The Prophecy: A Dragon's Tale - Book 1

Part 1 - A Love Story

Love wipes out all sense of time; it destroys all memory of a beginning and all fear of an end.

Taken from The Dragon Book of Lore

Chapter 1

The outlaws were close, he couldn't see them but sensed them near; soft murmurs of their voices carried back to him through the unnatural fog. There was no time for indecisiveness. He had trained his entire life for a moment such as this. Drawing his long sword he spurred his stallion forward unconcerned with the fallen tree lying across the trail. His mount would clear it easily. Half way over his mind screamed, "Trap!"

~~~~~

Anaterri Strayarth looked forward to a quiet afternoon in her kitchen. Discovering several plants growing in the forest, not previously known to her, she was excited about blending them for new remedies. She enjoyed being in human form, not typical for most dragons. It was important when creating delicate healing remedies that she have fingers with which to work instead of talons.

She’d taken human form when moving to the Northland two hundred years ago. It allowed her to practice her healing arts without scaring the local outlanders. She had become known as the healer in the forest. She healed as many animal friends as people. Although the Sargovia family was the official warden of the Northland forests, she was truly the hidden warden.

Going about her day in joy, quietly humming a favorite tune, Anaterri was suddenly invaded with a heart-stopping vision thought causing her to drop the bowl of flower infusion she had just created.

"Prince Leandro is going to die soon. You must get to him immediately."

The stag, she recognized his vision thought. Leaping the shattered bowl she rushed to the window, her knowingness confirmed. Standing at the edge of the clearing, his large brown eyes were firmly fixed on the cottage. She’d encountered him a number of times in the last two hundred years. He’d never engage her in thought exchange but his eye contact was now unmistakable.

Visions past from him were usually dream like, allowing her time to plan a solution or at least an ending with a successful outcome. However, this visitation was like none she’d ever experienced. It was clear and precise and demanded immediate action. Appearing only when there was a need to save a life, he was the messenger but not the answer.

Prince Leandro Sargovia was in the forest and about to be ambushed by outlaws he’d been tracking. One of the outlaws possessed majic and the Prince’s life was in extreme danger. Distracted temporarily by the impact of the stag’s vision thought, Anaterri looked back but he was gone.

Moving quickly toward the door, she extended her right hand drawing her short sword to her from its place on the wall. Slipping the scabbard easily down the back of her gown, the door opened automatically as she approached it; a red fox was waiting to lead her to Leandro.

Amidst the jeers and taunts she could hear from a distance, she silently found her way to the site. Before her was a pit, narrow and deep, filled with large spikes protruding from all directions. Her anger flashed as she saw Leandro struggling to free himself. Acting immediately, knowing the majority of human men to be predictable, she stepped from her hiding place in the woods. She was instantly aware of the one with majic.

The leader turned instinctively as if sensing her presence. She knew exactly what he saw. It was her intent to distract him with the vision of a strikingly beautiful woman, tall and slender with raven black hair and emerald green eyes. The light blue gown she wore accentuated her breasts and slender waist. While he leered at her, she stood perfectly still assessing the situation.

The outlaws following the focus of their leader, turned from the pit. Lustful looks revealed their thoughts. Their quarry, impaled on stakes, was going nowhere. Staring at her like a pack of hungry wolves as to a lamb separated from the flock, they moved to surround her, not able to take their eyes from her. The leader closed on her first, licking his lips as he rubbed his groin.

Staying calm, Anaterri let them get within striking distance. From the scabbard concealed on her back she wielded the short sword with lightning speed and in one swift movement severed the head of the leader, cutting through the jugular of the man beside him. The third man started to draw his sword. It never made it out of his scabbard; he was dead before he knew it, a short sword through his heart. The fourth man turned to flee making it no farther than a few feet before she caught him from behind. His head slapped the ground at an unnatural angle, his body lifeless.

She did not care for killing, unless it was for survival, especially killing humans and yet she did not have any compunction for killing the likes of these four. She’d witnessed their sick delight taunting Prince Leandro in the pit. No, no, she felt no remorse.

Turning to the pit, she saw the limp body sitting atop a steed who was struggling desperately in the last throes of life. The spikes, driven through the great beast, were penetrating Leandro’s lower body. There were also spikes lodged in the sides of the pit that had punctured areas of the prince’s sides as he’d struggled to free himself. Shifting immediately to her dragon self Anaterri was large enough to straddle the pit, gently pulling the prince free from his horse.

