Love Will Light the Way
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3
Love Will Light the Way -3
Collaboration: Thyme & Moonshadow Woman
Disclaimer: We both love the boys and take them out to play – but we never pimp them out and make no money by doing this.
Summary: Love can change you – even through the folds of time
Rating: G
Notes: a bit of fun – AU –
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“Queen Moonbeam, the Net Troll arrived back at its lair safely.” The young fairy that had been entrusted with watching the Net Troll reported back to his queen, proud of the job she’d assigned. “But your majesty – along the way home I stopped – only for a moment mind you – I’m still not used to long flights – and the Net Trolls live ever so far away.”
“Yes dear, slow down and tell me what’s on your mind.” The Queen was a thousand and one years old, but she was very patient with the young ones and they all adored her for it.
“I was resting in a tree – one with beautiful red flowers that are the perfect size to curl up and nap in – when suddenly under my tree was a band of elves – and they were working for the – the Sheriff – they have three traps set for Prince Justin and – and they said one will kill the Grand Wizard – and that when he dies Prince Justin will no longer care about the land – and he will die too – from a broken heart – and – and – when he does – that is the end of their connection – you know Prince Justin and the Grand Wizard – for Prince Justin will have lost all hope.” The small fairies’ eyes welled up with unshed tears at the injustice of it all.
“Interesting” the Queen said. “This band of elves – are they from the village near the sea?”
“No your majesty – their words were hard to understand and they had hair as red as the flower I hid in – the elves from the sea village all have hair the color of the sun.”
“So Sheriff Stockwell – the man who professes to hate wizardry and magic – doesn’t mind using it when it suits his fancy,” she observed thoughtfully. “I know that we are bound by the rules of the “GAME” not to aid Prince Justin – as he is the leader of this quest and it is for him that the quest was assembled. To teach him lessons not learned in a classroom. But nowhere in the rules is there mention of our people aiding Brian Kinney.” She looked at her courtiers for assurance.
“Your majesty – we aren’t to help the Grand Wizard.” Began her chief advisor – a fairy so old his wings were in tatters.
“And so be it – we won’t help the Grand Wizard – but every time he allows a bit of his heart to be returned to him – with every tiny bit of love and trust that he accepts – the more Brian Kinney returns and the Grand Wizard disappears.”
“You mean he’ll lose his magic?” asked one of the courtiers – his eyes bulging with the
horror of losing magic.
“He will lose his dark magic – the magic he learned as a bitter and cold man – but he will be gifted back the magic he was born with – the magic that equals Prince Justin’s – the magic that flows through his son.”
A murmur like the babbling of a brook on a summer’s day flowed through the Great Hall as all of the fairies assembled in the court that day discussed the possibilities that could happen if Brian Kinney returned to the side of the light.
“Enough chatter my friends” the Queen began – “I need the expertise of Royan to lead a band of you in disguise – for we will need a spell to keep you hidden from all eyes – even Prince Justin’s and the Grand Wizard’s – remember – the degree of interference can be small – there is very little of Brian Kinney in the Grand Wizard’s heart – but with Prince Justin and his determination to love this man – I’m sure it won’t be long before the Grand Wizard is no longer and Brian Kinney is returned.
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“Prince Justin” Brian began – he hesitated not sure of what to say. Their horses walked slowly side by side as they moved in the direction Justin had indicated. Brian looked back to reassure himself that while the others were following – they couldn’t hear what he had to say to the blond beside him. “I feel confused when I’m with you.” It wasn’t what he wanted to say – but rather what came out of his mouth. “You make me feel things I don’t ever remember feeling and some things that have been gone from my memory so long they are like a legend told around a campfire.”
Justin laughed contented that he was having this effect on Brian. “You make me want to touch you Brian – when I get close to you my hand seeks yours – not just for comfort – and your hand in mine does give me comfort – but for the very need deep inside me to be connected to you even in this small way.”
“That’s it – that’s how I feel” Brian’s voice showed the wonder of his statement. “And when we kissed.” He couldn’t continue – the kiss was too precious to put into words what could only be felt – even now – on his lips and in his body.
They were at a corner of the maze – and had to wait for the wagon to catch up – they didn’t dare lose sight of one another. Suddenly, as they all turned the corner – they saw a perfectly shaped pond with a waterfall – the edges of the pond were littered with hundreds of sweet smelling flowers – music could be heard – a gentle and seductive tune that made them all want to enter the water – out from behind a bush two naked and comely women appeared – followed quickly by three others – never had any of the travelers seen women so beautiful.
