Lantamyra A Tapestry of Fantasy

By Susan Waterwyk

LANTAMYRA is a journey of discovery to an enchanting world of natural beauty, terra-formed by ancient beings known as the Keepers of Akosh. It is a sanctuary world for refugees of two different planets, humans from Earth and dragons from Lanluong. They must co-exist until the time comes when the dragons can return to their homeworld and the humans can inherit Lantamyra. The dragons rule the three great Houses: Jade, Lotus and Snow. The human population lives and works to provide the needs of dragons as well as their own. They must also tend the ancient gardens of the Keepers of Akosh. It might be considered a Utopian society but the world of Lantamyra is harsh and cold, still recovering from an ice age. Severe climate, dangerous animals, famine and disease provide hard challenges to overcome. Begin the adventure in the beautiful rugged Gold Country of the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. Meet Tylya and her lover Josh Hamilton, find the crystal scepter, and journey to Lantamyra to become a Keeper of Dragons.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Susan Waterwyk
• Release date: Nov 10, 2013
• ISBN: 9780991041718

Susan Waterwyk

My writing career began in 2005 with a dream of a lengthy conversation with a dragon. After discussing it with my family, we agreed it would make an interesting story. On Mother's day of that year, I wrote the first seven pages. Seven years later, I published Lantamyra: A Tapestry of Fantasy. Now, another year later, I have published A Tale of Two Worlds. My fantasies still include the company of dragons along with ancient extra-terrestrials that terra-form sanctuary worlds for species in danger of extinction. I live in the quiet woods of California's Sierra Nevada and admit that it has provided much of the inspiration for my books. I have a fondness for Nineteeth Century classical literature and poetry and encourage others to to enjoy them. I like to include a few of poems or songs in my stories because I believe every good story shoud have a song or a poem to add a bit of magic. "Starting with a melody, she'll lead you far away...down passages of poetry where dreamers often play."

Book preview

Lantamyra

A Tapestry of Fantasy

by

Susan Waterwyk

Copyright © 2012 by Susan Waterwyk

Waterwyk Arts

Smashwords Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. Please do not participate in or encourage the piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Purchase only authorized editions.

Publisher’s statement: This is a work of fiction. All characters, names, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously and any resemblance to actual persons, living or deceased, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Table of Contents

Foreword

Prologue

Chapter One

A Secret in Dragonwood

Chapter Two

Requesting a Dragon

Chapter Three

Leaving Home...Going Home

Chapter Four

House of Gaia Jade

Chapter Five

Audience with the Queen

Chapter Six

Return to Dragonwood

Chapter Seven

Separate Journeys

Chapter Eight

The Nightkeeper’s Secret

Chapter Nine

Chess with the Queen

Chapter Ten

Secrets and Riddles

Chapter Eleven

A Lesson in Surprise

Chapter Twelve

Crystal Dreams

Chapter Thirteen

Phases of Guilt

Chapter Fourteen

A New Reality

Chapter Fifteen

Gifts and Acceptance

Chapter Sixteen

Keepers of Akosh

Chapter Seventeen

The Eve of Litha

Chapter Eighteen

Immortal Time

Chapter Nineteen

Fast-time

Chapter Twenty

Doorways and Horizons

Epilogue

Afterword

Foreword

A tapestry of fantasy,

A story told on snowy nights,

Sit by the fire,

Drink some tea,

And I will weave a fantasy….

According to the Akoshic records, the Sagittarius Arm of the galaxy is a cosmic garden of living worlds, and connecting them is a physical dimension of pure energy known as the crystalrealm. The Keepers of Akosh, ancient beings with the power to open doorways into the crystalrealm, traveled the stars to many of these garden worlds.

Thousands of years ago, they discovered a young world where volcanoes had shaped the land, and retreating glaciers had scoured it to bare rock. Life was scarce, concentrated mainly in the oceans and coastal forests. This world had a wealth of precious metals and minerals. At several different sites scattered across the main continent, they discovered rich deposits of rare myra crystals—the primary source of Akoshic power. They named the world Lantamyra, meaning mother of crystals.

On a large island with three volcanoes, the Keepers of Akosh found a treasure beyond price—giant myra crystals, the rarest of all. They assembled a crystal array in a chamber deep inside the mountain to provide the power to search the stars beyond Lantamyra for other living worlds.

