Myvanwy and the House of Dragon Read online

  When Ullric first started off he had been someone’s apprentice—and then he had trained Sandor. Both had grown old together, although Ullric displayed more signs of aging than his former pupil. Even in the early days they had passed over the fiercest dragons for the young and feeble—and now despite their powers, they too, were feeling the ravages of age. It also explained why they had switched to the exploding heads.

  Josh relayed the news to Clare, and after that it was just a matter of going back to confirm everything via the records. They discovered that Ullric was actually in his 145th year and Sandor only 30 years younger. Somehow the revelation didn’t surprise Clare, and along with the other information, helped to complete the picture of their enemy.

  With Ullric and Sandor a known quantity, the following nights were free to check up on Robert Sehloho. What they found was a man half Ullric’s age, with a cruel streak and no respect for man or beast. He had started out hunting Wyvern in his surrounding homeland, but when they became scarce he had switched to Knuckers and Lindworms on the Asian Steppes or else in nearby Europe.

  He surrounded himself with a crew of six equally ruthless men, who served him unflinchingly. In return he allowed them acts of intemperance and debauchery on the hapless locals, often joining in. Josh and Clare watched as Sehloho and his gang chased Lindworms in the dry arid regions of the Steppes. They used high-powered rifles and shot from vehicles to wound their prey, then surrounded and dispatched them mercilessly.

  The Lindworms were fast, despite having only two legs, but without wings they were easy targets on the ground and no match for someone as determined as Sehloho. Quite often he would lose a man or two in the process, but life was cheap on both continents, and the sacrifice small. There was always someone willing to step up and take their place.

  It was the same with the Knuckers who lived to the west—they lived underground and only ever surfaced to hunt. They possessed long serpentine bodies like their cousins the Lindworms, but had four legs, so were slightly faster. However with only token wings, it meant they were flightless as well. Once their escape route was blocked they had nowhere to go and were easy targets.

  Josh’s first week at work passed quickly and seemed humdrum when compared to their nightly forays in the astral. On his first payday he picked up the language course and visited a jeweller’s shop to make another purchase, this one closer to his heart.

  Both he and his mother were invited to Ben’s place that Saturday, and once there, Sally started to work feverishly in the kitchen. Josh took the opportunity to give Clare the language course and went up to the barn with her afterward.

  ‘So they hope to surprise me on my birthday, do they?’ she asked.

  Josh smiled, ‘Something like that.’

  ‘Did you get me anything?’

  ‘If I told you it wouldn’t be a surprise.’

  Clare probed his mind, but found nothing. He was blocking her, so she stopped and saddled Toby instead.

  ‘Are you entering the competition this year?’ Josh asked.

  ‘That depends.’

  ‘On what?’

  ‘If any balloons are going up with you in them, of course,’ she said, laughing.

  Josh stood by the fence and watched as she urged her mount around the tight figure eight obstacle course, impressed by the fluid motion of both horse and rider. Afterwards the teenagers went back to freshen up and change before loading the Mandarin course onto Clare’s laptop.

  Ben knocked on the door and entered.

  ‘What are you up to?’ he enquired, peering at the screen.

  ‘It’s Mandarin,’ Clare informed him.

  ‘Are you learning it at school this year?’

  ‘No, Japanese.’

  ‘Are you doing it too, Josh?’

  Josh nodded, ‘It looks like fun.’

  Ben shook his head at the enormity of it.

  ‘Dinner’s ready,’ he said.

  Clare walked out shortly afterwards to see the table laden with food.

  ‘Happy birthday,’ said Ben. He kissed his daughter and pointed to a new competition saddle and riding boots on a nearby armchair.

  ‘The saddle is from me and the boots are from Sally,’ he told her.

  Clare gasped on seeing the presents and went over to view them.

  ‘Thank you, both of you,’ she said. ‘And thanks for all of the cooking you’ve done today Sally. It feels like we’re a family already.’

