The Knight of Her Dreams

chapter Eleven



There was no denying it. His grandson was crazy.

As Chaos paced about the large room, silently contemplating Dominick’s words, the younger man stood calmly awaiting his response. The older man’s piercing green eyes were calculating while his gaze appraised his grandson as if seeing him for the first time.

So the boy had finally fallen in love, as incredible as it seemed.

Despite his detached attitude towards most others, Chaos knew the feeling well, as it had never left him, even after his own beloved wife’s death many years ago. If half the things Dominick said about this Julianna were true, then perhaps he’d made a good choice indeed, except...

In reality, they were literally light years apart!

Inescapable truth was never easily accepted by youth.

Running his hands through his pure white hair, his powers sometimes exuding a soft glowing aura about him when agitated, Chaos felt half tempted to pull out some strands in frustration. Clapping his hands together in silent decision, he spoke.

“Dominick,” he began quietly, “I’ve always seen to it that you had everything you’ve ever wanted. Obviously too much. Even when I helped hone those dreamphasing skills of yours, knowing what you’ve used them for since you were a hotheaded teenager. Now before you say a word, I’ll admit to your credit that your reputation with women in the dream realm is somewhat better than your brother’s, although I still happen to disapprove of it, as you well know.”

Dominick nodded, and the subject was dropped for once.

“However,” Chaos continued sternly, his eyes deadly serious, “this latest stunt tops any of your former teenage escapades. Proposing marriage to a woman in the dream-state, not to mention one who’s from another world! Have you lost your mind, boy? Do you honestly believe an engagement of this type holds any chance of withstanding the test of time?”

“Ours will,” Dominick stated, his gaze never wavering. “We’ve had a minor disagreement or two, but we still love each other, and now wish to share our lives together.”

Chaos was silent for a moment, just before a grin formed, throwing back his head with hearty laughter.

“Oh, Dominick, for all your years, you’re still little more than that selfsame reckless boy of your youth.” As Dominick stiffened in silent irritation, Chaos grew serious once more. “You’ve known the girl all of a few weeks or a bit more, and yet you profess to be in love with her. Dominick, even if love can happen that quickly, any marriage will only last so long without a solid foundation, and you may never even be able to get past the engagement itself. You haven’t dealt with any world-shattering problems yet, and that’s fine, but should this occur eventually, will your love sustain you through the hard times, including this long distance separation you’re dealing with now?”

“Yes,” Dominick replied firmly, fairly hissing the word. “Have I just been telling you all to have it cast back in my face? Grandfather, I love Julianna more than any woman I’ve ever known. We belong together, and it’s only through a quirk of Fate that we’re kept apart.”

“Exactly!” said Chaos, slamming his fist on a table. “You aren’t together in reality. Wake up from the dream-state, Dominick, and listen to me! You say you love each other now, but what happens when the months and years roll by, and you’re still separated? And also, what if one of you comes to need more than what you have in the dream-state, and seeks it with someone else in reality? While it might not be considered adultery, I guarantee it would still have the same bitter taste.”

“That won’t happen. I’d never cheat on Julianna, and I know she feels the same way.”

“You know,” hissed Chaos. “You barely know the girl! Besides that, you’ve told me she wishes to have children of her own. Bear in mind, my dear naive grandson, that for all the endless attempts you might make in the dream-state, you will never be able to father any children of hers there.”

“She knows that, and she accepts it,” Dominick replied quietly.

“Does she?” he sneered. “Yes, I suppose for now, she might be temporarily dissuaded from the notion. And for all that, she’s no doubt as young and innocent—and foolish—as you are. But mark my words, Dominick, sooner or later, most women come to a point in their lives when the maternal instinct strikes them. When that time comes, this Julianna is bound to change her mind about how tolerant she can be to this aspect of your engagement. What will you do if she not only has an affair with another, but has a child by someone else as well? Will you condemn her for it later, or will you still love her as you claim?”

Dominick’s jaw tightened angrily. “I told you, Grandfather, we’ve discussed this. And she knows I won’t hold her to this engagement if such problems should become more than she can bear.”

Chaos laughed again. “You should listen to yourself. You make it sound like the girl will suffer because of your relationship, and you’re already planning out what to do when it ends. Why bother to announce an engagement at all? It sounds like she’s been a willing enough partner to warm your nights so far without a ring on her finger.”

His eyes flew open as Dominick abruptly turned, striding from the room. Chaos hadn’t expected that response. But despite being many years older, he didn’t need to rely on physical stamina to overtake the younger man. With a swift incantation, Chaos vanished to reappear just before him, gripping his shoulders tightly.

“Let go,” hissed Dominick.

“Not until you’ve calmed down, boy. You look madder than a guardian devil who’s had his horns removed.”

Dominick shrugged his hands away, his eyes blazing. “What did you expect, Grandfather? That I’d either cast Julianna aside, or ask her to be my permanent mistress?” At Chaos’s silence, a grim smile stole across his face. “Oh, yes, that’s exactly what you thought, isn’t it?” he snarled. “Well, you can forget that idea entirely!”

“Dominick, listen to reason.”

“Your reasoning is nothing but a route to unhappiness, and I won’t subscribe to it.” He gave a short forced laugh. “You know what really bothers me? I actually came here to ask you to help us find a way to reach one another in reality, and I foolishly assumed you would. I suppose I should have known better, since you’re so much like Riff!”

“Cease!” Chaos’s tone had its desired impact, as the room fairly shook, silencing Dominick instantly. “Now if you can manage to keep your tone civil, what nonsensical help are you referring to?”

“It’s not nonsense,” Dominick said slowly, fighting to keep his anger down. “You’re the most powerful multi-abilitied supernatural in Barokka. You’ve used those powers to make this island what it is today, a haven from those of outer Chavernos who’ve looked down upon us for our extraordinary abilities. Now if you can create an island paradise such as Barokka now knows, surely a means of teleportation is possible.”

“As strong as my powers are, there are limits, Dominick. And while teleportation might not be the most difficult thing here on Barokka, or even the outer regions of Chavernos, teleportation to another world—one at least twice as far as the sun—would be much more complicated.”