A nearby yellow star held in orbit a world abundant with water and diverse with life. They named it Eadlan, meaning garden mother. Nowadays, it is called Earth….

Excerpts from Secrets Shared on Snowy Nights, by Kyra Starszyn.

Prologue

On a winter night, a man and woman in a small airplane flying above the crest of the Sierra Nevada Mountains enjoyed the view of the snow-covered landscape and the shimmering reflection of the full moon in the mirror of Lake Tahoe.

The romantic moment ended with a few careless words that started an argument, so the man turned the plane west to return home. As the argument continued, his aggravation led to recklessness, and he flew into a wide canyon. It produced the effect he wanted; the frightened woman clutched the edge of the seat so tight her knuckles turned white. She pleaded with him to stop acting crazy. He deliberately flew even lower, and now, he had to maneuver to avoid the canyon walls.

Above a steep ridge in front of the plane a strange violet light appeared. He pulled back on the controls to fly out of the canyon. As the plane topped the ridge, he saw a vortex forming in the sky, violet waves of energy spiraling into a pitch-black center.

Quickly, he forced the plane into a steep climb.

The vortex grew until it stretched from one side of the canyon to the other. Out of the black center flew a huge dark shape that pulled up sharply to avoid a collision with the plane. There for an instant, silhouetted against the violet light, was a gigantic dragon. It turned suddenly, diving into the darkness of the canyon below.

The plane flew through the edge of the spiral, and the lights on the control panel blinked off for a second then came back on.

Speechless, the man and woman stared at the sky in front of them. The incident happened so quickly that they never saw what the dragon was carrying and never knew they caused him to drop it.

Chapter One

A Secret in Dragonwood

Out of the shade of the redwood trees into the bright sunlight, Josh shifted the bicycle into high gear, crouched low over the handlebars and sped down the two-lane Sierra mountain road. It was summer. He was home from college and glad to be away from the noise of the city. As far as he could see, the only traffic was a doe and two fawns crossing the road ahead and disappearing into another grove of tall trees. Before entering the deep shadows, he shifted to a lower gear and slowed down to give his eyes a moment to adjust to the dim light. The heavy scent of cedar filled the air. Passing the old cemetery with its weatherworn tombstones from the Gold Rush days, he glanced at the marker of a much more recent grave.

Good afternoon, Mr. Lansing, he said to the occupant. I’m inviting your daughter to a picnic by the lake—hope she’s in a good mood.

Two years ago, Tylya Lansing’s father had been killed in a rockslide while prospecting in the canyon. When she took up his hobby, arguments with her mother began and increased until Tylya finished high school, left home and moved in with her grandmother. Since then, she seemed to have very little time for any of her friends. She worked full-time at her grandmother’s store and prospected on her days off.

Josh remembered that on their last date Tylya had been moody and distant. He had taken her to dinner at her favorite restaurant, and on the drive home, he stopped at a scenic lookout. After the first kiss, she got out of the car and walked over to stare into the canyon. He joined her and looked at the moonlit view for a moment then tried to kiss her again. She avoided it and apologized for not feeling romantic. Disappointed that the date had not turned out the way he had hoped, he took her home.

For the last two months, he had been busy with college classes and only exchanged a few short e-mails and phone calls with her.

As he rode past the high school, he remembered the first time he kissed her. It was during rehearsal in drama class and only a stage kiss with strictly enforced rules from an unsympathetic teacher. A week before the first performance of the play, he took Tylya on their first date, and Josh Hamilton’s love for her was sealed with their first real kiss.

The sharp cry of a bluejay returned his attention to the present. Directly ahead were the few buildings that made up the downtown area of Forest Ridge. The small town sat on the edge of a steep canyon and was a quiet secluded sanctuary where old folks liked to retire and young couples wanted to raise families. Like most small towns in the mountains, its businesses thrived on the tourists traveling into the high Sierra.

The only skyscrapers we have are evergreen trees, he said to himself.

He coasted past the ranger station and two of the six churches in town. Passing the Grubstake Grill, he saw the curio shop, Dragonwood, at the far end of the redwood boardwalk and thought it was the perfect business for Lenora Lansing—after all, Tylya’s grandmother was a little bit strange.