  She turned expectantly to face Josh, ‘Well brother?’

  Josh pulled a long narrow package from his back pocket and handed it to her.

  ‘I’m sorry it couldn’t be more, but as you know I’ve only been working a week.’

  He leaned in closer and kissed her lightly on the cheek.

  Clare probed his mind again, but was unable to ascertain what was inside the package, so she tore the paper away and opened the box to reveal an opal bracelet inside.

  ‘It’s beautiful,’ she said, as Josh stepped forward to put it on her outstretched wrist.

  ‘I had them add another piece to it, so you would remember our trip together.’

  ‘Show me,’ said Ben.

  Both he and Sally moved closer to view the trinket. There was a medallion added to it, with a Hot Air Balloon on one side and the initial J on the reverse.

  ‘Thank God that episode is far behind us,’ said Ben.

  ‘Amen to that,’ echoed Sally.

  Ben sat down and filled the wine glasses, ‘Well, what say we eat?’

  The dinner went well, the talk mostly about the approaching marriage and honeymoon. Dessert was a Pavlova followed by a birthday cake with seventeen candles on it. Josh tuned into her thoughts as Clare made a wish and blew them out.

  ‘You know, I’ve always meant to ask what you felt while up in the balloon,’ Ben asked his daughter.

  ‘Well in the first few minutes it was fear. We nearly collected a church spire, but Josh took us higher and out of harm’s way.’

  ‘And what about afterwards?’

  ‘After that it was plain sailing, but unfortunately we were out over the bay by then. I actually thought that we’d be blown back to shore on reaching the heads, but it didn’t happen. Then later I got to fly the balloon while Josh searched the basket. It was beautiful up there—not a soul around and a million stars for company.’

  ‘You weren’t scared?’ Sally asked.

  ‘No, not really—it was so peaceful. When it was time to come down Josh took us in low and had me collapse the main envelope.’

  ‘So you would fly again?’

  ‘In an instant, in fact the owner of the balloon has offered to take us up again. Perhaps you two would like to come with us?’

  Sally looked worriedly at Ben, who reached over to comfort her.

  ‘No, thank you. I think we’ll leave flying to the younger generation and the birds,’ he said.

  Josh and Clare burst out laughing. If only they knew.

  Later that evening when everyone had retired, Josh made his way to Clare’s room. She had been waiting patiently and sat up to greet him.

  ‘That wish of yours,’ he said.

  ‘You were listening?’

  ‘Yes, a long and happy life together,’ he quoted, and opened his hand to reveal an engagement ring.

  ‘A hundred and fifty years is going to be a long time.’

  Clare put the ring on her finger and admired the large diamond as it shone in the moonlight. Her smile faded and was replaced by a look of horror as she inspected the antique silver setting.

  ‘Don’t worry—it’s a gift from Myvanwy. You know what a romantic she can be,’ Josh said, and watched as Clare relaxed again.

  ‘When did she do that?’

  ‘She put it in with the money she gave me before coming home last time. I was just as concerned as you and cleared it up with her straight-away.’

  Clare kissed him as her mind raced ahead.

  ‘What say we have her marry us in a year’s time?’<
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  ‘And then?’

  ‘We could have something here a year after that.’

  ‘That sounds fine by me,’ Josh said, smiling.

  Busy Times

  The days after Clare’s birthday were busy ones. Josh worked at the bank and both did the accelerated language programme of an evening. There were friends to visit and talk with as well, while keeping an eye on the enemy.

  Myvanwy was thrilled to bits with the news of their engagement and pencilled in the wedding for the following Christmas. Sweet Pea wasn’t as surprised, but happy for them nonetheless and informed both that he was back in the air again, although only staying local for the while.

  Liu Fung visited in the astral to congratulate them also and suggested they attend the Chinese New Year Celebrations in Melbourne. However the two opted to view the spectacle with her via the Akashic Records instead. Both were impressed at how the Chinese people embraced the spirit of the dragon as they welcomed the Year of the Rat.