Justin looked at Brian and then at three men behind him and they all began to laugh – even Sir David – and the more they laughed, the more the image before them faded leaving only a silver thread that led them to the right turn at the next bend – indicating the way closer to the end of the maze.
“Pay no attention to this silliness” Justin commanded – “Follow me” and he and Brian began to walk their horses through the center of the pond, past the now mere shadows of the women – the two men kept their eyes on the silver thread in case it disappeared until finally they all emerged around the next bend the silver thread continuing to lead them forward.
When everyone was safely together and the siren images gone Michael said. “They sure picked the wrong group to try that one on.” He laughed and soon the rest followed. “Now someone like David here – perhaps with less armor and more smile – that might have worked.”
“Oh, oh – maybe someone like Teddy back home – I bet he would look lovely clad in only his skin.” Emmett piped up.
“Or perhaps someone blond, with a smile like sunshine.” Brian said soft enough that only Justin heard. “Some one whose touch makes me tingle and whose kisses taste sweeter than the juiciest apple.”
Justin looked into his hazel eyes and rewarded Brian with a smile. He reached out and touched the sun bronzed hand of the man mounted beside him – letting another small piece of Brian’s heart return home. Brian’s eyes shut with the feeling of love that washed through him and he hugged the touch to him in his memory to take out later and savor, like a fine wine.
The travelers continued on their journey through the maze, a little more confident now that they had successfully escaped the first trap. The maze seemed to extent always far in front of them never showing any signs of changing or ending.
They stopped for food or drink occasionally, always talking about where they had come from and where the maze was leading them. They got to know each other a little better each time. David had seemingly recovered and was ready to ride his horse once again, but Justin and Brian still thought they should lead the way. Emmett was the best one to stay in the middle leaving David and Michael together with the wagon. Neither man protested that arrangement too much. Brian could see a growing bond of some kind between the two men. For some reason that disturbed him.
Whenever they reached a crossroads or had to choose between two paths, Justin made that decision. They trusted that the young prince would lead them out of the maze eventually.
As dusk began to fall and they were thinking of setting up camp for the night, Brian and Justin, in the lead as always, road into a large circular clearing unlike any they had found before. They drew their horses to a halt and looked around. There were seven paths leading from this circular area. As they studied their situation turning their horses to check each path, Justin suddenly stopped.
"Brian, do you remember which path we came out of?"
Brian looked around. "No," he
said. "They all look the
same."
"Emmett," Justin called.
"I'm coming," Emmett responded.
"Stop as soon as you see us," Justin told him.
Emmett's pony suddenly stuck its nose out of one path and stopped.
"Mark which path that is," Justin commanded.
Brian dismounted and threw his cloak into the path beside Emmett. "Okay," he said. "Come on in." Emmett did so, closely followed by the wagon with David and Michael.
They all looked around at the paths having no idea which one to choose.
"Do you know which one we should take," Emmett asked fearfully, staring at Justin with big eyes.
"It's blocked to me for the first time," Justin said
slowly. "This must be a test
for us all."
"What are we going to do?" Emmett asked a quaver in his voice.
"Stop being such a ninny," David
commanded. "We will investigate
each one if we have to."
"It's all right, Emmett," Justin said. "We'll figure it out, but we might as well settle for the night. We can talk about what to do while we eat something."
Emmett nodded and wiped his eyes. He got to work setting up the camp and getting a fire going. Brian pulled Justin aside.
"What are we going to do?" he asked.
"If this is a test, we will be tempted by something that will hold the answer. We need to be very careful. There will be a trick involved."
Brian nodded. He was worried. This was the first time that Justin seemed unsure. Their lives were really in the hands of this young man. He hoped they had not made a mistake.
They ate a little and talked a little. Everyone was worried but didn't really want to voice it. There was little that could be done until morning so they all turned in.
Sometime close to dawn Brian and Justin were awakened by noises somewhere off to their left. They sat up looking over to see David and Michael rutting together in their blankets. The two looked at each other and Brian made a face. He didn't much like David Cameron and he worried about what his friend was getting himself into.
Both men lay back down, waiting for the noises from the other two to cease. They stared at each other wondering what it would be like when they were together as David and Michael were.
