The Dragonheir

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border-top:1px solid #393939; clear:both; display:none; width:100%!important; position:relative; z-index:999999!important; height:90px!important"> <div class="adCenterClass" style="display:block!important; overflow:hidden; width:916px;"> <div id="footerAd_container" style="display:block!important; float:left; width:728px"> <iframe id="lycosFooterAdiFrame" style="border:0; display:block; float:left; height:96px; overflow:hidden; padding:0; width:750px"></iframe> </div> </div> </div> <p class="MsoBlockText" align="center" style="text-align:center;text-indent:27.0pt; mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-size:48.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Old English Text MT"">The Dragonheir<o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p class="MsoBlockText" align="center" style="text-align:center;text-indent:27.0pt"><span style="font-size:36.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Old English Text MT""><o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p class="MsoBlockText" align="center" style="text-align:center;text-indent:27.0pt"><span style="font-size:22.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Old English Text MT"">By <o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p class="MsoBlockText" align="center" style="text-align:center;text-indent:27.0pt; mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-size:28.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Old English Text MT"">Layson A. Williams<o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p class="MsoBlockText" align="center" style="text-align:center;text-indent:27.0pt"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Old English Text MT"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"><br clear="all" style="page-break-before:always"> </span></p> <p class="MsoBlockText" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Old English Text MT"">1</span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Old English Text MT"">:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Chance meeting</span><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Old English Text MT""><o:p> </o:p> </span><o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="MsoBlockText" style="text-indent:27.0pt">The brilliant sunlight of the brisk winter morning poured through the windows of the castle, heralding the approach of spring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Preston and Terrance walked quickly through the narrow corridors, wincing as the sunlight tried to share its glory with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>As they turned the corner, they came across a slower, hobbling figure cloaked in light gray and relying heavily on the support of a walking staff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>As Terrance caught sight of the figure, being the first around the corner, he respectfully slowed down and held out his arm, signaling to his friend behind him to follow his example and walk behind the figure at a similar pace.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">For several minutes, the figure continued with no indication that it was aware of the two young gentlemen patiently restraining the flurry of their feet; yet without warning, a raspy voice passed by their ears:</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Far be it from me to impede the bloom of youth; feel free to pass, boys.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">With that the figure positioned its back to the wall of the corridor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>A beam of sunlight landed on the figure’s chest and shoulder, reflecting into its hood and brightening the ancient smile underneath.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">The two friends hesitated for a moment, unsure if passing the elder one would be appropriate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>As they hesitated, Preston glanced upon the sculpture atop the figure’s walking staff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Preston’s eye’s widened as he noticed the silver dragon with sunken red eyes, its wings folded, its arms clutching the top of the staff, and its tail spiraling down the grip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Preston gasped, and Terrance turned to his friend to see what had caught Preston’s attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>When Terrance caught sight of the cause, he stuttered.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“A thousand apologies, my lord, had we but known it was you . . .”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">As Terrance was yet speaking, the elder one raised his hands in protest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“I am not a lord, Terrance, I am only an Heir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>I do not rule; I merely maintain and preserve my inheritance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The respect is nice, but keep the worship away.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">The man then smiled a little wider as he noted from the conviction in their facial expressions that the two would make sure their reverence never went beyond respect, from that moment until forever.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Both Terrance and Preston studied the legend in front of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>His light gray cloak appeared old and worn, silently telling tales of adventures in distant lands and ages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>His clothing underneath was shrouded in shadow, but his boots displayed the wrinkles of old leather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The elder one raised his head to reveal his face, since his eyes had adjusted to the sunlight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The scarlet colour and ebony, vertical slits of his eyes radiated their age and origin and, along with the walking staff, identified him as one of the Dragonheirs.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">His smile dimmed faintly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“I am not immortal, boys.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Terrance and Preston awoke and seized his implication, and both apologized as they passed and continued down the corridor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Preston turned as he jaunted down the corridor and called behind: “It was nice meeting you, sir!”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Nice meeting you too, Preston!” the Dragonheir called back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Upon this response, Preston’s mind started to take note of the fact that this legend, which they had never met before, not only knew their names but also knew them by their faces.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:-27.0pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: .5in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Old English Text MT"">2: Losing the Dragonheir<o:p> </o:p> </span><o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">The two friends reached an opening in the corridor where three doors were available to choose from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Without thinking, they moved to the far right door and swiftly entered into a large vaulted chamber, lit by four torches and stained glass windows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Upon their entrance, two-dozen heads turned to inspect the newcomers. Upon immediate recognition, two-dozen heads apathetically turned back to their original position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Terrance and Preston scanned the room and found two seats on the far end of the furthest table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Though there were other seats available, these two were beside each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>They quickly shuffled over and occupied the seats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>When they were both seated, the man across from them had difficulty holding back his glare of contempt toward the two friends.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Nice of you to finally grace us with your presence,” he complained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“Maybe now we can get started.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“The arrival of these men are not the reason for our delay, Trenton,” said the man at the head of the table, a good thirty feet away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He raised his eyes to reveal the same scarlet colour of his eyes and vertical ebony slits of his pupils as the Dragonheir that they met in the corridor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“We are awaiting yet another.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Sir, may I speak?” Terrance asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The Dragonheir motioned for him to continue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Terrance tried not to pay any heed to the increase in intensity of Trenton’s glare.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Preston and I passed by a Dragonheir in the corridor walking toward this area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He should be here momentarily.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Did you pass by him or press by him?” Trenton asked slyly behind his smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Both Terrance and Preston were aware that Trenton was a little jealous of their knowledge of the Dragonheirs and their lore, and also their skills with a walking staff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>However, today of all days, his feelings were getting the best of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Could you tell which Dragonheir it was?” asked a man from the other table.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Neither of us had met this Dragonheir before,” Reported Preston, “so that would narrow the list down to either Jeremiah or Thane.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“We understand is that Jeremiah has a young appearance in comparison to Thane, so we believe that the Dragonheir we met is Thane,” Terrance concluded.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">The Dragonheir at the head of their table smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“Yes; it is Thane that approaches now.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">The bitterness on Trenton’s face could not be hidden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Preston noted it and wondered why the present elders tolerated such animosity.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">The door opened, and the Dragonheir huddled through the doorway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>After closing the door behind him, he removed the hood of his cloak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Preston noticed that though he walked as an elderly man, relying on the support of his staff, his gaze around the room was as a warrior, taking in every little circumstance and situation in the chamber.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Preston surmised that the walk could definitely be an exaggeration.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Suddenly, Preston became terribly aware that this Dragonheir, Thane, was looking directly at him as he walked the length of the chamber in between the tables.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">The Heir at the front of the table stood and greeted Thane with a warm smile and outstretched hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“It’s good to see you again, Thane,” Said the Heir.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“It’s been a long time, Gallen; it’s good to see you as well.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Gallen moved closer to Thane and spoke softly, with great care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“Are you sure you want to do this?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Thane responded in kind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“Gallen, look at me. I am old; I lost my fire years ago, and I do not have any intention of getting it back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>I am exhausted of paying this toll, and both ready and willing to move on.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Gallen paused, trying desperately, yet unsuccessfully, to hide the emotional turmoil raging inside of him; the cause of which was lost in countless years of friendship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Thane put his hand on Gallen’s shoulder in sympathetic support and smiled.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Fear not, my friend,” Thane stated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“I am only a servant of a great cause, and you are one of my best students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>It has been a great honour to hold the truth with you, but this is how I need it to be.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Gallen sobbed and nodded, then asked for a moment to gather himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Thane took the opportunity to explain the situation to those in attendance.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Simply put, everyone,” Thane bluntly started, “I have decided to move on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>For those of you who don’t understand, I have decided to die and pass the inheritance I keep to one of you.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Thane paused and let the conviction of his decision sink into the noisy stir of his audience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>No doubt, his impenetrable confidence helped Gallen, as well as several others, accept his decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>However, a Dragonheir giving up his inheritance scarcely happened, and was cause for concern, if not scrutiny.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Those of you in this chamber are the most likely candidates at this time to be the next Dragonheir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The council of elders has chosen you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Now, I will choose the one of you that I feel and perceive will best take my place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The council will either deny my choice and another will be chosen; or it will be accepted, and we will proceed to the passing.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Thane paused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“With this in mind, it is only fair if I give all of you the opportunity to decline this position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>It is honourable to decline at this time; you will be included in the next calling to pass on the inheritance without question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>If you wish to decline at this time, leave now.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">The minutes passed by slowly without any movement from those in attendance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Whether the lack of movement was from a sincere desire to stay or from the stun of the drastic announcement, few could ever tell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Nonetheless, no one declined.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“As you wish,” concluded Thane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“All those of the candidacy, please stand.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">All those in the chamber with the exception of four stood from their seats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>After a moment, Thane began to ask questions to each candidate as he went down the side of one of the tables and then back up the other side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The choice in questions seemed to be limited to how the candidate was doing or feeling, what country they have always wanted to visit, when they first arrived at the Dragonhold, and the like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Most of the questions seemed to be nominal, or even superfluous, yet the answers were thoughtful and observant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>At last, he stepped in front of Preston.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“We meet again, Preston.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>It’s nice to know that this was your destination, as well as Terrance’s.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Thank you, Sir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>It’s nice to know who you are . . . now.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Thane huffed, with a smile.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Preston, how long have you lived at this Dragonhold?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Preston paused for thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“Long enough to realize when the questions do not mean as much as the answers.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Thane did not expect this answer, but was impressed by it. “What is that supposed to mean?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“It means that you are getting your answers not from what we say, but how we say it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Your answers are probably confirmed by the way we present ourselves, since you look each of us over before you ask anything.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Preston was feeling a little nervous, but was confident that his observations were correct, and not about to relent after going this far.