he sun had just crept below the horizon when a silver car pulled into view. The wind had grown cold; it whistled with the intent to chill.
Danny followed Sabrina hesitantly as she walked toward the car. On the opposite side, a tall, slender man opened the car door and stepped into view.
His hair, long and silvery, draped down the slope of his neck. He wore a form-fitting, silver pinstriped suit. Walking around the front of the car, he slung a silver-hilted blade over his shoulder, sheathed in an ornate scabbard. The hilt formed a grand dragon, the head and neck making up the pommel and the wings outstretched to form the hand guards. Holding a piece of black leather tied around the sheath with his left hand, he allowed the longsword to rest against his back with the hilt peeking over his shoulder. His eyes were as blue as the sky.
"Are you okay, my daughter?" he asked, stopping within touching distance of Sabrina, examining the bindings on her right shoulder.
"Yes, Father."
Danny had noticed that since their encounter with the Shadow, Sabrina's carefree playful demeanor had become more serious and focused. He had the distinct impression that he was seeing her true personality for the first time.
"I would like to introduce you to Danny Firoth, Father," as she motioned Danny closer with a flick of her left hand.
Danny stepped closer to the towering man, unable to meet his steady gaze.
"Greetings, Danny Firoth," said Sabrina's father, unaffected by Danny's shyness. "I am Tyramear, Dragonic Knight of the Light, pureblood of the Dragonic." He presented his right hand in greeting.
Danny hesitated before reaching out as Tyramear reached past Danny's hand and grabbed his arm at the wrist. Unsure of the gesture, Danny did the same and winced from the strength of the grip.
"You have a strong grip, young Firoth, but we have much to talk about and little time to dawdle. Come with me," releasing his grasp, turning toward the car, he opened the door for his daughter.
"Wait a minute," Danny said to himself more than anyone else, while un-slinging the pack from his back and digging through the contents. He pulled out a slightly worn card. The picture portrayed a huge, silver-scaled dragon, captured in the moment of breathing a billowing cloud of blue flame. The caption at the top of the card read, Tyramear, Dragonic Knight of the Light, in bold black letters. Holding the card up in front of him, he compared the picture to Sabrina's father, switching his focus between the two several times.
"This is you," his voice jumping in pitch.
Sabrina's father stepped forward and took the card from Danny's outstretched hand. Rubbing the point of his chin, he examined the card for a few moments. "It's not a bad likeness, but they got my stature wrong." Handing the card back to Danny and smiling, he added, "I'm much bigger in real life."
"Are you coming or what?" Sabrina asked.
Yanked out of his daze, Danny nodded, put the card back in his book bag and walked toward the car. Once inside, Sabrina's father closed the door behind him. The car was warm and comforting, a welcome change from the frigid air outside. He watched as Sabrina's father walked around the front of the car, got in and secured the silver blade in the backseat beside Danny.
"Here," said Sabrina's father, swiveling in his seat, extending a silver phone. "You should call your mother."
"What should I tell her?"
"You can try to tell her the truth or you can lie," said Tyramear. "Both will be difficult, but it is your choice."
He turned the ignition, the car to roared to life.
Phone in hand, Danny slumped back in the seat and eyed the silver blade resting next to him. Taking a deep breath, he dialed his mother.
The phone rang twice before his mother picked up. She sounded worried and angry. Danny explained to her that he'd stayed after school to study with Sabrina, and that he was going to her house to study some more. His mother seemed surprised at the mention of Sabrina, happy that her son had made a new friend, obviously angry that he had not come home right after school. Danny implied that his need for knowledge was dire, which wasn't too far from the truth, given the current circumstances. In the end, she agreed to let him go as long as he was home on by nine o'clock.
Saying his goodbyes, Danny ended the call, handed the phone back to Sabrina's father, "Thank you."
Tyramear prompted his daughter to tell the tale of the attack.
During Sabrina's explanation, Danny's eyes lingered on the sword. He decided to take a closer look at it.
Looking closer, he noticed fine details, engraved on the tip of the silver sheath was a winding path of vines, mesmerizing in their intricate design. The twisting plants turned to roots as they traveled up the scabbard, becoming the base of a towering tree with the symbol of Light pictured in the leafy canopy. The base of the dragon-hilted blade, constructed from some silver-colored metal, matched up perfectly with the lip of the sheath.
Drawn to the reflecting glint of the polished metal, Danny reached out to touch it, his hand lingering just beyond the hilt.
"I would not do that if I were you," said Sabrina's father.
Danny's hand stopped just a few inches from the surface of the sword.