Suddenly the very center of the clearing started to glow. Out of the light emerged the shape of a large wooden table with something sparkling on its surface. Beside it sat a figure of some kind. Gradually the glow dissipated as the sun came up. It revealed an oak table covered in runes on which sat a large tome encrusted in gold and jewels. Beside the book sat an ancient elf.
"Who are you?" Brian asked.
"I am Gwion, Keeper of the Book," the ancient creature said.
"Will this book show us the way out of here?" Justin asked.
"It contains all knowledge," Gwion said with a toothless grin. "It can tell you that and much, much more." He stared at Brian who he knew had spent his life in the quest of knowledge. The ancient one could instantly feel Brian's desire for the contents of the book. "However," he said, "only one of pure heart and purpose may read this book, and you get only one chance to find the knowledge you need."
"So, if we want to know the way out of here, the book will reveal that?" Justin asked for clarification.
Gwion nodded.
"Then I will look," Justin said.
"No, Prince Justin, you may not. You have much knowledge of magic. This must be done by one of the others." He grinned at them all, looking each in the face.
"I could try," Brian said, "But I do not have a pure heart."
"You will," Justin said taking his hand.
Again Brian felt the warmth and goodness flow through
him. "But you are
right. You cannot do this
yet. We must choose another."
"I'll do it," David stated.
"I'm not afraid."
Justin looked at him. "After
what happened with the faeries and wood sprites, I don't think it should
be you."
David grimaced but didn't argue.
"That leaves me," Michael said, a smile on his face. "I'll do it for David." He hugged the man he was falling in love with.
"I don't know," Justin began.
"Are you saying I'm not pure of heart?" Michael demanded. "Who do you think you are? I can do this." And Michael started towards the table.
Brian grabbed his arm. Michael looked at his friend ready to pull away. "Michael, if Justin doesn't think this is a good idea, then you shouldn't."
The grin on the ancient one's face faded a bit. Michael looked at his friend and somehow knew he was right. His head drooped sadly as he went back to David.
"That leaves you, Emmett," Justin said.
"Me? Me? I can't do that," Emmett said fearfully.
The smile on the ancient one grew bigger.
"You must," Justin told him. "You are pure of heart. You can open the book and read only what will tell us how to get out of here."
"But what if I do wrong? What if I mess up?"
"You won't. You can do
it. I have faith in you."
Emmett drew himself up to his full height gaining confidence from Justin's
words. He looked at Brian.
"You can do it, Emmett," Brian said trying to sound as confident as Justin. "I hope you know what you're doing," he whispered to Justin.
Justin nodded and Emmett moved over to the book.
"The book will open and the pages will turn by themselves," Gwion
explained. "If your purpose truly
is to find your way out of here, reach into the book and your hand will stop
at the right page. Read only
that page and follow the instructions."
"What if I do something wrong?" Emmett asked.
"You can do no wrong as long as your purpose is pure," Gwion admitted.
The book opened and the pages began to turn. Emmett shoved his hand towards the book and then drew it back. Once again he reached out and this time he touched the pages. They immediately stopped turning and came to rest. Emmett leaned over reading the page in front of him. He stood up with a smile on his face. He stuck his hand out a finger pointing straight ahead. He spun around three times and when he stopped his finger pointed into one of the paths.
"That's the way," he said confidently.
Brian immediately moved over to stand in that pathway so that they would not lose it again.
"Well done, young master," Gwion said with a grimace. "It's so much more fun when they aren't pure of heart," and suddenly he faded from view the able and book going with him.
"Let's go," Justin said.
They quickly broke camp and headed into the pathway where Brian stood. Justin gave him a radiant smile as he brought Brian his horse. Emmett climbed onto the little pony and head held high followed them back into the maze.
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They were all exhausted, the only place that had been suitable to make camp had been the clearing they had just left and it really wouldn’t have worked anyway – with so much magic in the air – the passage could have been lost to them all at any time. Instead it was better to march on, though weary to the bone. Brian reached over and patted Justin’s knee reassuringly, the first contact he’d initiated unconsciously. As the horses moved forward -the Grand Wizard and Prince Justin moved forward in one of the time folds and while the other’s following them noticed nothing. Brian and Justin found themselves standing in a room filled with strange furniture.
“Prince Justin?” Brian’s voice was hushed and he looked around the room in wonder. The furnishings were strange, yet to Justin they were comforting and familiar. He knew that this was a place of great pleasure and happiness. “Where are we” Brian continued. “The bed coverings are magical, the color as deep as the evening sunset. And the bed, it is a bed?” he looked to Justin for assurance. “It is so large, yet so low to the ground and open to the room, how are the drafts kept away?”