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“I see,” Thane replied with a nod, and stepped in front of Terrance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Preston fought back the tendency to worry that he may have ruined his chances by being so forthcoming.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Terrance, thank you for being so respectful in the corridor.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>When Thane said this, even Terrance could feel Preston’s heart sink.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“You’re welcome, Sir,” Terrance replied neutrally.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Terrance, what is your opinion?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Why did I refer to you two as ‘boys’ in the corridor?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Well, most would probably say because we were shuffling through the corridor like children.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“I didn’t ask what most would think.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>I think you called us that because compared to your age, we still have our mother’s milk on our breath.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Thane could not help but smile at Terrance’s vivid response.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“I see,” Thane replied through his smile, and stepped to the next candidate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Thane worked his way around the table, and soon stepped in front of Trenton.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“It’s been a few days since we’ve met, Trenton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>How are your studies coming along?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Trenton sighed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“They’re doing fine, thank you for asking, but I know you’ve already made your decision.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Once again, Thane huffed and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“What makes you say that?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“There was more than just admiration in your smile toward Terrance.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“I see,” Thane responded, and stepped to the next candidate. Trenton stared at the floor with a frown.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">After talking to the remaining candidates, Thane walked to the front of the chamber and approached Gallen.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“I have made my decision,” he announced, and made his way out of the room without meeting the eyes of any of the candidates.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Gallen nodded and addressed the candidates. “The Dragonheir, Thane, has made his decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The council, though, must approve the decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>If the candidate is approved, that one will be approached at a later time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Until further notice, all of you are dismissed.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt"> <o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 45.0pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Old English Text MT"">3: Chance Lost<o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt"> <o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">In no particular order, the candidates stood and began to file out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Among the first was a bitter and quiet Trenton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Both Terrance and Preston left in an unhurried state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>To their own surprise, when leaving the chamber they saw Trenton staring at a shadow on the wall, slowly nodding his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>As they approached closer, they heard a familiar voice whispering through the corridor.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“There’s no denying that you have a lot of potential, but dragons and demons do not get along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>In order for you to become the next Dragonheir, you will need to exercise your demons. And do not drag your feet, for there is no way to predict the next calling.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Trenton nodded as he looked to the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“Now, go. We will speak again very soon.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Trenton looked at the shadow with a puzzled look for a moment, and then started down the corridor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Seconds later, Terrance and Preston each felt a hand on their shoulder.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Your eavesdropping should not hinder your vigilance, boys.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Instantly, the two friends knew not only the identity of the presence, but also knew that they were being either tested or mocked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Preston answered with a “Yes sir,” but could hardly keep his smile hidden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Terrance was quiet.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Would you mind sharing the humour of the situation, Preston?” Thane asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Suddenly, Terrance spun almost completely around and stopped when he was facing Thane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He had intercepted the Dragonheir’s unattended walking staff with his foot as he spun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He held it diagonally in both hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Preston also turned to face Thane, gesturing toward the staff in his friend’s hands.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Would you like your staff back?” asked Preston.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Yes, I would,” responded Thane, and in less than a heartbeat was in between the two friends with his walking staff back in his hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Terrance was holding his right hand with his left, reciting a mild expletive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Preston had already taken a step backward and was in a defensive stance.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Thane was smiling broadly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“Well done, gentlemen.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Preston and Terrance stood their ground. Terrance noted that Thane was out of breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The tension in the corridor rose gradually, as well as the silence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Suddenly, Thane started to laugh. The two friends started to relax as Thane put a little more weight on his staff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“Maybe I should have chosen you anyway, Terrance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>That was well done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>It wouldn’t have worked if I still had my fire, of course, but the victory goes to you without question.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Terrance’s eyes widened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“You were going to pick me?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Thane’s dragon eyes turned and met Terrance’s hazel eyes. “Yes,” Thane admitted as he nodded, “Trenton was correct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>I was going to choose you.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“That doesn’t wash.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>What stopped you?” asked Preston, as he ignored the negative voices in his head reminding him of his own failure, and focused his consideration on his friend.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Thane glanced at Preston, and then looked back at Terrance, deep in thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“I’m still not quite sure . . .” he responded distantly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>After an instant, he jolted himself back from his thoughts and directed his conversation toward Terrance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“There’s something in you that is holding you back, Terrance; I can’t decipher what it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>I don’t know you well enough to understand what your mannerisms are telling me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He stared at Terrance for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“Something is tying you down, Terrance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>I just cannot see it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Somehow you still have ties to the outside world.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">All three men stood motionless, feeling confused and contemplative, but for different reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Preston was trying to see in Terrance what Thane saw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Thane was still trying to define what he saw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Terrance was stunned to know that some unknown situation was keeping him from becoming a Dragonheir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Terrance, there is the possibility that you may be able to rectify the situation before the next calling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>I would strongly recommend that you seek out the source of your ties and set them to rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>When that is done, get back here as quickly as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>You would be welcome back, and no doubt be in line for the next calling, as long as you are not too old.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Terrance took all that the Dragonheir said to heart and digested his advice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He looked at the Dragonheir and inquired in a quivering voice:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“How do I start?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Where do I go?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Thane put his free hand on Terrance’s arm in comfort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“I’m sorry, Terrance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>I don’t have any answers for you on this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>I believe from what I know of you that you can find the right path to take; it’s probably either that you are denying its existence, or that your mind is not open enough to acknowledge its presence.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Whatever fire was left in Thane burned in his eyes as he looked into Terrance’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“Don’t give up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Leave swiftly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Settle the issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Then, return with all haste.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>It would be priceless to have you as an Heir.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Terrance stared at Thane with bewilderment, but accepted all of his advice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>After saying goodbye, Thane turned away and began to hobble down the corridor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Terrance directed his eyes at Preston for support, who responded with as much support as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>A few moments later, Thane called to Terrance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Terrance turned to take one last look at the Dragonheir and to listen to his wisdom.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Of course, you are well known by many in the Hold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>It is possible that the next Heir will be able to see what I cannot see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>You may wish to consult him; if you do, bid him well for me.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“You have my word, sir; I will do exactly that,” Terrance responded, with reverence in his shaken voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Preston put his hand over his heart and bowed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">With that, the Dragonheir turned away, walked into the shadows of the corridor, and disappeared.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Both of the two friends stood and, while staring down the corridor, etched into their memories all the images of Thane the Dragonheir they had at their disposal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Several moments passed without notice or sound.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Silently they vowed to themselves never to forget the man they met only today, and after today would probably never meet again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Keeping true to their memory of him was the most fitting thing they could do for a Dragonheir.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt"> <o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Old English Text MT""><span style="mso-tab-count:1">     </span>4: Friends Lost<o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt"> <o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">No sunlight was present in the corridor to comfort them as the two friends walked back to their chambers after the farewell banquet, trying to arrive before curfew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The walls of stone seemed cold and distant, though they were in arm’s reach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Even so, the walls loyally echoed their footsteps as they walked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The air itself had a certain chill to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Terrance walked the distance in a trancelike state, deep within his thoughts. Preston walked behind Terrance, scrutinizing every move his friend made, ready to interfere if Terrance’s thoughts became too depressed and revealed themselves in his actions.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">When the two reached their chambers, just before Terrance opened his door, Preston approached him.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“You know, it doesn’t take a Dragonheir to see how dreary you were at the banquet.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Oh?” Terrance quietly replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“I thought I did a rather good job at hiding it.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Preston relented.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“Well, maybe I just know what to look for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Really; are you going to be okay?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Yes, I’ll be fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>I’m going to lie down, relax, meditate, and try to figure out what on earth is holding me back.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“That’s what I guessed you were going to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Would it help if I do the same thing?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Terrance forced a smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“Sure. You think about the first ten years of my life, and tell me if anything unique comes to your attention.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Preston playfully pondered, toggling a finger for each imaginary thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“All right, let’s see: no, that’s not it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>That’s not it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>No way it could be that . . .”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">The forced smile on Terrance turned into a true one. “All right, all right; nothing happened the first ten anyway, other than losing my family and the rest of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Tell you what: why don’t you think of the time I’ve been here?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>You’ve known me these past five years, and you’ve always been as observant as me, if not more so; but do it from your own chambers, okay?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Preston looked at his friend with encouragement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“Okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Don’t worry, Terrance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>We’ll figure it out, and then we’ll take care of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>You’ll see.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Yes; I suppose we will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Well, good night, Preston.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Good night, Terrance.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Preston gave one last smile and returned to his chamber.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Terrance opened his door and entered his chamber.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The room was still and empty, with the only movement from a lonely candle, dancing in the gentle evening breeze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He must have forgotten to extinguish the candle when he had left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He walked over to his table with the candle and scanned the writings and varied notes taken on the subjects of his studies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He knew that it might have been wise to get a bit more studying in, but he had other things on his mind.