid you are
going to have a very busy camp tonight with both humans and dragons!
Both dragons laughed knowingly.
Just then Master Jeffery left the Riders Hall and made his way across the Mesa waving to them
both as he went down the mountain.
Master Jeffery is beside himself with all the preparations. When you get a chance you must read
the Dragon Chronicles. He has written of your exploits and all that occurred in the great battle.
He has done justice to your accomplishment.
I shall look forward to it Jake, answered the large chocolate dragon. Somber voiced Valotin continued, Even so, I still think the price was a high one to pay; I truly miss Alakar and his wise
counsel quite a bit.
I understand your pain my friend, but believe me they would pay that price again without
hesitation. Jake tried to ease his friend’s mind; I was allowed to see the four of them Valotin,
they fly with the Winged Ones. Valotin’s eyes grew wide in surprise as Jake continued, ease your
mind my friend, they have attained Ascension.
Ha, it is just like Alakar and Peter, said Valotin with obvious pride, to go ahead and prepare the
way for the rest of us. Valotin smiled as he remembered his friend.
Suddenly Rah called to them, my liege, Ichor has just come out of the thermals.
Thank you Rah; answered Jake, Valotin my friend, we shall all be together again
Ichor came out of the Thermals and began to spiral down with his party. He landed with his
queen, Lady Isabol by his side; he bowed to Jake in a respectful greeting of equals. Jake
immediately noticed the glow about Lady Sarah and a small smile played its way across his
face. Jackson dismounted and came to her side solicitously, helping her to dismount.
Ichor chuckled as he saw Jake pick up on the new situation. Jackson and Lady Sarah made
their way to Jake and bowed in the traditional manner. Ichor and Valotin exchanged
greetings, as did their Queens.
Jake lowered his head to Sarah, I see your glow Lady Sarah, have you news to tell me?
There’s no fooling you Jake, she answered him smiling, yes, we have wonderful news! I am
pregnant Jake; we are going to have a baby! I never thought that we would ever be so blessed, but
we are; oh Jake, we are going to be parents! Sarah stepped forward and threw her arms around Jake’s lowered head and gave him a quick hug, isn’t it fantastic?
18
Jake raised his massive head and roared a loud ‘Approval’ and looked at Sarah and Jackson.
I am most pleased for you both at this news. You will make excellent parents; your sons will be
strong of character and leaders much admired.
Sons…? Jackson boomed, eyes wide in surprise as he turned to Sarah, “do you hear Sarah; we’re going to have sons!” He lifted her in his arms and swung her around.
“Jackson, easy, slow down!” She was smiling broadly, her eyes dancing in glee.
Jake chuckled at their open display of affection for each other. Go, my friends, go and tell the
others your good news, they will be most pleased for you both.
As they walked hand in hand off the plateau Jake called to Kate and Daniel and told them that
they were on their way down the mountain. He marveled at the change in Sarah. Jake turned
to Ichor, your rider is most pleased at this change and she shines brightly in her joy.
Yes Jake and it pleases me greatly to see her so happy, replied Ichor with obvious pride.
Jake continued, of all the humans we have healed, she was the one who touched my heart. Her
sadness and despair at what was done to her, was overwhelming. Yet when I offered to help her,
instead of pushing me away, she sought refuge in my mind to keep her sanity. And now, to see her
so strong and filled with such joy, my heart soars for her.
Yes Jake, Ichor replied, my Lady Sarah is filled with happiness. When she came to tell me she
could barely get the words out she was so happy. She says her life changed when she met me, and
she wanted to share her joy with me first. She has proven to be a most unique human; she has the
heart of a dragon. No greater compliment could a dragon give.
How did it go when you returned to Europe? Jake inquired of Ichor.
It was very hard in the beginning, but it was Lady Sarah and her practical way of looking at things
that aided me in restoring order. Ichor related how they found and set up their base camp in the Austrian hills. An abandoned castle in the mountains served as a perfect headquarters. It was
Sarah and Jackson who insisted we fly about and call out the people. After the battle they weren’t
as afraid of us and at Sarah’s coaxing they finally came out and made contact. We have a thriving
community and she is well loved by all our people. In Germany, Andre and Anastasia report that
the people are emerging also and they are building up a large farming community. The Russians
are still a bit leery; it will take some time with them. We have plenty of that now.
Jake listened to Ichor’s report with growing pride in his brother; then he asked, and Sarah and
Jackson are cared for and well liked by their people?
Ichor chuckled and replied quickly, when they heard the news of her condition they banded
together and would not allow her to toil in the fields with them any longer. They said she must
take care now that she is with child. They were most insistent, and Sarah had to finally accept
their will. Ichor chuckled at this; she was impossible for a while my brother, but then she found
something else to occupy her time.
19
He shifted his great weight and continued. She began a search for a doctor. Finding one proved
most difficult, it took her many months but find one she did!