Myvanwy and the House of Dragon Read online

  ‘We wanted to give you both something for Christmas,’ Clare said, ‘we thought it would sound even better in the Cathedral.’

  ‘Tell me, what other ones did you bring?’

  Clare held up the rest of the CDs: Chopin, Brahms, Liszt, Strauss and Beethoven before demonstrating the radio function, pointing out the tuner and volume.

  ‘I’ve refurbished the guest room. I guess we’ll catch up in the morning. And thank you for these, it was very kind,’ Myvanwy said.

  ‘Come along Sweet Pea, to the Cathedral!’

  Josh and Clare picked up their backpacks and went to their quarters, where Josh lit what was left of the old candle, still where they had left it. The place was the same. Two new bales of straw awaited them, so Josh spread them on the ledge, while Clare looked in her pack for the pillow slips and then stuffed them with some of Reggie’s old kit. The blankets were spread and sleeping bags put on top. When finished, they stepped back to admire their handiwork before donning their night attire and climbing in.

  The sounds of singing drifted down from the Cathedral as the candle light spluttered and flared. It finally burnt itself out and left them in darkness, not that it mattered, they were happy to be back.

  In the morning there was a new latrine to be dug before going down to the beach. They wore bathers when swimming and afterwards lay beside each other on the beach towels Clare had provided. There was no sense of urgency any more—they had packed enough cereal and other foodstuffs to accompany the fish they would catch each day. And no reason to forage along the foreshore either, even though there would have been a build-up of flotsam—without any use it remained there. Clare had even brought her own toilet paper.

  Breakfast consisted of cereal and herbal tea. Afterwards they strolled through the cave system to re-acquaint themselves, using all five senses. One thing the sixth sense or even astral couldn’t do, was provide the different smell of each cavern or the crunch of the sand underfoot. So too, the taste of the cool sweet water from the Well of Content. They even visited the nursery annexe and treasure room, each adding their own rich visual stimuli.

  On returning to the main cavern they saw that Myvanwy and Sweet Pea were up and had finished eating.

  ‘How was the singing last night?’ Clare inquired.

  ‘Just superb,’ Myvanwy said, rolling her eyes.

  ‘You’ll have to join us one night.’

  ‘That would be fantastic, although only as spectators at the moment, I’m afraid. We haven’t the language or knowledge of the works as yet,’ Josh replied.

  ‘That’s no problem, I can give you that knowledge. Also I’ll have to give you a list of some of the more modern operas and musicals for next time. Now tell me, how have you two been and what have you been up to?’

  ‘Well, it’s been the busy end of the year as you know, that’s why we’re here relaxing with you,’ Clare told her.

  ‘You know I never thought I would hear those words coming freely from someone’s lips. What do you think, Sweet Pea?’

  Sweet Pea nodded his head, ‘Freely being the operative word, Mum.’

  ‘How did we look on TV?’ Josh asked.

  ‘Fine,’ Sweet Pea replied, ‘it was nice to actually be a part of a story and see it acted out for once.’

  ‘I think it went well,’ Josh said, addressing Myvanwy.

  ‘Yes, it did. But what has become of the girl, Rita?’

  ‘Nothing as yet, it’s down for mention in the New Year,’ Clare replied.

  ‘And how do you feel about that?’

  ‘I don’t think about it much, really.’

  ‘Good. It might be a nice gesture to approach her representative and tell them you harbour no ill will. It’s always good to let these things go, besides, look at where it has brought you.’

  Clare thought back to that night and what the next day might have brought. She weighed up all of the outcomes, including her father and Sally, before smiling and nodding her agreement.

  ‘I’ve finished school as you know and have offers of employment from both of the bigger banks,’ Josh said.

  ‘Then perhaps it would be advisable to visit with each and pick up on the thoughts of those around before you decide. It might make the choice that much easier,’ she said. Josh shook his head at the wisdom of her words and ceased to struggle with the problem.

  ‘Have you done anything about language yet?’

  ‘No, we’ve been too busy, but I’ll be taking the advanced Japanese module in school this year,’ Clare informed her.