“Complicated... but possible?” Dominick interjected.

Chaos sighed heavily. “Many years back, there actually was a time when teleportation to Earth was possible,” he replied, holding his hand up before Dominick could respond. “But that was many years ago, before you or your father were even born. The knowledge of that teleportation ability was lost after the Mage War.”

“I’ve heard mention of the Mage War once but very little spoken of it.”

“With good reason. It was a sad time for Chavernos that most would care to forget. Many good people and gifted sorcerers died for their beliefs.”

“What happened?”

“Before I explain this properly, we’d best sit down.” Chaos gestured to the chairs nearest them. Once they were seated, he steepled his hands. “To this day, I believe the reason for the Mage War was a foolish one. Regardless, to understand both sides of the argument, you need to know that long before I was born, the races and creatures of Chavernos had initially migrated from a world outside of this solar system.”

Dominick nodded. “Yes, the schools do speak of this. They say our ancestors came here via crafts of purple light that were destroyed upon arrival.”

“With what they felt to be good reason. All we know has been passed down from generation to generation, although it’s said that some of the elder dragons, and possibly elves, may remember more than we know. What we’ve been given is that our origin world was once a thriving world where both magic and technology existed in harmony. They say there were many wise leaders to guide it.

“However, there were others of power that regarded the peaceful world as weak, who were determined to take control to provide a stronger influence and shape the world as they saw fit. Several of the most powerful beings who desired this were dark sorcerers. In many ways, they saw humanity as especially weak, and sought either to control or destroy them, leaning strongly towards the latter. Wars were fought against them, but only keeping them at bay. The culmination was their use of technology that began to threaten habitability on the planet, but the dark sorcerers cared only for domination, ignorant to the needs of the world.

“Some of our prophetic Seers knew time was short, which is when our planet’s ancestors, from all the races of Chavernos, fled via the crafts of purple light. The heavens were kind in helping them find what is now our world. At the time they fled, there was little habitability left, yet the dark sorcerers were determined to claim it regardless. What became of the planet and those dark sorcerers is unknown to us, although it is possible the elder dragons and elves may know more.

“When our ancestors discovered Chavernos, they were determined to prevent technology from destroying their new world similarly, destroying the crafts of purple light and knowledge of how to create them. Many years passed, and this world was cultivated into what we now know.”

Listening patiently to this point, Dominick raised one hand. “All of this is certainly a fascinating history lesson, Grandfather, but how does this have anything to do with teleportation to Earth?”

“I’m getting to that,” Chaos assured him. “When our dreamphaser ancestors ventured out in our new solar system, it wasn’t long before they discovered Earth, including the human populace. Since this was many, many years ago, it was initially thought to be a world relatively devoid of magic without the kind of technology our world eventually progressed to. Many dreamphasers would astral travel to Earth, largely out of curiosity, never contacting the inhabitants physically but merely seeking information. There’s speculation that our language was initially modified to be closer to theirs, in the event our planets would one day communicate openly, which is why we can generally communicate with them easily in the dream realm.

“However, it didn’t take long for our Seers to discover that Earth was leaning towards technology, and that one day they would progress towards the route our world once had. The elders than deemed it best for us to leave Earth well enough alone, and even dreamphasing to Earth was discouraged for a long time. It’s further speculated that the mists that surround Chavernos may have been enhanced by our own ancient sorcerers to make certain our world was kept hidden.

“This doesn’t mean that dreamphasers wouldn’t travel to Earth occasionally in the dream realm. They just had no desire to find a means to actually travel to Earth. More years went by, and many people—including dreamphasers—forgot about Earth altogether. Likely because of this, it was almost in blissful ignorance that the Mage War ultimately happened.

“Many years later, a fairly large family of sorcerers, the Magus Clan, came into being. They were a peaceful people that worshipped learning magic, residing in a once-beautiful territory of green fields that seemed to go on forever. Next to their love of family, their foremost goal always was to discover and harness magic wherever possible to improve the quality of life for themselves, their families, and especially others. Some of the magical devices we have today were created by them, although little is mentioned of this.

“It will come as no surprise that some of the Magus Clan were supernaturals, including dreamphasers. Some of the more adventurous dreamphasers astral traveled out in the solar system, once again locating Earth. The same curiosity for knowledge was there, so they traveled there frequently to learn more of it. Unlike the ancestors; however, they saw no reason not to attempt to reach Earth in reality, as brave explorers would. It took years, but one of their greatest discoveries was a means of learned magic by which teleportation to another world was possible. Finally, they could physically travel to Earth. Unlike their other discoveries, the Magus Clan kept this knowledge strictly to themselves, using it to explore the other world and learn more about it for several years.

“When dealing with those of Earth, they were discreet, never mentioning our world to them, for they did believe that the exploration for knowledge should still be tempered with caution where appropriate. However, there were cases where some of the sorcerers spent just as much time on Earth, and even established homes there when they wished to reside there longer. Overall, their motives always stemmed from the noble quest for knowledge, and since they were suitably discreet, they saw no wrong in this. Something I happen to agree with.”

Dominick nodded. “Obviously, the ancestors concerned about Earth wouldn’t agree.”

“Exactly. That’s when the trouble began. Somehow it slipped out that the Magus Clan had not only discovered a means of teleportation to Earth, but that they’d traveled there for years, which brought immediate dissent from many of the powerful mages. Even though most were descendents of the founding ancestors, they felt it their responsibility to see to it that Chavernos remained protected from the outside influence of Earth. The last thing they wanted was to see a repetition of another heart wrenching evacuation. The mages went to speak with the Magus Clan to forbid them from continuing their explorations to Earth, adding that they needed to destroy the records of teleportation magic they’d created.

“The Magus Clan refused, protesting that those they met of Earth knew nothing of Chavernos, and they never had any intention of revealing our world to them. They saw even less need to destroy knowledge, which was kept solely on our world. The arguments persisted until finally violence broke out, and there were killings on both sides, becoming a full-fledged war. The Clan fortified their holds with magic in defense—joined by outside allies who agreed with their viewpoint—but even though they were among the most gifted sorcerers of our world, there were still more mages opposed.