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Terrance walked over to his bed and lay down, taking in the cool air to calm his mind in preparation of an extensive search of his memory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>It was very unlikely that the ‘thing’ holding him back was from the first twelve years of his life, due to the fact that he lost all ties to that life when his parents and several others died in a wave of pestilence that ran through his village.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He was taken to another village, where he learned to do what he needed to in order to survive, even if it meant stealing or begging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>After a while of honing such skills, Terrance decided to go to school and learn a trade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Other people in the village found this change of path admirable, and gave him help in changing his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>After that, nothing out of the ordinary of a teenage life happened there; that is, until his nineteenth year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">A tall, cloaked man visited the village.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The man seemed rather quiet, just passing through, getting to know the land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Terrance found him curious, and began a conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>To his surprise, this man had apparently been watching Terrance even longer and at more intensity than Terrance had been watching him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The man identified himself by the name of Jerune.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Jerune explained the origin of his unusual name, and although Terrance scoffed when told the origin, he saw no reason to discount it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>When he then saw Jerune’s eyes in the light, he became even more intrigued.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Then a few days later, Jerune asked Terrance to accompany him on his journey home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Very little held Terrance to the village, so Terrance agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>That was the beginning of his journey to the Dragonhold, and he has been immersed in this life ever since.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">It seemed so uneventful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>How could there be anything to hold him back?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>What was he missing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>There was no reason to avenge anyone, and no ancient scores to settle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>What was it that had to be enough to distract Terrance from a lifelong commitment?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Did he have some illness?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Well, that would be a concern, but surely one of the Dragonheirs would have noticed an ailment when he arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Besides, Thane said that there was something in him holding him back, something tying him down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>What on earth could be hindering him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Thane said he did not know Terrance well enough to interpret the source.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>How could Terrance find out what it was?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>According to Thane, even a Dragonheir could not decipher the cause.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Well, that was not exactly true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Thane said that the next Dragonheir, his replacement, might be able to see what it was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>How could the next Heir possibly tell what it was, unless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Unless the next Dragonheir knew Terrance very well; as well as a true friend of five years.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Terrance sprang to his feet and dashed out of his chamber door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He rushed up to Preston’s door and pounded on it frantically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>There was no answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Fortunately, chamber doors seldom had locks on them that could endure the force Terrance was able to create, so he burst open the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The room was still and empty, with the only movement from a lonely candle, dancing in the gentle evening breeze.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Preston was gone.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 45.0pt"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 45.0pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Old English Text MT"">5: The Abduction<o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt"> <o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Preston had entered a nightmare.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.35pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.35pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.35pt">There was an ambush waiting for him in his chamber.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Several men, obviously trained in how to incapacitate a man, had a challenge subduing Preston, who could almost feel the tension in his chamber when he stepped through the doorway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He knew unquestionably that he had extinguished that candle when he had left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Preston moved toward his table and put his hand on the back of his chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Less than a second later, the shadows gave birth to several large shapes that swiftly moved at Preston.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>With deadly precision, Preston swung the chair around him and the legs of the chair made contact with a square jaw and the side of another head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Unfortunately, there were at least three other shapes, probably as large.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>They lunged at Preston from a point lower to the ground, which made Preston’s move ineffective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>One pinned him against the table, another issued a blow to Preston’s head, and then everything went black.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Preston awoke awkwardly as he realized he was being carried by at least three people, with a bag or hood covering his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Every so often he was twisted or turned, but he could still tell he was being carried down a staircase, possibly a spiral one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>As the journey continued, Preston took notice of a pattern in how the people carrying him moved, trying to compensate for their uncooperative load.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Preston decided to become even more uncooperative.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Three, two, one, Kick!</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Judging by the painful groan, Preston assumed he made the mark he was aiming for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Unfortunately, so did the second blow to Preston’s head.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Preston awoke again and found himself strapped down to a table or slab by his hands, legs, and neck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The hood was still in place, so he relied on his other senses to give him information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The room felt very hot and stuffy, like a smith’s workshop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The air also seemed stifled, but that could be from the hood, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He could hear people moving around him, and some talking in an unknown language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The language sounded harsh, and yet musical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Every once in a while, he could hear a large thud, like a mallet many times the size of a man being dropped on the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>At irregular intervals, Preston could make out the light of a fire being stoked and felt the corresponding blast of heat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>It seemed odd, though, that there was no sound of metal clanking, or of a bellows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>If Preston was in some sort of smith’s shop, it was a uniquely quiet one.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Suddenly, Preston felt his shirt being ripped off of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He felt something roughly about the size of his own face placed on his chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>It felt heavy and rough against his skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Then, a blast of intense heat and flame was thrown upon the item, and Preston’s chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Preston became painfully aware that he was being burned alive, and screamed in agony.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Though the flame blast lasted only a handful of seconds, the immense pain mutilating his body seemed to last a lifetime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He could feel his flesh shrinking, twisting in shape and consistency as it cooked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Unexpectedly, Preston became aware that the object on his chest not only felt like it was shrinking, but that it was embedding itself into his chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>It felt as though the object diminished to be a size more closely matching his fist, or maybe his heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Whether this observation was because of his training or some protective failsafe of his mind, Preston was never sure.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">At an almost miraculous rate, the pain subsided and Preston could feel the new appendage on his chest become one with his body; or whatever was left of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He could not assess the complete damage as long as the hood was still in place over his head.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Without warning, the hood was removed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Preston’s eyes scanned the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He seemed to be in a very large cavern, lit by several fires.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He heard what sounded like the snort of a large animal at the foot of the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>With considerable effort, Preston looked toward the foot of the table; it was not easy with the neck strap in place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>His eyes met the ominous, horned countenance of a creature staring down at him from four meters above.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>A sizeable mouth slightly opened, and an enormous pair of wings stretched backward in their folded position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Preston’s gaze met the tearful eyes of the creature, which returned his stare with sadness and compassion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Preston’s eyes widened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>There could be no doubt that Preston was staring into the eyes of a living, breathing Dragon.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">And that was the last thing Preston saw before the two people on either side of him removed his eyes.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">The pain was immeasurable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Preston’s unbearable scream echoed throughout the room for countless moments, and then the dragon roared in sorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The ear of an open mind could hear the despair in the wailing cry of the dragon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Instantly two people (no doubt attendants) placed smooth, soft orbs, the size of oranges, on to each eye socket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The sting of Preston’s recent wounds protested the placement of the orbs, but the attendants held his head still.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Within moments, the pain of the wounds diminished, and was replaced by eerie, unfamiliar warmth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Preston could feel the orbs reduce in size; yet even more unnerving was the feeling of his own body, the remnants of his eyes, move and reach out to touch the orbs as they sank into his sockets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Another dowse of pain soaked Preston’s head as what was left of his eyes made contact with the orbs, and Preston received what under any other circumstances would be described as curious: the sensation of being temporarily blinded by bright light.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">The attendants wrapped Preston’s eyes with bandages, and Preston heard an unfamiliar voice declare: “It is done.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Preston once more heard the strange sound of the huge mallets being pounded almost rhythmically, and soon realized that he was hearing the dragon trudge into the distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Lastly, he heard echoing throughout the cavern was the sound of a slow, grief-stricken song before plummeting once again into unconsciousness.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt"> <o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Old English Text MT""><span style="mso-tab-count:1">     </span>6: The Next Dragonheir<o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt"> <o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Preston opened his eyes and looked at the roof.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He took a deep breath of relief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>What a nightmare!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He ran his fingers through his hair and scratched the addition on his chest.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">And then he shrank back in horror.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">It was real; at least the thing on his chest was real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>It was rough and very durable, like very tough leather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Preston touched it again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He gasped when he realized that when he touched it, he not only felt his fingers touching it, but felt it touching his fingers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>It was as much a part of him as his own skin.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Preston scanned the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>It was dimly lit, perhaps by moonlight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The challenge was that there were no windows, but he could still see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Yet, how could he?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>If that thing on his chest was real, was not the loss of his eyes?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Nevertheless, he could still barely see the edge of the bed, and the closed door, and the table with a few unlit candles on it, and the figure sitting in the chair, staring at him . . .</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Preston refused to move, but peered at the figure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The figure stared back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Its hands were clasped in front of it haphazardly, and its legs were crossed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Good morning, Preston,” the figure greeted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>An uneasy pause stifled the air in the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“Welcome to the ‘brotherhood.’”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Preston recognized the voice as the only one he heard during his experience.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“What have you done to me?” Preston broke forth in a whisper.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“What have we done to you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>I cannot believe you are that naive if Thane chose you.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Preston thought for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The trauma of the experience muddled his perception, but soon the answers were practically obvious.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Why didn’t you tell me what you were going to do?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Your body would have naturally prepared for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Those preparations would have . . . complicated the procedure.