Clear of the pit, she reverted to her human form. Gazing at the still body before her, she proceeded to tear Leandro’s clothing open attempting to stem the bleeding. Using her majic, she ran her hands over the wounds effectively stopping the blood flow. In the process, she sensed a poison in the wounds she was not familiar with. Having lost a lot of blood, Leandro appeared lifeless; his pulse was weak. Focusing on the wounds already taking on a gangrenous look, she cast a spell to stem the flow of poison through his body. She needed to get him to Queen Angeline in the Southland.

In the last two hundred years, she’d helped the Sargovia family through several critical situations. Never once had she felt so strongly for a human but she knew she had to save Leandro at all cost. Once again reverting to her dragon form, she lifted the prince carefully, taking to the sky. Upset that she’d failed to stop the attack on the prince, she veered back to the pit. Feeling her anger build, she released a fire storm turning the entire area into ashes. Now, she needed to save a life.

Arriving at Uriah Creek before dusk, Anaterri landed in a large meadow redolent with jasmine and honeysuckle. Jasmine being a nocturnal bloom was just opening for the evening and if it weren’t for her immediate problem she would have lolled in the meadow for the entire evening, basking in its beauty and fragrance.

Queen Angeline, of the wood fairies, was there to greet her having received Anaterri’s vision thought enroute. As a result of helping each other in a variety of situations, over the last two hundred years, they had developed a close relationship. The queen and her three foremost healers immediately took the prince to a cabin by the creek.

Anaterri, now back in human form, followed them as quickly as she could. As she entered the cabin, the fairies already had the prince in bed, unclothed, preparing a poultice to put on the wounds to draw out the poison. Only being several inches tall, they had no trouble maneuvering or working on him. Majic is a powerful equalizer.

Uriah Creek was a place of strange happenings to the surrounding communities of humans and most steered clear because of that, which suited Queen Angeline and her people.

Gazing down at Leandro, Anaterri was surprised at the emotion swelling in her heart. Relatively young as dragons go and having never chosen a mate, this reaction was certainly out of character for her. Falling in love with a human would never be condoned by the High Council of Dragons.

Sensing Queen Angeline’s presence, Anaterri turned.

In a soft voice, Queen Angeline said, The prince has lost much blood and in order to survive, will require new blood soon.

Without thinking about future ramifications, Anaterri responded immediately, Take mine.

The queen, surprised, nonetheless did not question her, making provisions immediately for the transfer of her blood to Leandro.

In human form, a dragon’s internal organs and blood functioned more like a human’s than that of the dragon in its natural form. The organs and veins being much smaller in human form required the blood to be thinner. Through the transformation process, although thinning, the blood retained the healing, anti-aging properties and cellular properties of the more viscous dragon blood.

At the moment the priority was keeping Leandro alive. Anaterri would discuss any future problems this transfusion might create later-if he lived. Lying down on the sleeping pallet next to him seemed quite natural as Queen Angeline and her healers made the necessary preparations. Closing her eyes, the memory of her last encounter with Leandro flooded her mind. It was only one of many Leandro knew nothing about.

It had been not more than a year ago, as she was wandering the forest gathering herbs. Immersing herself in the beauty of her surroundings was one of her favorite pastimes. The sky, a brilliant blue, was cloudless. The smell of spring in the air, the wildflowers had already started their transition into their summer finery. Coming upon a stream, she set down her herb basket to taste the chilled water bubbling its way down the Great Mountain from last winter’s snow. Cupping her hands, she brought the water to her lips spilling a little down her bodice. The chilly water made her squeal with delight. Sitting by the stream, she closed her eyes letting the sun, peeking through the trees, warm her face.

Suddenly her dragon senses became alert. Keen hearing picked up the sound of a horse galloping out of control, coming toward her. A man was screaming curses and an angry sow was squealing. Leandro, she’d know his voice anywhere.

Leaving her basket, she quickly followed the sound. The yelling and squealing continued in an ever increasing crescendo. Following the stream, keeping low behind scattered moss covered boulders, the horse shot past her at a full gallop. Turning her attention back to the sounds in front of her, she came upon a most comical sight. Leandro, standing on top of a boulder, was shaking his fist and screaming curses. The front of him was covered in mud. A huge sow at the base of the boulder was trying to protect her piglets. Now in frenzy, she was challenging Leandro at the same time.

