On the Evil Scale: Keeper of La Tecla (The Key) Book Two

Days it’s been since Matrx bombarded the safe house, but yet for some reason, their searches managed to come up empty handed. As the General paced the grand throne room where Drakuul sat in the large, elaborate gold throne, he listened as the Immortal ranted loudly with impatience.

“How is it possible that you found nothing?!” Drakuul argued as he stood, descending the small steps that led away from the throne.

“We found enough, but yet…that tricky bastard so it seemed, was at least a few steps ahead and had things put in place that would protect his secrets from any interference.” Matrx groaned, placing his hands on his hips, “But we found some names in Darby’s phone, I’m having the Enforcers looking for them.”

“Darby?!” Drakuul wondered.

“Yes, Dar…” Matrx huffed, “nevermind, I told you this already.” he turned, ready to leave the room, then paused, adding just a few words over his shoulder, “Perhaps maybe if you spent more of your timeout there, instead of locking yourself in here, you could help?”

“I have more important things to do.”

“Ah, yes…” the General nodded mockingly, “right, sure you do.”

Drakuul sneered, watching as the Frenchman swept out of the room.

Things progressed smoothly with minor outbursts from Lycynians at no surprise, but even then, they began growing accustomed to all of the changes taking place. Leonus kept his distance, working alongside Leonard int eh blacksmith’s shop, forging and melding new weapons, or crafting metal armor. Despite what he was, and he presented, the Scotsman was a very talented craftsman, Nathan too, pounded the large hammer on the anvils.

The leather makers too, had been busy cutting, shaping and lining all of the metal armor, where warriors, including Sarah and I, alongside female Lycynians that are, or were, rougher around the edges, stood in line outside for fittings, making sure the armor stitched or buckled properly, as well as lined with chain mail and decorated with studded buttons.

Since war inevitably approached for the first time since Marxus’ first war with the Immortal Necromancer, I found that the island had its own personal armory located beneath the garage where there were walls of swords, spears, axes, and maces, shields, bows and arrows, as well as other bladed weapons. Each piece looked as if they had been freshly forged as their blades glistened off the dim lighting from dull light bulbs that followed the length of the ceiling.

“And no one thought of telling me about this before?” I admired all of the weapons that were categorized among their forge and purpose.

“Well, this was something Marxus didn’t tell anyone about. I am the only one that knows about it…” Leonard revealed as he stood close by, “aside from the Guardians of course, it wasn’t until one day when one of the Wraiths patrolling this place that they found it.” his steps slowly shuffled toward one of the walls, removing a sword from its places, “Once I revealed my trade, he asked me to add more weapons here, so you will see a lot have my mark, and guess what?” he placed the sword back in its place.

“What?” I turned to him.

“I don’t think Leonus knows about this.” Leonard grinned.

“Ah, well…thank god for that.” I fretted.

“Exactly.” Leonard muttered, “That’s why some of the mortals here, make sure the door above remains hidden with tires and such, so its existence isn’t discovered and so far, so good.” he shrugged, “Now, I think we should leave.” he turned, “Come on, love…” he gestured at the stairs behind him.

“Thank you for showing me this, Leonard.” I appreciated. Once we stood above ground, I watched as he closed the door, covering it with a tarp, then rolling old tired atop, “I have a question, since you and I are alone for a moment.” I wondered.

“Yes?” he looked at her as they strolled through the garage shop.

“You and my mother, what’s going on there?” I pestered.

“Pardon?” he paused.

“Do I really need to repeat the question?” I turned, folding my arms, “I want to know what’s going on between you and my mother, of it there’s anything going on period.”

“Your mum is a wise woman, and I enjoy her company. To say that I don’t, well that would be a lie. She and I do talk yes, but about you and Sarah, sometimes Nathan, but that’s about it.” Leonard softly reassured her, stepping toward her, “She’s still a beautiful woman yes, but I respect her above else. After all, she’s managed to raise quite the fine young woman such as yourself.”

Studying him, I squinted.

“Mm, well…” I looked away, “thank you.” I appreciated his honesty for my mother had told me the same thing, give or take, a few words were changed, “All right, let’s get out of here. The smell of oil and grease is making me nauseous.”

