5. THE GOLD DRAGON

THE GOLD DRAGON

C aden looked up into the sky from where the sound of massive wings was coming from. The sun was much lower causing the sky to be painted with purple, blue and crimson. It was a magnificent background for the giant Gold Dragon with spikes on its powerful tail that hung suspended fifty feet above him.

“Oh, wow! It’s the Gold Dragon King Tezcacoatl!” Tilly cried.

“His Spirit’s name is Eldoron!” Tobey informed them all proudly of his Dragon knowledge.

“He’s so big!” Macauley said faintly. “Like four times Iolaire’s size!”

“He’s classified as a Titanic-sized Dragon. In terms of size, Raziel is the biggest then Mephous and then Eldoron,” Tobey supplied helpfully. “Iolaire is the smallest!”

“Eldoron could crush us.” Macauley scrunched down low on Caden’s back.

“Being crushed is the least of our worries really if Eldoron attacked us.” Tobey pushed his glasses up onto his nose. “It breathes liquid metal! We’d be burned alive and dissolved in huge pools of mercury!”

“That’s not helping, Tobey!” Maccauley cried.

“Oh, we’d be dead like instantaneously,” Tobey continued, completely unrepentant. “So it’s not like we’d feel our bodies being dissolved and--”

“TOBEY!” Maccauley hit her friend’s back.

Tilly patted Caden’s neck and said loyally, “Iolaire held its own against Raziel. So though it’s small, it’s mighty! We’re perfectly fine, Macauley. Iolaire handled the crowd of crazies easily. It can handle Eldoron!”

Iolaire hooted with happiness in response and lifted its head proudly. Caden though was focused on remembering what he could about Tezcacoatl from his Shifter classes in high school. The Gold Dragon King’s seat of power was Mexico City and he ruled over much of South America and the Caribbean so that explained why he had gotten here relatively quickly.

He’s not a bully like Illarion. More like a showboat. So I don’t think we’re in danger from Tezcacoatl or Eldoron, for that matter .

In fact, he’d heard that Eldoron was rumored to be incredibly vain. Though from Caden’s perspective maybe it had a right to be. The golden color of its scales shimmered in the day’s dying light as the Titanic Dragon flew in glorious circles overhead, doing loops and gliding, giving Caden and Iolaire plenty of opportunities to see just how magnificent it was. He realized that Eldoron was not completely gold, but had some silver scales across its belly and tail.

I think Eldoron is flirting with us, Iolaire , Caden realized after the Gold Dragon had done the fourth loop.

Iolaire hooted softly, watching the other Dragon’s moves as if to copy them later.

It’s not as awesome as Raziel though! Caden said.

Iolaire gave a very positive hoot at that as if to say, “But of course not! No one compares to Raziel!” But it was enjoying Eldoron’s flying maneuvers.

“Do you know that Tezcacoatl was a--”

“Tobey, if this is more about how he can easily kill us and in what ways, don’t say it!” Maccauley begged.

“No, no, I was just going to tell the story about how he became a Dragon Shifter,” Tobey assured her with a wave of his hand.

“Okay, I guess you can tell it,” Maccauley murmured. She was still clutching onto Iolaire’s back as if her life depended upon it.

“You’re our scaredy cat, Maccauley,” Tilly teased gently. “But we love you for it! And we’ll keep you safe!”

“Funny you should say that! Because helping other people get through their fear in a terrible situation was how Tezcacoatl bonded with Eldoron!” Tobey went on enthusiastically, “Tezcacoatl was a miner. The mine he worked in was very unsafe, but he needed the money to help his mother and sister so he took on the work regardless. Well, the inevitable happened. The mine collapsed with him and a lot of other workers inside. Tezcacoatl got all the surviving miners together and kept their spirits up as they waited for rescue. But as the hours turned to days and then to over a week, even he realized that no one was coming to save them. The mine owners had abandoned them. It was then he prayed for the Spirits to give him strength to not only get the miners out of this terrible situation, but also take revenge on the greedy mine owners.”