He parked his bicycle next to the porch swing in front of the store. As he opened the door, the little silver bell above it rang, and the familiar fragrance of lotus incense and soft classical music greeted him. The large rattan basket filled to the brim with smaller wicker baskets still sat near the front door. Mrs. Lansing’s landscape paintings hung on the back wall above shelves with woodcarvings of wildlife. In one corner, a box held posters of waterfalls and giant redwood trees, along with maps of old gold mines and ghost towns. Fishing hats and floppy gardener hats hung on a wall above an old cedar chest filled with stuffed animals. An antique brass umbrella stand held colorful pinwheels spinning in the breeze from an open side window where crystals hung to catch the afternoon sunlight. In the front window, ceramic dragons displayed their wings to welcome potential customers.

Lenora Lansing stood behind the counter; her braided brown hair had a touch of gray and her forest-green dress had the name, Dragonwood, embroidered on it. She looked up and smiled at Josh then returned her attention to the customer in front of her.

Taking off his bicycle helmet and running his fingers through his damp dark-brown hair, Josh walked over to the circular rack of T-shirts and looked through the bead curtain into the back room. Tylya was usually working at this time of day, but he didn’t see her.

The customer, who had been leaning over the counter, straightened up. Josh immediately recognized his high-school science teacher, tall, slim, and bald, Mr. Andrew Johnson, dressed as usual in dark slacks and a light-blue shirt as if he had just left class.

The old bachelor was in Dragonwood to spend time with Tylya’s grandmother. Andy believed he had finally found his perfect match; Lenora was attractive, intelligent, and possessed a magic his scientific mind could not explain. Now that school was out for the summer, he stopped by the store two or three times a week. He always purchased something, a book, a map, or a T-shirt, as long as he could share a few minutes with her.

Andy’s laptop was set-up on the counter, and he was giving Lenora another science lesson. The molten iron core generates the magnetic field of the Earth. This graph clearly shows the strength of the field, and this picture shows some magnetic anomalies…. As she leaned over for a better look, he glanced adoringly at her. And see how the waves flow to the pole. As his hands moved back and forth imitating waves, he accidentally slapped the screen.

She quickly grabbed the laptop to keep it from falling off the counter.

Sorry, he said, I wasn’t paying attention—to the computer.

That’s all right, you’re just a little excited, she replied.

Josh chuckled at the teacher’s habit of lecturing with his hands. The last time Josh had seen him in the store, the lesson was spaceships, and Handy Johnson (as the high school kids called him) knocked a rack of earrings off the counter.

Oh—good afternoon, Josh, Andy said then returned his attention to the computer.

Lenora smiled. It’s good to see you again—how was school?

Great, but it’s nice to be home. He glanced into the back room again. Is Tylya working today?

She had to run an errand for her mother, Lenora looked at the clock, should be back any minute. Have you been to the Quickie Gas and Espresso since the grand opening? Her mother is very proud of it.

I passed it on the way into town last night. It’s—bright—lots of windows, lots of gas pumps. Kinda looks like it belongs on the interstate instead of Ridge Road. Has her mother talked her into working there yet?

Only part-time—Deanna wants her to be an assistant manager, but Tylya won’t commit to that. She prefers to work here.

The sound of a door shutting came from the back room then a woman’s voice rang out loud and clear. Ty-leee-ah has returned! With double mochas on ice—made’em myself. Mom asked me to cover for Barbara on Sunday night. She stepped backward through the bead curtain into the room. Her long blonde hair hung halfway down the back of her green Dragonwood T-shirt. When she turned around, she held a cardboard tray with two tall coffee cups.

Hello Mr. Johnson. Oh! Josh—uh—hello. She smiled politely.

He expected a little more enthusiasm in her greeting.

Lenora saw his disappointment and decided to help him. I’ll pass on the coffee. My stomach is feeling a little delicate today. She smiled at Tylya. Why don’t you offer it to Josh and take a break?

You in the mood for an iced mocha, Josh? Tylya carried the tray to the front door.

He opened it for her. Sounds great—especially after the bike ride.

Tylya checked out his muscles under the snug-fitting shirt and tight black cyclist pants, and her smile was a little warmer as she stepped through the door. They sat in the porch swing, and she handed a cup to him. So, you’re all done with the first year of college, no more homework, no more tests for a few months?