Able to communicate with the animal kingdom, Anaterri put a calming spell over the sow, telling her to gather her piglets and leave. The human would do them no harm. Connecting with Leandro’s horse, Anaterri calmed him also, calling him back.

When finally the sow left and the scene calmed down, Leandro jumped down from the boulder cursing and wiping the mud from the front of his leathers. Turning toward the pig scurrying off, he yelled, All I wanted was a drink, you fat pig.

Anaterri giggled. Collecting the vision thought from Leandro’s horse revealed them riding up behind the boulder, startling the sow and her babies drinking from the stream. The horse spooked as the pig turned to attack, throwing Leandro in the mud. In between Leandro and the sow, his horse gave him time to scramble up the boulder saving him from a nasty encounter with the charging pig. Yelling at the pig, trying to scare her off, only infuriated it more.

Anaterri had not seen Leandro in three or four years and was surprised to see how much he had filled out into manhood, no longer the boy she knew from their last encounter.

Turning to leave knowing that all was safe, Anaterri glanced back at the sudden motion of Leandro stripping his leather jerkin to clean it in the stream. Her heart started pounding and her face flushed. He was magnificent. The dark short hair lightly covering his olive skinned chest accentuated the muscles of his upper torso and followed a small trail down between the ripples of his stomach to the top of his breeches. His muscled shoulders responded with the slightest of movement. Thick black hair now extended to his shoulders, outlining a chiseled jaw. His face, strong and clean shaven showed the slight shadowing of a beard.

But, it was his eyes that captured her attention the most. Set behind long thick lashes they were steel blue accentuated by thick black brows. Her whole body trembled. It was not something she’d ever experienced; it felt delicious and frightening at the same time. Turning to leave, she wondered if her mother and father experienced these feelings when they were in human form.

The transfusion completed, Anaterri could hear Leandro’s breathing come easier. A small amount of color was returning to his cheeks. His body appeared relaxed; his chest rose and fell with more authority. Still beside him, Anaterri wanted only to hold him.

Queen Angeline, touching Anaterri’s arm lightly, said, M’Lady, we must talk about the recovery process.

Although Anaterri had mixed emotions about leaving Leandro, she knew he was in good hands. Out of respect for the queen she left with her to address the issues of concern. Anaterri knew then, without a doubt, there would be more time alone with her prince.

Her prince…

This was indeed an unusual thought, causing her heart to soar to heights not ever experienced.

Chapter 2

The next two weeks proved as difficult for Anaterri as for Leandro. She slept very little as he faded in and out of consciousness. Wiping his brow and body frequently of sweat, she felt the heat of fever emanating from him. She only hoped it was caused from his body trying to accept the new blood and not some infection she could not sense. Occasionally he would begin thrashing about, causing him to scream out in pain.

Pulling the big rocker next to his bed, she watched over him for hours. She would sometimes cry, and again sometimes laugh at memories she had of him.

Relaxing one evening as Leandro lay calmly nearby, Anaterri drifted back as she thought of some of the history she’d had with his family.

She’d met King Marsellis, Leandro’s grandfather, soon after moving to the Northland. Prince Galen was bitten by a tick on one of his journeys into the forest. Becoming infected, Galen maintained a high fever for several days before finally slipping into a coma.

The village healer, more of a mid-wife and knowledgeable of setting broken bones and healing minor wounds, proved ineffective. She told King Marsellis of a healer, living in the forest, which had helped another villager’s family with fever. It was then Anaterri was summoned to Seargenta for the first time.

Bringing herbs and potions, Anaterri spent two days and two nights treating Prince Galen. The fever broke late the second night and by day three Galen had gained consciousness. Marsellis was forever grateful to her.

Years later, she was sought out again by the royal family. This time it was Queen Serianii, King Galen’s wife. Having suffered three miscarriages, Serianii was resigned to the fact she and Galen might never have children. Dealing with the physical and mental aftereffects of the last miscarriage, Serianii was told of the healer in the forest. Choosing to find the healers cottage, Serianii was accompanied by Devan, her husband’s personal bodyguard.

Upon arrival, Serianii displayed an immediate liking to Anaterri. They talked for several hours; Anaterri then administered three separate potions to the queen. When she asked the Queen to stay the night, so as to monitor any possible reactions from the herbs, Serianii went outside to assure Devan she would be alright and would be staying for the evening. She instructed him to come for her the following day. It took some time to convince him but he finally acquiesced to her command.