Caden thought about what Valerius had said about how Dragon Shifters did not get their Spirits from simple bravery or even honor. He knew the ending to the story that Tobey was telling, and while it did have some aspect of both bravery and honor, there was also violence to it as well.

“And then Eldoron came to him?” Tilly asked.

Tobey nodded and his glasses slid down his nose in response. “Because they joined underground in a mine, that’s why people think he has metal breath.”

“And he got the miners out?” Maccauley peeked up then.

“Oh, yeah, and then he went in dragon form and killed the mine owners! Totally slagged them!” Tobey answered with enthusiasm.

Maccauley groaned and hid her head again.

“He’s made safety and fair wages and good working conditions for workers the focus of his territory. And any employer that doesn’t act responsibly towards their workers gets--”

“Slagged?” Tilly guessed.

“Yep! Needless to say some of the investment in his territory has been down, but he says that the people who would have come in if he didn’t have such rules would just cause more harm than good,” Tobey added.

“The Black Dragon King Valerius doesn’t, uhm, slag people, right? I’ve never heard of him interfering with business or anything,” Maccauley asked softly.

“No, he’s pretty much left the economy alone so it’s stayed like it was before,” Tobey answered. “But he has established far larger areas of undeveloped woods and fields. Plus, there used to be all these really ugly strip malls according to my mom that were abandoned after people mostly started to shop online, and he’s had those torn down and turned into parks.”

Tilly shuddered. “Strip malls even sound wrong. And all the parks are awesome.”

“Reach wasn’t here before the war, Tilly. Valerius created this mountain. It used to be completely flat here. He can control the earth, and supposedly loads of other things,” Tobey informed her a little archly.

Tilly colored. “Yeah, well, I just meant that parks are awesome in general and that it’s cool Valerius did that.”

And as if talking about Raziel and Valerius caused them to appear, the massive Black Dragon was suddenly just there . Raziel had flown in silently and was blocking Eldoron’s path. There would not be another playful loop. Raziel’s red eyes were glowing hotly and there was no mistaking the anger in them, not to mention a hint of that volcanic rage that Valerius tried hard to control.

Raziel’s sudden appearance in its path had Eldoron awkwardly cutting to the left and losing altitude. The television crews that had been retreating due to the police chief’s threat had stopped after Eldoron’s appearance and had been filming the whole thing with breathless commentary. They had all been in awe of Eldoron’s beauty and flying ability, but the moment that Raziel came and threw Eldoron off its game they really got excited.

Caden heard one nearby reporter say into his mic, “Looks like Eldoron can’t compete with our Raziel though! Raziel came in so suddenly and unexpectedly that no one realized it was there, including Eldoron, until it was too late! Raziel moved as if part of the night itself!”

Eldoron seemed all too aware that Raziel had taken some of the shine off of its victory with the press, and Caden supposed, with Iolaire. Eldoron’s eyes narrowed as it righted itself. With a mighty flap of wings, it shot towards Raziel only veering away at the very last second, leaving only a few inches between their nearest wings. But Raziel did not flinch, and the wake of Eldoron’s nearby flight did not affect the Black Dragon in the least.

Go, Raziel! Go, Valerius! Caden cried.

Iolaire hooted its support.

While Caden felt the brush of Valerius and Raziel’s minds against his and Iolaire’s, no words were sent. Despite their seeming nonchalance with Eldoron’s antics, clearly, they had to give the Gold Dragon all their attention. While not as large or aggressive as Illarion and Mephous were, Eldoron was clearly not to be underestimated.

“It looks like there will be quite a few Dragons posturing over the city to get your attention, Iolaire,” the police chief said with a sigh. “Not that I can’t appreciate shows of dominance, but Dragons are not known for being careful.”

Caden flashed back on what happened at the Gash. No, they were not when they were angry or scared. But, though it was clear that Valerius was not happy with Tezcacoatl, it was also very clear to Caden that both he and Raziel were being as careful and controlled as they could be.

“If Eldoron is trying to impress Iolaire, I do not think it's working,” Tilly said to the police chief. “Raziel is so much cooler.”