Yeah…I almost signed up for summer classes, but decided I needed the break. He wanted to tell her how much he had missed her, but doubted this was the right moment, so he stirred his drink and asked about her plans. Have you thought anymore about—you know—registering for fall classes?

It’s just not on my agenda right now. Maybe January would be better. She sipped her drink and waited for the question she knew would be next.

Are you still going into the canyon searching for gold?

Every chance I get.

You aren’t going alone, are you? It’s dangerous—you could get hurt. There are snakes and mountain lions—not to mention, beer-drinking clowns with guns.

I always take Lancelot, and he’ll bark if anything gets too close. Stan’s gone with me twice. I only go alone when no one’s available, hinting for him to volunteer.

Even a few times is dangerous and—Stan and you—Big Stan, the mechanic?

Yes, Stan—and I asked him. He’s a serious prospector and always a perfect gentleman. Anyway, he has a girlfriend. She heard his sigh of relief. I’m going into the canyon tomorrow. Want to go with me? I’ll bring lunch.

The canyon—prospecting? He preferred a picnic by the lake with her on a blanket.

Tylya decided it was time to play Juliet. Oh Romeo, deny not the happy chance to serve as my protector, and by thy charming presence provide good fortune.

That wasn’t in the play, dear Juliet. He shook his head. And—it’s bad salesmanship to remind Romeo of his greatest embarrassment.

You still haven’t gotten over that mean old drama teacher’s criticism.

She told me I sounded like a toilet paper commercial!

"You emphasized the wrong word! It should’ve been: but soft…not butt soft!"

He grimaced at the memory of the drama class roaring with laughter. Yeah, well, because of her comment the class cracked up every time I said it, even when I got it right.

She put her arm around his shoulders and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. It was still a good performance, and you’ll always be my Butt Soft Romeo.

He frowned at the name. You wouldn’t believe how many times I heard that from the guys in the locker room. Why didn’t you just call me Prince Charmin like the rest of the girls.

So, Prince Charmin, will you go with me tomorrow? She smiled sweetly.

Yeah, I’ll go. If he said no, she would go alone. I’ll bring dad’s metal detector. Who knows— I might get lucky. He raised his dark eyebrows and gave her his coolest look. I mean, we might get lucky.

Meet me here at 9:30, and we’ll spend about five or six hours there. Sound good?

Sounds good.

Inside the store, Andy closed the programs and shut down the laptop. I told you about my friend, Dr. Frank Barnett.

Yes, he’s the geophysicist that works in a lab in Palo Alto, Lenora replied.

That’s him. He analyzes the data from the satellites. Anyway, he asked me not to place any of this information on the Internet. He unplugged a flash drive and handed it to her. I don’t think he’ll mind you glancing at it as long as you’re not online. If you don’t want to look at it, I’ll understand. It’s pretty dry reading.

Not to me, remember. She smiled and moved a little closer. I love physical science.

Andy leaned toward her. Like magnetic anomalies and field density equations?

She slipped the drive into her pocket. Yes—science keeps my mind sharp. I don’t mind being old. I just hate being feeble-minded.

You’re not old!

Well, thank you, she said, raising an eyebrow.

You’re beautiful—vivacious and—I love you.

And I tolerate you. You are intelligent, well-mannered and good company. She saw his disappointment. Andy, you know I enjoy the time we spend together. Be patient and let the relationship evolve.

Patience and evolution—okay, I can do that, he sighed. At least you give me hope. We’re still going to Reno this weekend to have some fun—right? He did a little rock’n roll twist. We might even evolve into wild party-people.

"You mean devolve, don’t you?"

Still feels good.

Lenora glanced out the window and saw Josh ride away on his bicycle. Tylya entered the store, and after a quick smile to her grandmother and Mr. Johnson, walked into the back room.

Andy pointed to the green Dragonwood T-shirt. I like this one—ring it up. He took out his wallet. I’ll teach you evolution, if you teach me magic.

It can’t be taught—magic can only be created. She wiggled her hips.

His eyes widened. I love it when you do that. Do it again. She did. Chuckling, he picked up his things and walked backward toward the door. Thank you for sharing time with me, Lenora. I love our conversations.

I love—Andy, watch out!

He backed into the large basket, and several smaller ones fell onto the floor. He almost lost his balance avoiding stepping on one. Sorry, I really should watch where I’m going. With laptop and bag in one hand, he squatted down, picked up a basket and put it back. It promptly fell out and rolled away.

