Awen Storm Read online

  Documentation

  It took most of the morning for Khenko to compose the journal entry. Reading through it, he made a few minor changes in wording and grammar. Spellcheck did the rest. Since Emily’s arrival, he had been documenting the happenings in detail on the chance something happened to him or his memory.

  On this island, one never knew. Since bouncing back from Hurricane Dorian in 2019, weird things had been known to happen. Closing his laptop, Khenko slid his feet into his favorite leather thongs and went to check on his ward. He’d kept an eye on her through the window while he worked. She was healing, but had a long way to go.

  Minutes earlier, Talav had emerged from the blue-green soup and now lazed on the beach beside the sleeping woman. Khenko exited the back door and stopped in his tracks. Another dragon rolled in the surf. It spied Khenko, and sank beneath the surface, disappearing with barely a ripple.

  Khenko hurried to the beach.

  “Hello, young crane.” The earth dragon didn’t bother to rise. “I see you’ve managed to revive our girl. She’s sleeping like a hibernating bear.”

  “Welcome, Talav,” Khenko rejoined. “I see you’ve brought a friend.”

  The sun broke through a cloud, and flashes of color shot from Talav’s scales. Khenko tipped his ball-cap to shield his eyes and dragged a weathered chair from the pile in the cabana. He placed it beside Emily, who was stretched out on the sand, face cushioned by an oversized beach towel. A touch of pink had returned to her cheeks.

  Khenko adjusted the umbrella that flapped in the ocean breeze, moving it to shade the druid princess. At a soft kerplunk, he glanced up. An enormous dragon rose from the sea and wavered in place. Saucer-sized eyes blinked at Khenko.

  “Speak, human,” the dragon commanded in a fearsome voice. “What say you?”

  Khenko’s heart leapt to his throat. Swallowing, he managed, “Hail dragon, guardian of the deep. Welcome to the Atlantean Center, my refuge and home. My name is Khenko Blitherstone and I am honored to make your acquaintance.”

  Talav roared in mirth, obviously enjoying Khenko’s discomfiture. The dragon stood in the shallows as if undecided whether to stay or go. Talav’s laughter took on a more mocking tone. Looking uneasy, it lumbered closer and crouched at the edge of the sluicing sea. Water rushed from its blue-green scales and willowy spikes.

  “Healer,” Talav rumbled, “meet my sister and Water Keeper, Draig Ooschu. Ooschu, meet Khenko Blitherstone, the medicine man who revived Awen.”

  Ooschu nodded her head and showered Khenko with salty water that fogged his sunglasses. Running a hand through his hair, he realized it hadn’t seen a brush in a while. Not that a dragon would care about that. He slipped off his thongs and buried his feet in the damp sand. The Bahamian day was hot as usual, and the sand felt cool on his toes.

  “So now what?” he asked.

  Talav snorted. “Now we wait. And let her sleep.”

  They waited in silence for the better part of an hour. Or so it seemed. No self-respecting islander would wear a watch. While they waited, Emily snored, gulls screeched, and the sun tipped past its zenith.

  When Emily finally stirred, the tide had turned back toward the sea. She moaned and stretched, then rolled toward Khenko and opened one eye. Seeing him there, she sat up quickly and grabbed her head moaning. “Water.”

  He leaned close to retrieve the insulated tumbler he’d planted in the sand for her earlier. The ice had mostly melted, leaving cold, filtered water. He handed it to Emily. She gulped until water dribbled down her chin, then handed it back, before screeching and grabbing her head. Her thumbs pressed into her eye sockets.

  “Brain freeze?” he asked, hoping it wasn’t more.

  The green eyes rolled and Emily nodded, still holding her head and moaning.

  “Gods help us all,” Ooschu’s deep voice boomed. “This is the Awen?” She rose on her haunches. “This is the warrior who would save our world? Are you sure, Talav? She looks like the Awen, but is she? This girl is green. In no way is she suited to fight the coming Darkness.”

  Talav roared, and Khenko nearly jumped out of his skin. It was a deep, angry rumble that resounded in his chest. “Manners, Ooschu,” the earth dragon growled. “She’s frightened enough.”