“Our Dragon King Valerius is the greatest of them all,” the police chief said in approval. “And I think Raziel is going to end Eldoron’s preening. Oh, yes, here we go.”

What he was referring to was Raziel, who had been simply hovering while Eldoron was swooping in the air around it, moved impossibly quickly for something so big. Raziel shot upwards and flew directly above Eldoron. The Black Dragon then flapped its huge wings. The unexpected, powerful downdraft sent Eldoron falling towards the earth. It only managed to gain control ten feet from the ground and landed heavily, digging large furrows in the grass.

“Whoa!” Tobey cried and pumped a fist in the air. “Go, Raziel!”

“You showed Eldoron who is the boss, Raziel!” Tilly shouted into the air.

“Oh, my God, Raziel is even bigger than I thought!” Maccauley squeaked and buried her face against Iolaire’s back.

The police chief snorted. “Eldoron looks like a cat that’s fallen down and is trying to pretend it meant to do that all along.”

Indeed that was the perfect way to describe Eldoron as it quickly sat down, lifting its magnificent head and doing its very best to ignore Raziel doing a victory lap up above them. Caden felt a touch of awe--and a little fear--as Raziel tossed its huge head back and let out a gout of red and gold flames. He swore he could almost feel the heat from here.

One of the reporters who had come quite a bit closer now was saying breathlessly into his mic, “Such a magnificent display of dominance by our Black Dragon King Valerius! One wonders if we will get to see yet more aerial acrobatics in the upcoming days as the rest of the Dragon Shifters arrive!”

Let’s hope not! Caden mentally shook his head at the reporter.

The reporters were acting as if this was a game! Hadn’t what happened at the Gash shown them that Dragons fighting over the city was dangerous at best , and likely to be deadly too? He could almost hear Rose’s voice in his head saying, “It happened to people in the Below, and you know that no one cares about the people who live there.” And, it seemed that was true. Memories were short, or so it seemed.

All of the reporters had returned to the park, despite threat of arrest--though it didn’t appear that the police chief was going to arrest them quite at that minute--and were filming avidly. Many had approached Eldoron and the Gold Dragon was posing for the cameras.

But soon all cameras were focused on the Black Dragon as Raziel landed with a boom about fifty feet away. More grass was torn up, and Caden winced. If he and Iolaire hadn’t come to the park none of this would have happened. The reporters scuttled backwards as Raziel approached Eldoron, tail swinging and eyes narrowed menacingly. Iolaire hooted softly, indicating that it would not have wanted to have such a look given to it. Caden agreed.

The Black Dragon circled the Gold Dragon with slow, powerful, deliberate strides. Raziel never took those sulfurous red eyes off of Eldoron. For its part, Eldoron fussed with its wings and cleaned a pristine part of its scales with its tongue, trying for all the world to seem unconcerned. But one thing that Caden noticed was that Eldoron did not look into Raziel’s eyes. In fact, it lowered its head when Raziel stopped directly in front of it and stared. This show of submission defused the situation.

“Tensions have abruptly abated as Eldoron showed proper respect to Raziel,” one of the reporters said into the camera. “Oh, look, they’re shifting!”

Both Raziel and Eldoron disappeared in a moment and two men were standing there on the ripped up grass. Tezcacoatl was a handsome man with dark copper skin and long black hair that hung in a sheet to his mid-back. He had golden brown eyes that were alight with intelligence and humor. He was beaming at the cameras, at Valerius and, most especially, at Iolaire. Iolaire shuffled their feet and drew their tail, rather cat-like, around their feet.

The whole park was now lit up by the camera lights as reporters swarmed around Valerius and Tezcacoatl. It was still amusing to Caden to watch Valerius be on camera nude and yet seem as comfortable and kingly as if he were dressed in silk and leather. Tezcacoatl was making poses so that his magnificent physique was shown off to its best. Reporters began to shout questions at them both.

“Dragon King Valerius, you’ve had two other Dragons fly over your capital city, how do you feel about that?” a female reporter with red hair asked.

