Fang Shway in LA (17 page)

“You know I want to come. I love flying.”

Traygen changed and knelt down for me to hop on. A few powerful pulls from his wings and we were airborne. He was clearly feeling good because he was showing off. We did several loops around the house before he landed.

“I’ll be right back, sit tight.”

I watched him jog over to the house and crawl inside. All I could think, as I watched him disappear behind my wrecked car was how I’d explain this. My mind searched for any reasonable explanation. Realizing there weren’t any I thought the truth might be more accurate.
My car ran into the side of an evil wizard’s house and then the house burned down. I believe I would just report it stolen.

It didn’t take Traygen and Tokem long to return. “I made sure that no one survived and then I torched the place. We can call it in once the house is fully engulfed. There isn’t anything around here it can harm.”

“I’m ready to go home if you two are.” I tucked Tokem into my pocket and then climbed aboard. The sun was just starting to rise when we landed in the alley behind the house. Home had never looked so good.

Chapter 27

Xena greeted us enthusiastically and for the first time in days I felt the tension falling away. I took a hot bath and soaked all my aching muscles. I had some nasty bruises, but thankfully almost everything was superficial. When I finished getting dressed, I went out into the living room.
I found that everyone else had also cleaned up. Traygen was making pancakes and Tokem was drooling.

“That sure smells good.” I said as I limped to a chair. “I’m hungrier than I thought.”

“You are in luck, the food is almost ready.”

Traygen put several silver dollar sized pancakes on a small plate for Tokem. I graciously helped him with the syrup and stared in amazement as he devoured the food. I watched contentedly as Traygen served up pancakes for both of us, turning off the stove. He sat down beside me.

“How are you feeling?” He asked concern etched on his face.

It gave me renewed strength to hear the depth of his love. “I’m feeling much better, now that I’m clean and fed. Thank you, I can’t believe it’s finally over.”

Traygen pushed his plate away and reached for my hand. He still looked worried, “It isn’t all over. You still have to face the council. When are you going to contact them?”

“I guess I should contact Jason and let him know what happened. He’ll be happy to know Azif is dead and to learn the spear is safe. I’m hoping he’ll convince the council to go easy on me.”

“What if they don’t? Then what will we do?”

Reaching for his hand, kissing it lightly I said, “I don’t know. I don’t think they’ll kill me, since they have the spear and Azif is dead. I hope I’ll only get a slap on the wrist.”

I pushed back from the dinner table and went to my office. I might as well get this over with, waiting wouldn’t help. I went to the Dragon’s Eye and sent for Jason before I sat down to wait. I started to consider Traygen’s questions but I couldn’t concentrate. My stomach felt queasy and my palms were sweaty. What if indeed, I had always pushed the limits but, this time I may have gone too far. My attitude often caused me to clash with authority. Truthfully, I’ve had some small and not so small run-ins with the council. Fortunately, nothing of this magnitude and honestly I’d do it again given similar circumstances. I was an unrepentant wizard and proud of it. I felt a small disturbance, and then a heard a pop, announcing Jason’s arrival. He didn’t look pleased, to put it mildly, as he took the seat opposite me.

“I wanted to report that Azif is dead and the spear never left my vault. I never gave it to Azif, he had the replica.”

“Then why in God’s name did you steal the real one or disarm it? Now I know for sure, you’ve lost your mind,” he screamed.

My ears were ringing.
He’d hit a decibel I didn’t think was humanly possible. “I never disarmed the spear. I just wanted to make everyone think I had to distract them long enough to grab the spear.”

“Well your plan worked. You not only distracted them, you provoked them. You know your disrespect won’t go unpunished. I still don’t see why you stole it if you weren’t going to trade it.”

“I needed to siphon off some of the spear’s power to fool Azif. He would have known immediately the other was a fake if he hadn’t felt the energy.”

Jason sat in silence for some time without speaking. I assumed he was mulling over what I’d said. When he finally spoke his voice was just above a whisper.

“The council will expect you tomorrow at noon. I’ll do what I can, given what you’ve just told me. I hope it will be enough but, Lauren I can’t promise I can protect you.”

I opened the vault and handed him the real spear. He took it without comment and left without saying another word. I sat back down, staring off into space. How could this be happening now? Just when I’m realizing how wrong I’ve been. Now I might never get to experience the love I brushed aside for so many years. How could I possibly make Traygen understand? Someone knocked on the door, and I got up to answer it. Traygen and Tokem were standing there.

“Well, don’t keep us waiting any longer?” Tokem said. “We are prepared to run away with you if necessary.”

