The Prophecy Unfolds: Dragon Queen Read online

  If I hadn't already been in the clutches of a dragon I expect I would have fell over. My life was becoming more bizarre by the moment.

  The dragon introduced himself and I started to really look at him. He was beautiful. His scales different shades of red, gold and amber. The colours reminded me of the “fire-bird” in the ballet of the same name. His eyes unbelievably beautiful. A mixture of gold and mother-of-pearl and constantly swirling. The dragon continued to talk in my head and introduced himself as Talos then continued by introducing his dragon rider as Patros.

  This shocked me as up to that point I hadn't realised that the dragon had a rider. As I continued to look up I saw what looked like a girth underneath the dragons broad neck. At that moment a young man leant over the dragon's neck, smiled and nodded. I nodded back,out of habit. As if it was the most natural thing in the world to be carried by a dragon in its talons.

  Did I tell you my day was becoming more bizarre moment by moment.

  The dragon rider was gorgeous. His long dark silky hair hung past his shoulders and he had the most vivid indigo blue eyes ever. He wore a dark blue shirt and tight pants which outlined his biceps and pecs to perfection. I swallowed.

  Was I drooling? Get a grip Alex. You are in danger girl.

  I swore I heard the dragon chuckle in my head at this point and understood that he could read my thoughts and send them. Seems you are attracted to my rider Patros. He will be especially happy about that

  After that, I tried to keep my thoughts neutral, who knew what kind of mess I was getting myself into.

  Talos continued to fly for a further ten to fifteen minutes. In that time we seemed to cover a considerable distance. Effortlessly he flapped his wings downward slowing our descent as we entered a cavern where he positioned me with care onto the ledge.

  As quick as I could I scoot further in to the cave. Out there on the side of a large cliff it seemed a long way down to the floor of the canyon below.

  Talos settled farther inside of the cave as he continued to observe me with his swirling luminous eyes. Patros removed the saddle and placed this upon a rack toward the rear of the cave, he still hadn't spoken once. Again Talos spoke in my mind explaining that Talos had both chosen, and been chosen by Patros, and that to become a dragon rider is a huge honour. He pointed out other lairs set into the walls of the canyon. When I looked closely I spotted dozens of dragons of many different sizes and colours dotted about the cliff face.

  Talos roared once and received numerous responses then salutes from the other dragon riders. An astonishing thing to witness. Upon close inspection this cave wasn't just a hole in the canyon wall. There was a large round hollow near the rear wall with the fireplace to one side. Embers visible glowing there. Patros quickly retrieved logs from somewhere nearby and stoked up the fire.

  The saddle rack I noticed before had shelves carved out of stone and various cooking utensils. Clothing and food visible. A huge door, big enough for the dragon to exit, at the back of the cave that had a smaller door set in to it. Talos went on to explain that beyond that opening lay a corridor that led to an enormous cavern. This cavern was where all the dragons and their riders convened for gatherings.

  Patros spoke for the first time.

  “Hello Alex, I could hear what Talos talking to you about. Although I'm unable to observe your responses because I can't read your mind yet.”

  I thought to myself Yet, what did he mean by yet?

  He took my hand to lead me toward the fire where he placed a couple of stools. As soon as he touched me bright blue sparks flew between us. Actual sparks. I was affected by the connection between us from the tips of my toes, to the top of my head. It resembled liquid lightening surging through my body except, with no actual pain. My sex clenched and instantly I was aroused.

  We both stopped and looked into each others eyes as I heard Talos sigh loudly.

  And so it begins he sent You have finally found each other and the prophecy will be fulfilled.

  At this point we both looked toward Talos as he exited the lair without further ado. We watched him fly up and out above the canyon and Patros told me that Talos had gone to hunt for food. Then asked me if I was hungry.