Valerius stared at her so long without answering that the microphone she’d thrust towards him started to wobble a little bit. Tezcacoatl saved her as he threw one arm around Valerius’ shoulders, beaming. He was over a head shorter than Valerius and built more stockily, but he managed to yank Valerius towards him in this one-armed hug.

His sunny, Mexican accent made him seem even more charming as he said, “I am certain that Valerius is quite annoyed with me! But how could I help myself from flying over his magnificent city? Especially when the newest member of our tribe has arrived!”

Tezcacoatl pointed at Iolaire and all the cameras swung over to the White Dragon. Iolaire blinked as the lights blasted into its eyes and drew hid its head in one wing, which made it, evidently, appear shy. There were audible “awwwwwws” that had Iolaire hiding even more.

The police chief chuckled. “You’re a little too big to hide, Iolaire.”

“Iolaire doesn’t like media attention. It likes people’s attention,” Tilly said loyally and kissed Iolaire’s neck.

Iolaire chirped at her words and the kiss.

“This is your first time in Reach in many years, Dragon King Tezcacoatl. How does it feel to be back?” a male reporter with a quivering mustache asked.

“Most excellent!” Tezcacoatl put a large hand against his chest. “Though I always miss my magnificent Mexico City!”

“This will be the first time that all of the Dragon Shifters will be in one place since the war,” a dark-haired female reporter with cheeks as pale as milk stated. “Will you be speaking of the threats to this world from expansionist policies like Dragon Queen Mei’s?”

Valerius stated simply, “Nothing is off the table.”

“And what of the growing unrest with Humans First all over the world? Why haven’t you met before now to discuss that?” the reporter pressed.

“Merely because we are not physically in the same place, dear lady,” Tezcacoatl said, “does not mean we do not speak regularly.”

“Will all the Dragon Shifters be on the Shifter Council that you’ve started, King Valerius?” another reporter shouted.

“That is still in its planning stages,” Valerius answered.

“Did you have any fears in coming here, King Tezcacoatl, considering the bombings that have taken place in Reach?” another reporter shouted from the back. “Not for yourself, obviously, but for your human attendants.”

Caden remembered that, unlike many Dragon Shifters, all of Tezcacoatl’s attendants were human. They also all came from poor families. He paid for everything for them and their relatives including schooling, room and board and anything one could imagine.

Tezcacoatl, who had not let go of Valerius, despite Valerius just standing there like a piece of stone, squeezed him again and said, “Absolutely not! I have great faith in Valerius and his very brave Claw and the police!” His expression hardened somewhat as he added, “To those of you who are choosing violent methods to support your cause, know that you are doing more damage to the people you claim to care for than those who do not share your position! And for those of you who feel disenfranchised and left out, know that you are not alone! But violence where innocents are maimed, injured or even killed is not the answer!”

Caden felt a tiny bit of liking Tezcacoatl for those words. Though they were a little ironic considering what he did to those mine owners. But then again the mine owners had not been innocent like the people in the square or even those at the Humans First meeting.

Based upon the questions so far, Caden was beginning to relax. There was nothing about him or mating or anything crazy like that in the questions or answers. In fact, he felt quite ignored, which was good. But then he heard the next question and realized he’d let his guard down too soon.

“So are you here to court Iolaire as well, Dragon King Tezcacoatl? After all, Dragon King Illarion has made his typical bold statements that Iolaire is his mate,” another female reporter--this one with a bob of blonde hair--asked the visiting Gold Dragon King.

Caden saw the tension spread through Valerius as this question was asked. Caden tried to touch his mind, but it was locked very tight.

Oh, boy, he’s so mad at us, Iolaire!

Iolaire gave a sad hoot in agreement.

There was a sparkle in Tezcacoatl’s eyes as he leaned towards the reporter almost conspiratorially and said, “I think we all know that Illarion says many things that are just wishes. I believe that Iolaire is its own, and will choose which one of us as its special someone. I most definitely am putting my hat in the ring!”

What?! No! That is not what’s happening here! Caden felt the frustration of not being able to speak right now. He looked at Valerius, who met his eyes. Tell them that’s not what’s going on, Valerius!