  ‘And you, Josh?’

  ‘I’ll follow it with Clare, plus we were thinking of doing courses in Mandarin and music as well.’

  ‘Excellent choices,’ Myvanwy said, nodding her head.

  ‘That should take care of this year.’

  ‘What time do you have?’ Sweet Pea asked Josh.

  ‘It’s just on midday.’

  ‘Can I be excused, Mum?’

  ‘Yes, by all means. We’ll talk later tonight, now off with you all,’ Myvanwy said, as she reached for her book of poetry.

  The news had ended and the film just begun. It was a remake of a children’s story which failed to hold Josh’s attention and he drifted off to sleep.

  Sweet Pea looked over and shook his head, so Clare engaged him in conversation throughout.

  At the end of the film she tapped Josh on the shoulder, ‘Wake up sleepyhead, it’s time to go fishing.’

  Josh stretched and yawned, then apologised for his apparent tiredness. They took the time to inspect Sweet Pea’s wings, impressed by the way the bones had set and the fact that they were fully functional again. Afterwards they took their leave and went fishing.

  ‘What are we using for bait today?’

  ‘We’ll try for some sandworms,’ Josh said, and detoured to get the spade. He walked down to the water’s edge and dug into the moist sand until they had sufficient sandworms to get them started—only needing enough to catch the first fish, after that they would have plenty of offal.

  ‘We’ll have to go home later in the week and check on the oldies.’

  ‘Yes, they sure seem to be hotting up. I wonder how it’ll end.’

  ‘Maybe it won’t.’

  ‘That’s cool. It is going to be an interesting year, that’s for sure.’

  ‘You’ll have to contact your father also, but not by mobile. We don’t want anyone to know we’re here and not in the Otways.’

  ‘I never thought of that. I’ll ask him to tell Sally we’re both fine.’

  The fish were on the bite and it wasn’t long before they had their quota. Josh filleted them and kept sufficient offal for bait before giving the rest to the gulls. Afterwards they took the fish and equipment back and then gathered some firewood. Later, when the meal had been cooked and eaten they returned to the main cavern with some food for both dragons.

  Myvanwy was in her corner reading as usual, but stopped for a moment to eat the fish on offer.

  ‘Did you want to see us tonight?’ Josh asked.

  ‘Yes, I’ll give you a call about eleven,’ she replied, and thanked them for the snack.

  They returned to their quarters and stared into the glowing embers of the fire, while awaiting the next dance.

  ‘Any regrets so far?’ Josh asked.

  ‘None whatsoever, despite being privy to everyone’s thoughts—you get used to it after a while. What about you? Any thoughts yet on how we are going to fulfil our obligation?’

  ‘Some.’

  ‘Then how come I haven’t heard about them?’

  ‘They’re still in the embryonic stage and will need a lot of research.’

  Clare became curious and probed the recesses of his mind. She found him gazing inwardly at his navel and then strangely enough, at hers.

  ‘You’re teasing me,’ she chided.

  Josh laughed, ‘What is the point of possessing the abilities that we have if we don’t make use of them? We should be able to use them to aid u
s—without crossing over the line of what is allowed, of course.’

  Clare thought for a moment, ‘Do you mean like being a clairvoyant or gumshoe—something like that?’

  ‘Exactly, only not so obvious,’ he replied, before opening up his mind to reveal his thoughts to her.

  Clare was surprised by the simplicity of his plan. Although not infallible it did have merit, and would only require a minimum outlay. Not only that, he planned to apply it equally to them as well—so if it worked, they would prosper also. She questioned him on what Myvanwy would think, and he was of the opinion that she would think it foolish if they didn’t. After all, it would free them up immensely, to do her bidding. They were still discussing the plan when the call came.

  The teenagers sat in front of Myvanwy, her bronze expanse shining in the torchlight. Sweet Pea sat to one side in her shadow, his green scales blending into the surrounding darkness.

  ‘And what have you two been up to, hmmm?’

  ‘Just talking,’ Josh assured her.

  ‘Business, I hope.’

  ‘But of course. It was actually about the direction we might take later on.’

