Dragonheart Part 17
Sunset rays expanded across the dusk-kissed horizon in brilliant bands of deep crimson marbling into twilight purple. Two ruby-aura silhouettes of horses and riders slowly ascended the winding trail to the dragon cave. Wing picked his path with nimble footing. Duo's favorite bay mare that he named Chestnut because of her reddish-brown coat copied the well-placed hoof marks imprinted in the stony soil.
The Keeper and his partner's nightly visit to the endearing reptile had become both a duty and a necessary respite from their daily routine. Although Odin was well on his way to a complete recovery he still was not able to supervise the household and oversee the field workers.
Anna was a great help in the manor but Heero had taken charge of the spring planting. The Gypsies had proven to be an invaluable asset for not only did they lend their labor but also their skill with the plow horses.
Heero quickly recognized that there was no animal that the Gypsies could not tame. Whether it was the men's mastery of the sturdy Percherons or the women's easy management of the Welch cart ponies, the gentle nomads had an uncanny intuitive understanding of all living creatures.
Duo swore that when he first began to visit their encampment near his house that he saw a Gypsy girl, no older than ten or eleven, actually woo a hawk until the bird of prey was content to follow her wherever she went. He told of numerous occasions when children and deer played in the meadow and laid down to rest together.
Heero had no trouble believing in the interaction between the Gypsies and the woodland creatures, after all he found himself keeping constant company with a dragon.
The mounted pair continued to climb upward until they diminished to dots and blended with the evening shadows. The first stars had begun to twinkle and the moon was a sliver of silver above the mountain when Wing whinnied out their arrival at Shinigami's lair.
Duo dismounted and handed Heero the mare's reins. Heero guided Wing and Chestnut to a stream of water bubbling up from underground and left them to graze the fresh spring grass.
By the time Heero joined Duo in front of the cave's inky entrance, the Keeper had already knelt on the ground. Heero stood off to the side so as not to distract the wakening dragon. He had learned from previous experience that Shinigami was not in the best of moods when he first rose from his daylight slumber.
Shinigami would stretch his snaky neck and his scaly legs then draw out his back tautly until a soft pop sounded along his spine. Then the cranky reptile would take his time to adjust his eyes to the darkness before lowering his spike-crested head and slinking from the cave.
"Good evening." Duo called as a pair of fiery eyes blinked from the entrance.
The dragon sat down next to his Keeper resting back on his haunches. Even from the several feet that separated Heero from the dragon he could feel Shinigami's hot breath puffing against his face. There was no need for a fire, not when one had reptile-radiated heat.
Duo began the melodious chants. Once the soothing notes fashioned the ancient songs Shinigami became so enchanted that he purred. Heero cuddled beside his partner and also allowed himself to be enchanted.
"The nightingale sings of a faraway shore where the mountains meet the sea." Duo sang, "Over the waves my love sings back her tender love for me."
"Or should that be his love?" Duo whispered closed to Heero's ear.
Sixty minutes passed then half again as much time. Duo used up all his songs. Shinigami nuzzled Duo's hand letting him know that he needed to hunt for his supper. Duo petted the offered snout, "Stay within the forest," he reminded, "and watch the road when you cross the southern ravine."
Shinigami nodded and drew back his lips into a dragon-style smile. Long fangs that kept company with twin rows of razor edged teeth glistening in the limited moonlight. A forked tongue tasted the air then lapped at Duo's hand. Then in acceptance of the human whom Duo had also chosen to "keep", Shinigami lowered his head to permit Heero to stroke over his spiny crest.
Straightening to his full height Shinigami unfurled his webbed wings. With a powerful whoosh the massive creature lifted from the land. Three more flaps and his slender shape soared above the treetops. Duo watched until the airborne outline became indistinct then disappeared into the ebony shroud of night.
"It's time to meet with Wufei and the Elders." Duo declared as he mounted Chestnut.
Heero had been dreading the meeting. He knew that it was perhaps the last strategy session before Duo would insist on putting the plans into action. Heero understood his partner's reasons for his challenge to Merquise's arrogant lordliness, he even agreed that the pompous Prince should be punished for his unconscionable acts but still he could not give his blessing.
Duo could defend himself, there was no doubt about that, but he lacked the experience of actual combat. He had never faced a foe who would not hesitate to maim or kill to keep his position of power in tact. But what put fear in Heero's mind and caused his heart to break was that once Duo had been baptized by the blood of his enemies he could never regain the innocence lost.