Brian’s hand found Justin’s and they both turned to the doorway behind them, yet they couldn’t see through it was so filled with shadows and swirling mists.
Brian was grateful for Justin’s touch, the smaller hand felt warm in his and he could feel the warmth spreading throughout his whole body. He turned and looked at Justin and for the first time smiled as the man whose hand he held stood before him wearing only a smile. Justin’s delight in being with Brian in this state was evident from the proudly pointing cock that rose stiff before them and for the first time, Brian noticed that he too stood naked beside the large bed his cock aching from want.
Music began to sound and it flowed over the two men, until the sounds became one with them both
I see you waiting for
me
I see you smile
tenderly
Deep in this world we are
one
Deep in this world we can
be
“Justin, I’ Brian began.
“Shhhhh, Justin held his finger to Brian’s lips. “Will you kiss me?” Justin asked his voice soft. “Will you love me in this moment in time?”
Anything we want to, anything
we’ll ever need
Caring for each other, helping
everyone that’s here you see
Brian nodded his head and bent so that their lips touched, tentative at first, two virgins in the throws of love – though they had both known many, they had neither one, loved any.
So don’t worry if you’re
feeling bad
I will come and comfort you and
hold your hand
You know that life is what we’re
living for
No matter how you
feel
Love will always light the
way.
Gently, tenderly as if it was the first time for both of them – they
came together. Justin’s flesh, smooth and white, yet hot to the touch
with young and pure love and Brian’s body, harder and darker, cool as
a spring morning dew – as their bodies touched - the warmth from
Justin’s love, a love as new as the dawn, a love as old as time –
began to move over and under and through them until there was no longer even
a touch of darkness in Brian, but instead he was infused down to the bottom
of his heart – his very own whole heart – with the warmth of the
love they shared together.
Watching the wings of
time
Knowing that we’re alive and
free.
The two men fell onto the strange bed, bathed in the blue glow from magical lights and they became lost in this moment of time and once again, in this lifetime they made warm and tender love to the strains of the gentle music that spread through the air.
I see you waiting for
me
Your smile knows we hold the
key
We are the tribe of this
world
Once lost but now we are
free.
As Justin and Brian lay back on the soft pillows, basking in the glow of their love – time shifted once again and they found themselves on their horses staring into the red eyes of a dragon, his body armor glowing green and shades of purple, his body enormous, his breath hot and fetid as he leaned down to come within inches of their faces.
“Having fun Master Justin?” Phynnfyre asked with a roar that sizzled, though the dragon did hold back his fire.
"He's talking to me," Justin said in wonder. "I have made love with my true partner and now I understand."
Brian stared at Justin for all he heard was the roar of the mighty dragon. He drew his wand, but Justin touched his arm to stay any movement.
"Mighty Phynnfyre, why are you here?" Justin asked.
"I am here to destroy you and your group of annoying travelers."
"But why? What does our quest
have to do with you?" Justin asked.
"Sheriff Stockwell has sent word that you come to destroy all dragons. Instead I shall destroy you!" roared Phynnfyre.
"How can he communicate with you?" Justin asked.
"Elves brought me his message and then they took away my baby …
for safekeeping."
"Your baby? Stockwell has your
baby?"
The dragon let out a mighty roar, filled with pain and
rage. "I must destroy you and
your band, and then I can get my baby back."
"No," Justin said. "Stockwell
lies. We have not come to destroy
you. We have come to destroy
him."
Phynnfyre rolled his eyes and let out a large puff of steam as he seemed
to be pondering Justin's words.
While they waited, Justin whispered to Brian the other side of his
conversation with the dragon.
"What are you plotting?" Phynnfyre demanded, seeing their heads close together and hearing the whispers.
"We're not plotting anything. I was just explaining that…"
"Lies! The Sheriff's message said you were not to be trusted, that you would plot against me."
"Please listen," Justin begged. He rose up in his saddle trying to look into the eye of the dragon.
"Do not try to cast your heinous spells!" Phynnfyre commanded and with a mighty sweep of his wing he knocked both Brian and Justin from their horses and sent them crashing to the ground. Justin hit his head and Brian fell on top of him. Brian quickly rolled off the smaller man and held Justin's limp body against his own.
"No, no, no," he keened.
"Move aside, wizard! I would finish the job," the dragon roared.