"Silvear is a Bonded, and a Bonded does not take kindly to being touched by one who is not their wielder," explained Tyramear.
"…A Bonded?"
"Yes," said Tyramear, his voice calm, seemingly content to let Danny guess at the implication.
Danny quickly went through his backpack and pulled out his deck box. In the card game of Knights, Bondeds were special weapons that could only be used by certain Knights of the Light. In the game, a Bonded card was useless when paired with just any knight card; it would often cause harmful disadvantages. However, if used with the knight named upon the card, it would grant special abilities and powers. Danny had a few in his deck, matching pairs were hard to come by.
Sabrina's father had just implied that a Bonded had a mind of its own, Danny rubbed his head in confusion.
"We are here," said Tyramear, before Danny could question him further.
Shoving his deck back into the box, Danny looked out of the car window. The full moon bathed the two-story house in a revealing light. The driveway led up to a two-car garage and looped around the back of the house. Danny saw the backyard quickly, it stretched out farther than his eyes could see. On either side of the drive, there were vast fields of withering corn stalks, suggesting that the location of the home was well away from the bustle of town and prying eyes.
The car stopped just in front of the garage. Turning around, Sabrina's father reached back, retrieved Silvear, "Come, Danny, we have a lot to discuss."
Danny nodded as he opened the car door. He followed Sabrina and her father silently as they made their way around the front of the house and onto the porch.
Sabrina's father unlocked the front door, held it open and motioned Danny and Sabrina inside.
Upon entering, Danny was greeted with the warm smile of a tall woman. Thin and straight, her long black hair cascaded down and around the nape of her neck. The shape of her eyes and her creamy skin mimicked her daughter's Asian heritage as she nodded her head and regarded Danny with a gentle gaze. However, her tender welcoming expression quickly turned to concern as her green eyes spotted the red-soaked bandage wrapped around Sabrina's right shoulder.
"You're hurt," said the woman, moving to Sabrina's side, investigating the wound.
"It's not that bad, Mother."
"Allow me to introduce you to my wife, Moon Su-Dae Drake." Sabrina's father closed the front door. "Moon, this is Danny Firoth."
Moon turned toward Danny and smiled. "Pleased to meet you, Danny," she said curtly. "Come, let me have a look," she said to her daughter, dragging her up a set of stairs.
"Moon is a nurse," explained Tyramear, "but more than that, she has the healer's touch."
"…Healer's touch?"
"Sabrina's mother has the ability to heal with the use of magic in addition to modern medicine." Seeing Danny's surprise, Tyramear added, "I understand that this is all very new to you. The answers will come soon, I promise, but first would you like something to drink? I make great hot chocolate."
"That would be fine," answered Danny, hoping he didn't look as uncomfortable as he felt. More than anything, he felt excited.
"Good," said Tyramear, slinging his sword over his shoulder. "Please make yourself comfortable."
After Tyramear left, Danny investigated the room with acute curiosity.
The large room boasted a vaulted ceiling and cream-colored walls. Arranged in a circle were a wooden rocking chair, a white sofa, and a red loveseat. However, the room lacked one thing usually common to most living rooms, a television.
Danny made his way to the sofa and sat down. Unsure of his surroundings, unwilling to touch anything that might get him into trouble, he placed his hands in his lap.
A few minutes later, Tyramear appeared with a pair of steaming mugs. He handed one to Danny, then walked over to the loveseat, propped his silver blade against the edge, and sat down.
The cup was warm in Danny's hands, filled three-quarters of the way to the brim, it was topped with a layer of whipped cream and marshmallows. The taste was hot on the tip of his tongue, but soothing as it glided down his throat, warming his belly. It was the best hot chocolate Danny had ever tasted.
"Good?" Tyramear asked.
Danny nodded eagerly conveying that it tasted great; he took another sip.
"Well then... I suppose we should get to it," said Tyramear. He took a sip of his own and then placed his mug on a side table.
Danny shifted to the edge of his seat and held his cup snugly between his legs. He was already in awe of this man, a full-blooded dragon, a Knight of the Light, and best of all he had his own card in the game of Knights. Additionally, he was also Sabrina's father. If Tyramear claimed that the world was flat, Danny would've believed him without question.
"A few hundred years ago, a rift of unknown origin opened at a large island, White Rock, located just off the coasts of Florida, Puerto Rico and Bermuda, in the center of what you know as the Bermuda Triangle. The fissure released the first wave of a dark race we came to call Shadows, resulting in a war that raged on for seven long years. With the help of great heroes and the loss of many brave souls, we were able to halt the passage of the Shadows into our world."