“Tokem, thank you but I don’t think that will be necessary.”

Traygen didn’t say a word he just waited for me to say something. “Jason took the spear and I’m meeting with the council tomorrow at noon.”

“Did he give you any idea or hint of what the council is thinking or any idea what to expect?”

I went to Traygen and put my arms around his neck. “No. He didn’t say anything. I’ve got no idea what to expect. I’ve faced serious reprimands before but I’ve never been in trouble like this.”

“Lauren, I meant it. We’ll get you out of here and stand by you. However, if we are not leaving tonight, I need to catch up on The Price is Right.”

“Tokem you go ahead. I’ll be all right.”

Turning to Traygen I offered him my hand and then led him off to bed. We didn’t sleep much but we held each other. Words weren’t necessary and besides, there was nothing to say. He’d have done the same for me, given similar circumstances and I’d do it again. I must have drifted off to sleep at some point. When the alarm went off, I found myself nestled in Traygen’s arms, lingering as long as I dared. I held tightly to him.

Finally, I sat up on one elbow, so I could look him in the eye. “When this is all over, we need to talk. I don’t want to live another day without you.”

He gently lowered me back down to the pillows, kissing me tenderly. “I thought you’d never say yes. I love you Lauren, and I always will. This has made me realize I should have been more persistent. I just thought time was on our side, until this last assignment, that is. Time may be on our side, but it isn’t guaranteed.”

I didn’t speak, there was no need. When I finally freed myself from Traygen’s arms I got ready. I showered, dressed, put my make-up on and then went out to the kitchen. Tokem was eating some cereal and Traygen was nowhere to be found.

“Traygen said to tell you he’ll be here when you get back. He took Xena for a walk. Lauren, he just couldn’t face you. He’s afraid they won’t free you, that he’ll lose you just when you’ve agreed to marry him.”

Stunned, I said nothing.
It was as if all the wind went
out of my lungs. I turned without saying a word and went to my office. Wiping tears from my eyes, I went to the Dragon’s Eye and chanted my password. I landed in the outer hall of the World Council chambers. One of the ushers came up to tell me I was next and to have a seat. I sat without uttering a word. Then the words sank in. I was next, who was first? I thought I was the only one on the hot seat. About half an hour later the doors opened and Traygen walked out.

He strode purposefully up to me. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I was afraid you would ask me not to come. I love you and I couldn’t stand by and say nothing. I needed to make them understand.”

Tears of relief flowing down my cheeks, I didn’t even bother wiping them away. I hugged him tightly and when I finally released him we were both blinking back tears. Pulling out a handkerchief, I dabbed at my eyes. Then I took a deep breath, opened the door, with my head high, shoulders back I walked to the front of the chamber. I stopped across from the council members and waited.

“Lauren Simon, do you know why you are here today?”

“Yes, sir, I do.”

“Since this is a formal disciplinary hearing I’ll read the formal charges. There are two counts. They are the theft of the Spear of Destiny and the calculated deception of the council. Do you understand the charges?”

“Yes, sir, I do.”

“Is there anything that you wish to say in your defense?”

“Yes, I would.”

“Continue.”

I looked out into the sea of faces, trying but, failing to rein in my racing heart, to steady my nerves. How could I even begin to explain my actions? I had to try.

“It was never my plan to mislead the council. I’m sorry for any disrespect suggested by my actions, which was never my intent. I’ve served this council for all of my adult life. I’ve tried to act in an honorable fashion and I am proud to serve. I never once declined an assignment and I’ve given every ounce of energy I could muster. My life has been on the line too many times to count. Through it all I’ve been loyally supported and assisted by Traygen and Tokem. These men have served the council with their lives and they would gladly give their lives for me. I wouldn’t hesitate to do the same for them. It must be this way or no one would serve.

“That is why I risked my life to travel to Hades, to get the spell to disarm the spear. Jason led me to believe if I successfully retrieved the spell then the council would give me back the spear. When I learned the council would not give me the spear because, it was worth more armed. I did the only thing I could think of.

“I pretended to disarm the spear to stun the group. I correctly assumed it would buy me the time to escape with the spear. I never gave the spear to Azif. Actually, it never left my sealed vault. I only used it to infuse the fake spear with enough energy to trick Azif. He was too powerful to have been fooled by a replica that emitted no power.

“I apologize for the deception and I’ll face whatever punishment you believe fitting. You should know this. I would do it again to save Traygen or Tokem’s lives. They would do the same thing for me. It is why we are a successful team and a source of great good in the universe. I won’t apologize for trying to do what was necessary to save Traygen’s life.”