  Emily sat up straight. “Who is this?”

  Ooschu wailed. “Who am I?” She rounded on Talav. “This woman doesn’t even know who I am. She can’t possibly be the Awen.”

  “Hush,” Talav warned. “The veil is still upon her. You know this. She needs training, which is why we’re here. Once she is ready, we will take her to Beli.”

  Ooschu’s mighty tail slapped the water, sending spray showering upon the occupants of the beach. A bluish-white crane flapped overhead and settled on the sand between the dragons and Emily. It was the crane from Khenko’s dream.

  “Mind your manners, water drake,” the majestic bird screeched. “And bow to your Awen. It is your duty to stand by her. She is younger, yes. And has been deprived of her destiny. But she is the Awen, nonetheless. Who are you to question your duty? Have you no heart? No eyes? Can you not see this woman has suffered and needs time to heal, to ripen, to come into her own? As always, you let your self-centered emotions rule your words.”

  The water dragon wilted and hung her head. Great tears leaked from the aqua eyes to roll down her horns into the sea. Bending one knee, she knelt before Emily crying great racking sobs that echoed through the palm trees and bounced across the water.

  Emily’s face reflected a shock that echoed Khenko’s. She transferred her weight to kneel in the sand. Stretching a hand toward the remorseful dragon, she brushed the bowed snout with the tips of her fingers.

  “It’s okay, Ooschu. I understand your reluctance. I feel the same about my lack of experience. But I can assure you that I have learned much in a short time and remain teachable if you and Talav would do me the honor.”

  Turning to the crane standing on one leg, Emily bowed. “Greetings Corr, thank you for recruiting Khenko to help save me. I am ever in your debt, as well as Talav’s and Khenko’s.” She looked at each of them as she said their names.

  Corr flapped his wings. “My job, druid queen, is to ferry souls between worlds—usually in the other direction. But it is not your time. There is much you have yet to do in this life. I will assist you in any way I can; just call my name and I will appear. Now, these two have a schedule to keep. I’ll be going.”

  Turning to the dragons, Corr uttered something in a language Khenko did not understand, then flapped ten-foot wings and flew out to sea.

  Ooschu harrumphed and slapped her tail again, but her anger had dissipated. Facing Emily, she settled into sphinx position, forelegs out in front, back legs in a crouch.

  “My apologies, Awen. For years, I tracked you all over the globe, becoming increasingly frustrated when you ignored my calls. I am known for emotional outbursts and I lost my temper. For that, I am sorry. I meant no disrespect.”

  “Ha!” Talav snorted. “I, too, have tracked the Awen for four years. But if you knew what this poor girl has been through, Ooschu, you would be doubly-sorry.”

  Making a decision he hoped he wouldn’t later regret, Khenko rose from his chair and kneeled beside Emily to lay a hand on her shoulder. He glared at the two dragons, determined to have his say without interruption. When neither spoke, Khenko turned his attention to Emily.

  “I don’t know about these two, but I am with you, Emily. Or Awen. Whatever your name. It has been foretold in the lore of my people that this time would come, and we would be judged, not on our creed or color, our past words or deeds, but on what resides in our hearts.

  “In my thirty-five years, I have met many who proclaim to be leaders and giants among men. But none have had half the sinew you possess, nor a fraction of the heart that beats in your chest. Awen, Queen of the Druids, I bow to you and your greatness.” Khenko bowed low on one knee.

  “I offer my loyalty and all of my faculties, including a strong ba
ck and mind and my abilities as a medicine man. I declare allegiance to you, Awen, and promise to follow you, to defend you, to die for you. I willingly make this oath on my behalf, but also on the behalf of my people, the Iroquois nation.” Khenko let his arms fall by his sides. He looked into eyes of splintered jade where tears pooled but held.

  Before Emily could utter what was on her lips, the dragons joined in. “Awen, to you, we owe the debt of our lives—past, present, and future. We declare fealty and vow never to forsake you. May you live long, prospering the Earth.”

  Eyes misty, Emily added her declaration. “On behalf of my ancestor, Awen, she who haunts my existence, I say thank you. To each of you. In exchange for your loyalty, I promise to defend you and Earth to the best of my ability.” Rising from the sand, she bowed deeply and rose with a sheepish smile. “Only I have no clue how to do any of that.”