All Brian heard was the roar, but he knew that Phynnfyre intended to destroy Prince Justin. He laid the unconscious body gently on the ground and stood facing the fury of the dragon.
"You will harm him no more," Brian yelled and Phynnfyre screamed in rage. He let out a huge plume of fire that engulfed Brian. Brian felt the heat and flames surround him, but there was no pain. He stood in wonder, a human torch as the fire continued to burn. When the flames died down, Brian Kinney stood strong and resolute in front of the dragon.
"Why are you still here, Grand Wizard?" the dragon demanded, fear evident in its voice.
"He is no longer the Grand Wizard," Royan, the Fairy Queen's messenger
said, revealing himself. "The
last remnants of the Grand Wizard were extinguished in the flames that engulfed
him and saved the life of the prince."
"Justin," Brian gasped and knelt beside his
love. "Help him, please," Brian
asked and Royan waved his hand transporting himself, Brian and Justin to
the Great Hall of the fairies and an audience with the Fairy
Queen.
“Ahhhh, Brian Kinney, you make such a handsome man when your heart is full of love” the Queen said from her small throne.
“Please your Majesty, help Justin, his head, and his head has been injured - I fear for his life.” Brian Kinney, the man who bowed before no one, fell to his knees begging for the Queen’s magic.
“Prince Justin’s life lies in your hands now Brian Kinney.
There is a quest to finish and a young one to return to its family. Prince
Justin lays waiting – his soul has given you back your life, your love
– now can you return these things to the people of
“Then I will see HIM destroyed” Brian vowed. Brian bent over the man he loved and lovingly kissed the still lips. He waved his wand and a bed of soft down filled pillows appeared. Brian carefully lifted Justin and laid him on the soft pillows. He conjured a soft wool blanket and covered him, gently placing his hands on top of the blanket. He took the claddagh ring of gold that he’d worn since he was a child off of his smallest finger and slid it over the third finger of Justin’s left hand. “Prince Justin, with this ring I now place on your heart finger --- I pledge to you my heart and love forevermore.” He kissed him again, “I do love you Justin” he whispered, “With all my heart.”
Brian looked at the Queen of all Fairies. “I will return for my love as soon as I can” he held his head steady, though his words shook with emotion. “I beg of you to keep my love safe from harm.” Brian disappeared.
The Queen brushed a tear from her cheek, the diamond it formed falling to the ground and rolling toward the low bed that held the unmoving form of Prince Justin. The Queen’s tears were full of magic that would keep all who would do Prince Justin harm – well away from the bed.
Brian reappeared in front of his bewildered friends. They had halted when Brian and Justin had disappeared and were drinking tea and worrying about what had happened to them.
"Brian," Michael said, "where have you
been? I was worried."
"Where's Prince Justin?" Emmett asked noting the absence of the young man.
"He's been injured," Brian said with a grimace. "We have to finish the quest without him."
"But … but … can we?" Emmett asked some of his old fear coming back.
"Yes, we can!" Brian stated. "We have to … for Justin's sake."
David Cameron looked at Brian wondering what this Grand Wizard had done to the prince. Perhaps things were looking up. If Prince Justin died, the king would have no heir, and he and Stockwell could take command and share the kingdom. He had long hated the beautiful young prince who was so perfect, but could not fight in the traditional ways. He used magic and bent things to his will. David bent things to his will by his muscle and skill as a fighter. He had trained long and hard and he hated being undervalued by the king and his darling son.
"Break camp," Brian ordered.
David dropped his plans for the future and helped to get ready to leave. "Where are we going, Great Wizard?" he asked, a tinge of sarcasm in his voice.
"I don’t trust this man," Brian thought. "He does not see that I have changed which may be to my advantage." Brian said aloud, "We must confront the dragon that injured Justin. If we can talk her into helping us, we can defeat Sheriff Stockwell and return her baby to her."
"You can't convince a dragon to do
anything. It will destroy us
all," David stated.
"I can communicate with her now and I will speak to her as one parent to
another."
"Parent?" Michael asked bewildered.
"My son will be born any day now," Brian said.
"Your son?" Michael
asked. "Brian, you never told
me."
"It doesn't matter. We have more
pressing things to deal with."
They mounted their horses and Emmett returned to his cart.
"The dragon is not far up this trail," Brian said. "It's where Justin and I left it."
