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SE-08 Dragons at Risk By Darrel James Vanwinkle (Writing as Ratseye) 09/08/2001-12/04/2001

The April spring definitely brought the aforementioned April showers to the National Scenic Riverways and the Rocky Falls region. Dominic Bastian Vanlyone sat in his secluded office/den filling out income tax paperwork. Sitting in his usual spot in the recliner was Damon Horse, but instead of drinking a beer, he was fiddling with Tetris on an old Gameboy. Reed Huxley was standing just behind Dominic gazing out the plate glass sliding door at the falling rain. The wereraccoon, Freeway, was once again visiting, but was fast asleep on the couch. Seated just off of the office/den in Dominic's computer alcove, Jago Fox and Jonie Dreamsea worked on their newest CurrenTech Software computer game. Dominic was pleased that the mansion was once again seeing the usual activity that he was used to having around. He smiled as he thought about Circe and Artemis being in the mansion. They were both currently in the kitchen preparing dinner and had been very quiet. Dominic hoped all was well with the two of them. He looked down at his income tax forms once again. "I wonder what Uncle Sam would say if I filled out my income taxes the way I fill out my C.H.E.S.S. reports?" He giggled as he voiced the question. He heard other giggles around him in the room. He looked around to see who was paying attention. Reed was trying hard to keep quiet. Freeway was evidently awake at this moment with a smile on his muzzle. Damon was obviously clueless about what was funny, so he was not even distracted from his game. No one else was close enough to have heard the joke. "You guys." Dominic smiles and shakes his head.

A few minutes later, everyone had gathered in the dining room where Artemis and Circe were serving dinner. Dominic looks at the magnificent spread of finely made foods.

"When you said you were going to prepare a small dinner, I did not expect you both to prepare so much food. You have both done a fine job. Please sit with us and enjoy the fruits of your labors." Dominic politely holds the seats for Artemis and Circe, then seats himself at the head of the table. Jago and Jonie were still getting used to having gotten to meet the many different kinds of unusual people and creatures who called Dominic their friend.

After the dinner ended, Dominic helped Artemis clean off the table and wash the dishes. Everyone else headed off into the office/den and the library. Circe sat in the kitchen reading one of her scrolls. The task of cleaning the kitchen went smoothly with the cooperation that both Dominic and Artemis gave each other. Soon, Dominic and Artemis joined Circe at the kitchen table.

Artemis smiles. "A nice home-cooked meal with friends. I cannot remember when I have had so much fun. We do not get to do these things back on Olympus."

Dominic replies, "I am glad everyone is enjoying themselves so much. Circe, your Baked Alaska was the best."

Circe looks up from her scroll and blushes from the compliment. "It was the least I could do. Just a little recipe I came across in my travels."

Artemis looks over at Circe's scroll. "What has your undivided attention, Circe?"

Circe looks at the scroll again. "A friend of mine wrote to me telling me about the dragons current problem."

Dominic raises an eyebrow. "Dragons? Real dragons?"

Artemis and Circe both look at Dominic. Then Circe turned to Artemis again. "It seems that their sky island is running out of the crystals that it uses to remain afloat. They are afraid that it will crash into the Earth and possibly harm anyone they crash land on."

Artemis nodded her head. "That would be a disaster. The world is not ready to rediscover dragons just yet. We have to help them. Are the dragons asking for help?"

Circe shook her head. "No. They are not requesting any aid whatsoever. As you know, the dragons dislike humans and prefer to solve their own problems without mortal aid."

Dominic hums. He got up and quietly left the kitchen. The discussion was obviously not for mortal ears. He retired to the office/den and sat down at his desk for a moment. He noticed that everyone seemed to have something to do. Dominic also noticed that the rain had ceased and the sky had cleared off. He smiled and took his laptop computer outside to the new gazebo and sat down to check his email and chat with friends online. Dominic spent about two hours with this comfortable solitude and natural sounds near the river. Soon, Dominic was logged unto a new web site that catered to dragon lovers. Dominic had entered the chat room as 'thewhitestag' and was immediately included in some interesting conversations. It was while he was commenting on aerodynamics that he noticed that he had been sent a private message. Dominic double clicked on the PM and the second window popped up.

>> Vrakmaz: How many points are on your antlers?