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Preston tried not to think of the experience and focused on the figure across the room near the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He sat up at the edge of his bed and leaned closer toward the figure, trying to identify whom it was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The figure held up its right hand toward Preston, and with its thumb struck the match it was holding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The figure reached over with the match and lit the candles on the table, and then put out the match and leaned back in its chair.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Preston could then clearly see the pupils of the figure’s red eyes minimize into vertical ebony slits, even under the hood of its cloak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The figure was obviously a Dragonheir; one that he had never met before, though. Therefore, this Dragonheir must have been Jeremiah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Preston looked around the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>It was as bright as if beams of sunlight were pouring in through an open window, but the only light was from the candles.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“How long have I been in here?” Preston asked, assuming that the unusual brightness was from an extended period without light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Jeremiah smirked, apparently expecting a similar question.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Only a few hours,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“The abundance of light is not an abundance at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>You are merely seeing things more intensely than you have ever seen them before.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Jeremiah tossed a small mirror toward the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>It landed next to Preston.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“You will need to become accustomed to your new appearance.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">After a moment of hesitation, Preston took the mirror and looked into it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>It was true; there they were: two scarlet eyes, with vertical ebony slits for pupils, right where his pale blue eyes used to be. However, his eye sockets and eyelids showed no sign of any disturbance from the replacement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Even more interesting was the detail that Preston could read in his own face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He could tell which muscles in his face were moving under his skin when he moved his mouth, or nose, or brow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He could see individual strands of hair shifting in their position as he moved his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He could take notice of the air coming out of his nostrils; even though it was not cold in the room to give his breath a visible characteristic, yet he could still see it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">And it all said so much about who he himself was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The quivers and spasms in his face told of the presence of experiences that shaped his mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Preston surmised that body language would be extremely easy to interpret with this level of observation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Of course!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>That must have been why Thane was looking over each candidate at the gathering; he could tell so much about everyone there.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Thane.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Where is Thane?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Jeremiah clenched his jaw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“Thane has moved on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>You know that, Preston.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“That doesn’t wash; what I have been told could mean many things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>I noticed the dragon cried out just after I lost my eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Did these eyes come from Thane, or from it?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Not ‘it;’ her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>She is called Raurii.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>She was crying out for the loss of one of her sons, the one you are replacing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>She is your newly adopted mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Perhaps someday you will meet her again.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Tension filled the room, emanating from Jeremiah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Preston could tell this was a difficult task for him; not from the standpoint of welcoming the next Dragonheir, but from the line of questions- he was probably expecting easy, selfish questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Preston felt it would be wise to ask different questions, for Jeremiah’s sake; he and Thane must have been very close to each other.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Her name is Raurii,” Preston contemplated.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Yes.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Why was she there?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“To burn the scale into your chest.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Preston once again touched the thing, the scale, on his chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“A dragon’s fire is the only thing that could make a dragon scale become a part of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>It needed to be a part of you before you could receive your eyes.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Preston thought for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“I don’t quite understand.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Jeremiah sighed with a hint of relief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>This line of questioning must have been similar to what he was expecting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“With the dragon scale a part of you, it gives you the power to heal, and even regenerate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The scale made your body capable of accepting the eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>If we did not put the eyes in place where your old eyes used to be, your body soon would have grown new eyes, just like your old ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Do you understand now?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Yes,” accepted Preston, “I understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Thank you for your patience and honesty.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“The patience was traditional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>I’ve been told that you showed the same courtesy to the Dragonheir who brought you here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>It was Rowan, was it not?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Yes,” Preston nodded, and Jeremiah continued.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“The honesty was required.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>As you’ll soon find out, there are reasons why it is pointless to lie to a Dragonheir.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Preston agreed within himself; with this level of observation in him now, it would probably be easy to judge the character of an individual, and even distinguish if they are lying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>It stood to reason that such ability is why the candidacy was so exclusive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>This power had to be kept away from those who would abuse it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Indeed, the honour of being a Dragonheir went far above simply qualifying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Even when Thane said that he should have picked Terrance, the notion in itself was priceless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Suddenly, the words of Thane as he spoke to Terrance echoed in Preston’s head:</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:9.0pt;text-align:justify">“...<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Don’t give up, Terrance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Leave swiftly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Settle the issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Then, return with all haste.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>It would be priceless to have you as an Heir</i> . . .”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Terrance.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“When can I return to the Hold?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“In due time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>We felt it would be best if you meet the other members of this clan who are here before you return, and there are a few other additions to the inheritance you will be receiving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Terrance has been looking for you, I’m told.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He apparently broke open the door to your chamber moments after the attendants retrieved you, and then went through the corridors, knocking on doors and demanding to be seen by an Heir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He must have heard the struggle.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Preston smiled mischievously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“That’s not the reason he went looking for me.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Jeremiah cocked his head curiously. Preston paused, and then continued as he contemplated the report on Terrance’s actions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Your attendants were sloppy, but the struggle did not make enough noise to catch the attention from another chamber.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Then, why would he seek you out so aggressively?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Preston smiled a little wider.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“He figured out who would be the next Dragonheir.” <o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt"> <o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 45.0pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Old English Text MT"">7:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Chosen Lost<o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt"> <o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“You’ve made quite a stir, Terrance,” Gallen said as he poured tea into his cup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">The steam playfully climbed up along Gallen’s arm and hugged his face before swirling and dissipating into the air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The blazing fire to his right softly crackled in the background; it guaranteed that the situation did not become too taut with stillness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He sat in his chair and sipped his tea, narrowing his eyes to analyze every aspect of the man before him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Jerune had told Gallen about Terrance, and Gallen could not help but notice the passion that Terrance had in him for the truth that all in the Dragonhold protect and nurture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>In fact, this was the only time that Terrance had ever become unruly or showed any signs of a lack of reverence for the lifestyle that he had been chosen to serve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>This indeed was worthy of investigation.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Gallen could tell that the fire in Terrance’s eyes was not just a reflection of the one in his hearth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Terrance sat motionless with a determination in his gaze toward Gallen that made reading him difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Since Gallen had the advantages of a Dragonheir, though, he could perceive that Terrance’s stirred behaviour rooted from loyalty and friendship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Gallen was well aware of the condition and progress of Preston, but he could never have predicted the affect it would have on the man in front of him.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“He would do the same for me,” Terrance said slowly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“In fact, he would find me.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Terrance waited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Even to his own surprise, it was taking more self-control to not start searching for Preston himself than he could have anticipated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Gallen was too calm and too complacent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He knew what was going on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He no doubt knew that Preston was chosen to be the next Dragonheir, and probably also knew of Preston’s abduction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>However, he was being so mild and patient about the situation that it almost infuriated Terrance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Doesn’t Gallen realize that the next Dragonheir had been compromised?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>This castle, the Dragonhold, has been attacked before, but never so covertly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Also, if such a situation was a reality, then it had to have been conducted by someone within the Hold.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">The more Terrance thought about the whole thing, the more he realized that this scenario was difficult to believe. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>No one but the Dragonheirs knew who the next one would be, and Preston did not have anything in his life important enough to be kidnapped over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Yet, he was missing, and Terrance was sure there was a reason for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Preston would probably say that it ‘just didn’t wash.’</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Preston.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Even if he could not tell me where he was going, Preston would have told me he was going somewhere before he left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Your apparent lack of concern, sir, not only suggests that we are not under some sort of attack, but that you are aware of what happened to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>That can only mean one thing: Preston was taken to be the next Dragonheir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>I want to know where he is and why he was taken against his will.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Gallen brought down his cup from his lips slowly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“Your candor is appreciated, Terrance, but do you need to be so presumptuous?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Terrance relented ever so slightly as he explained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“Sir, Preston is more than just my friend and comrade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Preston is the closest thing I have to a family, and he is not a part of the outside world; he lives here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Now he is going to be a Dragonheir, but was taken away without consent for some unknown reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>I will find out what that reason is and make sure he gets the inheritance that I will not.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Gallen raised an eyebrow at Terrance’s last statement. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“Oh, really?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Terrance sighed, trying not to let his emotions get the best of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“Gallen, sir, I’m sure Thane must have told the council what he told me in the corridor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Something is holding me back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>I still have some sort of tie to the outside world, and it cost me the chance to gain this inheritance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>I do not want the same fate to befall Preston.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>I will not let anything keep my friend from receiving the inheritance.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Terrance paused hesitant to expose the honesty of his next words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“Besides, according to Thane, he will be able to tell me what’s holding me back.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">One of the most delightful things that a Dragonheir has the chance to behold is the speaking of words issuing directly from the heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>It makes a person glow with a pure light; the person’s whole body is in unison with his mind and heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>In a way, the person has no conflicts or inconsistencies in his entire being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The person’s soul is complete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>This occurrence, to the opinion of some, can be one of the most breathtaking sights a Dragonheir could hope to witness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Given this fact, one could understand the warm, loving smile that broke forth on Gallen’s face as he heard this last proclamation from Terrance.