“When I was a younger man, I myself was called in from Barokka to mediate between the leaders of both sides, hoping to find a peaceful resolution to stop the War. Unfortunately, the meeting was sabotaged, and the leader of the Magus Clan was killed.” His expression was regretful. “They were good people, and they didn’t deserve their Fate, but the mages wouldn’t be stopped. Those of the Clan who evaded the sword, fled to the forest, and in desperation they jumped within the Black Pool.” At Dominick’s horrified look, he nodded. “Yes. The legendary Pool of No Return.”

“A terrible time in our history,” Dominick agreed. “And certainly no good excuse for harming innocent people. They could have found another way.”

“I agree completely, but… that time is done. After the Magus Clan was wiped out, the mages set fire to the green fields of their homes, destroying everything there, including all documentation of the teleportation magic. After this desecration, the loyal allies of the Magus Clan rose up to avenge their deaths by annihilating a great many of the warring mages. Those mages that survived became pariahs, having been said to have unjustly preyed on our own people because of their delusional fear of the unknown future.

“If any good came out of the Mage War at all, the Magus Clan were exonerated as fallen heroes who fought to protect freedom among their people. Unfortunately, that’s of no consolation to the fact that their entire Clan was lost—including some of the most brilliant sorcerers of Chavernos—with only their allies to carry on their memory. In addition, of course, to the loss of their library of knowledge.”

“And there’s no one living that knows their secret of teleportation magic?”

“None that I know of,” he replied quietly. “So you see, I can’t say it’s still possible. Even if it were, the risks are far greater that you’d never even reach her world, and instead die instantly from the sudden exposure to airless space. Despite your special abilities, you’re still human enough to die out there, and I won’t be a party to such madness regarding one of my only two grandsons.”

Dominick’s expression darkened. “Then you won’t help us.”

“It’s not that I won’t by choice. The truth is, I can’t.” Chaos gave a forced laugh. “Dominick, no matter how powerful you think I am, my powers are limited to the regions of Barokka and Chavernos. I don’t have the ability to send you to Earth, nor to bring this Julianna here if you wished it. If I knew a way, which guaranteed your safety, maybe I’d see what I could do. But I’m afraid I don’t.”

There was a long silence before Dominick bit his lip with a nod. “Then I suppose there’s nothing more to be said, is there?” Another silence. “I’d best get home now. Julianna will be expecting me in a few hours, and I have to get in touch with some friends of mine so she can meet them tonight when I announce our engagement.”

Chaos reached out to clutch his arm sharply. “I don’t believe I’m hearing this. You’re still going to persist in this fool’s notion to remain engaged to that girl in reality, despite everything I’ve told you?”

“Of course I will,” he retorted. “Just because you may not have the necessary magic to bring us together, doesn’t mean I’m going to stop searching for another means. And let me assure you, I won’t rest until I do find one. If the Magus Clan could find a way, then so can I.” Seeing the chagrined look on his grandfather’s face, he continued solemnly, “As for tonight, I assume you won’t wish to be present, since you disapprove so strongly.”

Once more, an air of frustration creased Chaos’s features. “Dammit, boy, I’d move Chavernos itself if I could guarantee your happiness! Do you think I’m such a stern leader to Barokka that I don’t care about my grandchildren? Despite your rebellious attitude, and Riff’s as well, I love the both of you dearly as if you were my own sons.”

He took a deep breath. “And regardless of what I think, if you still mean to announce your engagement to this Julianna Sherborne in the dream-state—foolish as it stands—then of course I wish to be there when you do.”

A smile tugged across Dominick’s expression as the pair hugged one another. “I’m glad, Grandfather. I wouldn’t have been completely happy without your blessing.”

“Yes, you’ll have that,” sighed Chaos, patting his back once. Almost immediately, his expression changed. Stepping away, he rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Dominick stared at him curiously, just before his grandfather glanced up to the ceiling with a growing smile. “And maybe... if you and your future bride can be patient, I might be able to give you more than that.”

“What do you mean?”

“Lendric,” replied Chaos. At his grandson’s look of confusion, he snapped his fingers in a prompting manner. “Think, boy, you remember who Lendric is. The dragon sorcerer in outer Chavernos that visits on occasion?”

Lendric? Dominick mused for a moment, just before recognition lit his features. Yes, now he remembered. Although he usually saw Lendric in his elven form, the powerful sorcerer was a gold dragon, who bore a pair of emerald green eyes in either dragon or elven form.

While the dragon could alter his immense size to human/elven height when necessary—especially to fit in an average room—Dominick had seen a few occasions of Lendric at his full formidable dragon height which was even taller.

Thankfully, he was a friend!

Dominick had first seen the dragon in full-scale form when he’d been a child of seven, at the time never having seen a dragon close-up. Lendric had a soft spot for children, and although his true form tended to frighten most youngsters initially, Dominick hadn’t been frightened... merely awed. He’d even boldly asked Lendric if he could go flying with him. The dragon laughed, pleased at his early signs of fearlessness, and afterwards, he demonstrated that he could alter his form to that of an elf, surprising the boy anew.

It had been several years since Dominick had last seen Lendric in person—close to a decade in fact—but dragons with their infallible memories always maintained respect towards their friendships with humans, as Chaolyn, Roderlin, and Alysadaria had. Since like all dragons, Lendric was relatively ageless in either dragon or elven form, he might look to be Dominick’s age or a few years older; however, in reality he was many actual years older and still far from his prime.

Dragons held the record for life spans.

“I remember him,” Dominick replied finally, “but what does he have to do with my situation with Julianna?”

Silently mumbling about the need to explain everything in detail to youngsters, Chaos finally replied slowly and simply, “Lendric has demonstrated the power to travel between worlds.”

Moments later, Dominick’s energetic grin could have electrified the whole room with its enthusiasm. “By Chavernos, of course! Didn’t he once mention many years ago that he’d made a trip to another galaxy in the past?”