I was escorted from the chamber without any comment from the council. They were going to discuss my case and vote on my punishment. Traygen rushed over to put his arms around me before asking, “How did it go?”

“I don’t know. Still, I refused to apologize for saving your life. They needed to know that given the same set of circumstances, I’d do it again.”

He kissed me firmly on the lips and we sank into the nearest seats to wait. I had no way of knowing how long it would take or what to expect when they reached a verdict.

Jason came out some time later, and he approached us. “Lauren the verdict is in. Traygen the council would like you to go in with Lauren.” He turned, walking back into the room without further comment.

Traygen pulled me to my feet, “What do you make of that?”

“I have no idea and I couldn’t read Jason. Come on we better not keep them waiting. I’m already in enough hot water.”

We walked hand-in-hand into the room, ever head turning to face us.
My rapidly beating heart was drowning out any other noise in the room. “Lauren Simon, we have reached a verdict on the two counts. On the first count of stealing the spear the council finds you guilty. On the second count, of deceiving the council, we find you not guilty. For the guilty count, your sentence is two years’ probation and barring any further incidences, the sentence will be erased from your record at the end of the time. However, if you are found guilty of any further violations during your probation period you’ll be imprisoned for the balance of your sentence. Is that clear?”

“Yes, sir it is.”

“You are free to go, and I hope we don’t see you back in here again.”

I nearly yanked Traygen from the room. I couldn’t wait to get out of there.

Chapter 28

When we landed safely in my office Tokem sped in. “Well, give me the news? It’s good isn’t? You’re both smiling and it isn’t considerate to keep me waiting.”

I pressed my finger gently to his mouth. “If you let me get a word in edgewise, I’ll tell you,” I said stifling a laugh.

“Just this once, I’m going to let that unprovoked assault on my person go.”

“I was found guilty of stealing the spear and not guilty of conspiring to steal it. All of which means, I got two years’ probation.”

Tokem started dancing a little jig on the table top.

“My sentiments exactly,” Traygen said as he twirled me around.

“If you two are going to start in I’m out of here. Call me when it’s time to eat.”

“Well, are you going to start something or not?” I said as Traygen held me close.

He dipped me, then whispering in my ear, “Oh, yeah.”

We waltzed our way to the bedroom. Traygen picked me up, sat me on the edge of the bed and getting down on one knee he took my hand. “Lauren, will you do me the honor of marrying me?” He asked, pulling a small, elaborately carved box out of his jacket. He handed it to me and I opened it with trembling fingers. Nestled in the velvet was the most beautiful heart shaped ruby, surrounded by diamonds. There had to be at least two carets worth of diamonds. For a hundred year old dragon, he sure knew how to turn a modern woman’s head, lots and lots of bling, he knew me well.

“Yes,” I whispered in response. Not wasting any time, he took the ring from the box and slipped it onto my finger.
He then reached down and taking my hands he pulled me to my feet.
Holding me close, he gently tipped my chin up and our lips meeting in ecstatic surrender.

Pulling back from me, he began gently undressing me, being careful not to touch any of my injured parts. Trust me on this when I say he kissed every single uninjured inch. Then he laid me on the bed, got undressed and joined me. Tenderly caressing me, rubbing my aching muscles, teasing me with his mouth until, I was about to attack him. He slipped slowly inside me and moved deeper and deeper within until, I shuddered in orgasmic spasms, as he spent himself inside me.

When I woke later, I found him lying on his side staring at me. “Hi, sleepyhead, I thought you might sleep through until morning.”

“Hey, there handsome. How long have I been asleep?”

“A couple of hours.”

“Couldn’t you sleep?” I asked, as I snuggled against him.

“I didn’t want to. I was afraid I’d wake up and find out I was dreaming.”

“Oh Traygen, I’m sorry it took me so long to say yes. I always wanted to. I was just afraid, afraid I’d lose you like I lost my father.”

“I know and I knew in time you would say yes, which is why I never pressured you. Still, this last adventure made me recognize time can run out on anyone. I just didn’t want to live without you.”

I pressed my fingers to his lips. “I do know, when Azif took you captive, I realized there wasn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you. I meant it when I told the council I wasn’t sorry. I love you and I always have.”

I snuggled back against Traygen, closing my eyes, blissing out on my love for him. I was just too tired and happy to think. I hadn’t had much sleep in the last couple of weeks. My body was covered in bruises and I ached in too many places to count. Nevertheless, I’d honestly never been happier.