Lenora walked over to help. That’s all right, no harm done.

When he handed the last basket to her and stood up, they were close, almost touching. "Do you realize you said, I love Andy?"

"I said, I love—Andy watch out."

He backed toward the door. Close enough! I just created some magic. He stuck his finger in the air and hit the little bell above the door. Oops, sorry. He opened the door, stepped outside, closed it and took a deep breath then looked back through the glass.

She wiggled her hips again and waved goodbye.

Patience man, not too fast, she likes it slow. He grinned and walked to his car.

Lenora stood at the side window and watched him drive away. She would try to be a little more romantic when they went to Reno.

A flash of blue and purple from a crystal caught her eye, reminding her of something lost long ago. Her gaze turned to the empty sky above the canyon.

Tylya stepped through the curtain of beads into the room. My stomach is feeling delicate today, imitating her grandmother’s voice. Who was the one that asked for a double iced mocha with whipped cream? Hmmm?

I just thought that you and Josh would enjoy them much more, and it gave you a chance to catch up on things.

I invited him to go into the canyon with me tomorrow—he’ll be my good luck charm. We’ll probably be back around four or five o’clock.

Just be careful—please. Lenora opened the front door and walked over to the swing.

Tylya followed and sat down beside her. I was thinking…what if I found it? Would you want to leave right away?

Probably, but after so many years, I hold little hope. Anyway, unless it is found, the rest is meaningless.

Although they were alone, they made a habit of never saying what it was.

Do you remember when we went to watch the meteor showers, Lenora asked.

Oh yeah—I remember my teeth chattering from the cold. You told me I could see half of the universe from the top of Ridge Road, and all I saw was a sky full of stars.

Now, now, you did get to see a few meteors, and you would have seen more if we hadn’t been a few hours early.

I remember you told me everything that night.

Yes—well, not everything.

I’ll bet you promised Dad that he could go. I’ll bet that’s why he searched so hard.

For the first few years, I promised him nothing and reminded him that he had a family to care for, she said sharply then paused and softened her tone. He told me he wouldn’t leave unless you and your mother went too. She shook her head. Your father was so persistent. I finally gave in and promised to take the three of you, if he found it.

I can see it all now…we’re leaving for Lantamyra, Dad holding my hand, and Mom bound, gagged and thrown over his shoulder.

* * * *

The next morning, Tylya sat in the porch swing in front of Dragonwood brushing Lancelot, an eight-year-old golden retriever. He enjoyed exploring the canyon with his mistress almost as much as the attention he was receiving now.

You’ll have competition today—Josh is going with us. Maybe he’ll bring us some luck. If we find it, Gramma will leave, and I’ll probably go with her. That means you’ll have to stay and protect Mom. Be good and don’t bite her boyfriend, okay? She set the brush down and petted his head then ran her fingers down his glossy coat. We’ll probably never find it anyway.

Josh pulled up, parked his car, hopped out, hurried around to the passenger side, opened the door and brought out a cardboard tray. I stopped by your Mom’s place to pick up a couple of croissants and double mochas with whipped cream—only they’re hot, not iced. I hope that’s okay? He sat in the swing with the tray on his lap and gave her a croissant and a napkin.

Hot coffee’s fine. Did you see my mother?

No, maybe she was in the office.

I wish she didn’t work so hard. She puts in fifty to sixty hours a week, and she’s been talking about opening one by the freeway.

Yeah, it looks like it belongs by the freeway. Hey, isn’t that your mom now?

A blue SUV drove up, parked and an attractive woman with blond hair got out. Good morning. Deanna Lansing smiled at them as she walked up to the porch. Josh, it’s good to see you again. Oh, and I see you’re enjoying some of our coffee.

That’s a nice store you have, Mrs. Lansing.

Thank you, business has been great. Forest Ridge was ready for something different with so many new families in the area. Most of them commute down the hill, and I chose the location just outside of town to make it convenient for them.

And—you didn’t have to tear down the Forest Ridge Garage, Tylya said.

Her sassy remark made Josh wonder if she was trying to start an argument with her mother.

Deanna looked calmly at her daughter. The lot was too small for the store I had planned, but I still intend to sell the garage. We don’t need to hold on to it, and I’m sure your father would want us to move on with our lives. By the way, have you thought anymore about helping me manage the store? I’m sure your grandmother could find someone to help her with Dragonwood.