He was half afraid that Valerius would allow this idea to stand just as punishment for them not going home. But he was wrong.

“Black Dragon King Valerius, are you putting your hat in the ring as well?” another reporter asked.

“Illarion is not the only one who speaks wishes ,” Valerius said curtly with a repressive look at Tezcacoatl who did not shrink at all. “As said previously, Iolaire wishes no mate at this time. My fellow Dragon Shifters have come here on a fool’s errand if they think that Iolaire will be going home with them.”

“Yes, but some are saying that the real reason that Iolaire has no interest in revealing themselves and meeting with the other Dragons is that it has already chosen someone. Namely… you ,” the red-haired reporter said.

Everyone went still and silent at this. Caden could only hear his heart thumping like a jackhammer in his chest. What did he want Valerius to say? That yes, they were together and the other Dragon Shifters needed to get stuffed? But if he did that, then he and Caden could never openly date because they’d know he was the White Dragon! But if Valerius completely denied that they were together then… then Caden’s heart might break. Even if it wasn’t true!

And it wasn’t true, right?

No, it wasn’t.

Valerius met the reporter’s gaze steadily. “My personal life has always been off limits to the press.” His gaze swept the entire crowd. “As you all are well aware.”

The reporters looked a little chastened, which for reporters was probably pretty amazing. Tezcacoatl was looking at Valerius speculatively though. It was clear that he wouldn’t be put off by some stern words and an even sterner glare.

“Thorin,” Valerius called to the police chief who stepped up with considerable alacrity.

“Yes, my king?” Thorin bowed low.

“He’s bowing!” Maccauley let out an excited whisper. “That’s so cool!”

“Of course he’s bowing. Everybody bows to Valerius. Well, not the reporters, but everyone else. Besides he’s a Werewolf,” Tilly whispered back. “They’re big on rank.”

“Oh, yeah, right,” Maccauley answered.

“Please have your people escort the press from the park,” Valerius said firmly. “I believe you did tell them it was closed some time ago.”

“It shall be done, my king.” Thorin bowed again.

With a few terse words, his people were herding the reporters away from them. There were more shouted questions and cameras were still being turned towards Valerius and Tezcacoatl, but the police were making headway. Soon, the lights from the cameras were gone and only the soft twilight illuminated the park. The churr of night insects replaced the reporters’ calls and the three Dragon Shifters and three children all stared at one another.

Tezcacoatl turned to Valerius and said, “You are not too angry at me, Valerius!”

Valerius’ lips flattened. “After seeing what I did to Illarion, why would you risk my temper, Tezcacoatl?”

The Gold Dragon Shifter released Valerius from the hug and spread his arms wide. “I was coming to High Reach when I saw that Iolaire was in the park.” He shrugged. “I had to come.”

“And show off,” Valerius muttered.

Tezcacoatl laughed. “Of course! One must be the peacock with one’s potential mate! Oh, and look at those eyes flashing! I cannot believe the reporters did not press the question about you and Iolaire!”

“If you suspect that I am in love with Iolaire, it further begs the question why you would risk my wrath in coming here like this,” Valerius growled.

Tezcacoatl’s eyes widened. “ Love ?”

Valerius scowled, but said nothing. Had he admitted to more than he wanted to?

Tezcacoatl rubbed his chin. “Valerius and Raziel in love ?!” He shook himself. “My friend, I did not think you were, but if you are to tell me now that Iolaire is off limits, I will respect that. But I cannot help being flirtatious still. It is my nature!”

Caden and Iolaire were rigid. Tilly had even stopped breathing. They were both waiting for Valerius’ answer.

“I cannot tell you that, because it is not my place to say. Iolaire is its own. It makes the decisions,” Valerius finally got out. His voice taut with emotion.

Tezcacoatl nodded after long moments. “By the gods, Valerius, it must be serious! You are respecting Iolaire’s autonomy. So what would you say for yourself though. Should I back down?”

Valerius’ head lifted. His eyes burned with fire. “If I were in your place, I would most definitely back down.”