Hunger finally woke me up or I probably could have slept longer but, I needed to eat something. Traygen was already up and if I were lucky he’d made something to eat. I intended to find out.

“Congratulations, it’s about time. I though you two were never going to get hitched.” Tokem cried.

“Thank you, Tokem. You’re right. I should have said yes a long time ago.”

“Traygen took Xena and they went to get some take out Chinese. You know one of you two will need to learn how to cook.”

“Traygen’s a quick learner.”

“Did I hear my name? I’ve brought us dinner. Who’s hungry?”

“Tokem was just congratulating us and speculating on which of us would learn to cook. I chose you.”

“Lauren, I’m touched and so are you if you believe I can learn to cook. I’ll try if you do. Deal?”

“You’re on. Now what have you brought us to eat?”

“A little bit of everything. Dig in.”

We ate in relative silence. It had been almost twenty-four hours since we’d eaten. I just knew all that adrenaline burned up a lot of calories, or at least that was what I was telling myself. We cleaned up before retreating to the living room. I was stuffed and from the looks of my companions I wasn’t the only one.

“So, have you decided? Where you are going to live?” Tokem said.

“Yes, I’m going to move in here.”

“Traygen, are you sure? What about your family?”

“Lauren, I’ll need to go home and seek formal approval to abdicate the thrown. It will be hard on my family but they want me to be happy. I’ve been grooming my brother for years. He won’t have any trouble making the transition and he’ll make a just ruler.”

“You’re sure about this?”

Traygen nodded his head and smiled. “Yes, as far as I can see, there will only be one catch.”

“Which is?” I said.

“They’ll insist on a royal wedding for the populace. They’ll want to show you off. Do you think you can handle it?”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve always dreamed about a big wedding.”

“Then that is exactly what you’ll have. Then after the honeymoon I’ll come to this plane to live with you. I can live happily anywhere with you. I know you would not adjust well to medieval times. Unless you have a serious objection, I’ll move in with you.”

I couldn’t believe my ears. Traygen was going to live with me here on Earth. Thank you, God. “Traygen, I’d love to have you live here with me but, there is one condition. Well, truthfully two. We will visit your family on all major holidays.”

“Done. What else?”

“That we find a bigger house, something that will be ours.”

“You’ve got yourself a deal. When do we start looking?”

Picking up the nearest pillow I tossed it playfully at his head. “Not so fast buster. You have to marry me first. I will not live in sin with you.”

“It hasn’t stopped you so far.” Tokem quipped.

Tossing a wadded up napkin in Tokem’s direction I hated to admit the little guy was right.

“Details, details. I suppose you’ll want an extravagant honeymoon too?”

“Traygen, I want a long, exotic, expensive one but not until I have the wedding of my dreams. I want the whole enchilada, buddy.
This will cost you.”

“If you are trying to scare me, it won’t work. I’ve been saving for this occasion for a longtime. You’ll have the finest caterers, florists and restaurants gold coins can buy.”

“On second thought maybe getting married isn’t such a good idea. I don’t think L.A. is ready for you yet.”

“Well, when you two make up your minds you know where to find me. I am invited aren’t I?”

“On one condition, Tokem, will you agree to be my best man?”

“I’d be honored and don’t worry about the tux, I have one. Now before I tear up and embarrass myself, I’m going to finish the Price is Right. Lauren, remember your promise.”

“I haven’t forgotten. I’m working on it.” I genuinely thought he was touched and he was trying to hide it by changing the subject. I wasn’t fooled. It was only logical he would be our best man. He had been our constant companion and scout for as long as I could remember.

Traygen’s eyebrows rose in a quizzical expression. “Am I missing something?”

“I promised to take Tokem to see the Price is Right. We’ll go while you’re at home. I believe you’d be bored and besides your input wouldn’t be of much use.”

“What do you mean? I can certainly make an accurate guess on the price of most items.”

“I’m sure you can, but gold coins aren’t easily tabulated. Seriously, when are you planning on going home to speak with your family?”

Traygen reached out, pulling me close, “If it is all right with you, I’ll leave first thing tomorrow. I want to go home and hopefully, I’ll get things taken care of in a timely manner. The sooner we get things settled, the sooner you’ll be with me forever.”

“I like the sound of that and since you aren’t leaving until tomorrow we can practice.”

“Practice what?” The quizzical look on his face made me double over in laughter. Traygen just stared at me, until I took off my shirt and headed for our room.