Dominic blinked at the odd message. He almost typed in a random number. Then he stopped himself and thought about the white stag and his antlers. Dominic typed in the correct number of points from his memory and tapped the Enter key. He minimized the PM window and went back to chatting with the other dragon lovers. Soon, the PM window flashed again. Dominic maximized the window.

>> Vrakmaz: Oh great white stag. We desperately need your help. The helium crystals are about depleted and we fear we will crash into the human world. Can you find us a fresh supply of helium crystals?

Dominic's eyes opened wide! He had inadvertantly made contact with the dragons that Circe and Artemis were talking about. He suddenly felt at a loss as to what he should type next. He knew the white stag would prefer that Dominic remain honest to anyone who knew about the white stag. Dominic read the message again. He took a deep breath and typed the following:

>> thewhitestag: I am the white stag's mortal agent. My name is Dominic Bastian Vanlyone. I will not lie to you about who I am. I can forward your request to the white stag himself but if he is still dealing with his emergencies then he may not be able to answer you right away.

Dominic tapped the Enter key again, then minimized the PM window again. He did not expect the PM window to flash again.

If the dragons disliked humans that much, then he would not hear from Vrakmaz again. Dominic turned his attention back to the other topics taking place in the chat room. 30 minutes passed. Dominic kept looking to the minimized PM window. He looked at his wrist watch casually. It was getting late. Dominic typed in an announcement that he needed to get going. Several responses popped up, most of which were to invite him back another time. Then, the PM window flashed again. Dominic nervously clicked on it.

>> Vrakmaz: Please. If you are truly the white stag's agent and you are not lying then forward my message to your master. The situation is desperate. Good bye.

Dominic closed the PM window. Now he was dedicated to delivering the message. He properly signed off from the chat room, then disconnected from the Internet. He closed the laptop computer and slowly carried it back inside the mansion.

Artemis did not look very happy. "You made contact with the dragons and they want you to have the white stag find a fresh supply of helium crystals for them? Oh Dominic."

Dominic replies, "It is not like I purposely went out of my way to deliberately try to contact them. It was an accident. I was online at a dragon lovers chat room and he contacted me thinking I was the real white stag. At least I was honest with them. I told them I was not the white stag, but merely an agent to the white stag. I am just wondering how I am going to contact my white cervine friend. I do not have a clue as to where he is at right now."

Circe smiles. "What's done is done. The important thing now is to find the helium crystals and then have the white stag deliver the crystals to the dragons."

Artemis takes a short breath then releases it. "I suppose you are right. Dominic, Circe and I will take it from here. I want you to stay out of this. Dragons do not like humans, and if you become anymore involved in this, they might think you orchestrated their problems."

Dominic places his hands on his hips. "They asked ME to deliver the message to my master the white stag. At least let me locate the white stag. You two may locate the helium crystals and help the white stag deliver them. But I must deliver the message myself or what I agreed to online is a lie. And you know how I prefer to do as I said I would do."

Artemis throws her hands into the air. "Very well, Dominic. You locate the white stag. Deliver the message to him. But you will keep out of it afterward. Agreed?"

Dominic nods his head. "I agree to keep out of it if that is the will of the white stag."

Circe laughs out loud. "He has you there, Artemis. Dominic is the white stag's agent on Earth."

Artemis scowls at Circe but doesn't say another word. Instead she heads out of Dominic's office/den. Circe gets up to follow Artemis. She turns to Dominic and exclaims, "If you become any more involved, Dominic, all I ask is that you do not do anything that would embarrass the dragons. They are a noble people and have good reasons to dislike humans." Circe then hurries after Artemis.

Dominic sat back in his chair and closed his eyes. How would he find the white stag? His cervine friend was a difficult person to locate. Especially when the so-called emergencies called the white stag away. Dominic opened his eyes and stood up slowly. There was no time to rest. Dominic knew he needed help with this one. He walked over to the first stone archway he ever acquired and strode through it into The Realm.

Soon, Dominic was sitting next to his friend, Kavan Keefe, the arcane unicorn prince. "So you see my dilemma. I have to deliver a message to the white stag, but I have no clue as to where he is currently. I am not even sure where he goes for his emergencies."

Kavan nuzzles Dominic gently. "That is indeed a dilemma, Dominic. And you came to me in hopes I could help you find him. But alas, I am just in the dark as you are. When the white stag does not wish to be found, he will not be found. So finding him makes it very difficult even for a close friend."