Chaos nodded once with a knowing smile. “That’s what I seem to recall.”

“Then Earth can’t be impossible to reach after all. Grandfather, this is just the news I’ve prayed for! Wait until Julianna hears.”

“Hold on, boy, before you rush off to celebrate this news with your betrothed, I’d advise you not to get your hopes too high. For while Lendric might be able to travel between worlds himself, there’s no guarantee that he can teleport someone with him. Only he has the answer to that, and you’d better discuss the matter with him first.”

Dominick considered this, and then nodded. “Good point,” he whispered, eyeing his grandfather seriously. “All right, I’ll just share with her what you’ve told me regarding the Mage War, since at least it proves there has been teleportation between our worlds before.”

“True enough,” agreed Chaos.

“I’ll just tell her I’m researching it further, but as soon as I talk with Lendric...”

“By all means, if all signs are positive, tell her then. But for now, maintain a little caution, Dominick, even in regard to your own optimism. I don’t want to be faced with a sudden terminal depression from you should Lendric negate the possibility.”

“I’ll keep that in mind as well,” he agreed. “Now, how do I get in touch with Lendric?”

“That... is why I asked if you wouldn’t mind being patient,” sighed Chaos. “You see, when I last contacted him six months ago, he said he had pressing business elsewhere on Chavernos, and since he practically lives for traveling, he might not have returned yet.”

“But if it’s been that long, he should be back.”

Chaos shrugged once. “Maybe, but I know him too well to count on it.” Upon seeing the sudden disappointment on his grandson’s face, Chaos gripped his shoulder tightly. “Now don’t lose heart, boy. If he isn’t there, he’ll return sooner or later. I’ll send word for your mother, so she can take you there. It’s too bad her teleportation magic only has limited range, or maybe she could have solved this problem for you.”

“I considered that, which is why I didn’t ask,” replied Dominick. “But if she can get us to Lendric’s, that will be help enough.”

“Agreed. Just tell him all you’ve told me.”

“I will,” sighed Dominick. “I just hope he can help us.”

“Since he is one of Chavernos’s greatest sorcerers, he presents as good a chance as anyone else,” Chaos suggested chipperly. “In the meantime, you may as well take advantage of your time together, since it could still be awhile before you can be brought to the same world.” For a moment, his smile lingered, before abruptly dimming with new realization. “Which brings up an interesting point. Just which world will you both live on if you’re brought together successfully?”

Dominick paused, unsure of the answer himself. “I’d have to discuss the matter with Julianna,” he replied. “If it was up to me, I’d like to bring her to Chavernos to live on the island, since I could certainly give her a beautiful home here. She’s often mentioned her love of the ocean, so I know she’d be happy with a house overlooking it.”

“Excellent,” Chaos replied quickly. “I’ll see to it that you have the best. Perhaps a small castle reminiscent of the one you share in the dream-state.”

“But...” Dominick interrupted softly, “Julianna may not want to be so uprooted from her homeworld. And if that’s the case, I’m just as willing to remain with her on Earth, to try to adjust to life there instead.”

“What?” exclaimed Chaos, sudden anger nearly choking out his words. “And leave Chavernos forever?” This was one aspect he hadn’t considered—before mentioning Lendric—and it pained him to realize that if his grandson left, it was partially his fault, though done with the best of intentions. “Dominick, you’re one of my succeeding heirs. I can’t simply condone your leaving forever.”

“Riff’s still here. He’ll do well enough without me, if need be.”

Chaos counted to ten to keep calm, and then decided a hundred might be necessary instead.

Inwardly, he knew Dominick’s words were true. Riff was a highly strong-willed and confident man who would certainly handle Barokka with all the authority Chaos had. In many ways, Chaos always felt that Riff was more like him than his father, and it both pleased him... and annoyed him sometimes. But Dominick...

Dominick was different. He had the strong will and the confidence, but even more, he had a strong sense of integrity and a compassionate nature, as well as a most loving heart. No doubt a trait he’d picked up from his late grandmother whom Chaos missed so much.

His dear Ylana... he reflected, who had often been regarded as a soft-spoken, clever and understanding mediator in troubled times. If for no other reason, it was because Dominick seemed so much like Ylana sometimes that Chaos had taken such a liking to the boy. Although he was surely fond of Riff too, that fondness was different. Only his innermost thoughts knew this, for over the years, he’d made sure to give both boys an equal share of his attention, so neither felt slighted.

It was Dominick he tended to worry about the most, when all was said and done. Loving hearts could so easily be crushed by the cruelly thoughtless individuals who thought they controlled the others who revolved about them, and his grandson’s own heart was no exception.

Upon hearing of Riff’s occasional pranks in hurting his younger brother via his shenanigans in the dream-state, especially in regard to seducing the women Dominick knew, Chaos couldn’t help but feel some distaste for his elder grandson. Although Chaos knew his own reputation hadn’t been spotless over the years, Dominick shouldn’t be made to suffer for Riff’s antics.

It was due to Julianna’s adamant refusals to Riff’s persistent attitude that Chaos found himself both glad that Riff had been taken down a peg, and even more pleased that the girl had her own strong share of morals. If she was to be as loyal to Dominick as she’d been recently, then Chaos had no qualms about welcoming the girl into the family as his new granddaughter. And reading between the lines, if Dominick and Julianna got along as well in reality as they did in the dream-state, he might just see several great-grandchildren over the next several years.

That is, unless those great-grandchildren were to be kept from him, along with their parents, due to the painfully real light-years of separation.

“Even with your brother to take over one day, since your father has adamantly refused,” he began, “I think it’s in Barokka’s best interests if you take your place beside Riff.”

That much was certainly true, Chaos thought inwardly. Especially since Riff would need Dominick’s more levelheaded nature, if Barokka was to continue to run smoothly, he mused to himself. Granted, Dominick sometimes had one hell of a temper, but his heart usually ruled well above it, and Chaos knew he’d treat Barokka and its inhabitants with fairness and devotion.