“Nauseous?” Leonard worried, then wondered, “Just oil and grease?”

“Yes…” I snapped, then realized his assumptions, “and no, do not even think about it, the answer is no and I know for a fact that it’s a no, not that it’s any of your business.” I ended the topic of possibly being pregnant long before he had the chance to mutter the words, “Now, please…get back to the shop.” I nodded, then turned, venturing toward the training yard, I wanted to be anywhere else but in that conversation. Approaching the boundaries of the area, I stood and watched as many warriors trained extensively, getting themselves into shape and frame of mind. Entering the yard, I accepted all of the offers from some, teaching me new things that I hadn’t learned from Shung-Lee.

All of the purebloods and half-breeds gathered among themselves, practicing new spells that they read from books in library and ones that Wyatt willing shared within reason, from the pages of the books that I had gifted to him at Christmas. I had given the Demons, any level, permission to practice magics that Marxus had banned. I joined them at times, and what a relief it was being among my own kin, and without judgement. I asked if the purebloods and half-breeds could teach me things that I didn’t know, within reason, and glancing at the large mass, there were women present but keeping things respectful, I had asked that the women, and some of the older gentlemen that are Demons and half-breeds, to protect the families and mortals that I had planned to hide during the war. Receiving no objection, I felt at ease knowing I had their trust.

Erik, after training with his father, stood to the side, drinking water, watching as she and his father moved together in a magnificent sight as they practiced a series of martial arts techniques that were more to relax. Looking away, he leaned against the railing, quickly combing a few strands of bangs off his forehead.

Taking a break, thanking Hiromi, I walked over, sitting beneath one of the large trees in the shade, continuing to watch everyone train. I wasn’t surprised by Sarah’s precise skills as she stood among quite a few other archers, aiming their bows and stringing their arrows. She was possibly the best on the island, never missing her target and as she turned, looking as if she danced in fancy twirls, her aim was true, something the other archers couldn’t replicate for each warrior had their own technique or special move.

Once releasing her last practice arrow, Sarah lowered the bow. As she looked around the yard, watching as Jonathan nearby threw dagger-after-dagger with such swiftness and precision, she couldn’t even see the blades flying through the air until they plunged deeply at their targets on the dummies. Biting her lip, wanting to talk to him, she had thought better of it, excusing herself from the other archers. She returned the quiver and bow to the cabinet, then grabbed one of the bottles of water nearby on a table, then scampered toward across the yard, toward the tree where Yzavela sat with Zanzabarr and Abraxas.

“Hey…” she smiled, “you’re done training?”

“For now.” I said softly with a smile.

“Can I…sit with you?” she gestured at the ground.

“Don’t need my permission.” I gestured.

“Right.” she grinned, slowly sitting next to her away from the dragon, “Listen, can we talk?” she fiddled with the cap of the bottle.

“About?” I wondered.

“Jonathan.” she rasped.

Sighing regrettably, I knew where this was going.

“If this is about what happened between the two of you, I don’t want to know about it.” I argued, interrupting her bluntly, “I am not going to get involved, not this time, not that I ever was in the first place.”

“No, I know you don’t, and I’m sorry if maybe you felt that way. It’s just…” she whimpered softly, looking around, “I wanted to say that I appreciate you being there for him, that’s all.”

“That’s all?” I groaned, turning to her, “I wouldn’t have to be there for him if only you hadn’t pushed him away to be with someone else.” I stared into her blue eyes, “And before you even dare tell me that it’s not my business, it is because he’s my friend and I don’t want to see him going through this drama, not after what happened to Lucy.” I kept my tone blunt and soft so others nearby wouldn’t hear, “I really don’t know why you’ve done this to him, he doesn’t deserve so just a word of advice Sarah, because you know, I would like to think that you and I are friends despite everything, either you quit f*cking your brother, or you lose everything and everyone.” I watched as her eyes grew wide, while her hands held onto the charm hanging around her neck, “And while that charm might block the Demons and yes, the other half-breeds from reading your thoughts, it doesn’t keep me out.” I squinted, “Remember what I said Sarah, or it’s all going to come around and bite you so hard in the a** your head is going to spin. Now…” I slowly stood, “you did good out there, you’re a very-very talented archer and I’m glad that you’ll be fighting with us, but do me a favor?” I knelt alongside her, “don’t ever put me in the middle of you, your brother and Jonathan again because next time I won’t be so respectful.” I warned bluntly, “Again, great job out there.”