Dominic nods his head. "The one time I really need him and there is not a trace of him. What am I to do?"

Kavan hums. "Go back online and tell Vrakmaz the truth. You could not locate the white stag, but Artemis and Circe would deliver the helium crystals in his steed."

Dominic sighs quietly. "I suppose you are right. The white stag likes me because I am one of the few friends he has that is not in constant need of his services."

Kavan nods his head and nuzzles Dominic's cheek again. "And that shows good friendship. I know that in the end, Dominic, you will do what is for the best."

Dominic nods his head again. He spends another hour with Kavan before finally heading back to his office/den in his mansion. He quickly located his laptop computer and took it outside to the gazebo once again.

Dominic once again entered the dragon lovers chat room as 'thewhitestag' and opened a Private Message window to Vrakmaz and typed the following:

>> thewhitestag: To Vrakmaz. I regret to inform you that my master the white stag is attending to one of the many emergencies that he is often concerning himself with. But all is not lost. The goddess Artemis and the sorceress Circe are taking up the task themselves. Artemis told me that she knew where a fresh supply of helium crystals were. I only regret that I was unable to forward your message to the white stag. Please forgive this unworthy human agent. Good bye.

Dominic clicked on the 'Offline Send' button, then turned his attention to the normal chat topics in the room. He had spent another 45 minutes discussing night vision with a few others when he noticed the PM window flashing. Dominic nervously clicked it open.

>> Vrakmaz: To Dominic: Thank you for informing us of the situation on Earth. We had not realized that the white stag would be so busy. We will await Artemis' arrival at Terath. Make sure she is informed about Terath. As for yourself. If you were truly unworthy, then the white stag would never have chosen you as his agent. Every lord needs servants and followers. The white stag is fortunate to have you as such, but even more so, lucky to have you as his friend. Maybe someday we dragons may also call upon you as a friend. Until our gazes meet on the horizon, farewell, Dominic, and good bye.

Dominic smiled as he read the message again. Vrakmaz was giving Dominic the benefit of the doubt. That was unusual behavior even for dragons, according to Artemis and Circe. He needed to tell Artemis about Terath. He pulled the Artemis symbol out of his coat pocket and rubbed it three times. Almost immediately, Artemis and Circe appeared in the gazebo. Dominic proceeded to tell the two what just happened, and showed them the message which he still had on his laptop.

Artemis replies, "You have done your part, Dominic. We will make sure the dragons get the crystal they desperately need."

Dominic exclaims, "And I will do as you asked me to and no longer take part in this endeavor."

Artemis smiles and places a hand on Dominic's shoulder. "I am sure that Vrakmaz will be pleased. You have done well. Now, you should get some rest. It is after midnight and I know how tired you must be. Do not worry anymore about the dragons. Circe and I will handle it."

Dominic nods his head and properly signed out of the chat room. He turned off the laptop computer and headed back inside his mansion. He once again, as he had done many times before, entered his bedroom. He sighed audibly as he noticed how empty it looked. Dominic got undressed and slipped underneath the blankets, drifting slowly off to sleep.

Late into the next morning, Dominic was awakened by Reed Huxley's gently shaking paw. Dominic opened his eyes and smiled at Reed, who was currently in his werekangaroo form.

"G'day mate. Ah need your 'elp today. Ah got me a lot of apothecary work to do and Ah need someone to run the store while Ah am busy."

Dominic sat up and started getting his clothes on. "Of course, Reed. Anything for you."

Reed smiled. "Good thing. Ah'll see you over at my shop." Reed hopped out the door.

Dominic chuckled and put on the rest of his clothes. He headed downstairs and had a quick breakfast with Damon, Jago, and Jonie. Dominic explained what he was going to be doing today. Jago and Jonie spoke up immediately. "Do you mind if we tagged along? We'd love to see Reed's lab and shop." Dominic smiled and nodded his head. They finished breakfast, then headed off through the gateway to Reed's Apothecary Lab. Dominic stopped to hug Reed and tell him that Jago and Jonie would be helping him as well, then Dominic headed on forward through Reed's home and into the shop. Dominic unlocked the front door and turned the open sign around. He then returned to his spot behind the counter.