  I instantly realised how hungry I was, famished in fact and a little light headed after all I had been through. Grateful to be able to sit down near the fire that now roared. Patros handed me a goblet, with what looked and smelled like red wine. I sniffed at it noticing that Patros had a goblet filled with the same liquid. After I had seen him take a sip or two I felt confidant enough to try a taste.

  It tasted like a rich and full bodied red wine, delicious. Happy now I was settled he disappeared. A short while later as I listened to the rattling of pots and pans. I detected the aroma of roasting meat begin to waft in from around the corner.

  Patros approached and once again held my hand. This time making my whole body hum as he led me around said corner. There, a little wooden table stood with a bench adjacent. Cutlery and dishes were set out. Sitting together on the bench we ate from a platter of roasted meat and vegetables. Some of which I thought I recognised, or hoped I did. Some I didn't. The food was really tasty but by then I was so hungry that almost anything would have tasted good to me.

  We had finished our meal when Patros asked if I needed the bathroom to wash up before bed.

  I continued to stare at him as I thought How on earth would there be a bathroom in a cave?

  But, upon inspection I observed a door in the alcove that he pointed to close by where we had just ate. I walked toward it, opened the door and was shocked to find a proper working bathroom. It had running water, shower, bath and toilet. Large white fluffy towels stood stacked neatly on a small table set into the corner. I wasted no time in having a wash and noted that this time there would be no escape through a window as this room had none.

  Once back inside the cave, Patros showed me the sleeping circle I had noted upon entering. He enquired if I was tired and at this point I couldn't stop myself as I tried to stifle a yawn. I had had an unbelievable long day.

  “Where will you sleep?” I said although I thought I already knew the answer to that question. At this point Talos chose to return and began to settle in his own sleeping area adjacent.

  Talos looked in my eyes and said in my head Patros will sleep with you, of course. You are destined to be his mate He said this as if it was a given. He continued The werewolf pack who captured you are searching already. They have your scent therefore it won’t take them long to track you. Once you and Patros are mated your scent will change. This will make it more difficult for them. Also when mating is completed we will all be connected. Patros will be able to talk to you telepathically and visa versa.

  At this Talos closed his eyes and soon snored softly. I lay on my back inspecting the large ceiling of the cave as I listened to Patros in the bathroom having what sounded like a shower. I fully intended to address the “big pink elephant in the room” when he returned. Before long my eyes began to close as I drifted off into my first dreamless sleep in a good while.

  I woke up in a total panic with no clue where I was. I thought I had dreamt what had happened, or, who I was with. Someone's legs tangled in mine, their arms around my waist, snuggled as tight as could be. My whole body vibrating as if electrically charged.

  After a few moments if all came back especially when a voice popped in to my head with the greeting Good morning Alex. Try not to panic. Remember what happened, and where you are

  I thought to myself that I was coping remarkably well, for someone transported to another world via a portal. Kidnapped twice and asleep in bed with a total stranger.

  I calmed down a little, then panicked again when I looked over as a pair of gorgeous indigo blue eyes looked back into mine. This was something that I may be able to get used to, but then I backtracked and thought better of it. This was someone who had kidnapped me, and once again expected me to become their mate with no word of complaint or real discussion. Pa
tros stretched his arms above his head then I realised that he was naked. Not a stitch on and also aroused.

  Oh dear I thought, and I started to panic once again.

  He greeted me with “Good morning Alex, It looks like today is the day you become my mate.” A huge smile growing on his face.

  I shot out of bed and into the bathroom without a backwards glance. As I muttered under my breath. ”The cheek of some people!” to no one, and everyone at the same time.

  I spent some time in the shower and dressing myself. Although, I felt very dirty because I had put on the same clothes I had worn since I arrived. Finally, I decided to go back into the lair and face the music, as I really didn't have much choice in the matter.

  I wondered what my friends and family would be thinking back on Earth. Dad would probably be frantic once he realised that I had gone missing. Mum died of cancer when I was seventeen and I had no brothers or sisters. I never did get to the bed and breakfast accommodation I planned to so they should have got in touch with the agency by now. Someone would find my car some time soon in Snowdonia, but no evidence of a body. Hot tears began to roll slowly down my face.