That evening Anaterri examined Serianii. Preparing a tea of several different herbs, she settled the queen in for the evening. The following morning over breakfast, Anaterri told her of a dream she’d had the previous night.

Giving Serianii a linen cloth filled with several herbs ground and blended, Anaterri’s instructions were clear.

Steep a tea of the herbs before your next moon cycle. Drink it daily through the cycle and when it is through not only will you be fertile but you will carry a son full term into birth. Meanwhile, you must not say anything to your husband. All will be confirmed when he names your son Leandro.

Leaving that day in tears of gratitude, Serianii delivered a son nearly a year later.

Just as Anaterri had predicted, King Galen named his son Leandro.

From that time on, Anaterri always felt strongly connected to Leandro and his family. Not certain where the dream had come from, she was sure there was some higher connection.

As Leandro grew and started exploring the forest on his own, she often felt his presence in the woods. Quietly, she would check on him to make sure he was safe. Occasionally she would keep him out of harm’s way, unbeknownst to him. He was adventuresome, unafraid, and loved the forest and creatures, learning their ways like no other human she’d witnessed before.

Hearing him stir brought her attention back to Leandro. She could not look at him enough. Indeed, he was becoming her world. His pain was hers, she could feel it deeper than anyone would ever know.

Dozing off after a fitful night with him, she was jolted awake at his scream. It could only be the nightmare of the pit - again.

Thrashing from side to side, Leandro started swinging his arm forward as if to strike something with his imaginable sword, yelling incoherently. The sudden movement only seemed to aggravate his pain.

Moving to the bed immediately, Anaterri placed a calming spell on him. Using her strength, she gathered his arms to his side. Holding him tightly to her, she started rocking him gently.

It’s alright, she whispered in his ear. I’m here. You’re safe. Shhhh, I’m here.

Leandro’s yelling quieted to mumblings and finally to whimpering.

Reaching beside the bed to the water bucket, she grabbed the cloth lying across the edge, dipping it in the cool liquid. Squeezing it once to remove the excess water, she brought it to his forehead. Wiping his face brought visible relief to him and tears to her. Kissing him lightly on the forehead, she gently laid him back on the down filled pillows surrounding him.

When she allowed herself to think where this might lead, it frightened her. Maybe Leandro would reject her. The dragon community would certainly reject her. The human community would definitely reject her…

Then she would steel her resolve insisting that it didn’t matter. If this was the best she would ever have, it made her heart soar now and that was where her focus had to be. Reaching over to wipe his brow with fresh cool water again, she kissed his forehead once more.

Sleep peacefully, my prince, I’m here, she whispered.

Consciousness. He was alive, but how? Where? Opening his eyes, he frowned. His head throbbed intensely. In the darkness of a strange room confusion smothered him like a wet blanket, overwhelming his senses. Light danced across the wall momentarily capturing his attention. Projected by embers from a fireplace, it moved in a slow undulating rhythm. Glowing, dimming, tired…he surrendered to the dance of the embers and the darkness that followed.

The floor creaked a warning of someone approaching. With barely the strength to open his eyes, he saw the blurred image of a woman coming to him, bowl and towel in hand. Closer, he was mesmerized by her beauty. Sitting, she wiped his brow, her touch gentle. Her eyes, soothing…deep green eyes… Not able to focus or speak, he willingly drifted into the bottomless well of the deep green pool.

The warmth on his face felt like the morning sun that woke him in his room each day during summer months at Seargenta. Knowing this not to be his room in the castle, he opened his eyes anyway. The bright sun momentarily blinded him. Struggling to sit, he threw up his hand to evade the light causing him to shriek in pain. No strength, still disoriented, he collapsed back into the down-filled clouds suspending him. Closing his eyes, once again, he drifted back into the welcoming arms of darkness and safety.

Cool fingers of early evening caressed his face, bringing him to consciousness. Easing his eyes open, the fading light revealed the approach of twilight. He breathed in a fragrance reminiscent of honeysuckle on a mid-summer morning. The smell and memory of it invoked warm feelings in his heart.

The woman with her back to him, standing on the hearth, ladled something into a bowl from a small cast iron kettle over the fire. Turning, she approached him slowly, a look of happiness on her face.

Staring at her, Leandro was acutely aware this was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Her eyes, emerald green, pierced the core of his soul exuding tenderness unbeknownst to him.

Throat parched, he whispered, Where am I?

Safe for now, my prince.

You know me?

I know of you. You are Prince Leandro of the Northland, son of King Galen and grandson of King Marsellis.