In the meantime, Jago and Jonie were interested in Reed and what he was doing. Reed merely smiled at both of them, and proceeded towards making his herbal mixture. Jonie saw a book lying nearby entitled, "Herbal Transformation Myths and Facts". Jonie picked it up and began reading the book from cover to cover. Meanwhile, Jago chatted with Reed about various transformation information. Eventually, Reed soon tired of answering the questions and sent Jago into one of the storage rooms to fetch some "Powdered Wolf Saliva". Reed didn't actually need the stuff, but he needed a break from being asked a question every few moments.

Jago walked back to storage room number three and entered slowly. The small but spacious storage room was lined with tables and shelves, as well as a tub full of water. A single window facing the North provided the room with sufficient light. Jago began searching the room for the "Powdered Wolf Saliva".

Dominic made a few sales that morning and wrote down a special order for Reed to prepare. When the noon hour arrived, Dominic was ready for something to eat. He locked up the shop, turned the closed sign around, and headed off into Reed's kitchen to begin preparing lunch. As Dominic was looking through Reed's refrigerator, he came across an almost hidden jar with an odd lable. "White Stag Mayonnaise." Dominic blinked his eyes a few times as he re-read the label again. "No wonder I couldn't find the white stag... Reed changed him into mayonnaise and didn't tell anyone." He pulled it out and opened the jar. Dominic sniffed the contents. The smell was definately mayonnaise. He shrugged his shoulders and spread some of the mayonnaise on his sandwiches he had made. He then put the lid back on the jar and put it back in the refrigerator. Dominic then pulled out a carton of Marsupial Milk and filled his glass. He closed the carton, putting it away. He then sat down at the table and proceeded to have some lunch quietly.

It was as Dominic was finishing his lunch that Reed hopped into the kitchen. He had an incredulous look upon his werekangaroo muzzle. "Dominic, Ah'm going to need your 'elp."

Dominic wiped his mouth with a napkin. "Of course, Reed. What's up?"

Reed places his paws on his hips and snorts, "Your friend, Jago Fox. 'e inhaled an overdose of "Powdered Wolf Saliva", and now, we 'ave a nervous Timber Wolf in the apothecary building."

Dominic gets up immediately. "So prepare the cure to change him back, like you did with Damian Radford." Damian Radford had been changed into a horse in Second Eternity: Episode Two - Where There Is A Will There Is A Werebeast.

Reed sighs audibly, "It's not that simple, mate. In order to change 'im back, Ah am going to 'ave to use the ingredients that Ah've been stock-piling together for your werekangaroo cure. Are you sure you want me to use those ingrediants?"

Dominic blinks his eyes, then hums silently. After some thought, Dominic replies, "Go ahead and use the ingredients, Reed. My cure can wait. I've waited this long, I can wait a little longer."

Reed smiles. "Ah love you, Dominic. Ah was 'oping you'd agree with me. Let's get busy making the wolf cure."

Dominic and Reed return to the apothecary building where they spend the rest of the afternoon gathering the ingrediants and mixing them appropriately into the bubbling serum. Late that evening, Reed administers the cure to Jago while Dominic holds Jago in place. Jonie stands nearby watching idly while he finishes reading the book he started earlier. Reed and Dominic escort Jago the Timber Wolf into a holding pen, and then, secured the pen's gate.

Jonie closes the book and asks, "How long will it take for him to changed back?"

Reed looked at Jonie. "If we're lucky, about three days. If not, then I'd say about a week. Fortunately he didn't eat the contents or we'd be waiting for the next 28 days."

Jonie looks into the pen at Jago. "28 days? Why that length of time?"

Reed smiles. "As any lycanthrope worth his salt knows, 28 days is a lunar month. Wolf tranformation victims are subject to lunacy, meaning that your friend would lose his mind if he were stuck that way too long. You are fortunate that I am used to accidents like this taking place in my apothecary building. If you need proof, ask Dominic about werekangaroos and draft horses." He chuckles. "Well, I think I better get some dinner ready. Anyone wanting to have dinner at my house, follow me. Otherwise, the mansion is back that way." Reed and Dominic head into Reed's house to start dinner.

Jonie looks into the pen at Jago. "I can't believe you did this to yourself. But in a way, you look right at home in that body." Jonie gigglefits. Jago growls a bit, then settles down on the floor of the pen. Jonie heads into Reed's house to have dinner.