Justin! Brian felt his heart reach out to the man he loved. He knew Justin was still unconscious, but he lived on, and the Fairy Queen said Brian must complete this quest before he could have Justin back. And he would have him. He had to have him. His life and his happiness depended on it. He had never thought about happiness before he met Justin. Now that was all he wanted, for he and Justin to be together and to be happy. He would show that young man such bliss.
"Let's go," Brian said shaking himself out of his reverie. "Time is wasting."
Brian mounted his horse. Justin’s was tied to the rear of the wagon. Sir David took up the lead beside Brian and Michael followed on his pony. Emmett and the wagon stayed a few yards behind in case of trouble. It was harder to turn a wagon than a horse.
“Father, the baby dragon has been hidden in the
Brian looked around startled at the words. None of the others were paying him any attention and obviously the words had been heard only by himself.
“Father, are you listening?” came the voice.
“Of course” Brian thought and looked slightly foolish for a moment, thinking that perhaps he could be heard by all of his companions.
“I don’t have much time, mother is in the early stages of birthing me and it’s becoming very uncomfortable in here.” Brian could hear the boy sigh and he almost laughed to himself, the child reminded him of Justin.
“What can I do and how will I get past the guards?”
“That’s easy, the baby dragon’s name is “Phyre” and he’s scared ‘cause his mommy isn’t there. The guards haven’t fed him and he’s hungry. If you bring him something to eat he will take you back to his mother. The guards won’t be able to stop him, even the chain they have around his leg won’t hold back a well fed baby dragon. His wings are strong and you will be safe. His mother isn’t far. His mother is with the rest of her clan, planning to help the bad man, but if you bring Phyre home, she will know that you are truly good and kind.” A sharp intake of breath indicated that the contractions were stronger. “I must go now father, mother and I will await you and Prince Justin’s return.”
“Good bye Sonny Boy” Brian called our loud.
“What did you say Brian?” Michael enquired. Sir David looked at Brian, curious as well.
Brian smiled at Michael and then at David choosing not to answer either
of them. “We need to travel to the
Emmett gave a visible shudder and looked at his sacks of apples and cabbages. “I think a baby dragon likes apples and cabbages”
“Well, we have those. Hurry now, the
The small group struggled on through what had been the
maze. Since the third test had
been completed, they could now see the end of the maze and a return to more
normal vegetation. Brian was
sure he knew the route to the
They rode in silence each lost in their own
thoughts. Emmett wondered if
he had food that a baby dragon would want to
eat. He sure hoped
so. Michael hoped that Brian
knew what he was doing. It wasn't
a good sign that he was talking to himself back
there. He glanced over at David
and felt that the knight would protect
him. They were lovers and he
would rely on him not Brian. David
watched the Grand Wizard. There
seemed to be something different about him, but he couldn't explain
what. He had been talking to
someone and he wondered if it was a magical creature or merely a lapse in
the man's sanity. It wouldn't
matter much longer. He knew Sheriff
Stockwell's men were near the
Brian's thoughts wandered from Justin to his unborn son to the baby dragon. He wondered that all three were connected and how he was going to free the dragon and follow it to its mother.
He called a halt when he was about a half mile from the caves.
"They will have guards and we may have to fight," Brian explained.
"I'm ready," David said immediately. Michael smiled at him adoringly.
Brian grimaced knowing that he could not count on either of them. "Emmett, when we get close to the caves you must drive the cart with the food directly to the baby dragon. Don't let anybody stop you. Feed the dragon as quickly as you can. I will distract the guards," Brian said.
Emmett nodded and Brian could tell that he was afraid. "I'll do it," Emmett said staunchly, putting his fears aside and earning a grateful smile from Brian.
"What do you want me to do?" David asked.
"I'm going to show myself to the guards. Most of them will follow me, only a few staying behind with the dragon. You and Michael hide behind those rocks. Once I draw near I will ride behind the rocks, switch my cloak and horse with you, and you can lead them away from the caves."
"I'm a decoy!" David asked in disbelief.
"A very important decoy," Brian stressed.
"I would fight them. I do not run," David stated.
"You will do as I have indicated.
Michael and Emmett will hide on this side and then ride with me to
feed the baby dragon."
David scowled. He would let this
Grand Wizard instigate his pitiful plan, but once he was away from the others,
he would join the other side and destroy them all.
"Do you understand?" Brian pointedly asked David.
"Yes," David said pretending to be more optimistic about the plan.
"Good," Brian said. "Switch horses with me, and then we will have our own horse when we switch back." David dismounted and the transfer was made.