“Th-thank you.” she gulped, and that was all she had to say for she couldn’t think of anything to say to Yzavela’s warning. Watching as she walked away with her wolf and dragon, she closed her eyes then leaned against the tree before glancing toward the yard, watching as Jonathan continued throwing his daggers in various dramatic kneels or jumps, also never missing his target. However, as a smile grew on her face watching the Australian, it faded when she laid eyes on her brother sparring with one of the other Lycynians, expressing his own fierce skills and techniques with the sword.

Retreating to the study, I handled further business and paperwork of orders that awaited my signature. Feeling a headache coming on, I removed my glasses laying them on the papers then realized that in all of these preparations, I should contact Nikolaas and Steven filling them in on what’s been taking place, if they hadn’t found out already. Reaching into the right drawer retrieving a pen and paper, I began to write out a letter then paused, realizing that calling would saved the time spent of a Raven flying that long distance. Knowing that they probably didn’t have the updated future technology and gadgets, I glanced at the older phone on the desk alongside the PC, then dialed the number. Listening to the beeps, counting them, I waited for just a few minutes until Steven answered the call.

“Ah, hello again love, what can I help you with?” he spoke, “Do not tell me it’s another blood shortage.”

“No, no…my Wraiths are fed, thank you.” I answered softly, “This isn’t a social call, I’m afraid and it’s important. If Nikolaas is there, I think both of you should hear this.”

“Um…of course, one moment. Roberto, tend to the bar.”

Listening to static, I tapped my fingers on the desk, waiting.

Steven turned away from the Puerto Rican, veering around the bar. As he sped up the narrow stairs, he stood outside Nikolaas’ office. He knocked, then waited, hearing as feet shuffled toward the door before it opened.

“Yes?” the Hungarian snapped with a sense of agitation.

“Yzavela is on the phone, she wants to speak with us and says that it’s important.” Steven moaned bluntly, “Now, actually.”

“Did she say why?” Nikolaas stepped aside.

“No.” Steven entered the office.

“All right, I’ll take the call the here.” Nikolaas affirmed then strolled toward the desk, “Before I take it, get Roberto up here, hmm?”

Steven nodded, then sped out of the room and down the stairs, and as he peeked around the corner, he startled the Latino who had just placed a box of new bottles on the counter.

“Nikolaas wants up here.” the Wraith hissed.

“What for?” Roberto wondered, “If someone’s dead, I didn’t do it.”

Steven grinned, then sped back up the stairs with the Latino closely following behind him. Once they were present, Steven closed the door then folded his arms, listening as Nikolaas took the call and as he and Roberto listened with their sense of hearing, the meeting over the phone continued.

“Hello?” Nikolaas spoke calmly, “Yzavela, this is Nikolaas.” his dark eyes looked toward the Wraiths standing by the door, “I have Steven and Roberto here as well, what is going on? Steven stated that this is of great importance?”

“Yes, yes it is.” she answered, “I’m sorry if…worried you…I had…”

“Hello?” Nikolaas’ voice called out, for the connection wasn’t linked.

“Hel…can you…me?” her voice stuttered, breaking up.

“Yzavela?!” Nikolaas spoke over the static.

“If you can…me…I have news…invasion…your way.” she managed to say before the connection completely cut her off.

“What did she say about an invasion?” Roberto wondered.

Stepping forward, Steven reached for the phone, roughly tapping it.

“Breaking it, won’t fix it.” Nikolaas complained, “If anyone’s going to break this piece of sh*t mortal technology, it’ll be me.” he grinned, then clenching his fists, the phone crushed within itself, becoming nothing more than pile of melted plastic in Steven’s hand, “There.”