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“I see you have both selfish and selfless reasons to pursue this matter, Terrance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>At this time, I cannot tell you exactly what is happening, but I can tell you that everything happening to Preston is happening for a reason and according to plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>You will see him tomorrow at the presentation of the next Dragonheir.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Terrance cocked his head, yearning for more information and yet trying not to read too much into the little that he was given.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Gallen noted this, and continued with words of encouragement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“I cannot help you in the matter of finding Preston’s location, but I can plead with you to have faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>You will see him again tomorrow, and your family will be intact once again- at least, for a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Please, Terrance, do not continue in this endeavour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>You run the chance of stumbling upon secrets that will not be revealed.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Terrance’s attention was peaked by this last claim; but he was a part of this community, and knew that the secrets kept by the Dragonheirs were for they alone to possess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>There were no exceptions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Terrance knew that those who pursued the knowledge they were not entitled to were never seen again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He discerned that this was not a threat Gallen said, but could tell it was generated from genuine concern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“I believe I understand, sir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>However, just for future reference, I might have responded to a different approach easier.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“And, what might that approach be?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“You could have told me to back off for my own safety, and that everything dealing with Preston was successful, as I would see for myself tomorrow.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Gallen smiled, and then laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“I can see why Thane wanted to choose you; you are just as…‘forthright,’ as he was.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Gallen paused thoughtfully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“I’ll have to remember that.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“A little more time around me and you won’t be able to forget me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Then, Terrance smiled playfully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>So did Gallen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“Thank you for your time, sir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>I apologize for my belligerence.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“And thank you for not tearing down the Hold, Terrance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Now, if you do not mind, I would like to get a few hours sleep before the presentation tomorrow.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Terrance bowed his head respectfully and made way to the door of Gallen’s chamber.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He paused for a moment before opening it as he noticed Gallen’s walking staff resting in the corner to the left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Similar to Thane’s, Gallen’s staff also had a silver dragon topping it, with folded wings and ruby eyes that gave Terrance the bizarre feeling that it was looking directly at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>His eyes narrowed as he played with the idea of repeating his earlier triumph over Thane, but this time with Gallen’s staff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“I would not recommend it,” Gallen’s voice said from behind Terrance’s ear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Surprisingly, Terrance smiled even wider.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>His reputation preceded him, and he did not mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He was unexpectedly overcome with feelings of pride and happiness to be a member of this community.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Well, there’s always next time . . .” Terrance challenged indirectly.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“You are welcome to try, but like I said, I would not recommend it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>I would not be as gentle as Thane.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Terrance raised his brow, silently interpreting Gallen’s last warning as more of a challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He knew in his heart that they would meet again after he settled his issues, and Terrance believed he had now found a way to announce his return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>However, that would be in the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He said goodnight once more and left for his own chamber.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt"> <o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 45.0pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Old English Text MT"">8:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The Lost Return<o:p> </o:p> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt"> <o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">After his uneasy sleep, Terrance distracted himself by plunging into his studies about dragons and why their numbers had diminished before they left this world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Truly, if most of men knew the truth, they would not accept it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>They plainly were not ready yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Yet at this time, such was not an option.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The truth was known by many in the Dragonhold, but seldom was anyone but the Dragonheirs themselves allowed to journey to the outside world, and that was only to observe the progress of men, to serve the will of dragons.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Apparently, Terrance would be allowed to take a journey to the outside world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Thane must have asked permission from the council on Terrance’s behalf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>That would be just about the only reason that he would be able to tell Terrance to leave and settle his issues, and then return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>All Terrance was waiting for was to see Preston, as the next Dragonheir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Hopefully, Preston would be able to give him some idea of the identity of those issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Then, he would be on his way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">In addition, it would give Terrance the opportunity to say farewell to the closest friend he had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He did not enjoy the idea of losing his companionship with Preston, but at least it would be only for a little while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Terrance had every intention of returning to the Hold after his quest, and no doubt Preston would still be at the Hold, learning the depths of his heritage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Even if he was too old to receive the next heritage, at least Terrance could live out his life in this place, with people that accept him, keeping true to the link between men and dragons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Also, if he could do such in the company of friends like Preston, where else would he want to be?</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Terrance’s reflections were interrupted by a knock on his door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>When he went to answer, a messenger informed him that his presence was requested in one of the meeting halls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Given the circumstances, it was not too difficult to figure out what the meeting would be about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Terrance donned his garb and made for the meeting hall on the northern wing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He was not surprised with the sight upon his entrance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Several men with walking staffs, all with silver dragons atop them, were scattered around the chamber.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The chamber itself was without any fixtures, for the most part, but was adorned with torches on every support of the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The occupants were all wearing cloaks and boots, and a few were wearing gloves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>After a few moments, Terrance realized that only about a dozen had the staffs; the rest were clothed the same, but lacked the helpful accessory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>A few moments later, Jerune walked up to Terrance and avidly greeted him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Terrance responded in kind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“It is an honour to see you again, sir.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“It’s good to see you too, Terrance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>It’s been a long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>I always knew you would be chosen for the calling.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“I was surprised that you were not there; at the calling, I mean.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“I only arrived at the Hold late last night; I was detained.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Jerune, may I ask you a question?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Yes, of course.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Am I the only one here who is not a Dragonheir?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>And if so, why?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Jerune laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“You are not one for small talk, are you?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He looked intently at Terrance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“Yes, I see; you have become too… substantial, for pretense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>In answer to your question, there are many attendants to the Dragonheirs present, but you are the only one here without any distinct inheritance.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“So, again, why am I here?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">   </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“You already know why, Terrance,” Gallen interjected as he approached.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“You are here to find out if Preston can decipher what is holding you back.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Terrance turned his attention to Gallen, and paused with curiosity at Gallen’s abrupt reply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“I am trying to apply your advice from last night,” he explained, and then continued.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“You need to find out what your hindrance is and settle it, after which we would like you to return with all due haste.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Terrance narrowed his eyes with scrutiny.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“You are one of the most promising candidates we have, Terrance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>We need you here for a contingency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>One never knows when another fire may go out.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">Terrance became peaked with curiosity, but could see from Gallen that no more information would be given.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>He turned to Jerune for answers, but only received the same stare, void of expression, as that from Gallen.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Sir, what about Trenton?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“Trenton has matters that will be worked out within the Dragonhold,” Jerune answered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“Your matters must be dealt with outside the Hold.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“With all due respect, sir, we do not know what those matters are. This affair that is holding me back could be here at the Hold.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“We may not be able to tell what exactly it is, but we can tell that it is from the outside world,” Gallen said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“That, and Thane informed us of what he could see in you,” Jerune added.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“He was more likely to see it than us, since he had been observing you and Preston for a little while.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 27.0pt">“So, his being in the corridor when we were there was not a mere coincidence.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“I would imagine,” Jerune surmised.  Gallen nodded in agreement.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">The three were approached by one of the people in the chamber who did not carry a staff.  “He is on his way.  He will be arriving shortly.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Gallen acknowledged the report.  “If you will excuse me, gentlemen,” He said, and left.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt"> Terrance felt an unspoken feeling of anticipation welling up inside of him.  He felt confident he knew the identity of the person arriving.  He was caught off guard, though, when Jerune interjected more information.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Terrance, Gallen and I cannot yet tell you about certain things, but you should know that some of the things you are about to hear are not heard by anyone except the Dragonheirs and their attendants.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Then why am I hearing them?” He asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Probably because if you do not become a Dragonheir, you will at least be an attendant.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Sir, with all due respect, why am I being given this information when I am about to travel to the outside world?  Why create such a jeopardy?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Insurance.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“What?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Jerune smiled and looked over to Terrance.  “You will understand soon.  Now is not the time.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Sir, if it is a prerequisite for Dragonheirs to speak in riddles, how did Preston receive it?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Jerune’s smile widened as he gestured toward the opening across the chamber from where Terrance entered.  Two attendants issued out of the opening followed by two Dragonheirs with staffs in hand.  The crowd gathered in front of Terrance as one removed his hood to reveal long dark hair, a bright smile, and red eyes.  “Hello, everyone!” he said.  It was Rowan.  Rowan always seemed to be the Dragonheir with the most showmanship.  “Oh, that’s right; we are not here for me.  We are here to be reminded of why we are who we are before we are introduced to he who now is what we are.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“What?” Someone said amongst a handful of laughs.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Exactly,” Rowan laughed, and then calmed down with his hands in the air, signaling for all in attendance to respond in kind.  “We are Dragonheirs.  We are the link between mankind and dragonkind.  We serve the will of dragons in the world of men.  But men have forgotten dragons, and dragons have been placed in man’s world from memory to legend to myth, and now are all but forgotten.  If we are cut off, the dragons who left this world will start to diminish, and will return to make sure that man never forgets dragons again.  They will not be extinguished, denied, or forgotten.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Jerune was right; this was new information that Terrance was hearing.  He knew that dragons disappeared long ago, and there was a possibility that they may return at some future time, but the reason for that return was not known.  Also, the Dragonheirs held inheritances received from dragons, but how are Dragonheirs the link between dragon and man?  New information, indeed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“We are Dragonheirs.  We each have received an inheritance from the dragons, and we ensure with a fiery passion that the inheritances we keep will not be destroyed or infested by man and his corrupt ways.  If that fire should dwindle or be smothered, the inheritance must be passed on to another.”  Rowan looked at the ground for a moment.  “Thane lost his fire, and he started to fade in body, but his spirit was intact as one of the Dragonheirs.  