"You mean you were there?" Danny's face distorted with wide-eyed amazement.
"We Dragonic live much longer than a Human lifetime," explained Tyramear. He dropped his head as if he were grieving. "Yes, I was there. However, one turned the tide—the Mageknight."
"The Mageknight," whispered Danny to himself.
"Yes, the first and only one of his kind; as far as we know anyway. It is said that he will return when the days turn the darkest, his powers will be reborn in the body of another." Looking up, Tyramear snapped out of his reverie. "Forgive me; I seem to have trailed off."
Enthralled, Danny held his tongue.
"From the ashes of this battle, the Order of Light was born. We became the silent guardians of the Eye of Darkness."
"…The Eye of Darkness?"
"Such is the name we gave to the rift that opened that fateful day so long ago. It is a swirling mass leading into the abyss of the Shadow home world," said Tyramear. "The most powerful of wizards, as well as the strongest of knights, have attempted to close it, but to no avail. The Eye is a stain upon this world, resulting in a warping of reality itself. It is the cause of the strange occurrences for which the Bermuda Triangle is well known."
"If that is the only way for Shadows to enter our world, then how'd one end up at the playground at the school today?"
Tyramear nodded, smiled, and said, "A good question. It seems you are bright as well as brave." After a moment, he continued. "The Knights of the Light have waged war upon the Shadows since their intrusion into this world. However, there are those that would aid their incursion. With the help of those of the Dark, the Shadows have found other ways of trespassing into our world. That is why I was assigned by the Order of Light to protect this area. Oddly, there has been a significant amount of Shadow activity in this region."
"What do they want?"
"Ultimately, they wish to claim this world for their own and drown it in eternal darkness. However, what they currently desire within this particular area is unknown to me."
"Why would anyone help them?"
"The Shadows control dark powerful forces. Such power is difficult for some to deny when it is promised so easily."
"What does this have to do with me?"
"A brave thought-provoking question, Danny, one that only you can answer," said Tyramear, scooting to the edge of his seat. "As you already know, the deck of cards that you carry in your bag is a window into the struggle I have just spoken of. For those without the gift of sight, it is simply a way to pass the time. However, for others like you, it is a training tool. You ask me what this has to do with you. The answer is either nothing or everything. You can decide to ignore the things that you have seen and go about your life, but be forewarned, they will not ignore you. Or you can embrace this gift, you can train to become a Knight of the Light and protect the innocent from the threat of the Dark."
At that moment, before Danny could answer, Sabrina descended the stairs, her mother following behind. Danny and Tyramear stood and turned to look at the newcomers.
"I hope we're not interrupting anything?"
"Not at all," said Tyramear with a smile.
"Are you alright?" Danny asked of Sabrina.
Sabrina shrugged and pulled up the sleeve of her white T-shirt, revealing the unblemished skin of her right arm and her shoulder. The wound from her fight with the Shadow was completely gone, as if it had never happened. "Mother is an amazing healer," she said, reading Danny's surprised expression.
Moon smiled at the mention of her abilities.
Turning toward her father, Sabrina asked, "Has he decided yet?"
"I am afraid we were just in the middle of discussing that, my daughter."
"How does one become a Knight of the Light?"
Tyramear was the first to oblige him. "There is a school, Danny, located on White Rock Island. Those with the gift of sight are trained in the ways of the Light. Taught the art of combat, it is there that one becomes a knight."
Danny resumed his seated position and put both hands on his head. He felt overwhelmed. "I don't believe this is happening."
"It is a lot to take in," said Tyramear, closing the distance between them, placing a reassuring hand on Danny's right shoulder.
"You two must be starved. I will go and finish what I started for dinner," said Moon before disappearing into the kitchen.
Sabrina moved to Danny's side and took his left hand in hers.
Shocked at the sudden contact, Danny looked up.
Smiling, Sabrina said, "I cannot really understand what you are going through, Danny, because I was born into this knowledge."
"I'll do it," said Danny after a moment of thought, as he locked onto Sabrina's soft brown eyes.
"Do not do it for her," said Tyramear with a slight chuckle. "This decision must be made of your own accord. You must not let any outside influence force your hand."
"I'm positive," said Danny, turning to face Tyramear. "I want to be a Knight of the Light."
"So be it, Danny Firoth," said Tyramear with a gentle smile. "I shall petition the Council of the Knights for you to be tested."
"...Tested?"
Tyramear held his smile. "Like any other school, there are certain requirements you must meet to be accepted. Should you pass these tests, your enrollment will be guaranteed."
"What kind of requirements?"
