Chapter 18

I sat to have a drink when one of the council members sat to talk to me. She wanted to know why I helped Tiamat of all people and I said that she was the first one to interact with me so I boldly asked her to help me. The woman wouldn't have it so I told her she is welcome to her opinion. Tiamat is a friend and I wouldn't trade for her for the world. She took this as an slap across the face but said nothing further. I also reminded her that she is here on my property so she should know better than to insult my friends. She apologized and walked off.

William sat next to me and he expressed his concern since Tiamat is known to be ruthless. I said that I have seen it and have stayed in her good books by minding my own business. He nod his head and asked me to show him the tattoo. I told him that I had none to which he responded that I was branded by Tiamat. I showed him the arm and he stared for a moment then I explained that she has to wave her hand for it to appear. William picked up a stone monocle and looked my arm. He stared for a moment before he gave it to me and said, "Have a look" I stared at my palm for a little bit and looked the rest of my forearm and it surprised me.

Towards my elbow was an image of bat with dracula's head in the middle. Below that was three dragons in a Celtic knot. Below that was Tiamat's head in monster form. Just above the wrist was an image of a crown made from seashells. I asked him what that meant and he said that I was marked by them. I was a part of their clan or a person of interest to them. So their law forbids them from harming me unless I break the rules. So I was warned to tread carefully. I promised to behave and then Jeanine arrived asking for his help and William left with her.

I on the other had decided to visit castle dracula. The place looked desolate but the moment I reached the door it opened by itself. The residents had moved out. I was looking at empty halls. I heard movement and it was the dragons. They made themselves comfortable as I walked to the training room. It was the only place that wasn't ransacked. I walked the halls till I reached my room. The things were still there. I guess Drake must have done something to make sure. I lay down on the bed and wondered what it would be like if Drake were here. Then I remembered James and an unpleasantness overcame me. I got up and walked till I reached the balcony.

Arroyo and Zvezda sat on either side and stared into the horizon. They had memories of their own with Drake. All of them was during the war. They both fought each other till the egg was returned to Drogon's Isles. The light wanted to raise the dragon while the dark promised to return it in exchange for a favor. I smiled and explained how the egg was restored. This was news to them so they asked to see. When that was done they laughed happily as they recalled the fighting was suddenly over and they were told to go home. Drake was pestering the previous Witch Queen to open a rip in time and to send him somewhere. The poor woman said that she might send him somewhere that counter what he wanted. Before they left for home they heard Drake scream in agony. They wouldn't wish that pain on even their worst enemy. I lowered my head and walked back inside before I turned around. I ran and jumped out the window. I turned into bats and flew around. Then I turned back to myself and flew for a bit and landed on the garden.

Drakov arrived and he wasn't pleased at all. I caress his face asking him if he always going to be in a bad mood. He smiled saying that my presence is soothing. He was hoping that I would never come here. He never liked dracula at all. He was hoping that I would forget about him and live a different life. I reminded him that something that we can't part with even if we tried. I promised to behave and in exchange I asked that he respect my past because it is the reason we met. He gave it some thought and agreed. I told him that should things be bad this could be a place we can use. As he was contemplating what I was saying I said that there are those asking for his protection and he can't take them to his home so he can bring them here. He seemed delighted by the idea.

We left the castle as new people moved in. They were disappointed that they will not be seeing the home of the dragons. They were told by an angry Yuri accept the hand they are offered. The dragons breathed fire and I was escorted to Kong island. Brita greeted me with a nod. I walked up to see my cabin was still there unharmed. Although there were signs of it being used. The cannibal clans came to sneak a peek but they went back to their business. I on the other hand sat with the mermaids they explained that they wanted to know if Perseus was captured or not. I showed them that he was imprisoned so they screeched victory. After an hour I walked back to my cabin where five dragons were resting peacefully.

I told Drakov that this isn't necessary and he said that I am someone that must be protected at all times. Usually it is an inanimate object so this is new. I asked about the tattoo and he was surprised that I didn't know about it. I showed him my arm and his eyes turned from human eyes to dragon eyes. He saw the mark left by Drake and pressed his right index finger on it. And the tattoo popped up and slide out like it was slime. He didn't mind the other ones. He was amused to see Tiamat's face and he was curious about the seashell one. I explained that I had helped the other mermaids so this was a pass to ensure my safety. So he happily allowed them to remain.

Yuri arrived and whispered something in Drakov's ear. Zvezda came to stay with me as the others left to find out what was going on. A few minutes later an annoyed Yuri arrived asking me if he could borrow the two way mirror. I pulled it out of my bag and he went back through the portal only to return and ask if I could talk some sense into a goblin. I said Josephine would have better luck than me. If things get bad call Angharad and she will happily fix it. She and the goblins don't get along after they burned her home with cursed fire. This was news to them as they had heard of the incident but no one had bothered to tell them what had happened. Yuri smiled for a moment before he asked me how to summon Angharad. I pressed my hand against his and showed him how. As he was about to leave I wished him well. He gave me a wink and walked through the portal. The swirling dancing lights faded and I went inside my cabin.