Nonetheless, even he knew that the inheritance had to be passed on.  Thane chose a man who I brought into the Hold, so it is my responsibility and honour to introduce the new keeper of the inheritance.  Let us all welcome Preston, the next Dragonheir.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">With that, the other Dragonheir removed his hood. <o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 45.0pt"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Old English Text MT"">9:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Truth Be Told</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:-27.0pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:-9.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: 45.0pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Old English Text MT""><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span></span> <o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">It was indeed Preston, but with the eyes of an Heir and holding the staff of an Heir.  There was no doubt anymore; Preston was a Dragonheir.  Terrance waited as all others in attendance greeted or welcomed Preston in one way or another.  As the crowd dispersed from between the two friends, Preston’s new eyes found Terrance. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Preston stood still, losing interest in the handshake he was engaging in.  Slowly all in attendance noticed that he was fixed on looking at Terrance, and gave him the view to do so.  It was Gallen who was first to realize that Preston could already see in Terrance what no other could see, but said nothing and encouraged all to step aside.  Preston stood stunned, staring at Terrance.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Greetings, Dragonheir, sir,” Terrance started with a smile.  “I was asked to bid you well from Thane, the Heir before you.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Preston did not move.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“I hope you do not mind my being here,” Terrance said, cocking his head a little in conjecture, and feeling the warmth of his smile dissipate.  Preston shook his head slowly, but his expression did not change.  Terrance was starting to get a little nervous.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“It’s right there,” Preston said under his breath.  “It was there all along. I can’t believe I could not see it before.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">The cause of Preston’s odd behaviour became suddenly apparent to Terrance.  Preston could see what it was.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“The way you walk, the way you talk, the way you stand; it is so obvious.  It is as clear as day; I cannot believe I could not see it before.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“What, Preston?  What is it?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Even the wind from the flickering torches could be heard distinctly over the silence in the chamber as Preston breathed and then said:</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Terrance, you’re in love.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Terrance’s eyes widened with incredulity.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Everything about you screams it out.  You fell in love with someone once, and it is still with you.  I think you still need some sort of closure.” </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“That’s not funny, Preston.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Preston laughed under his breath, more out of astonishment than out of a tease.  “You’re right, it’s not; she needs to be searched for, and inquired about.  What’s her name?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt"> “I’m not in love, Preston.  You are misreading me,” Terrance said with conviction.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“What’s her name?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Stop it.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Terrance, you can’t deny it.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“There’s nothing to deny!”  Terrance was becoming upset.  “I did not fall in love with her!”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Preston paused as Terrance began to calm down.  Terrance looked around the room.  His inclination was to deny his feelings; that way he did not have to feel them.  However, it soon became clear to him that he was in a room filled with people who could see things and read people in a way that, to the uninformed, would appear mystical.  Truth be told, it was pointless to lie to a Dragonheir. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“I mean,” Terrance hesitated, “she did not fall in love with me.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Preston did not want to say anymore.  He knew by looking at his friend that he was about to collapse from the emotional turmoil inside of him.  His new abilities allowed him to see the tears starting to water his eyes, and the quivering of his body.  He did not want to unravel the past of his friend, but it had to be done if he was ever to become what Preston had become.  He only wished that it did not have to be carried out in front of all the people in the chamber.  Preston, though, was not the only Dragonheir in the chamber.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Well,” Rowan started, “I think it is safe to say that this presentation is over.  I believe we should all agree that nothing just said should be discussed, for Terrance’s sake, until he is ready to talk about it.” </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">All in attendance nodded and agreed to the stipulation.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Terrance is to stay in the Hold until he is ready and willing to embark on this quest,” Announced Gallen.  “At that time, he will be escorted to the borders, for his own safety as well as ours.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“I will see to it that he reaches the borders safely, sir,” Preston volunteered.  “With the approval of Terrance, of course.  Right now, however, I do not believe he wants to talk to anyone.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Jerune approached Terrance slowly, treading lightly.  He analyzed Terrance before giving the advice he had to make sure it would be heard.  “Every one has a place they go when they need to look inside themselves, Terrance.  Go to that place now.  You have a lot to think about, I would say.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Terrance was able to respond, barely, with a nod of acceptance, despite the mayhem he was feeling.  He turned and left for the door slowly and methodically.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">When he had left, Gallen and Jerune approached Preston.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Preston, are you sure?” Jerune asked.  “I never saw it when I found him.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Yes, I’m sure.  He probably ignored it for a while before you met him, or maybe labeled it as something different in his mind; but there’s no doubt he is still attached to someone in that way.  I know what to look for because I know him so well; besides, I was in love, once.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Gallen nodded.  “As we all have been, at one time.  Not even a Dragonheir is impervious to that experience.” </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Sir,” Preston asked, “if she is still there for him and accepts him, what then?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“If she agrees to leave her life behind and come to the Hold, she may journey to the Hold and become part of this community; not everyone here has an inheritance after all.  If she does not want that, then Terrance will need to find a way to sever his ties with her and return.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Preston thought for a moment.  “Does he really need to go through the same thing?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Gallen sighed with sympathy, knowing that the question was from the concern of his friend.  “Perhaps only half of it, Preston.  Perhaps.” <o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:-27.0pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: .5in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Old English Text MT"">10:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The Ointment of Friendship</span> <o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">The high balcony overlooking the main gardens in the Dragonhold was a gorgeous view by any standards.  The multitude of colours brought a fragrant life to the cold, stone walls of the castle.   During sunset, it was especially beautiful.  The vibrant reds, oranges and yellows in the sky played distantly with the greens, blues, reds and whites of the gardens.  The air carried the perfume of the blooming flowers and trees to any who wished to be invgourated by the coming of Spring.  This was a place that was precious to Terrance.  He, like anyone, had this place to go to when he needed time alone or needed to think about something.  He certainly had something to think about now.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Preston, for the most part, was correct.  Terrance did not want to even meet anyone’s eyes at that particular moment back in the chamber.  Nonetheless, Terrance could not deny with his feelings of shock and defeat.  He was devastated that something so childish could be holding him back.  It was just a crush; or so he kept telling himself.  He did not want to accept it, but the truth came from the best of sources; not only from a Dragonheir, but one that was a close friend. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">The truth was that Terrance only met her a few times in school.  He sat across the room from her during the classes.  He was from the streets and she was from a family doing well; he felt he did not have a chance with her.  Apparently, those feelings were not strong enough to hold him back from falling in love with her.  Terrance could not believe that simply talking with her a few times and noticing her was enough to send him over the edge toward her.  He was not one to put any faith in ‘love at first sight.’  Of course, he tried to clean up his street life to impress her, but she apparently paid no heed to his actions in that regard.  He did not have a chance.  She never paid any real attention to him, so how could she be holding him back?  He barely knew her, even back then.  There had to be something else.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“I can see why you picked this spot.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Terrance did not need to guess the identity of the familiar voice behind him.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Did you want some company, or should I leave?” Preston asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Terrance paused for a moment.  Preston slowly walked up to the edge next to Terrance and put one hand on the wall, and the other held his newly acquired walking staff. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Michelle,” Terrance sighed.  Preston stood silent, but turned to look at his friend.  “Her name is Michelle.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Preston looked intently at his friend.  He could see the view and the breeze trying to work their magic on Terrance, and could tell that the feelings he had for so long forsaken were welling up in him again.  The evening breeze put forth every effort to alleviate the tension radiating between the two, but to no avail.  Terrance had already chosen the subject, and now Preston was being invited to talk about it.  Preston, though, decided to be silent a bit longer to see how Terrance directed the conversation.  Unfortunately, such a decision did not help the evening breeze at all in its efforts.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“She had a smile that would make your heart melt.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Preston nodded.  “What happened?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Terrance hung his head.  “I choked, and avoided her.  She had status in the village, and I did not.”  Terrance closed his eyes.  “She could do better than me.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt"> Preston nodded.  “Well, did she?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Terrance opened his eyes and looked at Preston.  “How am I supposed to know that?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“When you left the village, she was not with anyone else?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“I don’t know.  I had a lot of other things on my mind by that time, Preston; like Jerune and his offer.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Terrance, close your eyes and think about her for a moment.”  Terrance did.  “Think about where she was when you met Jerune.”  As Terrance did, Preston looked intently at his friend for any signs he may give.  Looking at Terrance for a while, based upon what Preston already knew about him instinctively and socially, he gathered information from Terrance’s facial expressions.  As he did this, Preston was in awe at how easily he could read the inner workings of people from their outer signals.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“The answer is no, Terrance.  She had no one in her life when you left.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“How do you know?”  Inquired Terrance.  Even as he asked, Terrance knew the easy answer was Preston’s heritage, but he hoped Preston would realize he was looking for more detail. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Preston could see that in Terrance’s face, too.  “You may have started to convince yourself to let her be even before you met Jerune, but you were still taking notice of her in the back of your mind.  You did not feel threatened or jealous when you thought of her, and you still don’t.  I would say that no one else was even after her when you last saw her.  Did anyone chase after her?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Probably.  How could there not be?  Even back then, she was a jewel.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Preston paused.  “Terrance, were there any others?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">After a moment of hesitation, Terrance answered.  “No, not that I know of.  Preston, she must be married by now.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt"> “You don’t know that for sure, my friend.”  Preston narrowed his eyes and cocked his head with discovery.  “That is what is holding you back.  That unanswered question is the tie that kept you from receiving the inheritance.  You may still have a chance to win her heart, and you know it.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt"> Terrance could not, and in truth did not want to, deny what Preston was saying.  He closed his eyes and surrendered his denial to the wave of recollections; he had started to remember her now.  Deep within him stirred the feelings of watching her smile as she turned her head, and watching her blond hair sway over her shoulders.  And those eyes; those deep, brown eyes.  It was true; if Terrance still had a chance to live a life with her, he wanted to try.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“I just don’t want to give up on the Hold, Preston.  This has been my life for five years, and I left that life behind me.  Does it really make sense to go back now?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Who says you are going back to it?  If you still have a chance with her, bring her back with you.  If you do not have a chance with her, come back without her.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“What if she wants to stay?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Preston sighed with a smile.  “Then perhaps you never really did have a chance with her.  She can leave her life.  You cannot.  If she decides to stay, then maybe that will be enough to sever the tie.  After all, who could pass up knowing what we know, or live where we live?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">As Preston said this last statement, he gestured toward the view.  Terrance responded by once more gazing upon the scene.  Suddenly he was overcome with the desire to share this haven with his lost love, and his determination finally started to grow to a point where it withstood his doubts.  “Michelle,” he sighed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Terrance noted that Preston hesitated with his next words. He prepared for an uncomfortable subject.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Terrance, I came here to make sure of two things.  One, I came to make sure you were not going to throw yourself off of this balcony; I’m sure I do not have to worry about that.  Two, I came to see where your heart lies.  I believe your life is here, but I needed to make sure that your life here was rooted in you enough to withstand any adversity that you may meet in this quest. The council put this before me as a first assignment, of sorts.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Preston, I know you better than that.  The two main reasons you came here is because you are my friend, and you still wanted to know her name.  Everything else was an additional benefit.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Preston smiled and put his hands in the air, surrendering to the accusation.  “Guilty as charged.”  He put his hands down again.  “Anyway, what I said is still true.  The council did send me to find you.  The council views you as a special case.  They have given you a lot of leeway in the hopes that you will return.  They wanted me to make sure, regardless of what I found out, that their faith was well rested.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“I know, I know.  