Almost a week had passed while Dominic and the others waited for Jago to change back to normal. Fortunately, Jago changed back into his human body before any lasting damage could settle into his mind or body. Later that morning after Jago had showered and redressed, everyone was sitting around Reed's kitchen table having lunch. The mood was lightly touched with wolf humor, but everyone was polite about the experience. Jago, having actually been changed into a wolf, now had new information on transformation that he had not possessed before. The noontime meal was finished, the dishes washed and put away, and everyone was soon back outside in the apothecary building, preparing to head back to the mansion in Missouri. Reed wished everyone to take care of themselves, inviting them back another day, and soon, everyone was back in the office/den of the mansion. Damon was in the den awaiting their return. He did not look happy.

Damon gruffly speaks, "Dominic. I thought you'd never get back. You are needed out at the gazebo. Not in the gazebo, but out in front of it facing the river. You will find out why when you get there. Now go."

Dominic hurriedly dashes outside to the spot on the river side of the gazebo and looks around. He did not see anything right away, but he definitely smelled something sulpherous. The coarse gruff voice almost made him jump off the hill.

"You are Dominic Bastian Vanlyone?"

Dominic turns to the voice and is immediately taken aback with surprise. Poised in the air, hovering steadily, is a massive yet regal and statuesque silver dragon. This silver dragon appears gigantic to colossal in size, almost seeming to be sculpted out of living shiny silver metal. The eyes appear to be without pupils, each being like an orb of reflective mercury. His body looks to be about 100 feet long, while his tail extends another 50 feet with added grace. He sports a shiny silver fin that begins atop his head, and extends down his back, and diminishes as it reaches the tip of his tail. And his carefully extended leathery wings appear to be as large as his body. This silver dragon wears some sort of shoulder to waist harness that supports both a massive backpack and a belt pouch, both appropriately sized for the dragon's personal usage. The silver dragon gazes at Dominic awaiting an answer to his inquiry.

Dominic replies cautiously, "I am Dominic Bastian Vanlyone. Humble servant and friend of the white stag. May I ask who you are that requires my audience?" Dominic hoped that last part did not seem too presumptious or he'd be thrown off the hill by the dragon's anger.

The silver dragon nodded his head slightly. "I am Palarnabal Endorreoz, guardian of fortune and brother of legend. I have been sent to ask the white stag's agent to attend a dinner being held in Thalugolos, our island in the sky. You are requested to come as you are."

Dominic pronounced the dragon's name in his head a few times, then focused upon Palarnabal carefully. "A gracious invitation, great Palarnabal Endorreoz. Permit me to inform my house guests of my impending absence, lest they become concerned for my well being."

Dominic carefully backed up, then turned and walked back to the mansion. Once in his den, he picked up and pocketed his Artemis medallion and picked up his special necklace that the white stag gave him last year on his birthday and placed it around his neck. Dominic made sure the necklace was well inside his shirt. He then informed Damon of his impending absence. Dominic was about to head out the door, when he suddenly stopped. Dominic walks over to the trophy case and took out the magic wand panorama he had there, and placed that within his own backpack.

Some minutes later, Dominic walked back out to where Palarnabal awaited. "I am ready."

Palarnabal eyed Dominic cautiously, then replied, "My belt pouch. You will ride there. Make sure you strap yourself in securely. It would be tragic if you fell out from such a great height."

Dominic leapt up to Palarnabal's ankle, then climbed up to the belt pouch, and got inside. He placed the security straps in place, and called out to Palarnabal. "All secure."

Palarnabal nods his head and leaps skywards at an alarming rate. The ground falls away in a quick rush, and the sky and the clouds reach out to greet their brother of the air. Palarnabal levels out above the clouds, and glides forward at Mach 1, heading almost north by northeast. Dominic awaits patiently in the belt pouch, using the time to take a nap. Palarnabal flies onwards for several more hours, then quite suddenly comes to an abrupt halt in midair. The sudden stop jarred Dominic awake instantly.

Dominic calls out. "What happened, Palarnabal?"

Palarnabal does not answer right away. Then he replies, "Just waiting for the permission signal from the landing platform." He became silent. "And there it is. Here we go."