Sorry Mom, I’ll help you part-time, but I’m happy here.

Right—okay—I just stopped by to tell you that I only need you three hours, not four, Sunday night. Thank you for helping out on short notice. I hope that eventually you’ll change your mind about the management position? She saw aggravation appear on her daughter’s face. So, how is your grandmother doing? She’s well I hope?

Yesterday she complained about stomach problems, but she’s feeling better today. So, how’s Alan, she asked a little too sweetly. She had nothing against her mom’s boyfriend. He was a good man, a hard worker and a good match for her mother. He loved making and spending money as much as she did.

He’s fine. He’s taking me to Reno for the weekend. We’ll be staying in a suite at the Seven Gables and should be back Sunday evening.

Have fun Mom, you deserve a good time. Don’t worry about me or the gas station—nothing ever happens in Forest Ridge.

Deanna, expecting a negative reaction, was a little surprised. Okay then, I guess I’d better get to the store. She took a couple steps backward. Enjoy your day and be careful. She climbed into her SUV, waved and drove away.

Josh was glad that, for once, they had not argued about prospecting.

So… Tylya said with a sly grin, Mom and Gramma are going to Reno this weekend.

Different hotels I hope. He suddenly realized that he would have Tylya alone for the whole weekend; he felt luckier already.

After loading their gear into Tylya’s truck, they drove up Ridge Road, turned onto Canyon View and followed the deeply shaded, narrow winding road through the forest. Several minutes later, they emerged into the bright sunlight with a spectacular view of the canyon and the distant snow-crested peaks surrounding Lake Tahoe.

Josh leaned his head out the window. God, I missed this air. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. I don’t think I could have taken another day of that flatland city air.

The road hugged the steep cliffs as they drove deeper into the canyon. The rugged slopes of the Sierra were alive with colors, orange poppies, blue and purple lupine, yellow buttercups and red paintbrush. It was a perfect day for hiking and prospecting.

Still quite a distance above the river, they pulled over and parked. After letting Lancelot out of the truck, they grabbed their backpacks and metal detectors and started down a steep rocky path to the bottom of a ravine. Working with the detectors and following a stream downhill, they reached the riverbank in about an hour.

Taking a break for lunch, they studied her topographical map for another path to take on their way back. Tylya shared the last of her sandwich with Lancelot then strolled along the riverbank picking wildflowers. Spying a boulder with a flat top, she sat down, took off her boots and soaked her feet in the cold water.

While scanning a sandy area of the riverbank, Josh saw a Shasta daisy slowly turning circles in the water as it floated by, another not far behind. Turning around, he saw several more. Tylya waved, blew him a kiss and dropped another flower in the water.

A short while later, they gathered their gear and began working their way up another ravine. By the time they reached the road, Tylya was frustrated—all she managed to find were beer cans and brass shell casings. Josh gave her a tiny gold nugget about the size of an apple seed that he found by the river, but her mood did not improve.

When they got to the truck, he put their backpacks and metal detectors in the back. She lowered the tailgate, Lancelot jumped in, and she secured his leash.

Halfway up the canyon, she pulled over and parked in a small turnout. When she got out and told Lancelot to wait in the truck, the dog protested with a soft whine.

Josh glanced at the yellow sign warning motorists to watch for falling rock. On the other side of the road was a steep wall of serpentine, a glossy green rock that easily cleaved and fell, usually during the winter storms, but sometimes vibrations from vehicles on the road would cause one to fall. His eyes scanned the cliff face, and seeing no obvious danger, he turned around, walked to the edge of the turnout and looked down; broken rock covered the steep slope all the way to the river.

Off to the left and just below the road, he saw Tylya on a narrow ridge picking up trash and angrily shoving it into a plastic bag. He walked over to help.

She was so mad she was shaking. Damn flatlanders! She shouted the curse into the canyon and hoped it would carry all the way to the city. Some people are so thoughtless. They come up here to escape their garbage then, without any respect, trash the Sierra!

Josh figured she was just venting her anger from her disappointing day of prospecting.

I’m sorry, she said. I know I shouldn’t let it get to me, but this place is special. Gramma and Grampa often stopped here to admire the view. He named that large chunk of quartz, Altar Rock, and even composed a love poem for Gramma, standing right there.