Steven raised a curious brow, not feeling the humor. Taking one of the seats sitting across from the Hungarian, he pondered, fiddling with what felt like a splinter in the wood on the arm. Resting his chin against his other hand, he frowned, worrying about her concern and words, despite being broken.

“What do you think she was trying to say?” he leaned forward, “The word invasion isn’t a word used lightly, not from anyone’s lips. Trust me, I more than you two…” Steven glanced between the men, “know about that.” he referred to his past, being a soldier that had almost died from having his camp invaded by the enemy, resulting in his transition.

“I can try the phone downstairs.” Roberto suggested, “ I mean, you answered that one, so…” he shrugged, looking down at Steven.

“Go.” Nikolaas advised firmly, “We need to know what she knows, or what she was trying to tell us.” he stood, adjusting his vest, then he watched as Steven too, stood following after Roberto who swept out of the room, swiftly rushing downstairs in their supernatural and Wraith-like speed.

The two Wraiths ignored the requests for drink refills, but growing a bit agitated by the pestering customers, the men released guttural and aggressive hisses, while tapping their one inch nails on the counter. They watched as the customers backed away, holding their hands up, before reaching for their empty glasses.

Nikolaas stood on the bottom step, watching as Steven slammed the phone down on the counter, breaking the old contraption.

“And here you tell me to watch my temper.” he observed, leaning his elbow on the counter.

“You think this is funny?” Steven hissed, leaning on the counter.

“I never said it was.” Nikolaas groaned, staring at the Wraith wit his dark intense eyes that were beginning to turn red.

“Don’t even think about it.” Steven hissed, changing the color of his own blue eyes, “I’m still older than you, Demon or not.” he clenched his fists.

“¡Oye, vamos...no pelees, el enemigo está ahí, no aquí!” Roberto sped forward, standing between the two men, stating that they shouldn’t be fighting and that the enemy is out there, not in that moment,

“You’re right.” Steven moaned.

“Sorry.” Nikolaas nodded, then glanced toward the customers, “This wont do…” he turned, and clapping his hands, the empty glasses that were waiting to be filled, were renewed, “apologies for the delay!” he announced, nodding toward the men and women present.

“You do know that she will find another way to contact us.” Steven muttered, pouring himself a much needed glass of Scotch with ice.

“No doubt.” Nikolaas nodded agreeably, “But how I wonder.”

“Sh*t.” I cursed, slamming the phone down. Having to write out the letter after all, I stared at the page, thinking maybe I could reach out telepathically to Nikolaas but since he and I were too familiar with one another, and because of the distances between us and Penrith, I wasn’t sure it would work. I might be learning new skills and powers on a daily basis, but I’m not super woman, I knew my limits. Sighing, I began writing the letter, unfortunately in all capital letters which I probably shouldn’t have but I don’t think it mattered. Staring down at the words, rereading them I made sure I got my point across. As I nodded, folding the parchment, placing it in a large envelope with 3 radio phones, watches and an iPad, I then sealed it and taped it, just for extra security. Writing Steven’s name on it, wanting it specifically delivered to him, I knew that the time for this package to get to the mainland would take longer than expected, and a Raven I don’t think would have been able to carry the weight of the envelope, “Great.” I huffed, then leaned back against the chair. Glancing at Abraxas, I had a thought, watching as the small dragon perched upon Marxus’ red settee, “Abraxas, would you come here, please?” I called out softly.

Flying from the settee, the Zyphyn landed in her lap. Looking up at her face, studying her mortal features, he blinked his Amber eyes.

“Yes, Mother?” he wondered telepathically, tilting his head, “What is it that you require of me?”

“Stay out of my head, little one.” I stroked the scales under his chin, “But I do need you…to take this envelope to Steven in Penrith over on the mainland, you remember where that is, and who that is, yes?”

“Yes, I do.” he nodded, carefully climbing up her chest, perching on the back of the chair. As he turned, he reached for the envelope with one of his large feet, “I will return safely and swiftly, don’t worry.” he purred.