  ‘Very good,’ Myvanwy said, nodding her head, ‘now before we go anywhere tonight, I should first explain the life cycle of dragons. When first hatched we are known as hatchlings or Wyrmlings until our fifteenth year. Then up to the age of forty we’re known as dragonets. All clear so far?’ The teenagers nodded.

  ‘Good,’ she said, and proceeded with the lesson. ‘From age 40–60 years is the juvenile period, after which is the young adult phase. Dragons aren’t considered adult until after their ninetieth year and then on reaching their one hundred and fiftieth are considered wyrms and are eligible to join The Grand Council of Wyrms.’

  ‘So Sweet Pea is still a young adult,’ said Clare.

  ‘Yes, very much so,’ Myvanwy agreed, ‘similar to yourselves.’

  ‘Then how old are you?’ Josh asked.

  ‘You should never ask a woman her age Josh, it’s impolite. But I will tell you that I’ve reached Wyrm status and have enjoyed it for some time now. Will that suffice?’ she said, looking over at him.

  ‘Okay, tonight we are going to the Hall of Records to view some very good friends of mine, so stay close to me and my cord. Now close your eyes…breathe slowly…and let your astral bodies rise up.’

  She waited until the teenagers rose out of their physical bodies before joining them and leading the way. Once at the hall she took them down an aisle and stopped halfway to view the record there.

  This is Liu Fung, a good friend of mine.

  Josh and Clare looked on amazed at what they saw.

  A Chinese Dragon!

  Exactly—she lives on a small island in the Indonesian Cluster. I cannot give you the exact location, only she can do that, but I will petition her on your behalf. She would be of immense value in helping you with Mandarin.

  They marvelled at Liu Fung’s long serpentine body and smaller token wings. Her head resembled that of a llama’s, only with stag-like horns and long whiskery feelers—although it was the colour that intrigued Josh the most. Her underbelly was a pale blue that turned to a richer turquoise hue on the upper body, reminding him of the emperor gum caterpillars that appeared each spring.

  Does she live alone?

  What a strange question. Why do you ask?

  No surprises, that’s all.

  Hmmm, no she doesn’t. There is a young daughter still living with her, Myvanwy informed him.

  Are there many of them?

  Yes, there are a few others scattered around the islands and of course in China itself as well as the Tibetan Region. Come, there is more to see. They followed her down a different aisle and stopped when she did.

  This is an American cousin of Baal’s, she said, revealing a sleeping green dragon. His name is George, and he constantly complains of it being so hard to fly undetected over there these days.

  You seem to do all right, Josh said, as he and Clare scanned the American more closely.

  Yes, but the military here are not as sophisticated as over there.

  If you mean radar, then there must be ways around it.

  Perhaps, but until then we’re limited to flying at night. There’s nothing worse than being chased by modern war planes that spit death or helicopters that are hard to shake. Come, there is another I wish to show you, his name is Cyril.

  They moved to a record a few aisles away and were confronted with the image of a large red dragon. Cyril lives in Wales, and is one of our most ancient and illustrious forebears. He is the Elder of the Great Council of Wyrms, so don’t let his appearance fool you—he is still very wily.

  Josh and Clare were overawed by what they were seeing, Just how many dragons are there left?

  As you can see, precious few, scattered around the world. There are Lindworms and Knuckers as well, but they are more related to the Asian Lungs like Liu Fung.

  And the purpose of this information is…? Josh asked.

  Myvanwy turned to face them and said, Those that you have seen tonight are very much aware of you two. They are all on the Great Council like myself and as such, are my confidantes. You should understand that as agents of mine, my friends are your friends and my enemies yours also, I’m afraid. Have you any problem with that?

  None whatsoever, Clare replied, in fact we look forward to meeting them.

  Good. That’s what I told them you would say. Come, let’s go home.

  Once back in the physical, Josh said, ‘Wow! That was great. What colourful and different friends you two have. Is it just as easy to view your enemies as well?’

  ‘That’s a good question and yes, we’ll view some of them tomorrow night.’

