Page 8 of Drakhana's Treasure
I cry even harder and my eyes and throat start to burn. As my breath hitches in my lungs, little puffs of smoke come out. My dragon is not happy and begging to be free.
Up on the Peak, she never whispered of power. Always peace. I was comfortable in my human shape but I was always waiting for the next opportunity to cast it off. I don’t know how long I have to stay in human form for. I know its part of the training. Controlling the dragon.
“So, shut up.” I whisper furiously. “Just shut up. Behave and maybe we can both get out of here.”
My humiliation this morning keeps playing over in my mind. Fresh tears flow even as I try to pull myself together. I’ve not just totally fucked up; I’ve embarrassed myself in front of Rastus.
He’s some kind of legendary figure to young dragons. I could never remember his name in our lessons. The other kids found it hilarious. At least I’ll never forget his name now. I just couldn’t understand why he was such an important figure. As far as I’m concerned, being human is not a worthy feat for a dragon.
I did like the stories of his warrior days, but I constantly got his name mixed up with Rustem, an iconic elder from the past who secured the mountain against the ice dragons. In his teenage years Rastus was also part of a strike force that protected Crystal Peak from the ice dragons. Once the threat settled down, he moved to the city, eventually moving into the highest position running all of our businesses.
I’ve now seen his legendary temper firsthand. My tears start to dry up as I think about how much pressure he must be under to keep the cash flow going for the entire clan. He does have discipline and he imprints it on his charges. It’s something I’ve never had but, in this situation, I can grudgingly admit that I need it.
When I came here, I was just heartbroken that I had to leave my mountain. My simple days of meditation and union with fire and sky meant everything to me. I realize now that I’ve been selfish and I should be committed to helping out the clan just like everyone else. I’m supposed to be finding out what I’m good at but what if I’m never good at anything?
I have the horrible fear that no matter how hard I try, I won’t be able to manage discipline. I know Rastus values that above all things but it’s not something I’ve ever been able to master. Fire and sky do not practice discipline. They simply are, in their own volatile state. I’m wild like they are. I’ve never been able to silence my will.
If I could go back to my volcano, then I could become a shaman or medicine woman. I would have respect from the clan in a completely different way. Those who can speak to the fire and weave it into dreams are treasured. The trouble is, even they do their time in the city, learning human ways.
Every clan member must show willingness to support the clan. I can’t get out of this. If I screw up so bad Rastus sends me home, that’s one thing. I can’t just leave though. I’ll be a failure, possibly an outcast. I’m trapped.
Just as I’m about to cry again there’s a knock at the door and I hurry to answer it.
“Haywin!” I throw my arms around him. “What are you doing here? How did your first day go?”
“Excellent, actually.” His grin is wide and his eyes sparkle. I’ve never seen him so happy. “I worked at the bar and learned how to make cocktails. Maybe I’ll become a chemist! I’ve always been interested in the different structures of base compounds.”
I shake my head. “Not something I can understand. Why don’t you hang out for a while? We can order some food—”
“No, Kirralee. Rastus wants us ready and in the foyer in twenty minutes.”
“Why?” I actually back up a step. Haywin shrugs.
“Taking us out somewhere. I don’t know.”
“You’re not scared?” My voice is tiny, forced through my lungs.
“No. I’m really starting to enjoy myself.”
I nod, holding back tears again.
“I’m just going to get changed. I’ll meet you downstairs.”
Haywin grins and hugs me before heading to the elevator. I let the door close and lean on it, breathing hard.
I don’t want to do this. I don’t want to be around humans and I really don’t want to be around Rastus. Whatever skills or talents I may have, he can’t see them. I’m just a walking disaster area in this place.
I hurry to get changed and I notice my skin is very warm. My dragon is moving through my blood, reminding me what I am. I let her soothe me and I instantly feel better. When I let my true nature slip over me, I know how powerful I really am.
Does Rastus still embrace his dragon? I don’t think so. Maybe, he has something to learn from me. I leave my room with some determination. I’m going to give this thing a really good try and attempt to cast off my misery.
At my flare of anger, my dragon rises, red scales flickering over my skin. I don’t know how to get her in control and I’m not even sure that I want to.
Six
Rastus
The kids all arrive in the underground carpark together, laughing and joking as they head towards the limos. I’m relieved to see them all dressed in comfortable, smart clothes that are fashionable. I’m slightly amazed that each and every one of them screwed up basic fashion even though they all had access to the internet.
