Josh dreams of dragons.
He thinks it's just a welcome escape from everyday life. Until one morning, he wakes up with scales, wings, and a tail.
Josh faces a harsh new reality: he has become something that shouldn't exist outside the pages of his fan...
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The morning of my third day in the clan began with rain; the soft sound woke me gently as I slipped from my dreams. Tenaya had been there, flying peacefully beside me, smiling, telling me that I shouldn't be afraid anymore. I smiled as I got up from my sleeping mat and stretched.
Everything between us was still our secret. We had agreed the previous day to keep it that way. She had said she didn't want to complicate matters during my short time here in the clan. It made sense, but it didn't make me feel right; there was a lingering unease, keeping something from those who had been so open and upfront with me. Nevertheless, I was grateful for what she told me; her encouragement gave me hope that I could be myself and have nothing to fear. I wanted to prove her right.
The rainfall stopped just as the sun began to shed light into the valley, and I was happy to look up and enjoy the cloudy sunrise as I stood in the clearing behind Rofar's home. The blue dragon had told me little about what I would be doing today. I waited patiently until I heard paws coming through the door behind me.
I sniffed instinctively, and my nose identified the approaching dragon as someone other than Rofar. Turning, I was greeted by Nyraz instead of her mate. "Good morning, dear," she said in English, walking over to sit next to me. "Rofar and some other prominent dragons in the clan are holding council with Uldor as we speak. He may be occupied for some time yet. So I am to be your teacher this morning."
"What are they meeting about?" I asked though I presumed I knew the answer.
"I think it has something to do with the Ares and the Khovn Vrost. Maybe they have some new information."
I nodded slowly. "I see."
"But let's discuss your lesson this morning," the turquoise dragon said. "I assume you do not know much about healing magic?"
I shook my head.
"I could teach you about herbs and natural remedies as well, but you are not my apprentice, and we have precious little time. So I will simply give you a brief lesson in magic and its use in healing." Nyraz rose to her feet and strode over to her long table set up against the back of the house. "Join me please, Ayreth," she sang cheerfully, smiling as she surveyed the array of healer's accoutrements in front of her.
She casually picked up a small knife in her claws. Not saying a word, she held out her other paw and deftly made a small cut on the padded skin of her palm.
I winced in surprise. Blood seeped through the incision and beaded up along its length. "We'll use small wounds to practice. No need to cause any major injuries." She chuckled briefly, seeming not the slightest bit bothered by the cut. "The method for using this magic is not unlike moving a rock. You must envision the process of healing and focus your will solely on it. See the skin knitting together and the blood vessels healing themselves. If your intention is clear enough, it will happen. So go ahead, try it on me."