  I walked back in to the cave as Patros was putting plates full of scrambled egg and some rustic bread on the table. He looked up at me and quickly moved to my side. Took me in his arms, hugged me tightly and said.

  “Please don't cry Alex. I am not a bad person and hope you’ll grow to love me over time.”

  This made me see red and I shouted back at him “I'm not crying about that! I'm crying because my dad will be upset and I can't let him know that I am alive.”

  “Dad?” Patros said, and I heard Talos reply.

  It means father on Alex's world.

  At this Patros looked more upset than before “Oh!” all he said.

  I walked over to the table and quickly sat down in an attempt to organise my thoughts.

  What was I going to do? What could I do?

  The short answer was nothing. At this moment in time unable to change my immediate destiny but I might be able to formulate a plan.

  Patros meanwhile stood close to Talos, staring into each other’s eyes in communication from which I was excluded. Patros all the time gently rubbing Talos's snout. Patros came over to me, pulled me up and ever so gently raised his right hand as he lightly grazed his knuckles down my cheek. Catching a small strand of hair, he proceeded to twirl it around his finger.

  His left hand tenderly pressed into the small of my back as he pulled me into him. Whilst his lips softly met with mine in a feather light kiss. The act was so tender it made my heart ache. Electricity began first in my toes, spreading like wildfire through my veins engulfing me in liquid fire. Such a poignant kiss that a lonely tear escaped and began to trickle down my cheek.

  The only comparison I was able to make was that of my younger years and I fell, my mother would gently kiss the graze better. This is where the comparison ended.

  Patros leaned into me and pulled me closer. His kisses more demanding. I savoured the soft stubble on his chin as he pulled me even closer. Unable to resist I put my arms around his neck. His tongue lapping at the seam of my lips demanding entrance. The fire that had begun to burn in my veins became hotter and brighter and I began to stroke his back. I kissed him back fervently as my control over my emotions began to slip.

  I hadn't realised that we had moved until I sensed myself being pushed onto the furs that made up our bed. Insistent hands began to undo the buttons on my shirt. Before I knew it I was naked to my waist and so was he. He stroked and nipped at my nipples until they became hard and sensitive to his touch. Then began to suckle and kiss them. At first he was gentle but less so as the ardour he so obviously felt took control.

  His body silky to touch and the hard plains of his chest and biceps invited my urgent fingers to press and play. All this time the buzz and hum of our bodies increased pushing us on to complete what had begun to be the mating that both Patros, and Talos desired.

  I don't believe either of us could have stopped at that moment if we had tried. But, an urgent voice inside my head shouted Stop! stop! Alex stop. Patros the werewolves have found us sooner than I thought was possible and are atop the cliffs ready to descend in order to claim Alex back. With the combined senses of three werewolf suitors they took less time than we anticipated. Get dressed quickly we must go. My brothers and sisters are coming to aid us. But as they have all been out hunting on the plains may not reach us in time. Saddle up now or we might not escape.

  Patros and I panted as we tried to catch our breath in an effort to breathe normally. He ran to get the saddle not bothering with his shirt. Luckily he still had his boots on. I pulled my shirt on and dispensed with the bra as there was so little time. Patros made short work of saddling Talos and without further adieu we both mounted ready to exit the lair.

  Meanwhile the werewolves had begun to move across the plateau above us on the cliff tops. Some had already reached the edge where vines grew, providing makeshift ropes. They came prepared with ropes that became quickly secured around the many large boulders scattered atop the ridge. With a steely glint in their eyes, the pack of werewolves prepared for battle.

  Werewolves don't need weapons per se, but had them all the same. Some carried crossbows, others had axes and daggers fastened to their belts. Determined that this was a battle they would win.

  They must have set off to find me immediately after I got snatched by Talos.