His sweet voice held such innocence, it touched my heart with such a motherly affection. Turning the chair around, facing the patio doors, I reached forward opening them slowly. Standing slowly, I turned to Abraxas allowing him to crawl up my arm and once he took his place on my shoulder, I smiled feeling his soft nose nudging closely against my cheek.

“I will always worry.” I rasped, then kissing his snout, returning the affection, I launched him into the air like a Hunter’s hawk, watching as he flapped his wings. Taking off an incredible speed and flying up higher, he vanished from my sight in a swift blue outward toward the mainland, “God please, keep him safe.” I closed my eyes, praying for just a moment, not knowing if anyone could, or would, hear me.

Nikolaas and Steven grew disappointed that they couldn’t reach her, but assuming that Yzavela would send a messenger Raven, Nikolaas had left open one of his office windows, then retreated downstairs to help Steven and Roberto behind the bar for it was now rush hour and the townspeople were coming in for lunch and early dinner before going back to work or heading home. Once the customers had been satisfied with their meals and drinks, the three men were behind the bark wiping down the counter when they heard a loud booming crash upstairs. Saying nothing the men dropped their rags as they all sped up the stairs. Swinging the door open, the three men stood in the doorway, observing a small dragon sitting on the desk in place of a valuable antique that Nikolaas’ wife had purchased for him.

“Qué carajo es eso?” Roberto cursed, wondering what it is.

“How could it have arrived so quickly?” Nikolaas pondered, “It was only ten minutes ago that we spoke to her, so how is this possible?” then glancing at the floor, he frowned seeing the shards of the lamp.

“I’ll tell you later…” Steven pushed the Hungarian aside, seeing the dragon stood upon an envelope with his name written on it, “is that for me?” he spoke to the dragon.

Roberto and Nikolaas watched, never seeing such a creature.

Abraxas roared, lowering his head, pushing the envelope toward the Wraith that slowly, and respectfully, approached.

“Easy there, beastie…” Steven moaned, “easy now.

“I am not a beastie, blood drinker!” the small dragon roared verbally, “I am Zyphyn, the only of my kind!” he declared, stretching out his massive wing span, revealing his magnificence, “Remember that.” he closed his wings, then turned, flying through the window, showering more pieces of shattered glass to the ground.

Nikolaas ran forward, approaching the window, searching the sky for the dragon’s form, but it was nowhere to be seen. Turning to the two Wraiths, he muttered as he watched Steven opening the envelope,

“Have either of you seen such a creature?”

“No.” Roberto mumbled.

“Doesn’t surprise me.” Steven muttered, “I mean, at first it did yet, but this is the Isle we’re talking about, nothing that comes from those shores should be a surprise.” he laid the contents on the desk.

“I thought dragons were extinct?” Roberto pondered.

“It would have been, if it hadn’t flown off.” Nikolaas frowned, then let out a deep sigh, “Look what it did to my lamp, couldn’t she sent a Demon?” he finished his complaints.

“Knowing that young woman, she has her reasons for doing thins, so this wouldn’t be any different.” Steven looked at the Hungarian, “I’ll fix the lamp later.” his blue eyes scanned the shattered shards, “Or at least I think I can.” he raised a curious brow.

“Don’t worry about it.” Nikolaas huffed then knelt, waving both of his hands over the shattered lamp and as his hands glowed in a soft hue of greens and red magic, the pieces renewed themselves, fitting all together like a puzzle, except for one piece that he knelt on. Once moving aside, it slid across the floor then found its place, “There we go, good as new.” the Hungarian mumbled as her stood, placing the lamp back on the desk.

“Show off.” Roberto teased, shaking his head, then approached the desk, standing next to Steven, “What did she send?”