Your grandfather wrote poetry? Hard to imagine a gold miner writing love poems.

Yes, well, he only filled one book, handwritten, but some of them are pretty good. She walked over to the rock and put her hands on the top.

Josh followed her and slipped his arm around her waist. I bet your grandmother loved it. I mean, it must have been romantic standing here listening to her lover rap out a poem especially for her. Can you remember it?

Only part of it. She looked into his eyes, judging his sincerity. Do you really want to hear it?

Yes, please.

Promise not to call it corny or mushy?

I promise. He hoped it would brighten her mood.

She turned and looked at the river winding its way along the canyon floor:

Kiss me now and fall into my dream,

Love is flowing like a mountain stream.

It carries you and me

Into sweet ecstasy….

The poem described exactly what Josh wanted. Tylya turned to face him, a soft inviting look in her blue eyes. Heart pounding, he brought his lips closer to hers, but before he could kiss her, she turned away and leaned her head on his shoulder. Disappointed at the missed opportunity, he kissed the top of her head instead. Nice imagery...

Thank you for not laughing at the poem.

I would never laugh at anything that comes from the heart. Maybe it wasn’t Shakespeare, but I understood the feeling he put into it. He gently lifted her chin until her eyes met his. You seem to always follow your heart. I guess that’s why I love you—in spite of your eccentricities. He kissed her, and she responded with more feeling than he had expected.

After the kiss, she brushed his cheek with her lips and whispered in his ear. And I tolerate you. You’re handsome, intelligent and you use such big college words like— eccentricities.

I thought you’d appreciate that one, he chuckled.

With their arms around each other, they stood for a moment admiring the view and enjoying a closeness that neither of them had felt in a long time.

He noticed her staring at a rock ledge on the other side of the wide ravine. That’s where they found your father, isn’t it?

Yes, partly buried under those rocks. The rescue team believed he triggered a slide.

Maybe he was trying to climb the slope.

Why would he go up that way? He was always so careful.

Maybe an animal or something chased him up there?

Not likely—besides, he had Lancelot with him.

Maybe he found gold and got so excited he tried to take a short cut. Who knows?

She let go of his waist. Let’s drive over there. We can take the path down. It shouldn’t take long to get to the bottom.

Down there? He glanced at his watch, still plenty of time. Okay…let’s go.

Hey, thanks for coming with me today. She put her arms around his neck and kissed him.

I’m just happy spending time with you, he whispered.

I guess we better get going. She turned toward the truck.

He pulled her back into his arms. That kiss was good enough to make me walk to the bottom of the canyon again, but I’ll need another for the trip back.

So kiss your crazy girlfriend.

Eccentric, he corrected, then kissed her.

A short while later, they parked at the pullout near the trailhead, unleashed Lancelot, grabbed their gear and headed down the path into the canyon. It took just a few minutes to reach the spot above the ledge. Tylya wanted a better look and stepped closer to the edge. Lancelot tried to get in front of her, and his paws knocked a few small rocks down the steep slope.

Get back there! She pointed to the path—the dog whined, but obeyed. She took one more step closer to the edge and stretched to see all the way down to the ledge.

Careful, Tylya! That serpentine is slippery as a pile of pennies—come on—get back. He cautiously stepped toward her.

There’s nothing on the slope except loose rock and a twisted manzanita, she said.

He inched a little closer. That’s an old manzanita—managed to hang in there a long time. Now, come away from the edge. He took her hand to help her back onto the path then pulled her roughly to him, locking his strong arms around her waist. Overconfidence can get you killed, one slip—one fall. He squeezed her a little tighter to emphasize the warning. For all you know, you might have been standing a few inches away from where your father slipped.

Those words hurt, but she could not argue the truth. Sorry.

It took another fifteen minutes to reach the ledge. Lancelot, determined to stay close, pushed against Tylya’s leg then whined as they approached the spot where his master died. She reached down and petted him. I know, I know, this is the bad place. We won’t be here long. She laid her metal detector on the ground, took off her backpack, pulled out a bottle of water, sat down and took a drink. Go on Lancelot, get yourself a drink, pointing to a small stream. I promise to stay right here.

He barked once then walked along the ledge until he found a path down to the water.