“As I’ve said, I’m hoping she’ll agree to live here, but that’s premature to worry about until I can get in touch with Lendric,” replied Dominick. “Then, we’ll see what happens.” At his grandfather’s silence, a brief worry sobered his expression. “In any case, you wouldn’t try anything underhanded to keep me here, would you?”

“I’d do anything I could to keep both of my grandsons here,” he said firmly. Upon catching sight of the suspicion in Dominick’s eyes, he quickly amended, “But... if your happiness is only to be found with this girl, and if you insist on living out your lives on her world, I suppose I have little chance of standing in your way, do I?”

Dominick smiled gratefully, earning a sudden gruffness from the elder man. Blazes! Chaos thought inwardly. There were times when children—or grandchildren—could be so stubborn in facing facts! A truth which he’d need to remedy sooner than later, before he ended up losing one grandson to another world forever.

A fact that he wasn’t going to give into lightly, although he knew better than to tell Dominick this.

“Now then,” he said solemnly, “before I’ll be willing to even consider sending my grandson off—Chavernos knows where—in the galaxy, I’d appreciate meeting my future granddaughter tonight, when you announce your engagement.” A sly smile stole across his face. “That is, if you can spare some time away from your dream castle.”

“Of course we can,” Dominick laughed. “Tonight seems as good a time as any to introduce you both, and I’m sure you’ll like her.”

“Yes,” Chaos agreed softly. “If you truly love one another, and she’s responsible for the happiness in your eyes, then I’m certain I will too.”

Even though your relationship will have to end, if Barokka’s to guarantee holding onto one of its two future leaders, his silent thoughts added grimly.

Inescapable truth came no easier to elders sometimes.

*****

As Zantarl tabulated the check for the young woman who stood at the counter, she eyed him with a catlike smile. She knew without looking behind her that the outfit she’d chosen, combined with her body’s perfect curves, had the attention of every male—human or otherwise—in Lost Limbo.

Brushing back a long strand of her golden blonde hair, she placed her braceleted hand on her hip, leaning her other arm on the counter. Her violet-blue eyes, sometimes mistaken for those of certain dragons—although she definitely wasn’t one herself—were as apt at charming men as her hauntingly melodic voice. A voice which granted her the powerful ability of enchantment, and whose siren-like call had dubbed her the name of Sireni.

“The next time you come to Lost Limbo,” growled Zantarl, “try wearing a skirt with actual material, lest you leave the male customers here nearly catatonic again!”

“Zantarl,” she purred, “would I do that purposefully?”

The elder man smiled at her brightly, just before it dimmed to an icy glare. “You always do.”

Sireni laughed off his words, waltzing out of Lost Limbo, humming as she went. A most clever tune, thought Zantarl, as three good-looking men went trailing after her. It was a good thing he was strong-willed and immune to her ability. Elsewise, if he’d been a bit younger... the thought nearly made him pour a drink of his own.

Strange, since Zantarl couldn’t stand alcohol himself.

Upon reaching her home, Sireni turned an innocent expression on the sole remaining man standing beside her, having already sent the others away by releasing her charm on them. “Don’t you think you should be off with your friends?” she inquired.

The man merely grinned, placing his hands possessively about her waist. “They can find their own way home,” he murmured, bending his face closer to hers.

She blushed becomingly, although by no means innocent anymore—having mastered the fine art of bewitching men with her ability—touching a finger gently upon his neck to feel his pulse quicken. She could sense through her powers that this one would be a more than willing temporary companion for the day, and since she was equally willing, at least it would ease the boredom until tomorrow.

“Yes,” she laughed merrily, brushing her lips against his. “I suppose they can.”

Intoxicated by her magic and her undeniable physical appeal, his hold strengthened on her until she was pressed tightly against him, not caring who might be walking by to notice. Nor did Sireni have any discretion either, which was why neither noticed a certain dark-haired man approach them, clapping slowly.

“A stunning performance, Sireni,” remarked Dual, prompting her to whip her gaze towards him with surprise. The surprise soon faded into her familiar catlike smile though, ignoring the bewildered man who still held her. Dual grinned knowingly, gesturing his arms wide. “Did you miss me, my jewel?” he asked.

“Always,” she replied, pushing free of the other man to rush into his arms. Not that the chagrined man was willing to leave so easily.

“Hey!” he snarled, striding over to break her apart from Dual again. Gripping her shoulders so she faced him, his eyes were dark. “Who is this guy you apparently know so well?” he demanded.

A sharp lancing pain in his wrist, caused by pressure from Dual, freed his hold on her. “Someone who’s known her for a lot longer than you, and won’t allow your kind to interfere. Now be on your way, or you’ll find your worst nightmares become so unsettling, you’ll have white hair when you awake.” His hold on the man’s wrist tightened much more painfully. “Unless you wish a sample now of what I can do to distractions such as you.”

Boring his murderous gaze into the other man’s eyes threateningly, Dual’s words hit home, effectively breaking the charm and sending him off without a backwards glance at Sireni. Looking after him with a shrug, she turned back to Dual, wrapping her arms about his neck.

“That one wasn’t as strong as some of the rest,” she sighed, smiling up at him seductively. “But then, you always were a tough man to find an equal to.” She kissed him quickly, but as she tried to pull away, he refused to release her, his kisses bruising as he backed her against her door.

As his hands roamed lower, she moaned against him, moments before he tore his mouth away, glaring at her. Breathing heavily, Sireni eyed him with slight confusion. “When are you going to get it through your head that you’re mine,” he hissed, gripping her shoulders. “Must I kill these unfortunate suitors of yours whom you insist on luring into your spider’s web, before you stop your endless games?”

Her eyes narrowed. “If you wouldn’t leave so often, no doubt to find your own endless rank of paramours, maybe I wouldn’t need these mindless fools!” she replied in kind. “Why I bother with you at all, I have no idea, since all you ever do is...”

Dual cut off her words with another forceful kiss, breaking down her attempted resistance to his advances. Pulling her leg around his, his hand skimmed upward, a deviant knowing look in his eyes at her responding shiver.