“An iPad, phones and watches.” Steven observed, handing Nikolaas and Roberto the phones and watches, then studied the iPad, “Nice.” he reached for a letter folded inside the iPad’s case. Opening the note, he read the words that were written in a feminine hand in capitals, “I know this handwriting, it’s Yzavela’s for sure.” he looked at both his friends, “She has a habit of writing in all capitals.” he grinned, then read it aloud:

“HI STEVEN, NIKOLAAS AND ROBERTO…

I’M SORRY FOR THE PREVIOUS CUTOFF, BUT AS I WAS TRYING TO SAY, THE ISLAND’S GATHERING WEAPONS, WARRIORS AND ARMOR. I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM SOMEONE IN THE GREAT CITY AND THEIR REPORTS DIDN’T CONTAIN GOOD NEWS. I HAVE ENCLOSED A COPY SO ALL OF YOU CAN READ IT FOR YOURSELVES. I FEEL SOMETHING IS COMING, VERY SOON, AND THE REPORT STATES THE LORD IS BEGINNING TO SPREAD HIS DESTRUCTION FURTHER FROM THE BORDERS OF THE GREAT CITY, INTO SMALLER TOWNS AND CITIES. I’M WORRIED IT COULD COME TO YOU, SO I WANTED YOU TO KNOW SO THAT YOU CAN PREPARE. TRUST ME WHEN I SAY THAT DRAKUUL, HIS GENERAL AND THEIR LEGIONS WORK FASTER THAN ANYONE CAN EVER EXPECT. IF YOU NEED ANYTHING, YOU AND YOUR TOWNSHIP ARE MORE THAN WELCOME HERE, I HAVE ALERTED THE GUARDIANS AT HEYSHAM AND THOSE HERE ON THE ISLE TO KEEP A LOOK OUT JUST IN CASE OF ANY EMERGENCIES. NOW, MOVING ON AS TO WHAT I’VE ENCLOSED, THEY WILL BE USEFUL TO YOU, AND COME WITH INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO OPERATE THEM, BY THE WAY, JUST IN CASE IF HE IS STILL THERE WHILE YOU’RE READING THIS, DO NOT TOUCH MY DRAGON IF YOU WANT TO KEEP A HAND OR YOUR HEAD, AND IF HE SPEAKS, DON’T FREAK OUT. HE DOES THAT.

AGAIN, IF EVER NEED ANYTHING, YOU HAVE A PLACE HERE AMONG US.

-YZAVELA”

Steven smiled, laying the note on the desk, then read the copy of the letter that she had enclosed. Frowning deeply, growing concerned, he handed it to Roberto who hissed in agitation of its contents then he handed it to Nikolaas.

“So…this is really happening.” the Hungarian pondered, handing the note back to Steven.”

“So it seems.” the Wraith folded the paper, laying it on the table. As he reached for the instructions pamphlets for the gadgets, his intense blue eyes scanned the pages quickly, reading the words learning how they operated, “Seems simple enough.” he turned the watches and phones on, putting them on a frequency that kept them connected to each other, “Here.” he turned, handing one each to Roberto and Nikolaas, then placed the third watch on his wrist and phone in his pocket.

“Now what do we do?” Roberto wondered, folding his arms.

“We prepare.” Nikolaas stepped forward, “The townspeople already know about our emergency plans so we let them know of this threat so it doesn’t catch them by surprise.” he nodded.

“Agreed.” Steven moaned, leaning forward on the desk, “Here we go.”

Returning to the island, Abraxas surprised Yzavela by his sudden and instant appearance with a bright burst of red flame that almost looked as if he replicated the Wraith’s manner of teleportation.

“Abraxas!” I jumped from the couch, out of Anthony’s arms, rushing toward the desk where he landed. Picking him up, holding him in my arms, I held him close, “Thank god!” I whispered, looking down at him.

Anthony stood, adjusting his shirt and belt, approaching the young woman and her dragon.

“Looks like he’s learned another skill?” he observed.

“Indeed I have.” Abraxas answered the Lycynian verbally, then closed his Amber eyes, snuggling against her chin.

“We can worry about that later, did you deliver the envelope?”

“Yes, Mother.” he opened his eyes, looking up at her, then turned his gaze toward the large three-screen computer that beeped loudly. As he tilted his head, finding it curious, he shrieked, “What is that?!”

“It’s only the computer.” I chuckled, then glanced at Anthony, who also chuckled softly, “It’s all right.” I placed the small dragon on the edge of the desk, then veered around its ledge, quickly sitting in the chair. Reaching forward, answering the incoming call, three faces had appeared on the screen; faces of Nikolaas, Steven and Roberto, “I see you’ve learned how to use the gadgets already.” I greeted, “But hello.”