Everyone took their positions and Brian rode alone towards the caves. He knew David did not want to follow his plan and would probably turn against him at the first opportunity. He prayed he had time to free the dragon before that happened. Justin's life depended on it.
“Halt” a burly guard stepped forward. “State your name and your purpose.”
“Brian Kinney and my purpose is to save
Michael and Emmett watched in horror though Emmett continued as Brian
had requested – driving the wagon inside the
Meanwhile outside Sir David was riding hard and fast toward Brian. Magic like a great many abilities, depends upon inner strength to work it. Black magic less so, because it pulls from the dark side and the dark side is always there to lend a helping hand.
Brian was tired and he continued to hold the guards in a freezing spell, his strength was dwindling fast. Michael looked from Brian to his lover – David made him feel loved and special, something he’d never felt before. But Brian had been his friend since childhood and had always unquestioningly taken his side no matter what. Michael could feel the pull of the dark side but he could also see that his friend was in trouble. It was with a heavy heart that he plucked up a large rock and hurled it with all of his strength at his lover’s head. The rock, along with the momentum of the running horse – knocked Sir David off of his horse, he tumbled across the muddy field until he came to rest against the feet of one of the guards.
Brian looked at Michael and nodded his thanks, no words were necessary. Emmett, sitting astride a well-fed baby dragon’s back, his hand hooked under one of the iridescent scales and the other around his scarf that he’d wrapped around the long dragon neck. “Come on Brian. Michael you guard the horses, we won’t be long, don’t worry.”
“I’ll come for you as soon as I can” Brian said as he ran past to position himself behind Emmett. “Go into the caves and rest in the wagon, we won’t be long. With a might thrust of his hind legs Phyre rose into the air, his wings outstretched. Michael watched his friends disappear into the clouds before he removed the swords from all of the stiff guards and vanished into the cave.
Phyre flew at an amazing rate of speed and before Brian and Emmett could say, "Holy dragon fire" they found themselves landing in front of Phynnfyre and a host of other dragons. Phynnfyre let out an almighty roar as she recognized her baby.
The baby dragon landed somewhat clumsily and Brian and Emmett scampered off before the mother dragon came to nuzzle and kiss her offspring. Either action would have killed the two men if they had remained aboard.
Brian could hear the baby telling his mother that he had been tied to a huge rock and kept in a cave. Phynnfyre turned an angry eye towards Brian and Emmett who stood at what they hoped was a safe distance.
"Men shall pay for this atrocity," Brian heard Phynnfyre say.
"Mighty dragon," Brian yelled, "please listen to me."
"You are one of the ones who plotted against me," Phynnfyre roared.
"No," Brian responded. "Ask the little one. We freed him from his captors and returned him safely to you. We fed him and helped him to escape."
Phynnfyre eyed them warily, but she turned and nuzzled her little one. Brian could hear her asking Phyre if what Brian said was true. The little dragon corroborated Brian's story.
"Perhaps I have misjudged you," Phynnfyre said, not really wanting to admit she had been wrong and still not fully trusting these men.
"We mean you no harm. The
elves who took Phyre are the evil ones.
They work for Sheriff Stockwell who is truly evil and who wants to
banish all magic from
"Nonsense," Phynnfyre replied. "How can a man hope to defeat us?" She waved her wing indicating the other dragons that seemed to be listening intently to this interaction.
"Did he not get you to do his bidding by stealing your baby?" Brian
asked. Phynnfyre roared in
anger. "My son is being born
as we speak. He has magic too,
much more than I do. Both of
us will be doomed if Stockwell has his
way." Brian paused for this to
sink in. "And you and wee Phyre
will be doomed as well."
The other dragons began to stir, rumbling and shaking themselves and talking
about what they could do to stop this.
"I have a plan," Brian said.
"Why should I listen to you?" Phynnfyre
asked. "You are a man like
Stockwell."
"But he is a good man," said Emmett.
"He saved your baby and has led us through many dangerous
adventures. He speaks the
truth. Please help him."
Emmett's innate goodness seemed to touch something in the
dragons. They listened intently
to him.
Phyre spoke up. "Mamma, he fed me when I was so hungry. He helped me to leave that bad place. Help him now."
Phynnfyre looked around at the other dragons that seemed to give her
their approval. "Very well, explain
this plan and we shall think about agreeing to it," she said imperiously.