“Because, my jewel, you know I’m the only one who can give you what you want, both in reality and the dream-state,” he whispered against her ear, lifting her into his arms before she could protest. “Maybe you need a reminder of this,” he added, kissing her again as he brought her inside the house. For her part, Sireni needed no further convincing, kicking the door shut lightly with her foot.

*****

An hour later, Sireni stretched contentedly beneath her bed covers, eyeing Dual as he stood gazing out her window, leaning one arm against the wall.

They were a well-matched pair, she knew, neither one seeking marriage or commitment, but holding a bond between them that no outside paramours could sever. Both shared the same dreamphasing ability, often meeting in the dream-state, even when they were separated by distance across Chavernos. Not to mention, both reveled in creating havoc wherever they went.

Running one finger lightly atop the blanket as she shifted to one side, Sireni leaned on her elbow and smiled knowingly. Despite Dual’s constant arguments over what she did in his absence, it was never enough for him to deny the passion they could only find with each other. She might not be using her magic on him, but he was as caught as the others were—perhaps even more—nonetheless.

Just the way she liked things.

“Still so angry, you don’t want to come back to bed?” she asked.

He turned to her with a knowing smile. “You know anger’s never a deterrent between us where that’s concerned,” he replied softly. “No, I was merely thinking how to handle another current problem, regarding a certain old adversary of mine.”

Sireni gave a bored sigh, leaning back against the pillows again. “I won’t ask which one that is. Dual, you really should end this vendetta of yours against Dominick. You always end up at an impasse, and if the pendulum swings any one way, it’s on his side.”

“Ah,” he laughed, waving one finger at her. “But not this time. Not when I have his friend Alarius held hostage.” Sireni bolted upright, knowing instantly where this was coming from.

“Since you mention Alarius, did you get the treasures?” she asked breathlessly.

“As monetary as ever,” he replied with a low laugh, walking over to stroke her cheek. As she shrugged his hand aside, impatient for him to continue, he obliged lightly. “Unfortunately, Alarius attempted to find the treasures first, and disappeared with the map.”

Sireni’s eyes darkened as she hit him once on the chest. “You idiot!” she yelled. “How could you let that inferior half-elf get the upper hand over us?”

Grabbing her wrist, Dual tightened his grip to silence her. “You didn’t let me finish, my clever viper,” he hissed, immediately regaining his earlier nonchalance. “Quell and I prevented his complete escape, obtaining both the map and the treasures from him. Half of which we’ve brought back with us already.” He gave a short laugh. “Ironically enough, we’re storing them in the same place that we’re keeping poor Alarius, fool that he was to interfere.”

She sighed at the last. “Why bother with him?” she asked with annoyance. “If you have the treasures, let him return to his family and be done with it. After all, if Chaos finds out he’s missing, you’ll be at the top of his list of suspects.”

“I know,” he replied offishly. “I adore living on the edge, despite that pitiful excuse for a ruler.”

“A ruler who could use his powers to destroy you, if he chose,” she reminded him. “You certainly didn’t choose very wisely to become an enemy of his grandson.”

“Ah,” he said, touching her chin lightly. “But then one cannot choose whom one hates... or loves, now can one?”

Sireni cast her head back with a forced laugh. “Love!” she replied derisively. “I know better than to believe that emotion exists between us, so don’t hint otherwise. But do tell me what Dominick’s done this time to incur your wrath.”

“He was the one who gave the map to that simpleton,” hissed Dual, “and the one who stole it from the castle ruins to begin with.” Sireni groaned in frustration. “Before you consider the matter so trivial, remember that the self-same map was responsible for bringing in your portion of the treasures.”

That did put things in a different light, she thought.

“So what do you intend to do with Dominick this time? Send another death battalion after him in his dreams?”

“Interesting notion, but no. Not this time.” Dual’s smile became a dark grin. “He’s gotten off too easy in the past. This time, I intend to seek out a vulnerable weakness in him, and then strike hard where it hurts him most. After that, I imagine he’ll think twice before interfering with my plans anymore.” Reclining leisurely against the headboard, he reached out one hand to cup Sireni’s cheek. “Tell me, my fair-haired vixen, do you know of anything I might be able to use against this eternal enemy of mine?”

“Funny you should mention that,” she said, smoothing her hair back. “When I was over at Lost Limbo today, I learned that there are rumors among the dreamphasers that Dominick’s sending out invitations to his friends to appear for a gathering tonight for some reason.”

Dual warded this off with one hand. “I’m sure it’s nothing important,” he replied. “That bunch always seem to pack together like drow-beasts.”

“Hmmm, maybe, but let me tell you the rest. Since further rumors have declared Dominick absent in meetings with his friends over the past few weeks, it’s been assumed that there’s something going on, leaving everyone curious to find out what. Naturally, those who’ve overheard the communicated invitations have told others, so nearly all the other dreamphasers also plan to appear at the scheduled location in the dream-state.”

His easy smile faded into a dark expression. “That does sound a bit peculiar,” he decided in a low voice. “And perhaps worth looking into.”

“Does that mean you’re intending to be there without his knowing?” she inquired.

“Perhaps. At least until I find out what’s going on.” Twining a strand of her blonde hair about his fingers, he pulled her closer with a suggestive grin. “But that won’t be until later,” he whispered, kissing her quickly. “Until then, let me demonstrate my appreciation for your helpful information.”

Sireni merely smiled in pleased responsiveness.

*****

Julianna hadn’t been able to concentrate on anything today, so it was only by some miracle that her work got accomplished, partially due to some helpful assistance by her concerned friend. When Marybeth asked if she was well, she’d said she was. Yet inwardly, she couldn’t deny the mixed emotions plaguing her.

She was engaged to marry the man she loved, who treated her with more love, respect, understanding, and devoted affection than she’d known with anyone else.

An engagement to be announced solely in a dream tonight.

And alas, the possible prospect of only being allowed a few hours a night with Dominick for the rest of her life couldn’t help but sadden her. Rather like Cupid and Psyche, except those two both existed on the same world, and at least they could ultimately be married.