It all started with Thane telling me that ‘it would be priceless for me to be an heir.’  Then, they gave me permission to leave and settle this issue.  Then, they allowed me to attend the presentation of you with the other Dragonheirs, and not make me wait with the rest of the community.  All that, plus Gallen and Jerune have thrown me a few breadcrumbs to make sure I follow the right path.  Then, finally, they sent you to check on me.  I realize they have taken quite a few chances with me.  You can tell the council that they have my word; I will return when the issue is settled.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Preston laughed.  “It is simply amazing how you deduce the situation and then wait until the matter is already complete to say you figured it out.  I wish I had your patience.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">  “Patience?” Asked Terrance.  “Can you not see the longing inside of me for Michelle?  Can you imagine how difficult it is not to kidnap her and bring her here?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“So, your passion can turn on you,” Observed Preston, “just like anyone.  And all this time I thought it had no limits.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Terrance shrugged.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Remember, my friend; it is the question of whether or not you still have a chance with her that is holding you back, not the girl herself-”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Michelle.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“-Yes, not Michelle herself.  Please do not get the two confused.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Don’t worry, Preston.  I know my quest is to see if I can add her to my life here, but not let her replace it.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Preston squinted his new eyes and peered at Terrance.  “Were you pretty sure it would turn out this way?  I mean, once I saw what it was, that I would be sent to analyze you?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Not really.  When I put the pieces to the puzzle together, they made an interesting picture, but there was no way to tell if that would be the picture without letting things unfold on their own.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Ah, I see,” Preston replied. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Terrance could not help but notice that Preston’s reply was very similar to Thane’s, when Thane was about to change the subject or leave.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Preston did indeed change the subject as the gleaming sun submerged behind the distant hills.  The land and the Dragonhold itself became covered in a dark blue canvass, which gave an eerie calm to the gardens below. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Well, it is getting late, and it will soon be time for curfew.  I’m going to get something to eat really quick and then head back to the chambers.  Are you hungry?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Not really; I’m going to head back now.  I’ll see you tomorrow.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“All right, Terrance.  See you tomorrow.” <o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:-27.0pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: .25in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Old English Text MT""><span style="mso-tab-count:1">     </span>11:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Reflections</span> <o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Preston could not eat; his stomach was in too much conflict.  After he reported to the council, he decided to go to his place of reflection and think.  He preferred the eastern view of the sea to the western side of the castle with its the view of the gardens.  In the morning, the sun would greet him as it warmed the sea and brought a faint salt smell with it that seeped into every pore in Preston’s skin.  This time of night, though, the only thing to tell him that the sea was near was the distant sound of crashing waves, protesting the presence of the shore.  Grey clouds shrouded the view of the moon and its friendly company of stars.  Even in such loss of vision, Preston was comforted as he looked toward the sea. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Preston was born on the sea, somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean.  Pirates, or something, attacked the ship on which he was brought into this world, and his mother died in the struggle.  He had no idea who his father was, and had no way to find out.  He did not even know if ‘Preston’ was his original name.  He was brought aboard the attackers’ ship, and taken off at the nearest town that would receive him.  However, that was only the story he was told.  It was a hard life of grueling work at a small, insufficient inn somewhere off the coast of Hampshire that he remembered, along with the constant reminders of his unfortunate beginnings. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">When he was old enough he started asking questions and learning anything that anyone would teach him; most of these teachers turned out to be guests at the inn.  The inn’s owners did not like his curiosity at first, but they soon relented when they realized the guests were coming back to stay at the inn, just to see if Preston was applying the knowledge they gave to him.  In essence, his inquisitive tendencies were good for the inn’s business.  Just about the only special thing that would happen to him was when he was allowed to join certain fishing expeditions if the guests promised to return him to the inn.  The sea became a part of him.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">As he continued to learn, his powers of observation grew.  Softly and methodically, he made changes in different situations that benefited the guests without the knowledge of the owners.  However, one of the guests did notice what he was doing, and talked to him about it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">The most memorable thing about the man was the way he played the piano.  Preston could still remember the songs in his head, swirling around and mesmerizing his mind with every note.  Each song, even without words, was filled with meaning and culture far beyond anything Preston could relate to.  He was filled with desire, not just to know things, but also to see things and experience them.  He could feel the horizons of a far off land calling to him.  He did not know it, but that was the exact purpose of those songs.  When he went up to the guest at the piano, he could tell that there was something different about his eyes, but he could not decipher what it was.  The guest offered to show him why his eyes were different in the morning, to which Preston agreed. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">That morning was the first time Preston saw a dragon’s eyes, and it was the last time he saw that inn.  Rowan taught Preston what life really was like, and how to enjoy it properly.  The two journeyed to the Dragonhold where Preston began a new life and met new people and made new friends, like Terrance.  He cherished his friendship with Terrance, and he tormented from the knowledge he had about what was about to happen to his friend.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Though he was probably getting worked up over nothing, it was something to him.  Preston spent most of the night in anguish over what he knew Terrance was about to experience and the fact that he could not tell his friend about the procedure.  He would have given anything to prepare Terrance for it, but like Jeremiah said, it would complicate the procedure.  In the hidden confinement of his mind, he prayed that Terrance would forgive him for not telling the truth.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">The truth.  It seemed that the truth was never fully told at any time in the Dragonhold.  The whole truth about Dragons and their relationship with men, the truth about Dragonheirs, the truth about what they wanted with Terrance; all of it seemed to be riddled with secrets and withholdings.  Terrance was good at withholding the truth, as demonstrated by his ability to interpret the things going on around him so well and still not saying anything. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Perhaps that was one of the reasons that the council decided to ensure that Terrance would become a Dragonheir someday.  That, and he was instinctively observant, and did not take action before it was absolutely necessary.  That was why it was so important to have Terrance as a Dragonheir.  This was a prized technique that the Dragonheirs not only appreciated, but valued.  When his emotions were involved, though, he was capable of stepping into things before he should.  That was why it was so important to get this girl, Michelle, to come back with him if there was a chance.  She would be a part of the Dragonhold, and protected with the rest of the community.  He would not have to worry about her safety in the outside world.  His talents could be benefited from, and his faults could be compensated for. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">If Terrance knew this truth, as he soon would, perhaps he would be willing to forgive Preston for the transgression.  Preston was strictly forbidden to let Terrance know the other reason for their meeting.  Though the outcome was positive, he would have to experience it for himself.  Hopefully, Terrance would not be offended by the role he was about to take on.  However, Preston would have to wait until tomorrow to know for sure.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">In the meantime, Preston imagined that he could hear the distant screams of his friend during the procedure, echoing across the rolling plains and out to the open sea.  He did not know where the procedure took place for Terrance or himself, but it must be close, and probably underground.  He realized that it was useless to look for the site without permission or a guide; Dragonheirs are good at keeping things secret when they need to be.  It was a council of Dragonheirs that kept this secret.  Preston would find out someday, though, perhaps after his next assignment.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">The sky lightened and declared that the night had had its fun and was being relieved of its guard on this world by the daylight.  Soon the sun would waken, and the events of the day would unfold.  Preston decided to wait out those events in his chamber, and maybe catch the sleep that eluded him during the night. <o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:-27.0pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: .25in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Old English Text MT""><span style="mso-tab-count:1">     </span>12:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Fare Thee Well</span> <o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Preston awoke to a door opening and closing, but not his own.  He knew someone was now in Terrance’s chamber.  He immediately got up, dressed, and left to stand in front of the door he was listening for.  To his own surprise, he found himself hesitating before knocking.  As he hesitated, he heard shuffling, and drawers opening and closing.  He forced himself not to jump to any conclusions, mustered up his determination, and knocked.  A pause ensued.  So, Preston knocked again.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Come on in, Preston.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Even without a dragon’s ears, Preston could hear the irritation in Terrance’s voice.  He opened the door slowly and stepped inside. Terrance had a bag opened on his bed and was stuffing his personal belongings into it.  Preston could see the aggravation in his friend’s actions.  He knew his friend well, and with his new level of observance, he did not need to guess why Terrance was upset.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“I’m sorry, Terrance.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Terrance stopped and looked at Preston.  “Sorry for what?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“You feel that the council doesn’t trust you enough, do you not?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Terrance slowed down in his activities, and then stopped.  “Why, Preston?  Why is my word not good enough?  Why do they feel I am not going to come back?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Preston shook his head.  “I do not know.  I fought hard last night to help them see that regardless of the outcome, you would be returning.  When they finished with me, I could tell what they had planned, and I knew they would not change their minds, no matter what I said. I thought about warning you, but that would have made the danger worse, according to Jeremiah.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Terrance huffed.  “I was told the same thing.  I don’t blame you for not telling me or not warning me, Preston.  I just don’t like being manipulated, especially by those I trust.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">A pause ensued as the two friends looked at each other.  Preston was rather relieved that Terrance was taking it so well.  He had no doubt that Terrance was still suffering physically from a sore chest, as he himself did, and therefore admired his friend’s determination to continue despite the discomfort.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Well, at least you now have part of the inheritance.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Terrance rolled his eyes and started stuffing another bag.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“So, what’s next?” Asked Preston.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Terrance looked at his bag.  “I’m going to get started on putting my life in order.  I still want the rest of the inheritance.”  He shot a look at Preston.  “You don’t think I’m going to settle for being your attendant for the rest of my life, do you?”  He began to get more of his belongings into the bag.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Preston smiled, and nodded.  He leaned his staff against the wall and clasped his hands together.  “Anything I can do to help?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt"> “Yes.  Could you gather up my studies for me, um, Preston sir?  I want to have them handy so I can go through them during the trip.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Preston went over to the desk and neatly stacked the two books and several papers together, lifted them, and put them under his arm.  When he turned, he saw that Terrance was nearly finished packing.  Preston went back over to his staff and grabbed it with his free hand.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Terrance inspected the room left in his bags and turned toward Preston with his hand open.  “All right, I am ready for my studies now.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Preston glanced down at the papers under his arm and looked at Terrance.  “That’s okay, I have them securely.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Terrance cocked his head.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“I have them, Terrance.  They will not leave my side until I see you safe on that ship.”  Terrance raised his eyebrow, almost in annoyance.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Hey; I said I would see you safely to the borders, remember?  Back at the presentation?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Terrance paused, and then shrugged it off.  He slung his bags over his shoulders.  “As you wish, sir,” he consented with a smile.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">The two friends walked out of the chamber and started down the hallway.  As they continued, they were not at all surprised that they did not see any Dragonheirs on the way to wish Terrance farewell.  They were surprised, though, to see several friends gathering to wish him well; other students, caretakers, and even young ones that were familiar with Terrance.  It seemed everyone knew he was leaving, and wanted him to return soon.  Terrance said farewell to each of them.  Especially to the ones he was closer with, he asked how they knew he was leaving.  Some said they received word the night before.  Some glanced at the Dragonheir next to Terrance and said that it was what the council wanted.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Terrance turned and looked at Preston.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Don’t look at me,” He defended, “I didn’t tell them.  I did not say anything about my attendant going on some quest somewhere for something.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Interrogative looks from the small crowd started to make Terrance feel uncomfortable.  Preston could not help but notice, and pressed them on their way toward the gates. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Go easy on them, Terrance,” Preston quietly added.  “They are desperate to get you back.  This was probably another one of their contingencies.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Who?  All my friends?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“No, the council.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Oh, yes; them,” Terrance huffed.  They already put a leash on his chest; what more did they feel they needed to do to keep him here?</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">What was even more surprising, though, was the person waiting for them just inside the gates.  Both Terrance and Preston widened their eyes at the sight of him.  As they approached him, Preston used his new eyes to appraise him.  His green eyes gleamed in the gray light from the sky.  Preston realized that this person was looking back at him with admiration, not animosity.  He even smiled an honest smile.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“I have to admit, I never would have expected to see you here, Trenton.