And you are…?

I am Anaterri.

How long have I been here?

Nearly twenty-one days.

Struggling with her answer and time he could not account for, Leandro persisted, And where am I?

You are in the Southland, M’Lord, at a location called Uriah Creek.

But how…my, my horse…tracking outlaws…the Northland, now here, hundreds of miles from my home? Confused, sweat trickled down his forehead. Leandro started shaking, exhaustion rapidly overtaking him.

I brought you here, M’lord. I required help in your healing process.

He tried to speak but his voice failed, his strength waning quickly.

Sitting next to him wiping his brow, Anaterri said, We have much to talk of when you are stronger. Right now it is important that you rest and regain your strength. Please, drink this broth, we will talk later.

When she brought the spoon to his lips, Leandro sipped the broth. Warmth spread through his body, the pain subsiding. His eyes growing heavy, darkness soon enveloped him with her loving embrace and another lifetime.

Anaterri was happy to see Leandro relaxed and sitting up without exhibiting a great deal of pain. He’d shown remarkable improvement the last few days.

Sitting next to him, she smiled. She had prepared stew for his dinner. He seemed to be regaining his appetite.

You were laughing last night in your sleep, she said, a sly grin gracing her beautiful face.

Really?

Yes, it was pleasant to hear you doing so rather than screaming in pain.

Did I give any reason to my laughter, aloud I mean?

Mmm, something about a sliding rock. I couldn’t follow much of the conversation.

Leandro managed a small laugh, wincing momentarily in pain. Catching his breath he said, Sliding rock. It’s a place father and I would stop on our return trip home from journeys around the lands. He would frequently travel to negotiate goods and services for the kingdom with local outlanders and royals from the other kingdoms. It was a wonderful place to rest and clean up before returning home.

And…what is the sliding rock?

Leandro’s eyes drifted momentarily, his head dropping slightly. A smile stretched his parched lips.

Anaterri could only guess that he was conjuring some fond memory.

Suddenly, Leandro snapped his attention back to her, Yes, sliding rock. It’s a large boulder covered with river moss and a small waterfall running over it. It really is quite pleasant on a hot summer day.

It sounds wonderful, she said quietly, placing a soft hand on his forearm.

Our family has maintained a small campsite there for many years. It’s very beautiful. Large willows line the river on both sides with their branches seemingly drinking from an endless supply. Lush meadows run through the forest, dotted with patches of wildflowers. And the sound at night, between the crickets, the frogs and the river, is a lullaby that can’t be ignored. It is truly one of my favorite spots in the kingdom, he said softly, as a frown suddenly crossed his face.

What’s the matter, M’Lord?

My father…well, my parents. I just now realized how long I’ve been gone; they know nothing of my whereabouts or wellbeing. They must be sick with worry.

I will have our host send a pigeon to them with word that you are alive and safe and will return as soon as possible.

I would appreciate that.

Leaning forward, Anaterri could not resist wiping a tiny bit of sweat from the side of Leandro’s face. As she did so he turned to face her, his steel blue eyes yearning for more.

Her heart beating rapidly, she replied with haste, I would only expect someone to do the same for me. She turned away, the heat of embarrassment flooding her cheeks. Catching her breath, she said, I have some stew for you. Can you feed yourself…or…?

Leandro, smiling mischievously, raised his hands in helplessness.

The more Leandro was awake, the more time he wanted to spend with Anaterri. To his amazement, he felt she also enjoyed their time together. He had the feeling they had known each other forever but he could never remember why. He talked to her of everything, except her. He wanted to know more about this mystery woman but every time he started to ask something, his mind went blank and she would ask a question or lead the conversation in another direction. It mattered not to him; he could spend all of his time just looking at her without saying a word. He’d never felt this way about any woman. When she touched him, which she frequently did checking the wounds or wiping his brow, it was heaven, igniting a spark within him.

Left with a longing he did not know how to deal with and weak from the day’s activities, he closed his eyes leaving his mind free to imagine…

As the days went by, Anaterri tried not to touch Leandro so much but couldn’t help herself. She loved the feel of his skin. Her heightened dragon senses couldn’t get enough of his smell.

Every being has a specific natural odor. To her, Leandro’s was like honey to a bee and she couldn’t resist his unique scent no matter how hard she tried. Trying to be respectful of him, she struggled desperately with wanting to lay with him and hold him. It was getting harder with each day passing.

