Dragon Wish by Judith Leger Page A

sharp,
    pointed teeth. He patted the elongated neck in thanks for the
    ride and slipped from the saddle. He hurried through the
    81
    Dragon Wish
    sticky mud to Seren’s side.
    The ride, though short, had worn down the little bit of
    strength she had left. With her eyes half closed, her face pale,
    she tilted toward him. He grabbed her and carried her to the
    door. He prepared to set her on her feet to bang on the wood,
    but before he could, the portal swung in.
    Largin stood in the opening. With his chin raised, nostrils
    flaring, black eyes sparkling, and his white hair tangled
    about his shoulders, he barked, “I have been waiting for your
    arrival.”
    Fear shot through Paladin. His father’s old teachings
    echoed through his mind. ‘Dangerous business to keep a
    wizard waiting. Never do so.’
    He cocked a brow at Largin, hoping his unease remained
    hidden from the wizard’s keen gaze. “Have you?”
    Largin nodded, motioning for Paladin to enter. Once
    inside, Paladin bent, helping Seren to stand. She still leaned
    against his side, and he kept his arm around her waist,
    holding her steady. Largin stuck his head out the door. He
    glanced left then right for a moment before ordering the
    dragoons to their beds. With a nod, he slammed the door
    shut.
    The wizard’s dark breeches and navy shirt hung on his
    thin frame. He had declined since the last time Paladin had
    visited. Concerned for the elderly man, Paladin frowned.
    “What has happened to you?”
    Largin opened his mouth to speak but stopped. He stared
    at Seren’s veiled face for a moment then shifted lower to her
    abdomen. “So it’s true, the rumors I have heard in the last
    few days.”
    Paladin stiffened. Seren glanced at him, questions evident
    in her eyes. He shifted his arm to her shoulder, giving it a
    squeeze in hope of relieving her worry. “This is Seren. She is
    from the place Leo comes from—Earth.”
    “I am aware. The scrying stone revealed this to me three
    days ago.” Largin nodded. He waited until they had removed
    82
    Dragon Wish
    their cloaks, and then he waved for them to move ahead of
    him. “Come. You know the way, Paladin. Warm yourselves
    before the fire. I will summon Leo before I bring food and
    drink for all of us.”
    Paladin took Seren’s arm and led her down the dimly lit
    hallway. His thoughts grim, he realized the time had come
    for answers, for him and for her.

    * * * *
Seren stood with her back to the blazing fire in the
    hearth. Cozy, even homey, the room where Paladin had led
    her set her mind at ease. The four leather armchairs, seats
    worn and glossy in places, faced each other like they waited
    for someone to sit and enjoy the warmth coming from the
    fireplace. Bookcases, lining all the walls, overflowed onto the
    faded fabric of the area rug. Several large glass covered
    lamps gave the room a snug atmosphere, not too bright, but
    not dark either. Seren smiled. Just right.
    Huge, colored stones sat on the hearth, the mantel, the
    bookcases, even the floor. Strange lights flickered in each
    one. Reds, yellows, blues, greens, purples, and blacks, the
    invisible auras expelled by them sent many different
    reactions through her when she gazed at them. The clear
    crystal ones attracted her the most. Her smile widened at the
    feeling of peace which flowed through her mind at the sight
    of this particular color.
    She rubbed her warmed hands together and looked over
    at Paladin. He stood next to her, staring into the flames,
    hands braced on the mantel.
    When he didn’t react to her look, she moved to the
    nearest armchair to take a seat. She rested her head against
    the padded back and shut her eyes, savoring the gentle lull of
    the crackling fire. She inhaled the scent of wood smoke
    tingeing the air. Warmth coasted over the front of her body.
    Paladin shifted. She opened her eyes to see him facing
    83
    Dragon Wish
    her. Deep and soft, his voice imbedded into the deepest
    reaches of her mind. “I asked if our