“Hello.” Nikolaas greeted.

“What were you trying to tell us before we cut off?” Steven added, “I read your letter, we all read it, but we want to hear it from your own lips.”

“Is Penrith in danger?” Roberto wondered.

“Are we on their route?!” Nikolaas pestered.

“I understand your concerns I do, but give me a chance to speak yes?!” I huffed. Studying their eager and worried faces, I continued softly, “I only know what you know based off the contents of that letter, but like I said, something is coming and while we’re preparing here on the island, I suggest that you do the same because none of us know exactly what’s coming, but knowing Drakuul and the power that he possesses, it won’t be good.”

“Do you think we should flee?” Nikolaas wondered.

“I can’t tell you what to do, that’s your choice.” I declared softly.

“We have many here that have loved ones in the Great City so with this information, they can inform them to evacuate so thank you.” Steven nodded with a grin, “It’s much appreciated, I don’t think that anyone would have cared enough about a town of Wraiths as much.”

“I’m not anyone.” I moaned, “And like my letter stated, you and all of your people have a place here on the Isle, now I’m sorry but…” I glanced at my watch, “I have to go.”

“Yes, I suppose you do.” Nikolaas groaned, “But thank you.”

“You’re welcome, and before you go, Abraxas didn’t break anything of value, did he?” I wondered, looking at the dragon then back at the screen, “Oh…he did, didn’t he?” I studied the expression on their faces, “I’m sorry.”

“No worries, it was just a lamp.” Nikolaas groaned, “It’s fixed now.”

Sighing softly, I looked at Abraxas once more; the small dragon had turned his head away in shame, knowing he shattered the item that was in question. Hearing Anthony chuckle softly once more, a smile grew on my face.

“I’ll pay for it.” I offered.

“I said don’t worry about it, it’s been fixed.” Nikolaas groaned, then ended his call.

“Cheerful.” Anthony muttered, sitting in one of the chairs in front of the desk, crossing his legs in a masculine manner.

“I apologize for him.” Steven muttered, “He’s sensitive about that.”

“Ah, I see.” I grinned.

“Listen, thank you for the information. Even though he hasn’t clearly expressed it, we are all grateful for it.” Steven nodded.

“You’re welcome, now I’ll let you go.” I returned the nod, ending the call. Leaning back in the chair, feeling its weight pushing back too far, toppling backwards.

As she fell off the seat, Abraxas shrieked as he flew into the air while Anthony jumped from his seat, rushing around the desk, listening as she laughed loudly.

“Oh my god, are you all right?” Anthony chuckled, helping her from the ground.

“Yes, thank you.” I laughed, shaking my head. Glancing down at the chair that was broken in half, I gently kicked the pieces aside, “Guess I need a new chair.” I mumbled softly, then glanced up at Anthony, “You think that’s funny?” I watched as he laughed.

“No, but maybe a little.” the Italian teased her.

“Yeah, yeah?” I reached out, finding his tickle spot, then glanced at Abraxas who snorted, as if he attempted laughter of his own. Placing my hands on my hips, tilting my head, I continued watching as the small dragon snorted, “Are you laughing?”

“That is too adorable.” Anthony observed softly, shaking his head.

“Yes, Mother…I am, and I was.” the Zyphyn continued snorting, “I did find it quite humorous, as did your Lycynian.” he glanced at the Italian.

“I suppose it was.” I chuckled, then glanced between the Italian and dragon, “All right, enough goofing around. We have preparations to make.” I declared, clearing my throat, adjusting my both blouse and bustier in a feminine manner.

Nikolaas, Steven and Roberto sat silently in the office; the three men were worried for the first time in over a century. Exchanging a series of worried expressions, the men then stood, sharing brief hugs before they pulled away, placing their hands on each others shoulders.

“We have a lot to do, and little time to do it.” Nikolaas suggested, as he nodded affirmatively.

“Agreed.” Steven moaned as he frowned, then he turned away.

“Now it comes…” Roberto added.