  Abandoned Shaft

  Azi and his assistant exited the chute. Consulting the map he had copied to his handheld, Azi made for the northern tunnel. His assistant followed, packing their gear.

  They had been walking for some time when a fork appeared that was not on the chart. Azi consulted his compass. The readings fluctuated wildly. Puzzled, he switched back to map mode. The course to the left seemed to head in the right direction, so they followed that.

  A quarter kilometer later, a cave-in stalled their progress. Shaking their heads, the two scientists retraced their steps and took the second passage. This, too, lead to a dead-end. The entrance they sought was no longer accessible. Not by this route.

  They returned to the chute, where Azi consulted the map. He had hoped to avoid the more treacherous course that wound through Chupacabra territory, but it was their only other option. The Chupacabras were vicious, bloodsucking canids that would stop at nothing to interfere with Draco business. And, while Azi and his assistant were trained for combat, they were more suited to cerebral tasks.

  Fearing Shibboleth more than the Chupacabras, he programmed the route on the chute's keypad, and they boarded the car. Soon, they transferred to a second chute and ended up in a narrow and obviously-unused tunnel. With every footfall, dust rose to fill the stale air. Azi sneezed, a loud sharp resounding bark, then sneezed again.

  “Shhh!” his assistant hissed.

  Azi heard it too. A skittering, scratching noise. They stood silent for half a minute.

  Hearing no other sounds, the two continued with greater stealth. The fine silt filled the air, irritating Azi’s sensitive nasal passages. He tried breathing through his mouth, hoping not to sneeze again, but the dust collected in his throat as they wound upward along the rock-strewn path. He hacked and swallowed, then hacked again.

  The tunnel narrowed further, and Azi’s shoulder grazed the wall. Something needle-sharp pierced his scales, sending pain shooting down his arm. He stopped to retrieve a light from the pack his assistant carried.

  Beneath the focused beam, the wall sprang to life. Thousands, maybe millions, of tiny quartz creatures crawled over one another to escape the light. Azi grasped one between his claws, intending to inspect it. But when it pierced his scales, he slung it against the wall.

  The tunnel exploded with the creatures taking flight. The passage filled with their tiny crystalline bodies, each a stinging needle with a bad attitude. Azi slapped at them and hurried along, hunched over to avoid disturbing the walls.

  But the loathsome pests followed, burrowing beneath their scales until a burning sensation filled Azi’s senses. Near madness, he pushed on, heartened when light appeared ahead and the creatures retreated. The tunnel gave way to a well-lit chamber and Azi cheered.

  His assistant ran past him. Uttering profanities, he threw down the pack and plucked the accursed insects from his hide. Fighting the urge to do the same, Azi consulted the compass and the map. The entrance should be just ahead.

  **

  The fire dragon awakened with a roar, senses on high alert. The lizards approached one of the openings to AboveEarth, across the country from his current position. Whirling the tip of his spiny tail, Tienu created a small whirlwind and blew a fiery breath upon his creation. Glowing orange, the vortex grew larger.

  When it filled the chamber beneath the hillock where Tienu had spent the night, he focused his attention on the threatened opening and stepped into the vortex. With a whoosh, the Fire Keeper was whisked into a wormhole, and within minutes, arrived at the abandoned chimney of the long-dormant volcano.

  Seeing no immediate threat, Tienu lumbered along the tunnels surrounding the vent and reinforced the spell he had woven long ago. His forehead spines tingled. The lizard-men approached.

  Taking up a position before the chimney, he faced the direction from whence the interlopers traveled, and planted his powerful haunches and thick forelegs. Tienu wrapped his tail around his bulk, creating an impenetrable fortress.

  **

  After the needle-pest incident, Azi decided it was best not to use the light. Luckily, they’d encountered no Chupacabra. He drank from the container and handed it to his assistant. According to the map and his positioning device, they were nearing the abandoned shaft.