  They bid the dragons goodnight and retired back to their quarters for some much needed sleep—and to dream of the night’s revelations that had altered their world forever.

  The Face of Evil

  With the new day came wonderment. Both teenagers realised the stakes had been raised and yet didn’t bother to question them fully, knowing there were more revelations still to come. Only then could they hope to put things in their proper perspective.

  They rose from bed and went down to the water’s edge. Clare had read Josh’s mind and found him too preoccupied and open to attack, so she splashed him. The result was a quick chase along the beach that ended when they fell beneath the waves, to emerge as one again—the revelations a distant memory. Afterwards they lay tangled in each other’s arms on the beach and only went back when their stomachs told them it was time to eat. Later they strolled leisurely through the cave system to linger lazily in the cathedral before returning to the main cavern again.

  ‘Ah! There you are,’ Myvanwy said, on seeing them.

  ‘You’ve had me intrigued ever since last night. Tell me, what’s this idea of yours?’

  Sweet Pea stopped what he was doing to listen-in.

  A smile broke out on Josh’s face and he shook his head, ‘You’re intrigued? Then just imagine how we must feel, with all of these new revelations.’

  ‘Hrmmmphf! Well?’ Myvanwy persisted.

  Josh paused and braced himself before launching into a preamble about the idea. He apologised in advance and explained that it was only a suggestion after all.

  ‘Come, spill it,’ Myvanwy said, impatiently.

  ‘Well instead of selling those coins as previously suggested, I thought we might capitalise on our enhanced senses instead and use them to our advantage.’

  Myvanwy’s brows came together as she listened.

  ‘The first part is the initial fundraising and the second is where I tune in to those around me in the bank, high rollers and managers alike, to find out where best to invest our money. Tell me, how much cash have you got?’

  ‘Only a paltry amount, I much prefer precious metals and baubles—they’re so much more tangible. There’s only about two hundred in cash left, I’m afraid.’

  ‘Perfect. Then if I lost
that, you wouldn’t worry too much,’ Josh said, relieved.

  ‘Lose! Did you say lose?’ Myvanwy said, surprised.

  Sweet Pea looked on horrified, expecting his mother to breathe fire at any moment.

  ‘Well I did say it was only an idea.’

  Myvanwy settled down and composed herself once again.

  ‘Go on…’

  ‘I thought that since we have the ability to read the minds of animals and humans alike, why not use it at the racetrack to double our money? Anything we do there would have to be low-key, so as not to draw attention to ourselves and then once we get a tidy sum together, we invest it as per the second half of the plan.’

  ‘You mean scan the horses and jockeys?’

  ‘Exactly. It’s well-known that the racing industry is rife with race fixing of one kind or another. We should be able to correctly forecast the winner, but if there is any doubt, we don’t bet. It’s that simple.’

  Myvanwy looked at him thoughtfully.

  ‘There would be no looking at the records beforehand?’

  Josh shook his head.

  ‘How certain are you of the plan’s success?’

  ‘We go in with an unfair advantage, but a horse could still stumble and break a leg. I’m willing to try it myself once I start work.’

  ‘You’re that sure?’ Josh nodded. ‘Okay, count me in. But I do like the second phase more than the first.’

  ‘Would it be okay for us to put up an equal amount and share the venture fifty-fifty?’

  ‘You sure do like to push the boundaries Josh, but I see no reason against it. Perhaps it might make you more cautious.’

  ‘Did you want to see us later?’

  ‘Yes. I’ll call you when I’m ready.’

  Josh and Clare followed Sweet Pea into the television alcove to watch the news and movie that followed.

  ‘Gee, you sure do like punching Mum’s buttons,’ Sweet Pea declared.

  ‘Nah. Didn’t even come close,’ Josh said, as he turned the set on.

  The three of them sat glued to the film that was on, even though it was light hearted and trite.

  Clare sensed his unease while fishing and let him rest after the evening meal. He woke with a start when they were called and headed for the Temple eagerly to receive the last bit of the puzzle. Both sat before Myvanwy again and then once regressed and in the astral, they followed her back to the Hall of Records.