  It seemed that our exit from the lair happened just in time as above us, ready to push off the edge of the cliffs above on ropes were many figures. A few of whom I thought I recognised and one I couldn't mistake. Aston looked down momentarily and roared “Alex, stay where you are. We will protect you. Don’t go with them. Jump off and run back into the cave so that we can all be together.”

  Chapter 3.

  At that moment a gust of wind caught under Talos's wings and we shot up and out high above the canyon. The werewolves didn't attack as that may have caused me injuries I supposed. For the prophecy to be fulfilled I had to remain in one piece. They had no means to follow us but continued down into Talos and Patros's lair. They watched as Talos turned, sweeping around in order to pass the mouth of the cavern passing within twenty foot of the entrance.

  I looked over to watch their faces as we passed by. Observing both their anger and despair at losing me to the dragon rider. That was when it hit me What had I done? I'm not sure if I said it out loud but Patros turned to gaze at me in sadness as Talos conveyed my now muddled thoughts.

  What if the dragons had no knowledge of where the portals were and now I could never return home? Never go back to my father and friends on Earth! To leave my dad to grieve for me, like he had grieved for my mum.

  My eyes filled with tears that flowed down my cheeks unabated onto Patros's bare back. His golden skin glittered with so many tears. I had just felt Talos's urgency so I had reacted automatically, without thinking. Now upon reflection I wasn't so sure if that had been the right thing to do. Would the werewolves have allowed me to return home to visit my father once the mating had been completed? I would never know. I sobbed out loud and heard Talos's words inside my head.

  Do not cry Alex, you chose wisely. You are meant to be with Patros as the prophecy foretold. Once you are mated to him you will be able to inherit your own powers and be able to call for your own dragon to ride. The queen of all dragons will be your your dragon. She is also destined to be my mate and without you we would never have been able to fulfil this quest. My bothers and sisters are now almost back to the cliffs and the werewolves have begun to ascend the cliffs so as to return home. They have left behind watchers, so we must be careful when we return. First we need to go somewhere safe. It is paramount the mating must be completed this time with no disturbance.

  As we journeyed on to our temporary home, I imagined a high brick wall in my mind and put all my thoughts and feelings behind it. How had I succumbed so quickly to his kisses and his gen
tle persuasion? He had caught me at a vulnerable moment, I promised myself that it would not happen again. I needed to think things through, and the only way this mating was going to go ahead was if Patros took me by force. This was something I hoped he couldn't, and wouldn't do, but only time would tell.

  We travelled much further than before, Talos and Patros were taking no chances on being discovered so quickly a second time. I could see the vast countryside below us, stretching out like a huge tapestry of greens and golds. Streams looked like blue ribbons wound through the lands below. There were fields with crops growing, although I wasn't sure what sort of crops they may be from this height.

  We finally came to rest in a lair similar to the one that we left although this one looked like it hadn't been used in quite sometime. Everything had a layer of dust on it, and it seemed to be on it's own. I couldn't spot any other openings in the cliff face – just this one. I got down from the saddle, with Patros's help, and stood staring out into space once again thinking of the wall in my mind.

  Patros looked somewhat distracted and immediately remounted Talos, turned to me and said.

  “We need to gather supplies, as there are no fresh ones in this lair. Please wait patiently Alex, and don't try and escape. You will only be putting yourself in danger by doing so.”

  With that they swooped off the ledge and flew swiftly away toward the mountains in the distance. Leaving me alone with my thoughts.

  I walked around the lair for a little while and, without thinking began to shake out the rugs and wipe down the surfaces, after finding a cloth in the tiny kitchen. I often cleaned at home mindlessly when I wanted to distract myself from what I really needed to think about. Procrastination at it's worse. This lair was obviously only used occasionally, as many amenities were missing. I found the bathroom but this time there was only a shower and a toilet, which looked like a compost toilet but it didn't smell too bad. It had a bowl on a plinth, instead of a sink.