Palarnabal dives downwards in a powerful swoop. He deliberately bypasses the island, then immediately comes gliding back up and slows to a graceful landing on the receiving platform. A few moments pass, then Palarnabal opens his belt pouch and helps Dominic out and to the walkway.

Dominic looks around in awe and awonderment. A completely advanced society of dragons living on a flying island in the sky, with an apparent cloaking device keeping them unseen from humans.

He then notices the occasional draconic eyes peering around corners to get a glimpse of him. A human on their island. Palarnabal also notices the other dragons, and is quick to say something in draconic to all of them. The dragons disappear rapidly. Palarnabal leads Dominic down the walkway into the imperial palace, where there are many more large dragons, much like Palarnabal in size, who each gaze on Dominic apparently in distaste, but keep whatever comments they have to themselves, especially when Palarnabal gives them an obvious warning glare.

Palarnabal leads Dominic into an even greater sized chamber located at what has to be the exact center of the palace. A massive dining table, laiden with literally tons of the finest foods, is positioned in a large horseshoe shape. Just behind the center position of the table, Dominic lays his eyes upon a paragon of a dragon. Gold in coloration, yet as ancient as most continental nations of the Earth. Dominic gets a faint scent of saffron and incense as he looks on the greater golden dragon before him. The eyes, seeming like pools of pure gold, are without pupils. The golden dragon leans forward a little and sniffs the air cautiously.

Palarnabal gruffly raises his voice. "Esteemed father, great ruler of Thalugolos, teacher of my knowledge, trainer of my skills, he who I can call my friend. I, Palarnabal Endorreoz, have returned with the human agent of the white stag, the human of whom you yourself have requested within our home and within your presence. I present, Dominic Bastian Vanlyone."

Dominic feels very embarrassed by the formality of the situation. Not only because of the way he was presented to the ruler of the island, but also by the affirmative loudness for which the announcement has informed every dragon throughout the palace of who exactly Dominic is, and who he represents. Dominic politely bows to the golden dragon. "Um, I am honored to be in your presence, my host. May your wisdom never fade."

The golden dragon gazes directly at Dominic. "You do not seem the same as you are online."

Dominic lifts his head suddenly. "Vrakmaz?"

Vrakmaz smiles. "Ah, you remembered. This is good. I welcome you to my home in the sky. You may partake of any of the food you see here."

Dominic carefully arose, set his backpack down, and opened it, removing the panorama, placing it upon the table in front of Vrakmaz. "May I present you with a gift? This panorama contains the magical device that I acquired after defeating an evil European witch who was turning children into woodland animals, then slaying and eating them. I almost fell victim to her magic as well, but was able to defeat her through a moment of blind luck. The magic wand I now place within your protective claws, for where else in the world can such an item of power be better protected than in a dragon's possession? Surely not in the hands of a mere mortal, even if I am one of the agents of the white stag. Please accept my gift."

Vrakmaz smiles and examines the magic wand. "There is still power within this wand. Are you sure you want me to have it?"

Dominic replies carefully, "I am not a mage, nor am I a warlock. I am merely a seeker of knowledge, and an investigator of the unknown and mysterious. The wand was only sitting within my trophy case collecting dust. It is safer within your claws than inside any place I could store it."

Vrakmaz laughs aloud. Dominic does not see what is so funny. Palarnabal looks down upon Dominic, then gazes inquisitively at his father.

Vrakmaz directs his gaze at Dominic. "You realize that I could use this power to change all humans into animals or monsters if I so desired?"

Dominic blinks his eyes, then replies, "You could. But you won't." Dominic takes a steady breath. "If you used the power like that, you would be no better than a lowly human."

Palarnabal reactively cuffs Dominic on the back, knocking him to the floor.

Vrakmaz growls at his son. "Palarnabal! Dominic is our guest. He answered as he saw fit. As a representative of the white stag, he had to give an answer that his lord would approve of. Now, apologize to Dominic for striking him."

Palarnabal is taken aback at being scolded. In front of a human, no less. He bends down and mutters aloud, "I apologize, Dominic." He stands back up, then backs up a few steps.

Dominic notices Palarnabal's obvious shame. Dominic looks to Vrakmaz and says, "Your son could not know you were testing me. His striking me was in your defense. Now his public shame is your shame as well. Can we not just let all be forgiven and place the event behind us?"

