8

"According to Eyrotian beliefs all men are equal, in bed maybe," Mrs. Klavan said, chuckles rose among the students in the hall, "except of course they weren't equal in matters concerning the state of affairs in the kingdom. According to popular beliefs, monarchs and noble blood do not mix with commoners. Surprisingly, Dragons who were said to walk the land before Eyrotians were better than those who walked after them. According to popular beliefs once again all dragons were considered equal. The only revered dragon was known as the Crystal dragon. It is said that the Crystal dragon is the foundation of all dragon kind." She left her notes and walked to the edge of the platform. "For those of us who have doubts about the existence of Dragons, I have good news. Approval has been given for an excavation."

A murmur rose quickly silenced by Mrs. Klavan's raised hands.

"Of course, only a selected few will be allowed to go. It's not a big deal. A tomb was recently unearthed and it is believed the artefacts recovered in it may share some similarities with Drakai culture. I'll be letting you know those chosen for this exercise subsequently. Good day class."

Sarah sat in her seat. Well, she thought to herself, maybe once and for all she would put her doubts about dragons behind her. Maybe Ace was right about their existence then.

As the thought of him slipped into her mind she found herself smiling and looking eagerly around for signs of him. In the crowd of students leaving the hall, she couldn't find him. Memories of their conversation still lingered, especially his opinion about how dragons mated. Of course, he was just trying to be vulgar still the look in his eyes when he spoke about it was…heated. And then they almost kissed. She was proud to say for the first time that she felt the stirrings of arousal for the first time ever. It was nothing like the forced ones she felt when she tried to make out with random strangers.

"Hey, you!"

Sarah turned to the voice behind her. It was the girl from the party. Emily.

"Hi. I didn't know you took Archeology too "

"Not me. I'm here for Ace."

"Oh he couldn't come?" she could barely hide her disappointment but she masked it with a smile. "I didn't notice."

Emily gave a knowing smile. "Well, this class is over, I have a little break before my next class, do you want to grab a bite?"

"Uh, actually I…"

"I don't bite Sarah. I'm trying to make friends here." Her hair bobbed around her chin. "My cousin is an idiot but he likes you. He doesn't play the knight very often."

"Well we barely know each other and I don't care how often he plays knight." Sarah stood, her face hot. "Excuse me, I have another class."

Emily didn't force her to stay. "Alright. So maybe some other time?"

"I guess."

They barely knew each other, Emily had no right to make such insinuations. She picked up her bag and walked hurriedly away. She was barely away from the Archeology block when she heard her name.

"Dragenar."

There in the hallway leading to the offices was Mrs. Klavan standing to one side with her hands on her hips. She motioned for Sarah to come closer.

"It appears we share the same sentiments where dragons are concerned. What do you say we both test her doubts and see?"

Her eyes narrowed Sarah asked, "Are you inviting me to join the excavation crew?"

She nodded. "Exactly. What do you say?"

Well, she was worried about what her father would say. He gave a condition for letting her study archeology after all: no expeditions.

"I would love to but…"

"I know you are worried about your father. Edgar Dragenar is one of the best sponsors of our cause but I can't understand why he wouldn't let you join us for things like this."

She didn't know he sponsored evacuations. That was news to her especially since he vehemently rallied against her participating in them.

"If you are worried about what he will say leave that to me," Mrs. Klavan continued. "I will let him know." She came in close and whispered. "He doesn't even have to know at all. If that's what you want that is."

Sarah laughed. "If he sponsors Archeology projects I don't see why I shouldn't tag along. I'm in. Thank you very much for this opportunity, ma'am."

Mrs. Klavan smiled. "That's great. As our top student, I look forward to comparing notes with you. See you on Friday."

*

She climbed the stairs to her apartment and came to a stop on the landing. There was someone was knocking on her door. He was tall, with dark hair reaching the nape of his neck, dressed in a brown sweater and slacks. He was holding a plate covered with paper towels.

"You're not going to get any response," Sarah said taking a step toward him.

He turned looking surprised to find her there. "Oh, I thought this apartment was occupied."

He had green eyes hidden behind thick lenses.

"It is. Its lone occupant is standing before you."

"Oh, I'm so sorry," he was laughing and blushing hard. "I feel like an idiot."

She laughed and waved his concern off, moving to unlock the door. "Have you been standing here for long?"

"Thankfully no, that would have been embarrassing." He caught himself as if he just remembered something. "Oh I'm Cooper, I just moved in."

"Hi Cooper, I'm Sarah your neighbor. Are you new in town?"