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Michael looked around the large cave nervously. He made his way to the wagon and pulled a blanket from behind the seat patting the nose of Justin’s horse on his way past. The swirling shadows in the rear of the cave appeared to be moving toward him and Michael looked around even more nervous than before.
He glanced quickly to the front of the cave – five of the red haired elves with the pointed teeth were grinning in at him. Michael held the blanket to his chest as a shield. He turned to the back of the cave – he didn’t want to go any further in – it was too dark and too scary. The elves were getting closer – they were walking toward him, in lock step, their staffs thumping the ground with each deliberate step sending a terrifying shiver up his spine.
Michael turned to run further into the cave – the shadows didn’t matter – it had to be better than this when out of the shadows stepped Sheriff Stockwell and his henchmen.
“S – S- S- Sheriff” Michael began. He looked back over his shoulder the elves had stopped, but there was another group of five behind these ones silhouetted in the cave entrance.
“Ahh, Mr. Kinney’s little friend, Michael isn’t it?” drawled the dark haired man. “And where has the Grand Wizard disappeared to that he would leave his little friend behind?”
“I don’t know where he went.” Michael stammered.
“I see he’s taken my bargaining prize with him. I suppose the little lizard has gone running home to mommy?” The Sheriff looked around the cave, noting the wagon with its empty sacks.
“He was hungry.” Michael said and his eyes darted back and forth between the elves and their glistening teeth and the Sheriff and his henchmen.
“Of course he was – I wasn’t about to waste good food on a lizard.” The Sheriff grinned evilly.
“He could have died.” Michael exclaimed.
“So – one less lizard in the world is no big deal.”
“But you can’t do that.” Michael suddenly realized that he had been tempted to move over to the dark side just because someone had given him a little bit of sex.
“I have every intention of doing it. When I take over the rule of
Michael stared at Sheriff Stockwell in horror. He might have been tempted by David but he was not evil like this man.
"Grab him," Stockwell ordered the elves. Michael was quickly bound and thrown to the ground at the sheriff's feet. "Now, where is David Cameron?" he demanded.
"I … I don't know," Michael said hesitantly. He still felt some love for the man, even after he had thrown that rock. He didn't know if David was alive or dead.
"I'm right here," David said walking slowly into the cave, blood running
down one side of his head. "It
will take more than a rock to kill me."
"Ahh," said Stockwell, "now we can destroy them
all."
"Not so fast," David replied. "I
want that one," he said pointing to Michael.
"He is of no consequence," Stockwell
stated. "Do with him as you
please."
Stockwell demanded. "Where are
the others? What are they
plotting?"
The elves looked at one another.
They had been frozen when Brian and Emmett had left with the baby
dragon. They could not answer
the sheriff.
"He must know," Stockwell stated pointing at Michael.
"I … I don't know anything," Michael whimpered and turned his face away.
David signaled to Stockwell who called the elves outside to look for the others. That left David alone with Michael.
"Michael," David said and cut the bonds that held the man. "Are you all right?"
"I guess so," Michael whimpered again.
David turned him over and held him in his arms. He kissed him passionately. "Did you see who threw that rock at me?" David asked.
"What? Um … no," Michael lied. Maybe David didn't really know what had happened. Maybe he was charging the elves not Brian. Maybe he had made a mistake. Maybe he could trust this man.
"I'll look after you," David said.
"I'll get you back to your
friends. Where are they?"
"They went with the baby dragon to find its mother," Michael
said. "And what will they do
next?"
"They said they would come back for me."
"Did they?"
"Can we get away from the Sheriff?" Michael
begged. "He scares me."
"I'll put you out of your misery now that you have told the pitiful amount
that you know."
"What … what do you mean?"
"You are pathetic. You have betrayed
your friends again and you are no longer any use to me."
"David, please," Michael said.
"I thought you cared about me … loved me."
"Only as long as you were useful, and that has
passed." He raised his sword
and Michael cowered away from him.
Just then a barrage of shouts and calls echoed through the
cave. Something strange must
be happening outside. David turned
and went to investigate.
The sight that greeted him as he stepped out of the cave turned his blood
to ice. He could see five full-grown
dragons streaking towards them from the
horizon. Their speed made them
grow in size with each beat of their
wings. As they drew ever nearer
he could see Kinney and that silly poof each astride one of the
dragons. He abruptly went back
in the cave to secure his bargaining
chip. He hadn't counted on fighting
dragons. In his wildest dreams
he had not thought Kinney capable of getting them to help
him. Michael might prove useful
yet again.
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