Although she wouldn’t burden Dominick with her other concern, she was also truly saddened by the knowledge that they couldn’t have children unless they reached each other. Watching Sammy playing now, she sighed with regret. She would have loved to have a child with Dominick someday.

But who knew? Maybe one day it would be possible.

She’d already decided that she’d rather be happy with Dominick for the allotted time they had, than be subjected to a life of unhappiness without him. For she knew that she could never love another similarly, nor could she see sacrificing so much as she was willing to for Dominick.

Right now, what bothered her most was that she couldn’t tell anyone of her engagement, lest they think she’d lost her mind entirely. Hell, it wouldn’t be hard for her to believe so either, if not for Dominick’s recurring appearances every night... and if of course, she didn’t love him so much.

Now home, sitting on the sofa, she absently touched up the sketch she’d been drawing of him, which she’d been working on for an hour. She hoped her minor art talent combined with her vivid memories could do her future husband justice. It would seem so, because once she held back the picture to appraise it, she felt a wave of immediate longing. This might well be the only way she’d ever see him in reality, and it pained her terribly.

She wasn’t even aware of the tears in her eyes, until she felt Sammy’s little hand patting hers gently. “Aunt Julie, why are you crying?” he asked, his eyes filled with curiosity. She had to smile in spite of herself. Young as he was, there was little her precious five-year-old nephew missed.

“I’m all right, sweetheart,” she told him, brushing the tears away. “Just a bit of dust, that’s all.”

“You look sad,” the boy persisted.

Maintaining her smile, she brushed a loose strand back from the boy’s forehead and nodded. “Yes, I am a bit sad, Sammy,” she replied softly. That was all her adoring nephew needed to hear. He instantly jumped on the sofa, hugging his arms around her and gazing up expectantly for a reason, just before he noticed her drawing of Dominick.

“Who’s that, Aunt Julie?” he asked.

Julianna was about to disclaim its being anyone in particular, but just the notion renewed tears in her eyes. Without much thought, she whispered, “Someone I care about very much.”

“But who is he?” She looked down at her nephew with fond sadness, knowing she couldn’t tell him the truth either.

But then again, she also knew that children often had an odd capacity for understanding and believing in what adults didn’t. Surely it wouldn’t be wrong to mention Dominick lightly, as he himself had inquired about Sammy.

“He’s a dear friend of mine,” she began. “His name is Dominick, and he lives far away from here.”

“In another state?”

If only it was that simple.

“Well... not exactly.” With a smile of conspiracy, she lowered her voice. “If I tell you where he’s really from, you’d have to promise to keep it to ourselves.”

“You mean, like a secret?”

“Exactly. Promise you won’t tell anyone else?” He nodded vigorously, a smile lighting his features too, as it seemed like a fun game, and he sensed one of Julianna’s creative stories about to begin. “Dominick comes from...” She cast a furtive glance in both directions to seem more dramatic, and lowered her voice. “Another world, Sammy!” At his intake of breath, she had to stifle a laugh as she nodded.

“You mean like Mars?”

“Well, not Mars. He comes from a hidden planet on the other side of the sun known as Chavernos.”

“Ka-ven-us,” he replied, testing the syllables.

“More like Kah-vern-ohs,” she corrected gently. The next time he said it, he’d recited it properly, earning a grin of admiration from his aunt at his quick learning ability.

“If he’s so far away, how’d you meet him?”

“Ah...” Julianna said dramatically. “Through a special magic power he has.”

The boy’s eyes brightened like stars as she told him how Dominick had appeared to her in her dreams every night—carefully omitting, of course, the romantic aspects of their nightly meetings, since those things certainly weren’t meant for a child’s ears!

Sammy didn’t seem to mind, fascinated by Dominick’s rescuing his aunt from some bad guys, involving their daring escape from the space ship. Julianna altered its ending slightly, since it hadn’t been very pleasant at the time.

From her words, Sammy mentioned wishing that he could have been there to see a real spaceship, and that he would have helped Dominick protect her. She nearly laughed, but instead told him quite solemnly that she knew the bad guys wouldn’t have stood a chance against the two bravest men in her life, earning a smile of pride from her nephew.

Unknown to both, Vicki was standing just outside the doorway, listening in to this rather strange tale of Julianna’s. If nothing else, she’d admit her sister certainly had one hell of an imagination! Having arrived in time to overhear most of the tale, she’d carefully avoided the pair’s notice, but had to force down laughter several times. It was after secretly eavesdropping for nearly ten minutes that Crystal came up behind her, startling her slightly.

“What are you doing?” she asked, earning a quick shushing from Vicki. “Why are we whispering?” she continued in a softer voice.

“Julianna’s regaling Sammy with another story,” replied Vicki, giving a short laugh. “This one’s about her meeting a man in her dreams every night, who’s supposedly from another world. Really, Crystal, I don’t know where she comes up with her far-fetched stories. The way she’s talking now, I’d think she’s beginning to believe her own words.”

Crystal gave a soft smile of amusement at that. Knowing she had other things to attend to, she was about to walk away. But... since Julianna’s story seemed to have piqued even Vicki’s curiosity, she couldn’t resist listening in for a few moments herself. Without another word, both pressed closer, although still undetectable by the pair in the room.

By the time Julianna had finished, Sammy asked when he could see Dominick in person, wanting to meet this man who sounded like a hero from the adventure movies he’d seen.

“I’m afraid that’s why I’m unhappy, Sammy,” she confided. “You see, last night Dominick asked me to marry him, and I said yes, but...”

“Really?” the boy interrupted eagerly. Outside the door, Crystal and Vicki exchanged worried glances. Julianna was carrying this fictitious story a bit far, wasn’t she? “Will he come live with us too, and be my uncle like Aunt Vicki’s friend Luke?”

“I suppose he will be your uncle someday,” she agreed. “But I’m afraid Dominick and I can’t be married—at least not yet—until he can find a way to travel from his world to ours.”

“Not yet?” gasped Vicki. “What’s she talking...?”