As the horses picked their way down the moonlit trial Heero gave serious consideration to convincing Wufei to physically force Duo to stay in camp. But he soon dismissed the idea as he realized that Shinigami would not allow Duo to be held against his will. It was going to be hard enough to convince the protective dragon to let Duo fight on his own, no, Heero had better not tempt the fates.
The horses moved on through the orchard, up the hill passed the grain barn and the sheep pens shut up tight against nocturnal raiders. Several Mastiffs that guarded the sheep perked up their ears in heightened alertness as the mounted riders approached.
"It's all right." Heero assured the four-legged sentries. "Stay." he ordered not wanting any of the dogs to abandon their post to follow the horses.
The smell of smoke and the delicious aroma of cooking wafted over the hill just before the Gypsy camp came into view. Beyond the circled wagons the windows of Yuy Manor shone with pale yellow light.
Unlike the first time Heero saw his house it was not cold and uninviting. There was no reservation concerning his reception. He was home and welcomed within its walls. Odin, free from the burden of addiction and depression, was beginning a new life and he and Heero were rebuilding both trust and love.
Now Duo had been accepted into the family. Just as Heero and his father were forging a new relationship, Heero and Duo were exploring their newly found feelings and developing a bond of their own. Again a twinge of fear curled inside his heart and once more Heero pushed it away.
*Together we can do anything.* Duo had proclaimed.
"Together." Heero pledged on his honor as a soldier and his promise as a lover.
*********
Sharing a supper of venison, vegetables and sweet honey bread Heero and Duo discussed and debated possible plans with Wufei and the Elders. Everyone agreed that a direct charge would be a foolish venture, the number of Merquise's troops was too great.
"If the numbers were reduced," Wufei spoke from his previous knowledge of solders-of-fortune, "then we wouldn't be fighting an army. The Prince's men are only brave when they think they have the advantage."
"How do you purpose to dwindle them down to a manageable amount?" Heero wondered as he washed down a bite of bread with a gulp of homemade ale. The fermenting of grain was another of the Gypsy's talents that Heero had come to appreciate.
"That reduction, my friend, can be easily done. We," Wufei used a wide sweep of his hand to include the entire camp, "will put on a show for the Prince and his cowardly mercenaries and while they are distracted we will cull them out a few at a time."
A silver-haired Elder took over. "We are a peaceful people and we do not use violence if we can find another way so whenever possible we capture not kill. There will be an area set aside in the forest where the men will be taken and kept under guard. When the fight is over they will be turned over to King Peacecraft for his judgment."
Duo nodded in agreement, "What will happen to Merquise when I put him in his place."
"His father will decide his punishment." the wise man replied stroking his equally silvery beard, "I am sure that the Prince would rather face his father than risk the Gypsy's brand of reprimand."
Heero leaned forward bracing his arms on his knees. "Careful coordination is the key if we have any hope of victory."
The Elder smiled, "You have not forgotten your training. Now let us settle on a plan that will assure Merquise's defeat."
An hour later everything was in place. Wufei would make sure that the Gypsies knew their part in the deception. The Elders would arrange for a temporary holding area in the forest. The most experienced hunters would be under Heero's leadership and make up the defensive force.
The third evening from that hour would find the Gypsies engaging in a game of fox and geese with victory the prize. But for that night plans would be put aside. Everyone's minds needed to be occupied with brighter thoughts and their hearts made merry with song and dance and more of the excellent ale.
Wufei glanced over at his wagon. He could just make out Jen peeking around the side. With a wide smile he motioned for his raven-haired child to join the inner circle. "Come here little one." he called.
Jen wasted no time in coming to her father. She politely acknowledged the assembled Elders then made a straightway path to Duo. Climbing into his lap she wrapped her arms around Duo's neck and planted a sloppy kiss on his cheek.
"Have you had good dreams?" Duo wondered as Jen wiggled to get comfortable.
She nodded "yes" enthusiastically then fixed her dark gaze on Wufei, "Can we dance now?"
"Yes little one, go find Quatre and we will dance."
Soon all manner of musicians had gathered around the center fire ring. Quatre had his violin, others their fiddles. A drum metered out the beat. Trowa revealed another side of himself as he added his flute to the joyous music.
All about the fire the Gypsies danced. Tambourines jingled and women twirled in multi-colored skirts that floated out in circles. The ale was shared and shared again.
Duo bowed deeply to Jen. "Madam may I have this dance?"
Jen curtsied with the same graceful elegances that her mother, God rest her soul, had often used to entice Wufei into a private dance of love.
Wufei had never wholly recovered from his wife's death in childbirth. Without a doubt he did know that his precious daughter had received her mother's essence of life and with that transfer of her soul Jen had been given her mother's gift of dreams.