Vrakmaz smiles. "You show almost as much wisdom as a dragon of knowledge might have." He becomes very serious. "I thank you for the gift, but I cannot accept it. A dragon's claws are not as safe as you might think. Look around you. What you are being shown now is a forced politeness from our citizens because it was asked that they accept your presence during this one time only visit. Even though, in the public eye, my having this wand would be far safer with dragons than with humans, it would not be long before an evil dragon got his claws on the wand, and attacked the humans with renewed fury and revenge. It is for that reason that I ask you to keep it, and return it to where you had it stored."

Dominic looks around at the gathered dragons of nobility. Their expressions themselves speak far more words than they themselves could speak. Dominic's presence was being tolerated at the request of their ruler. Dominic openly sighs, then speaks to the gathered dragons.

"For centuries you have held a hatred for the more primitive human practice of slaying your dragon ancestors for no acceptable reason. But not once have any of you remembered that not all humans feared dragons. Not all humans hunted dragons. I admit that humans are so primitive that they would kill first and examine later. That has probably not changed. But there are still a few humans that actually desire to become dragons. If they disliked dragons so much, why would they wish to surrender their humanity for a draconic body? These few humans are scorned for their beliefs and ridiculed by their peers for loving a species that has hidden itself for generations."

Dominic takes a couple of deep breaths, then continues.

"Now you have a human in your midst. I am sure your immediate thoughts are to slay me before I can slay you. To rend my body non-functional so that I could not harm you. To remove the blight of my presence so that I do not mar the utopia of your society. Think about these things carefully. All of these desires are identical to what a human would think. You are all supposed to be dragons. Far better than humans in every way. Where humans may slay, dragons should present a spark of hope and knowledge. Now, I know that I have no right to lecture you in any way. But if I were truly the scum you believe me to be, I would not have come at your ruler's request. But because I represent the white stag, I had to come as asked. And if necessary, present your ruler with an appropriate gift. He has declined the gift. I even defended Palarnabal's honor when Lord Vrakmaz scolded him. Being human, I did not have to do that. But because I am the servant of the white stag, it is my duty to make sure no one is shamed nor dishonored in my presence."

Dominic closes his eyes, being out of breath. ~Very stupid, Dominic. Why did you say all that to the dragons? You will be lucky if they don't throw you off the island right this instant.~

Dominic opens his eyes and turns to Vrakmaz cautiously. Vrakmaz is sitting there with a deep pondering expression on his face. It was, by far, not the result he expected to see. Especially not on a dragon who had just heard a human lecture all of his subjects. Dominic slowly repacks the panorama into his backpack, sliding the backpack back into place. Vrakmaz still does not move. Dominic begins to wonder if his speech has not given the ancient dragon a heart attack.

Palarnabal approaches the table carefully. "Father? Are you all right?"

Vrakmaz turns an eye to Palarnabal and whispers, "What reaction do our dragon friends have?"

Palarnabal peeks at the other gathered dragons. Then he whispers to Vrakmaz, "They seem shocked, yet seem to be evaluating what Dominic has said."

Vrakmaz smiles and whispers, "Good." He then raises his voice. "I now declare this dinner opened. Everyone partake of your desired fill. Dominic, a place on the table near my position has been prepared for you. Palarnabal will help you to your seat."

Palarnabal helps Dominic on the table. Dominic sits where indicated, then the dinner begins. Everyone has their fill of the gathered food, then the entertainment is brought in to perform. Dancers, musicians, and jesters provide a pleasing distraction for those gathered. Dominic is very impressed with the dragon's skills. Then an acting troupe presents itself and an old draconic play is performed. Dominic realizes that it is a play written by humans that portrays humans as the victors, but in this version, the dragons are the victors, and the human doll is slain in front of everyone. When the play ends, there is great applause, and Dominic applauds as well. Surprising that a human would applaud such a play.

One of the dragon thespians approaches Dominic and inquires, "You found our play amusing?"

Dominic replies, "Your version of the play was performed better than the real version, although, even in the actual version, the villain is not slain."

The dragon thespian blinks his eyes and steps back quickly. "Of course. Our version was altered to please the dragons. Which it has."

Dominic, without thinking, replies, "I am sure it has. Tell me: when do the human sacrifices begin?"