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Trenton agreed.  “I know.  To be honest, I did not want to, at first.  I wanted to say congratulations, and, well . . . I am sorry for my attitude before.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">After metaphorically picking themselves up off of the floor, the two friends shook off their shock and smiled in amazement.  Preston could decipher that what they were hearing from Trenton was not only the truth, but it was pure.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“This is quite a change to what we are used to from you, Trenton.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“I know, and I also know I still have a long way to go to make up for my behaviuor.  I just was not thinking right.  I thought that I was entitled to be the next Dragonheir because I have been here the longest.  I was focusing on getting the prize, and I forgot why the prize was given out.  I’m sorry I acted the way I did to you and Terrance, both.”  He looked over at Terrance.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Preston narrowed his scarlet eyes.  “Trenton, may I ask you a personal question, off of the subject?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Trenton looked at him inquisitively.  “I suppose so, sir.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“How long have you been at the Dragonhold?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Sixteen years; why do you ask?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“I would imagine you have almost an intimate knowledge of every rock in this castle that you could get to, would that be right?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“I guess you could say that,” Trenton replied slowly.  “Preston, sir, if you are thinking of suggesting that I try to be a caretaker instead of a Dragonheir-”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“-No, no; not at all, Trenton.  You were picked as a candidate for a reason.  It might be good remember that; the council will not forget your potential, or compromise it.  I was just wondering, is all.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt"> “Preston, sir, what do you know?” Asked Terrance. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Preston paused for a moment in thought.  “I’m not really sure yet.”  He shrugged. “Maybe I’m just seeing coincidences where there are none.  Pay it no mind.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Terrance noted that this was the second time since he received the inheritance from Thane that Preston was acting very much like Thane did, back in the corridor.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Trenton turned to Terrance and held out his hand.  “Farewell, Terrance.  I know you were the candidate that Thane really wanted, so for the sake of the truths we hold, I hope you come back soon.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Terrance accepted the farewell.  “I have to.  I would hate to hear that you won the inheritance by default since there were no other likely candidates.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Trenton was not sure how to take Terrance’s comment until he saw the competitive grin break forth on Terrance’s mouth.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Okay,” Trenton said, accepting the challenge, “See you soon, then.”  He laughed a slow, feisty laugh as he departed and let the two friends continue on their way. <o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Old English Text MT""><span style="mso-tab-count:1">     </span>13:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The Quest Begins</span> <o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">As the two left the Dragonhold, they looked back at the marvelous structure that had been their home for the past five years.  It was indeed strongly fortified, and invoked a sense of pride in those involved with it.  The enormous spires and walls highlighted by gargoyles were intimidating to a point, but the thought of the people and knowledge inside warmed their hearts as they looked upon the Hold. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“How could I not return?”  Terrance said under his breath.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Personally, I don’t think there is a way,” Preston agreed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Terrance shrugged with a smirk.  “Well, tell that to the council.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“The council must have their reasons, you know.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“I know, I know.  They just seem so paranoid about losing me.  What on earth could be so special about me that they would go to such measures?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“I couldn’t tell you; I don’t see anything special in you at all.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Thanks.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“You’re welcome.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Terrance smiled at the jest.  “If I didn’t have my hands full, I’d take your staff from you.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“You could try,” Preston replied.  “Don’t forget, I’m a Dragonheir now.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Terrance looked over at his friend.  “And you should not forget that I’m your attendant until further notice.  I have a scale in my chest as well, and I know as well as you do how to use it.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Maybe,” Preston answered, “and maybe not.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Terrance narrowed his eyes with a grin.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">So did Preston.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">The two continued on the way.  After a while, they came upon a forest that the road traveled through; it was the usual marker for the boundary to the Dragonhold.  Though the land held by the Dragonhold continued on to the sea, this was often considered as a border to the land.  As they approached, Terrance grew anxious at the thought of saying goodbye.  Perhaps the border that Preston would accompany Terrance to was the sea; that would be much more appropriate.  As they continued to pass the trees and Preston showed no sign of pause, Terrance quieted his anxiety.  He did, however, prepare himself for the parting at the sea during the rest of their journey there; he was very thankful for Preston’s avoidance of the subject.  They talked and laughed as all friends do while they continued down the road.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">The overcast clouds became slightly dark, but did not yet threaten of rain.  The crashing waves and the sweet salt smell abruptly introduced themselves to the two friends.  Upon arrival at the beach, the only sign of a harbor was two wooden pylons about ten feet from the shoreline.  No doubt they would be at the shoreline during high tide.  Very near the pylons was a small skiff to take Terrance to the ship that was anchored out in the bay.  Terrance could not help but be surprised when Preston climbed into the skiff after he did.  He stared at Preston with a bewildered expression.  Preston simply returned the expression.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“What?”  He inquired.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“What are you doing, Preston?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“I’m going to inspect the ship and talk to the captain.  I promised the council that I would make sure you leave the borders safely, remember?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Terrance did not need a dragon’s eyes to tell that there was more to what Preston was doing that he let on.  After all, Jerune never denied that such might be a prerequisite to becoming a Dragonheir, or perhaps a side effect of some sort.  Terrance also noted that the men in the skiff were not shocked by Preston’s actions, or the appearance of his eyes, for that matter, which was very odd.  Preston was not wearing the hood of his cloak.  Perhaps the clouds made it dark enough so the slits of his pupils widened to a point that they could not tell the difference.  No, the light was not that dim.  Very odd, indeed. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">The skiff made its way toward the ship in the bay.  Its tall masts seemed naked while the sails were folded and it waited for its passengers.  Preston stood in the boat and swayed to compensate for the rocking of the boat on the waves as Terrance stayed seated.  Terrance watched Preston close his eyes and take in a deep breath.  A look of deep contentment caressed his face as the breeze passed by the boat.  At that moment, Terrance understood why Preston did not mind accompanying them to the ship.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“I had forgotten that the sea means so much to you,” Terrance commented.  “No wonder you wanted to inspect the ship.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Though Preston smiled, he did not open his eyes or move from enjoying that moment in his life.  He never felt more complete than he did at that moment.  Terrance let him enjoy the ride to the ship in peace.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Upon their arrival, the two friends climbed aboard the vessel and, when they firmly stood on deck, a man approached them.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Welcome aboard the Night Fire, gentlemen.  I am the first mate, Riege.  May I say that it is an honour to have a Dragonheir in our company again.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Terrance noted that Preston did seem a little uncomfortable receiving the respect that his new position was given, but he accepted the pleasantry.  It was also interesting that the first mate, and apparently at least the men aboard the skiff, were familiar with Dragonheirs and had transported them before.  Perhaps the other men were too busy in the hustle and bustle of life on a ship to even notice their presence; indeed, everyone was scampering around the ship in varied degrees of hurry.  There were many orders being shouted, and many ladders being climbed.  He remembered the crew of the transport he and Jerune used being at least as busy while they were sailing, but he did not remember them knowing about the Dragonheirs. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Riege, may I speak with the captain for a moment while my attendant stores his things?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“As you wish, sir.”  Reggie turned toward one of the crew.  “Mackie, take the kid to the bunks.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Aye, sir!” Mackie complied swiftly.  As he helped Terrance with his bag, Terrance walked over to Preston.  “Since I am safely on board, may I have my studies, please?” He asked as he extended his hand.  Preston sighed and held out the study material.  Terrance had difficulty taking it from him, since Preston would not loosen his grip.  Terrance had to use both hands and a poke to the wrist to take the material from him. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Ouch, that hurt!”  Preston pretended to shake off the pain from his hand while he tried to hide his mischievous grin.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“I’ll be right back,” announced Terrance playfully.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Preston snickered and turned to follow Riege.  Terrance followed Mackie into the hold of the ship and then into a small room with little more than four bunks and an unattractive smell.  Mackie placed the bag onto one of the bunks and faced Terrance. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“This is it.  Hope you don’t mind, but this ‘ere ain’t no fancy castle.  You guys’ll be eatin’ wit’ the cap’n I wager, so no use tellin’ ye about the galley.  But you need anythin’, jus’ holler’.  I’ll do wut I can if I’m not on watch.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Thanks, Mackie.  However, the Dragonheir won’t be coming along, it will just be me.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Mackie laughed heartily.  “Well, ‘ere’s hopin’ he can swim!”  Mackie departed, laughing.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">The alarms in Terrance’s head went off and Terrance bolted toward the deck.  On the way, he passed Mackie, who once again engaged his guffaw.  He scrambled up the ladder to see the sails unfurled, the ship beginning to rock from the waves, the shores of the bay slowly disappearing in the distance, and Preston waiting patiently for Terrance’s return while enjoying the experience of being on a ship once again.  For a moment, Terrance was about to become furious at his friend for manipulating him, but then he realized that his friend did nothing to him, at least not directly.  He calmed himself and assessed the situation as quickly as he could, and then reviewed his knowledge.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“All right, Preston.  Exactly what borders are you seeing I get to safely?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Preston smiled.  “The borders of life, of course.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Does the council know about this?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Yes.  One of my first official assignments is to leave the Dragonhold and observe the level of man’s technology, knowledge, and societies.  Then, I will make a report of my observations to the council.  I was going to leave in a week or two, but I figured that since there was a ship already standing by, and I do not really need to take any belongings, and-”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“-And I was going now, right?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Preston shrugged.  “Well, that was just a bonus.”  He looked at the impending anger stirring in Terrance’s face and took a breath.  “I just wanted to surprise you, Terrance.  I didn’t mean to offend you.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Preston,” He answered in a disturbed voice, “with the things I have been through in the last few days, you were taking a great risk pulling this on me.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Preston stood motionless for a moment.  “Surprise . . . ?”  He said with another shrug.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Terrance shook his head.  This was indeed a new trait that was going to take some getting used to.  He turned and worked his way across the busy deck to a point overlooking the bow and into the open sea.  He realized that Preston probably could not turn away an offer to embark on a sea voyage with his closest friend, but he still had to fight the tendency to feel used.  Terrance could feel Preston’s quiet approach.  He could feel Preston’s new eyes studying him, looking intently for something. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Are you okay?”  Asked Preston.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Yes, I’m fine.  I know you were just trying to have some fun.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“I do not have any other surprises in store; honest.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Well that’s very comforting, Preston.  Thank you.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">The two friends stood for a while looking out upon the sea.  They both realized that their future was somewhere out there.  They did not know what they would be faced with, or who they would meet; but they did not mind.  It was so much easier to face the unknown with a close friend at your side to support you.  Both Terrance and Preston knew that they were embarking on an adventure that could have an infinite amount of results.  There was no way to tell if they would even find the woman in Terrance’s heart.  Who knows?  Perhaps they would find more people who would like to know the truth that they held so dear.  That possibility in itself would make this journey worthwhile, even if the main objective proved faulty.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Terrance grew in confidence as he looked to the endless horizon.  He began to understand that there did not have to be any kind of failure to this.  The journey would be what he made out of it, and what he became from it.  The sooner he finished it, though, the better.  He did not want to lose out on becoming the next Dragonheir.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">So be it.  Let it begin.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Terrance?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Yes?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">“Do you think, by any chance, that Michelle might have a prettier sister?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 27.0pt; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt">Perhaps it would be a long journey, after all.<o:p> </o:p> <i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p> </span></i></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="tab-stops:101.9pt"><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">        </span>So ends the first installment of the adventures of the Dragonheirs, Terrance and Preston, in the World of Men. Their adventures continue beyond the retrieval of Michelle, the fall of the Dragonhold, and the alleged passing of their inheritance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Yet, the latter has never been confirmed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Perhaps they are still with us, wondering the shadows, waiting for the ones they represent to return . . .</span></i></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="tab-stops:101.9pt" align="right"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>-Layson A. Williams,</p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="tab-stops:101.9pt" align="right">March 23, 2002</p> </body>