  They watched the awakening ceremony of the Millennium Dai Loong Dragon and the Lion dance that followed—the dragon snaking through the streets carried by over two hundred people. Eager hands stretched out to touch it in passing, and Liu Fung explained that the act of touching a dragon brought ‘good luck’. Smaller dragons appeared afterward, made of silk, paper and bamboo. They danced through the crowded streets amid the din of firecrackers, while red envelopes containing ‘lucky money’ were handed out to the children in the crowd. The three gazed longingly at the brightly coloured spectacle, plus the array of food and wares on offer along the way, Josh and Clare vowing to attend the following year, while Liu Fung wished that she could.

  Josh obtained his learners permit and Ben gave him driving lessons at weekends in the family car—a late model six cylinder sedan with an automatic transmission. He progressed rapidly from country roads to the inner city streets, impressing Ben with his driving ability, while Clare stayed at home and worked with Toby.

  Ben and Sally were busier than usual, having limited time to finalise their nuptials and tidy up their affairs before jetting away on their honeymoon. Ben approached the process in a business-like manner, while Sally embraced the traditional way.

  It dawned on her one day, that she would have to give up her home and live at Ben’s place when they were married. She gazed out of the window as Molly played with a ball on the back lawn. All her adult life had been spent there: the hard years, the painful years and good ones alike. It was the place where Josh grew up, and she wondered how he would fit into the scheme of things now. She stewed on the problem until he came home that night.

  Josh sensed his mother’s dilemma immediately on entering the house, but waited until the evening meal was served a little later before responding.

  ‘I was wondering what you’re going to do with this place after you’re married?’

  The question took her by surprise, ‘Oh, why is that?’

  ‘Well, you’ll be going to live with Ben, and I guess I’ll be looking for a place to stay.’

  ‘But there’ll be plenty of room over at Ben’s place for you.’

  ‘I’m sure he’d say the same, but it would be a bit of an imposition, especially for two newlyweds.’

  ‘I suppose you’re right. I was wondering about the house myself—you tend to get attached to a place over the years. I’ll talk to Ben about it while we’re away.’

  Inwardly she was happy that there might be a suitable solution and the house with all its memories would not be lost to her.

  The next evening Ben and Clare arrived for dinner, early as usual. Ben greeted Sally and gave her bottle of red wine to accompany the meal, while Clare smiled and held up a new CD that she’d bought.

  ‘How long before dinner is ready?’ asked Josh.

  Sally tore herself away from Ben’s embrace long enough to reply.

  ‘Twenty minutes.’

  ‘We’ll be in my room,’ he informed them.

  Once in the privacy of the room the two greeted more passionately and then on breaking apart again they sat and listened to the arias on the CD until called.

  The food was delicious as usual. Sally had garnished some sausages with tomato and onion before baking and serving them up with mashed potato and peas. It was followed by a rice pudding for dessert. Sally ate sparingly, but gave Ben plenty—the two conversing throughout on the progress of the wedding arrangements, while Josh and Clare were content to exchange amorous patter telepathically. When finished, the teenagers helped clear the dishes away.

  Ben topped up the glasses with the remaining wine, ‘How’s the driving going, Josh?’

  ‘Fine, I’ve booked in to be tested on the Monday after my birthday.’

  Ben nodded his approval, ‘And are you still okay to stay at the farm while we’re away?’

  ‘Yes, I’m looking forward to it. A change is as good as a holiday.’

  ‘Oh, and what do you intend doing while you’re there?’

  ‘Much the same as here I expect—like the lawns and garden. Clare knows more about the farm side. If she needs any help, all she has to do is ask.’

  ‘You’ll find she’s not a bad cook,’ Ben confided.

  Josh smiled, ‘I know.’

  ‘Are you alright with Josh staying over, Clare?’ Ben asked.