Quickly clapping a hand across her mouth to silence her, Crystal pulled her aside and then called out loudly, “Julie, are you home?”

Flustered, Julianna held a finger up to shush Sammy, reiterating the need for secrecy. The boy promised to keep quiet about all she’d told him, and then innocently went back to his earlier game.

“Sammy and I are in here,” she replied finally.

Moments later, Crystal and Vicki strode in, the former giving her younger sister a bright smile.

“Hello, you two,” she said cheerfully. “Been keeping busy I see.” Casting a shrewd eye to the sketch in Julianna’s hands, Crystal gave it an approving nod, even as she silently tried to identify the man in the drawing. No, he didn’t look familiar, and he certainly wasn’t Roger. Was it someone she’d just met, perhaps at work, that she simply didn’t want to mention yet?

Before she could comment, Vicki jumped in. “Cute guy,” she said, trying to hide her amusement with minimal success. “Who is he?”

“You mean from this?” murmured Julianna, touching the sketch lightly. “Oh, it’s just a drawing.”

“Hmmm. Anyone you’ve met recently?” she drawled.

Julianna shook her head, unsure where this was heading. “I told you...”

“It’s a picture of Uncle Dominick,” Sammy supplied with a grin. At Julianna’s sudden look of dismay, he clasped his hands over his mouth, his eyes apologetically wide.

“Uncle Dominick?” Vicki asked with deliberate slowness, a laugh breaking through. “What happened, Julie? Anything we should know about? Did you get married behind our backs without telling us?”

Instantly, Julianna felt her face color—Vicki’s questions adding to her curious suspicions as to what she and Crystal might have overheard—but she was unable to say anything on the matter as Jerry appeared in the hallway.

“What is this?” he chuckled with a grin. “A family meeting?”

“You might say that,” laughed Vicki. “Or better make that a soon-to-be-family meeting.” A piercing shush from Crystal cut her off, just before she turned to smile at her husband.

“I think it’s about time for you to put a certain young man to bed,” she decided, gesturing towards Sammy. Sighing once, but compliant under the circumstances, the boy gave his mother a quick hug, and then Vicki. When he reached Julianna, he still seemed to feel a bit guilty, shifting his feet and at a loss for words.

Seeing this, Julianna brightened reassuringly and patted his shoulder. The last thing she’d do was to let her caring nephew blame himself for something that she’d indirectly brought on herself.

“Don’t worry about it, Sammy,” she whispered. “We’re all human, and everyone has a slip of the tongue now and then. Now wipe that frown off your face and come here.” As she opened her arms to him, Sammy gave her a tight hug and she reciprocated, smiling against him warmly.

“I hope Uncle Dominick comes here soon,” he said quietly, so as not to be heard by the rest.

“So do I, Sammy,” she replied, patting his back and allowing Jerry to scoop him up for a piggy-back ride out of the room. As the pair retreated upstairs, Julianna noticed the equally puzzled stares of her sisters and grimaced. “Shall the inquisition begin?” she asked.

“Inquisition?” laughed Crystal. “My, what you must think of us. We’re just curious what Sammy meant when he called the man in your drawing ‘Uncle’. After all, he doesn’t usually drop such titles accidentally.”

“Yes, well... there’s always a first time.”

At the evidently flustered way she’d spoken, Crystal sat down beside her sister and rested a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Julie, I’m not going to lie to you. We overheard your story, and we’re worried about you.”

“Worried that you’re losing your mind is more like it,” laughed Vicki. “When you throw yourself into that wild imagination of yours, you don’t miss a trick. A future husband from another planet? Julie, if you’re that desperate for a man, you really should try to find someone real, rather than a fictitious dream guy.”

During her short speech, she completely missed the way Julianna’s face drained of color while her hands clenched tightly, but Crystal didn’t, her eyes narrowing. “All right, Vicki!” she snapped, quieting her again. “You’ve made your point. Now why don’t you head back to the kitchen and find something to stuff in that big mouth of yours?”

“As you wish, your highness,” sneered Vicki, casting a last glance to Julianna before exiting amidst more laughter.

Sighing once, Crystal turned back to her. “She didn’t mean anything by that,” she said quietly. “But to be honest, Julie, that story wasn’t your typical bedtime tale.”

It isn’t a tale at all! Julianna nearly shouted, feeling even more miserable at the incredible joke that Fate had played upon her. She’d finally found the man of her dreams—literally—and he existed a million miles away. Much more, in fact, since it was nearly a hundred million miles to the sun alone, and his world was twice as far. So even if he was truly in this galaxy, she still had no proof to offer anyone.

“I assure you I’m fine,” she replied finally. “I was daydreaming, and it just came out as a story.”

“Is that really all there is to it?” asked Crystal.

Forcing a smile, Julianna gave her exactly the response she wanted. “Of course that’s all,” she replied, through an equally forced laugh. “The next thing you’ll be asking is whether or not dragons are real.” Maybe so in actuality, if Dominick’s words about them were true. “Dominick’s just a man from my dreams, that’s all,” she continued, feeling tears well up in her eyes. Before Crystal could notice them, Julianna stood quickly to head for the staircase. “Look, if you’ll excuse me, all this amusement has tired me out for one evening.”

As she turned to leave, she was halted by Crystal’s hand clasping her arm. “Despite what you say, I know something more is bothering you about all this,” she replied. “And while I can’t force you to tell me what, just remember I’m ready to listen if you change your mind.”

For a moment, Julianna just stared at her elder sister. She always was the open-minded one in the family. Maybe if... “Crystal, I...” No, she decided. Not even Crystal could be that open-minded.

Sensing her closing herself off, Crystal pressed on coaxingly, “What is it, Julie? You can tell me.”

Julianna shook her head abruptly. “It’s nothing,” she insisted. “I just wanted to say good night, that’s all.” Quickly ascending the stairs, she was unaware of her sister staring after her skeptically.

As unusual as her story was, one underlying truth remained in Crystal’s mind. There was something her younger sister wasn’t telling her, and sooner or later, she intended to find out what it was.