She opened the door and invited him in.

"Not new. I used to live here in Sunny Island until my family moved, I just moved back because I got a job here." Sarah studied him as she went about turning her lights on. He was even more awkward and shy than she was but it was adorable. He was good-looking too and she found herself thinking of Ace but where Ace was brash he was reserved and shy.

"Uh, I brought cookies. I got a job at the town's bakery."

She accepted them. They smelled really good. "You must be 5-star then."

"Hardly," he chuckled. "Uhm…I just wanted to get to know my neighbors, you know, get to know what to expect."

The cookies were delicious. Against her wish to wait for him to leave before trying them Sarah found herself helping herself to another one. It was chocolaty and delicious.

"The neighborhood is nice, very pricy for a baker though if you ask me." She finished the cookie and took another. "Also the kid downstairs throws parties every night because her parents are never home. Just a fair warning. These cookies are delicious."

He smiled and shifted uncomfortably on his feet. He was just an inch taller. "Uh, thanks. If you like them that much I can make some more."

"That would be nice. Thanks. I'm sorry I don't have anything to offer, I'm just coming home after a long day at school…"

"Oh that's fine…if you don't mind I can cook something for us…food is better shared."

Sarah stopped eating to look at him. He looked sweet and kind. She couldn't help the smile on her face. "You would?"

"If you don't mind my being forward that is."

"Of course not. I'm a good judge of people I can tell we will get along already, Cooper."

Besides she was lonely right now and kind of disappointed Ace hadn't shown up. He had promised to text or call and didn't. She didn't want to dwell on it but she couldn't stop the feeling rising in her chest whenever she thought of him. With any luck, he would be among the crew on Friday.

*

The Dragenar mansion located in Island District 2 was huge with a crest of Drakai on every door. A servant crew of 14 workers worked tirelessly to keep it functioning. All the workers of the Dragenar mansion were Drakai rescued after the great war, every one of them former members of noble houses before the fall. They were loyal to Edgar even though in the past he was below them. As the protector of the Drakai, his rank was far above theirs, as long as they accepted him as protector they were under him.

The mansion was the site of many occasions Drakai and mortal related. Tonight was special. Edgar was receiving the Drakai from Greener Island. It was part of the archipelago to which Sunny Island belonged. Recently, one of the leading families of the Drakai was discovered.

The Styrax.

After the fall it was believed that every one of the ancient noble family, one of the oldest among the Drakai, was killed. But the youngest heir was recovered along with 3 older members. Edgar had sent a message to them as soon as he learned of their survival to offer protection. His protection extended beyond the shores of Sunny Island.

The huge dining hall was being readied by the servants for the occasion. They were both servants and guests because as soon as the room was set every room in the hall was occupied.

Downstairs cars were driving through the huge gates with suited men coming out to be led into the house. Edgar stood by the door welcoming his guests.

The youngest member of the House of Styrax, a 24-year-old kid named Jaerys, tall, muscular and handsome walked up to shake hands with him. The oldest member, Jax was stoic-faced until he walked up to Edgar. He offered a huge grin.

"You are doing a great job as the protector."

"I'm doing my best," Edgar returned the smile.

Jax leaned in, every trace of the smile leaving his face. "We do not come for protection, Edgar. You have something worth more than protection that we want."

Edgar tensed up sensing the beginning of enmity. Around them and out of hearing the guests exchanged pleasantries as they headed to the dining hall. "What else could I offer besides protection."

Jax leaned back slightly, there was a humorless smile on his face. "Have you found Attor Veles yet?"

Edgar tensed up even more.

"Relax Egan Dragenar. I am an ally but I can't say for sure that Attor is, if he's still alive. And if he is alive he would want to regain his powers and take that which was taken from him. Do you know what that means?"

"What?" Edgar asked cautiously. His eyes darted around. Every other member of the Styrax family seemed friendly enough.

"He would need the life of the crystal dragon."

Edgar laughed uneasily. "Well too bad he can't kill the only crystal dragon alive. Phoenix would not let him harm the Father."

Jax chuckled. "Don't take me for a fool Edgar, both you and I know that there is another crystal dragon. Your daughter Sarah Dragenar."

The alarm in Edgar's head kept him still. He kept his face expressionless.

"Deny it all you want but your daughter is the next Crystal dragon. Isn't that why you locked her powers? To keep others from discovering the treasure you have in your home?"

"What do you intend to do with that information?" Edgar asked. His body was stiff, rigid, and ready for battle.

Jax put a hand on his shoulder. "Marry your daughter to Jaerys and unite our houses."