  ‘Absolutely,’ she reassured him, ‘but I could have stayed there by myself, you know.’

  Ben shook his head, ‘At least this way I won’t have to worry about you as much.’

  Clare’s protest was half-hearted and designed to allay any suspicion.

  Afterwards Sally washed the dishes while Clare dried.

  ‘Just in time for the movie,’ Sally declared.

  Clare glanced at the television guide, ‘No thanks. I think I’d prefer to play music. Remind me to bring a DVD over next time.’

  ‘Suit yourself,’ Sally replied, quite happy to have the time alone with Ben.

  Josh detoured on his way to the bedroom and stopped by the laundry to collect Molly. Then once inside the bedroom she made herself at home under the bed, with only her head showing and big tail wagging out of sight.

  You tell us if someone is coming, he told her. Molly eyed the door and then him again.

  Clare sat on top of the bed, while Josh seated himself at the desk and turned the computer on.

  ‘Can you get word to Rita at all? It would be good if we could meet for coffee in town and tell her there are no ill feelings as Myvanwy suggested,’ he said.

  Clare nodded, ‘I was also thinking that we can invite Myvanwy over while Dad and Sally are in Fiji. Sweet Pea too, if he’s up to it.’

  ‘An excellent idea, but we’ll have to deal with the disappearing sheep problem before then. See if your father is interested in selling a few of his wethers. Tell him market price, whatever is fair, otherwise we could buy some fat lambs from the market and run them separately, if he would allow it. That would take care of the missing ones, plus those eaten if and when Myvanwy accepts, while still leaving a couple up our sleeve.’

  Clare smiled. ‘Why don’t you ask him?’

  ‘No, it would sound much better coming from you.’

  Clare knew the answer before he spoke, she was just teasing him.

  ‘Have you got anything on for later tonight?’ she asked.

  ‘I was thinking of taking a quick look at Ullric and Sandor to see what they’re up to. Why, what did you have in mind?’

  Clare didn’t have time to answer. Molly looked at the door and barked, so Josh started the music again. Moments later Ben knocked on the door to inform Clare they would be leaving soon. When he left they embraced once more, Josh reminding her that he would call by in the astral within the hour.

  Clare was waiting for him when he came and they travelled to the Hall of Records together. Once there, they found that Ullric and Sandor were on the move again, which was always alarming, and by viewing the recent records they could see why. Their hunting party had run foul of some local insu
rgents, so they had hunted them instead and wiped them out. Now they were cooling their heels in neighbouring Uganda. A quick look at Sehloho’s record revealed that he was on the move as well. He had chartered a large junk in the port of Hanoi and was now in the process of provisioning it. These were interesting times indeed.

  Josh and Clare had learnt all they could from the records and came away with a bad feeling about the whole situation. They opted to put it behind them for the rest of the night and roamed in the astral until the early hours of the morning, which left them precious few hours of natural sleep.

  The next day it was work as usual for Josh, although the previous night’s revelations about the hunters still lurked in his mind. He decided to go back later that evening and monitor the two events. He spoke to Clare about his intentions and told her that he would inform her in the morning if the situation had changed.

  That evening he studied for a while and then relaxed with some light opera before going to bed. Once there, he projected into the astral and went straight to the Hall of Records to check on Ullric’s movement that day. What he found surprised him. It seemed that Ullric and Sandor had boarded a plane and were now in Hanoi on the junk with Sehloho. He observed them as they were greeted aboard and then taken below to stow their gear, the dragon hunters returning back on deck soon after to watch as the junk steamed its way out of the crowded Port.

  Josh returned to the physical so fast that it hurt as he snapped back, which added to the alarm bells already going off inside his head. He contacted Myvanwy to tell her the news. She was reading poetry in her corner when the message came through and was most concerned.

  Are you sure of this?

  Positive.

  What do you think their intentions are?

  If they’re with Sehloho, it can only be for one reason, Josh stated.