At the end of the fifth week, Leandro was ready to stand on his own for the first time. His wounds, although still tender, were healed over. He was experiencing a new kind of inner strength never before felt. He was literally in command of his body and it seemed to respond to his inner wishes. Always aware of his body and its needs before, he had never felt in command of them in this way.

Waking after several hours of sleep, he sat up needing to relieve himself. Sensing he was alone brought an unpleasant, lonely feeling. This surprised him as he was used to spending hours or days alone in the forest. He realized how much he’d become accustomed to Anaterri’s company.

Hearing her voice clearly, he looked around to find her. She was not in the cottage which confused him.

Taking a moment to finish relieving himself in the night pot, he headed back to his bed. Passing a window by the front door, he paused when movement from outside caught his attention. Looking out, he was surprised at the sight.

Anaterri, approaching the cabin, was still a hundred feet or so a way. She was talking to a tiny creature perched on her shoulder. Anaterri’s hair pulled back, allowed the little woman room to sit comfortably. Leandro could see her perfectly and the closer they got to the cabin, the clearer the conversation became. Confused, he shook his head several times thinking he might be in a dream.

Does he know yet? the tiny woman asked.

No, I only want to touch him, to hold him, to protect him. I have never felt this way and sometimes it frightens me. I don’t want to ruin anything right now. I only want to love him while I can.

I know of your dilemma, M’lady. I have had my own experience with a human. They can be deceptively easy to love. I will support you and the prince in your journey, to the best of my ability. You are a wise lady with a strong sense of knowing. I am assured you will do the right thing.

Leaving the little creature at the door, Anaterri entered the cottage. Seeing Leandro sitting on the edge of the bed naked, his mouth open, stopped her in her tracks. Stuttering, she whispered, Are…you… alright?

Staring at her, Leandro could only nod his head. Looking at this beautiful woman in front of him, knowing what he just heard, flooded him with emotion long since seeking release.

The back light from the window allowed her gown some transparency. Looking from her face, down her slender neck, he realized for the first time how magnificent her breasts were as he noticed her nipples outlining the thin fabric of her gown. Amazing as it was, he detected a subtle change in her breathing.

Anaterri could not believe what was happening. Her body flushed, her breathing becoming rapid, she was totally mesmerized by this man sitting in front of her. Not able to take her eyes from him, she watched in awe as his erection grew. Surrendering to her instincts, she lowered one strap of her gown and then the other. As the gown dropped to the floor, she stood naked and vulnerable before him. Approaching Leandro slowly, she stopped in front of him. Reaching down, she started running her fingers through his thick hair. Gently pulling his head to her body, she gasped as he took one of her nipples between his lips. Rough and cracked, from weeks of dehydration, his lips sent waves of ecstasy flooding through her body. Not able to wait any longer, she moved his head back long enough to kneel before him. Now face to face, she pulled him to her, kissing him deeply for the first time. Breaking the kiss briefly, she looked into his eyes as she gently lowered him back onto the bed, moving over him with ease. Suddenly he winced in pain.

"Am I hurting you?" she asked in vision thought.

Leandro raised his eyebrows in surprise, responding verbally, No.

As she carefully lowered herself onto him, the ecstasy nearly overwhelmed her. She could never have imagined anything feeling this wonderful. Moving slowly at first, she soon sensed his urgency and the change taking place. Moving them to a dimensional holding space, they were safe to continue their lovemaking without destroying the cottage. Now, in full dragon form, talons digging, bodies thrashing, they finished their dance of love.

Waking as satisfied as he’d ever felt, Leandro was immediately aware of Anaterri sleeping naked, her back curled into him. It wasn’t a dream. They’d made love - but there was more. As absurd as it was to imagine, there was a part of it he could not comprehend. Not up to thinking about it, he just wanted to enjoy the moment. Burying his nose in the fragrance of her hair, he inhaled the slight smell of honeysuckle allowing it to flood his senses. His hand softly caressing her breast, he fell back into a blissful sleep.

Time passed. Still curled together, Anaterri sensed Leandro was awake.

What is it you would know my prince? she asked sleepily.

What do you mean, M’lady? he whispered, his throat still dry and raspy.

She rolled over to look in his eyes. You are as full of questions as I am of your love.

What am I to know? Who are you? You save my life yet I have never met you before and, more perplexing, I feel like I have known you all my life. You are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen and I know nothing of you. But…I know I don’t want to live my life without you. How can all this be? he queried, still trying to find his voice.