"The details of the trials are forbidden to those destined to be examined," said Tyramear. "The testing is something you must either pass or fail on your own. Neither I nor Sabrina will be able to help you." He eyed his daughter sternly.
"How long do I have?"
"A few months, perhaps," said Tyramear. "The Shadows' movements have become increasingly bold and the Light is ever busy."
Danny dropped his gaze, worried. He was terrible at tests, not knowing what to study made it that much more difficult.
"Do not fret," said Tyramear, seemingly reading his thoughts.
Danny suddenly wondered if it was in the power of a full-blooded Dragonic to read minds. He stared at Tyramear with one raised eyebrow.
"No, I cannot read your mind," said Tyramear with a smile, but your expression is as readable as an open book."
Danny smiled and scratched the top of his head. "It's just that… I'm terrible at tests."
"This is no test that you can study for. You are as prepared for it right now, as you will be when you are destined to take it. Try not to worry."
Before Danny could say anything else, Moon called from the kitchen, "Dinner is ready." Her words heralded the aroma of something delicious, causing Danny's mouth to water.
"Come, Danny. Not only is Moon a gifted healer, she is also an amazing cook."
After a dinner of hibachi-style chicken, egg rolls, and fluffy white rice, keeping in the tradition of Moon's Korean heritage, Danny said his goodbye to Sabrina and her mother. With the hour getting late, he was grateful when Tyramear offered to drive him home.
Before he started the car, Tyramear produced a long, thin object, wrapped in a velvety red cloth.
"I have something for you," holding the cloaked item in the palm of his hand.
Danny took it, he could feel the weight of something heavy and solid.
Starting the car, Tyramear turned around. Shifting gears, he said, "Go ahead, open it."
Danny un-wrapped the red cloth, one fold at a time, revealing the splendor of polished metal. He was looking at a slender dagger sheathed in a silver scabbard, with the symbol of Light engraved into the middle. The hilt of the small blade resembled the head of a dragon. Danny held the brand up to his eyes to get a better look at it, he gasped at the intricate artisanship.
"Take it out," urged Tyramear, as he navigated the long driveway.
Danny wrapped his fingers around the base of the hilt. The metal was cool in his hands as he pulled the blade free with a slight ring of steel. The moment the naked edge left the scabbard, it bathed the car in a soft white light.
"It's beautiful, thank you," said Danny, admiring the sharp blade as it glowed with a pale luminescence.
"It is for your protection," said Tyramear before Danny could ask. "You must keep it on your person at all times."
"I can't take this to school," argued Danny, holding the dagger before him, raising both eyebrows in question.
"It is enchanted. Those without the gift of sight, will see a common ink pen. It is imperative that you keep it with you at all times. Without it, you will be helpless against a Shadow attack."
"...Helpless?"
"The Shadows are creatures of magic. They can only be destroyed by magic. Crafted with Dwarvin skill, the dagger in your hand is charmed for the specific purpose of felling Shadows."
"Charmed?"
"It is magical. Only magical weapons can harm a Shadow. Mortal weapons are useless against their kind."
"So that's why the rock went right through the Shadow's head."
"Yes," affirmed Tyramear.
"Then how could Sabrina hurt it? She wasn't using any kind of weapon that I could see."
Tyramear smiled and took his eyes off the road to look at Danny. "Like me, Sabrina is of the Dragonic, dragons are naturally magical creatures."
"Oh," said Danny, pausing for a moment while thumbing the engraved symbol of Light upon the scabbard of the dagger, a solid white chain interlinked with a black chain of seeping dark flames. "What does the symbol of Light stand for?" he was mesmerized by the emblem.
Tyramear followed Danny's captivated gaze down to the small sheath. "At the core, the symbol is meant to represent a balance of a sort, a union between both good and evil." Glancing at the road and then at Danny, he continued. "You see… good cannot exist without evil and vice versa. The white chain represents the Light, the forces of good, while the black chain represents evil, the forces of the Dark. The white chain is solid and pure because we of the Light acknowledge the presence of the Dark and strive to maintain the proper balance. However, the black chain, warped with escaping tendrils of dark flame, symbolizes the Dark's desire to overthrow that balance. Evil does not know boundaries, Danny. The forces of the Dark will work tirelessly to unravel everything, even at the risk of their own destruction."
"I see," said Danny, tracing his pointer finger around the circular symbol of the Light. Tyramear's words settled heavily upon his shoulders.
"If I am going to get you home, I will need your guidance from this point on," said Tyramear, turning his full attention back toward the road.
Forced from the burden of his thoughts, Danny nodded, sheathed the dagger, and gave him directions.