  He peered ahead into the dark passageway, dread congealing in his chest. It was a good thing he’d brought his assistant. Otherwise, Azi would turn back now. He was a scientist, not a warrior. Next time, he would stay on the base and send them. He swallowed hard around the lump in his craw and forged onward.

  Soon the air changed. It was thinner. And smoky. Like scorched metal. Azi licked his scaled lips and puckered at the metallic feel against his teeth. His assistant crowded close and commented on the change. Azi nodded and kept going, despite the unfamiliar terror that wreaked havoc with his gut.

  The closer they got, the more difficult it became to walk—like they were moving against a gravity well of some sort. Soon, they could proceed no further. Perplexed, Azi consulted his GPS. The readings were going wonky again.

  He took the light-stick his assistant proffered and turned a tight arc, searching for the entrance. He spied it in a distant corner.

  His assistant cheered. “There it is, Azi! We’ve found it!”

  Azi breathed a sigh of relief. They had indeed.

  With a monumental effort, he took a small step toward the blocked shaft and bumped into something he couldn’t see; something big and prickly and stinking of ore-smelt. Something that roared so loud, and emitted a flame so blistering, Azi passed out on the spot.

  The Last Straw

  Settling in for meditation, Patty followed Shalane’s instructions. She didn’t hate it quite as much anymore, but she still didn’t get why it was necessary. As instructed, she slid down her energetic roots and connected to the earth. But as she turned to go back up, she found herself in the lizard-man’s body again.

  This time, there were others like him. They were hurrying to escape Shibboleth, a warlord of great power and cruelty who was plotting to kill the humans and take over Earth. They ran through a burning city with its nauseating odor and foul alien beings. Struggling to wake up, Patty came to with a start.

  Shalane’s eyes were closed; the backs of her hands rested on her knees. Patty hugged herself and shuddered. Why was she seeing things? The visions were real, as real as Shalane. But why did they keep changing, progressing? Was the earth really in danger? Should she tell Shalane?

  As if hearing Patty’s thoughts, Shalane opened one eye. “You’re staring, Patrika. Why aren’t you meditating?”

  “Because I saw something. Or rather, was something. A lizard-man.” Shalane’s eyes narrowed and her lips thinned. Patty could feel the disapproval pouring from her. “Remember, Shalane? I told you about it. I keep dreaming about him. Or, about being him. I think the lizard-creatures are plotting to overtake Earth.”

  Shalane eyed her coolly, one eyebrow cocked. “Whatever you say, dear.”

  Anger shot through Patty. She was sick and tired of being dismissed.

  “NO!” she screeched. “This is real, Shalan
e. It has to be. It is not just a dream. I keep being in his head and body. And it changes every time. Like I’m living his life. Only this time—”

  “Shut up,” Shalane growled. “I won’t listen to this. You’re just trying to get a rise out of me. I’m not biting, Patty. If you’re done with meditation, please leave so that I can continue in peace.”

  Patty gaped at her and leapt from the uncomfortable chair. “You know, Shalane? Screw you. You’re just as bad as my mom and stepdad. I don’t need this shit. First chance I get, I’m outta here.”

  Shalane’s face turned a brilliant shade of scarlet. “Well, Miss Bitch, don’t let the door hit you in the ass. Go pack your things. I’m putting you on the next flight to L.A..

  Patty slammed the door behind her and resisted the urge to skip. That had been a lot easier than she thought it would be. She hurried to her bedroom and threw all the clothes and pretty things Shalane had bought her into the expensive suitcase. She rescued childhood pictures from the dresser and her bedraggled bunny from the unmade bed and stuffed them in the suitcase, then wheeled it to the front of the bus.

  In the kitchen, Patty quietly opened the freezer door and extracted the fat wad of cash from the fake strawberry bag. She slid it inside her pants pocket, and jump sky-high when her phone dinged.

  It was a text from Shalane. “I’m sorry, Patrika. Please forgive me. I want you to stay.”

  HA! Fat chance. Patty pecked out “HELL NO!” with an angry-face emoticon and heard something slam against the wall of Shalane’s bedroom.

  With a satisfied chuckle, Patty ducked out the door and hightailed it for the bus stop she’d scoped out the day before. She was itching to count the wad of money, but she dare not do it until she was safely away.