The dragon thespians complexion seems to redden, not from rage, but from embarrassment.

Dominic also blushes, realizing what he just said. "I apologize, noble thespian. Your performance was superb and in top form. Disregard my obvious non important human statements."

Vrakmaz dismisses the actors, then gazes directly at Dominic. "Your opinion is not non important. Although, it was blatantly obvious. The play was indeed altered from the original work. Enough of that." He smiles. "Why not grace us with a story, Dominic? We have entertained you. Now entertain us with a story you may have knowledge of."

Dominic stands up and turns to face the gathered dragons. He carefully considers what they would prefer to hear, then resorted to tell them a dragon story he had almost memorized. The now famous love story, To Dream of Dragons, by his old mage friend living near Seattle, Washington. (See F1)

One good telling commenced.

"...Kiana also smiles, and looks out over the overview. "We are," she says quietly. "We are dragons. Goodbye Thermo." Kiana walks back to her car, and follows her uncle back into town."

As Dominic finishes the story, he is surprised to hear a greater applause from the gathered dragons than what was received when the dragon thespians performed their play. Even the dragon servants and actors applaud. Dominic politely smiles, blushing somewhat from the attention.

An hour later, the dragons are all gathered at the launching platform to see Dominic off. Vrakmaz smiles and presents Dominic with a beautiful glowing ring. "Although we dragons have a long way to go, someday we may actually reveal ourselves to the humans of the world. But until then, we still need to hone our beliefs and attitudes so that we can accomplish that feat. Dominic, I present you with this magic ring. Whenever you find a need to use it, you will become a dragon, at will. From now on, you are one of our kind. It has been written, and it shall always be."

Vrakmaz closes in close to Dominic's ear and whispers, "I will see you online." He then pulls back and announces, "Dominic. Show us your dragon. Safe journey to you. My son Palarnabal will guide you home." Vrakmaz steps back.

Dominic places the ring on his finger, then balls his hand into a fist and concentrates. Dominic is immediately transformed into a massively large dragon of scintillating colors. His scales constantly changing colors as if alive. His eyes remain hazel, an odd color for any dragon. His wings unfold revealing his cascading rainbow-like appearance. The horns and body length fin compliment his appearance very nicely. Dominic smiles and replies in his new voice.

"Thank you, great Vrakmaz. I will treasure this gift always. Dragons roar!"

With that, Dominic leaps up and dives off the platform. At first it seems he is not going to pull up. But his body quickly adjusts and he is soon careening into the skies along side Palarnabal as they head off towards the central part of the United States.

As they are approaching Dominic's mansion under the cover of night, Palarnabal inquires, "Dominic? It is customary, under draconic practice, that when a hatchling acquires his wings, that he take on a draconic name, so all dragons may know just who he is. My father and our people have accepted you as a dragon, so now you must take on a draconic name. What will you call yourself?"

Dominic thinks very carefully. "What would you suggest, friend Palarnabal?"

Palarnabal smiles. "I would call you Valaru Eldenmal, worthy friend and seeker of the unknown."

Dominic smiles, rolling the name over in his mind. "Valaru Eldenmal. It is a good name. And the name I will use from now on when I deal with dragons. I only hope that I may continue to call you a friend, or perhaps, a brother."

Palarnabal chuckles. "Very well, my brother Valaru Eldenmal, we are now forever kin. Now let me teach you about landing from the air. We cannot let you crash into the ground, now can we?"

Dominic is once again in his human body and sitting in his office/den at his desk typing on his laptop computer. Once again he is online at the dragon lovers chat room, only this time Dominic is armed with better information about dragons. Using cautious wisdom, he carefully chooses his words when talking about dragon aerodynamics and with his better understanding on the dragon's night vision, he gives a far better account of how dragons might be able to see. He smiles when he sees Vrakmaz's name pop into the chat room. He sends a private hello to Vrakmaz and waits for a reply. The reply comes very quickly. It reads:

>> Vrakmaz: Palarnabal tells me that you have chosen to become his brother. That makes you my son, Valaru Eldenmal. Welcome to the family. (: We all hope to see you again soon.

Footnotes: (F1) To Dream of Dragons (CT-04) is part of the Citadel Truths series. It is a much longer story than this episode is and depicts a diffent type of dragon clan.