A wistful sadness flickered across Wufei's black eyes as he watched Duo scooped up Jen and twirled her around. "Jen you are so much like your mother." he whispered forlornly.
After three lively songs Trowa decided to take a break. As much as he enjoyed playing his flute he took more pleasure in watching his lover become one with his music as a joyous smile beamed on Quatre's face and magic shone in his azure eyes.
Trowa leaned back against a tree and clapped in time to the tune. Duo and Jen danced a jig, spinning and leaping in the air as if they both had wings. Like Trowa, Heero gleaned great satisfaction from watching his partner lithe steps.
Duo's power and suppleness mirrored his dexterity with the sword. Heero supposed that there was not much difference between swordplay and dancing. They both required fluid movements, balance and excellent body coordination and Duo had certainly mastered each of those essential skills.
*********
Heero made his way around the cheerful crowd and joined Trowa under the tree. Ever since the night that Quatre healed Odin a perplexing question had nagged at his thoughts and he hoped that Trowa would be able to supply an answer.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" Trowa shouted above a rousing song that was being sung by three men whose tongues had been loosened by the free-flowing ale.
"Yes very much." Heero replied with the same volume. "I have something that I need to ask you."
"Let's go further into the field so we can hear each other." Trowa suggested.
When they had walked out far enough so that the noise from camp was at a more tolerable level Trowa and Heero sat down on a rocky outcrop. "Ask your question." Trowa said as he gave his new ally his full attention.
"You will probably think I am crazy," Heero began with the odd disclaimer concerning the soundness of his state of mind, "but the night Quatre healed my father I could have sworn that he spoke."
"You are not crazy." Trowa assured, "Quatre can speak but only when he is healing. When an Elder Healer wanted to train a new apprentice Quatre answered the call without hesitation. He already had the ability to sense people's pain so why not learn how to make that pain go away? But with the gift came sacrifices. If Quatre was to practice the art of healing he could only use his voice for the cure."
"You mean that Quatre made the decision to become mute?" Heero declared with amazement at the young man's unselfishness.
"He felt that it was a small price to pay to help others." Trowa stated with pride. "We have no problem understanding each other using the signs, in fact his muteness has actually made our emphatic connection stronger."
Heero gazed back at the camp, "Quatre is an extraordinary person, no wonder you love him so much."
Trowa beamed with the unmistakable glow of love. "I would give up everything for him because he gave up so much for me."
Seeing the puzzlement in Heero's eyes Trowa explained. "I was the first person that Quatre healed, he gave up his voice for me. When I was still a stranger to him he pulled me back from the brink of death."
Tears misted in Trowa's green sight as he remembered that time almost a year ago. "I had been traveling with the Gypsies a few weeks when I was struck down with a high fever. Despite all their efforts to save me I showed no improvement. Finally all they could do was keep a vigil and pray that I would not suffer too long.
"Quatre came to me without reservation. He offered his voice and touch freely. For three days and nights he sat by my side chanting the healing words and using his mental connection to keep me from slipping away. Finally when the fever broke I was ravaged by convulsive chills. Quatre laid with me and through his touch chased the cold away.
"As I regained my strength he continued to visit me daily. We quickly became friends and he began to teach me how to sign words. I am not sure when our hearts became as connected as our minds but one night I asked him to stay with me, to share my bed and my life."
Heero nodded and Trowa could clearly see a faraway look in his eyes. "Duo and I have just become close but we have not coupled like you and Quatre."
Trowa place his hand on Heero's shoulder. "If you and Duo have already linked your hearts then you have made your commitment. The physical aspects will follow naturally just like one season follows another. Now let's return to our lovers before they come looking for us."
*********
The celebration of comradeship lasted until well past midnight. Musicians played until they were exhausted, everyone sang until their voices gave out. Gradually the dancers formed small groups, a few paired off and sought out private places. Jen curled up on a blanket by the fire. Wufei tucked another woven cover snuggly around her body and softly sang a lullaby until she drifted off to dreamland.
Heero and Duo cuddled at the forest's edge where the fire's influence barely disturbed the shadows. They whispered, held hands and engaged insome good-natured groping.
Trowa was right...they had connected with their hearts. There were many new sensations to be explored, many secrets to share but that night they were satisfied to just be together.
Finally the various camp members drowsily dispersed to their wagons. Wufei carefully lifted Jen whose angelic smile told him that her dreams were pleasant. Heero and Duo bade the Oriental good night and headed back to house and their room that had become their refuge from the prying eyes of the world.
TBC...
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