Page 174 of Tiger's Dream
Ana sighed and I mentally suggested his name. “How about Jinsèlóng,” Ana said.
The dragon grimaced. “Jinsèlóng? I don’t think so. That name is much too generic for a being as complex as I am.”
“Perhaps you are right,” Ana said. “Why don’t we use it for now as a pet nickname? That way you can have plenty of time to think on it and get back to me with your chosen name later.”
“I suppose that would be fine,” he said. “Just so long as everyone here knows, I’m still undecided on the matter.”
“Very good. Then, Jinsèlóng, newborn of the Atlantic Ocean, I give you a duty to guard the treasures of the Earth, both those hidden deep within the mountains as well as those created by humans. When mankind sees your likeness in art or carvings, they will be inspired by your beauty and they will imagine and create. With this duty in mind, I gift you with the power of discernment and command of the elements so that you might seek out that which is most precious and protect it. Your domain is found in all points north of the center. I endow you with the continuity of the waves.”
The dragon shivered as his scales hardened and became as varied in coloration as the precious metals of the earth. “I appreciate your gift, don’t get me wrong,” the dragon said to Ana, “but there are a few questions I have regarding my duty.”
“I trust you implicitly,” Ana said. “If anyone can protect the wealth and beauty of this world, it will be you.” Leaning closer, she whispered in the dragon’s ear. “It is best not to go on about your duty too much,” she said. “Your brothers might become more jealous of you than they already are.”
The gold dragon peered over at the white dragon and narrowed his eyes shrewdly. Then, he turned back to Ana. “That is very wise,” he said in a loud whisper. “We will speak more of this at a later time.”
Ana winked at him and he moved off, coiling his body in a circle and glaring at his brothers as if they were going to try to steal his power away from him. I stifled a laugh. She’d handled him with a deft hand. She already had a lot of experience dealing with soldiers of every kind. Dragons weren’t that much different, all things considered.
“Dragon of white,” Ana said, “You are next.”
When he approached, he blew an icy fog over us. “Sorry about that,” he said. “I’m still getting used to life outside of the water.”
Under my breath, I mumbled, “Wouldn’t count on that lasting long.”
“What will you name yourself?” Ana asked him.
He hesitated a moment, looking into the eyes of the goddess as she looked in his. I got the sense that they were communicating mentally though I heard nothing. “I believe I shall take the name Yínbáilóng,” the dragon answered.
“That is a very fitting choice,” Ana said, then straightened her shoulders as if coming to a decision. “Yínbáilóng, newborn of the Arctic Ocean, you will be the leader of your brothers. As such, I give you a duty to watch over them as well as all the inhabitants of the Earth. Your domain stretches the farthest, touching all the worlds that circle the sun. When men turn their faces to seek out the yellow warmth of its rays, they will sense your protection and be reminded of what it means to be noble and wise. Because of this, I gift you with the powers of judgment and the ability to balance all things. Your domain is the center. This means the center of not only this world but the center of all things. I endow you with the stillness of the snow.”
As power left her once again, the white dragon’s body shone. Icicles grew over his horns and the fur on his back grew thick and white. I was now fully supporting her weight. “Sohan,” she whispered and opened her mouth as if to say more but then her eyes rolled back.
“Ana?” I caught her as she went limp. “Ana!”
“She is simply exhausted, Father,” Yínbáilóng said. “But if you will guide us, we can help. Place your hand on her chest, and the five of us can draw upon the might of the celestial bodies we are now tied to. Come, brothers.”
They all moved closer, their large heads bobbing next to one another. The white dragon told me he would act as a conduit, channeling the power of the others. Using our bond, I poured my energy into Ana through my palm. It began and the five dragons filled with light that burst up and out over the mountain, casting a rainbow hue that lit up the sky. The colorful beam wrapped around Yínbáilóng.
A shaft of light hit me and I staggered briefly but kept tight hold of Ana. Glancing up, I saw that it was coming from Yínbáilóng’s eye. Heat filled my frame and as I opened my mind to the dragons, I saw each of them through new eyes. The time piece of the amulet showed me what they would do and how they would influence mankind over the eons. Apparently, they saw the same thing I did.
Who are you, Father, that you can show us such wonders? they asked in my mind.
As I siphoned the energy of the cosmos from the offering the dragons made, pushing it into Ana, I answered.I am the one who wanders.The one who knows all but prefers to experience the world as one unaware.Someday, your mother and I will leave the mysteries of this world to the five of you, but for now, be content.Learn and grow and use your great influence to be of benefit to others.
Yes, Father, the five dragons said.
Ana blinked her eyes slowly and I swept her up in my arms, cradling her close. “Thank you, my great sons,” Ana said as she touched her hand to the red dragon.
“Is there anything more we can do for you?” Lóngjun asked.
“Yes,” Ana said. “One day travelers will come seeking your aid. They will have the touch of the goddess about them. Help them in their cause and know that when you help them, you are helping me. Should you ever have need of me, simply call and I will hear your plea and send aid as I am able. Go now,” she said. “Build palaces in your domains and find peace and safety in your new homes.”
One by one, the dragons rose in the air, undulating like ribbons in the wind. When the last one disappeared in the clouds, I asked, “How are you, really?”
“I am recovering as we speak. You may set me down now. I believe I can stand.”
“What if I like you right where you are?” I asked, nuzzling her ear.
“I thought those small kisses were to welcome one home.”