"I am not what I appear to be. Things are not always what they appear to be. But what is, right now, rest assured, I do not want to lose…and yet, I will not deceive you to keep it."

I have so many questions. I’m not sure where to start. I guess first I would like to know who you are and how you came to save me.

Close your eyes and I will reveal who I am.

Frowning, Leandro closed his eyes.

Anaterri allowed her real form to emerge as she gazed down at him through emerald green eyes.

Wha…? Leandro cried out, shaking his head as if to dispel the image. He snapped his eyes open, only to see her in her human form.

How can this be?

It just is, M’Lord, she answered, a slight grin on her face.

B…but you’re a dragon, he blurted out.

Yes, M’Lord, and I would say from our experience last night, so are you - now.

Leandro shot straight up, running his hands over his face, feeling for scales. Looking down, he threw back the covers staring at his body.

But how? he asked, his voice quavering as his hands frantically rubbed his arms and legs, searching for any new protrusions.

I assure you, M’Lord, the scales won’t start growing immediately, she said, trying to control her laughter. I came upon you in the forest being taunted by the outlaws, she continued, her voice taking a more serious note. You were nearly dead when I found you. Your horse was dying. I dispatched the outlaws and pulled you from the pit. You had already lost much blood. There was a poison on the tips of the spikes I was unfamiliar with; I knew only of one other being that could save you.

The little woman on your shoulder? he stammered, pointing to his shoulder.

Yes, Queen Angeline is one of the finest healers I know. She is an elemental, a faery. She was able to stem the poison in your body but you required blood in order to survive. I offered mine.

Leandro’s head dropped to his chest. Shaking it back and forth, he looked at her and whispered, So…I’m a dragon?

No, M’Lord, you are a human with dragon blood.

So…I don’t have to eat humans or cows or things?

She sat up, the covers falling to her waist. Laughing she said, No, M’Lord. I hear humans don’t taste very good and I’m sure you have already eaten some animal flesh, cows…pigs… and I’m sure wild fowl.

Her nakedness grabbed his attention as he asked quietly, I was really a dragon the other night? A slow smile cracked his parched lips.

Yes, M’Lord, a huge and powerful dragon, she said throatily, at the same time noticing movement under the covers.

Inching closer to her, Leandro whispered coyly, And how did two such dragons not burst this little cottage to pieces?

With her eyes closed and her lips only inches from Leandro’s ear, she whispered, I have the ability to take us to a dimensional space that allows us the freedom to do as we wish without destroying anything. Breathing in his manly scent started her heart pounding.

Leandro used his body to push Anaterri back on the bed. Shifting up and over her he winced, a sharp pain streaking through his left side.

Anaterri lifted her hand to his contorted face. Are you alright?

Now fully over her, her legs open to receive him, Leandro whispered, I will be and I suspect you should take us to that space of yours.

Our space, she assured him and gladly did as he bid.

Chapter 3

Gone nearly two and a half months, Leandro was concerned and excited about returning home. His wounds nearly healed, his strength increasing daily, the reality of going home with Anaterri weighed heavily. The woman of his dreams, of his life, was a dragon. He had as yet to understand his own dragon self. How would he explain this to his family?

Anaterri suggested they start walking daily to build Leandro’s strength. The severity of the wounds to his legs, combined with the length of time in bed had caused his muscles to atrophy. It was on such a walk Anaterri stopped in mid-stride, concern in her beautiful green eyes.

You are much too quiet today, M’Lord. What troubles you?

Stopping next to a large boulder, Leandro leaned back against it pulling her to him. I’m desperate to figure out how to explain you to my parents.

There’s no need, M’Lord, I can return to my cottage.

No, he snapped. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap at you like that but I don’t want to live without you.

Then why not tell them the truth?

Eyebrows raising inquisitively, Leandro started laughing. Yes, that’s it. Father, Mother, I would like you to meet Anaterri. Sorry, I don’t even know her last name yet.

Strayarth, she interjected.

Strayarth?

Yes, M’Lord, is something the matter with that?

No, no…not at all. Father, Mother, this is Anaterri Strayarth. She’s a blue dragon that saved my life and now I am one too because I have her blood. Gosh, that was easy.

Laughing loudly, Anaterri hit him lightly in the chest. "No, M’Lord, that’s not the truth I was talking about. I meant, why not tell them I found