She picked up her metal detector and looked at Josh. I’ve only been here once before—just a few months after it happened. All I did was sit and cry. When I left, I said I’d never come back. At least, I’m not crying…yet.

Josh wondered why she would want to prospect here of all places. I’m going down by the stream to look for nuggets. He set down his backpack and started down the path with his detector, hoping she would join him in a few minutes. Making his way down to the stream, he hopped from boulder to boulder until he reached a sandy area.

Tylya stood beside the rock pile that killed her father and looked up at the manzanita tree. She picked up a piece of serpentine and flung it like a saucer, causing a few rocks to slide down the slope into the stream. Like a pile of pennies, she thought. Maybe Dad saw it on the side of the hill or near the base of that tree. He might have been so excited that he tried to climb up to get it and caused the slide. Maybe it’s still buried in the rubble and that’s why nobody saw it. She flipped the switch on the detector and began scanning. Working her way carefully across the rock pile and finding nothing, she was disappointed.

Walking to the end of the ledge, she watched Josh scanning the bank on the far side of the stream. He had one ear covered with the headphone and the noise of the stream in the other. Any luck yet, she yelled.

He looked up and lifted the headphone. What? I didn’t catch that.

"I said, any luck yet?"

Not yet, but I’ve only been at it for… he checked his watch, twenty minutes.

You mean to tell me that you have been at it for one third of an hour and haven’t found anything yet? I thought you were going to be my good luck charm.

He was glad to see her smiling. There’s still time—want to join me? Probably better pickin’s down here—not much up there but serpentine and slate. Hey, wait a minute, I think I might’ve found something—it’s big—and gold!

Wait! Let me get down there.

He uncovered it with his foot. Just a beer can.

Seeing her climbing down the boulders and being the vigilant gentleman, he crossed the stream to assist her. Watching her and not his footing, he slipped on a rock covered with algae and lost his balance. He grabbed a small, low-hanging tree branch. It broke. He landed with a splash. Clumsy stupid ass—damn that water’s cold! Soaked to his waist, he looked up and saw Tylya laughing then Lancelot ran up to him, barked a few times, and licked his face. So, you think it’s funny, too? He petted the dog then pushed it away.

She walked to the edge of the stream. You okay? Want some help?

I’m fine, he grumbled, crawling out of the water and over to a flat rock. He tested the detector on a sandy spot next to him then stuck it into the space between a couple of boulders; it emitted a loud squeal. Something big—probably the rest of the six-pack.

Tylya reacted quickly. I’ll see what it is. Empty the water out of your boots. She ran her detector it over the spot, and by the sound, could tell that the object was long and narrow. Her heart raced. She dropped to her knees and dug with her hands until she touched something that felt like a branch. She pulled it out and brushed off some of the mud. The gray shaft was the length of a cane and inlaid with gold and platinum designs. On one end, a gold filigree cage held a large dark-purple crystal as big as her fist. She stared at the scepter her grandmother had lost so long ago. Her father must have found it the day he died and dropped it when he fell. It ended up by the stream covered with dirt and gravel from the slide. Her mind began racing even faster than her heart. What about Josh? What do I tell him?

I guess I’m not much of a good luck charm, he said, wringing the water out of his socks. So far, all I have to show for my effort is wet jeans, wet boots and wet socks. He had watched her digging in the sand and gave little thought to what she found. Now, I’m not complaining—it’s a beautiful day, and I could sit here forever and admire the view. When he got no response, he spoke a little louder. I said your butt looks nice, and I could stare at it all day.

Tylya set the scepter down and turned so quickly that for an instant, he thought she might be angry. He was taken completely by surprise when she sat down on his wet lap, wrapped her legs around his waist and gave him a hug.

Thank you! She kissed him. I love you! I absolutely love you! You’re the best good luck charm.

What’d you find, a bucket of gold? Kiss me again and I’ll let you keep— After a long passionate kiss, he whispered. Okay, you can keep it. After all, how big of a nugget could it be? It was worth it to see her like this—she actually said love instead of tolerate.

She held his face with both hands. Promise me, you will tell no one what we found.

What is it? What’d you find? He tried to turn his head to look, but she held it tight.

First, promise me. She would not let go until he did. If you love me, promise me.

If I love you? You know I love you! Always have! I’d give you anything in the world. Whatever it is, you can have it, and I promise to keep it secret. Happy now?

Yes—and I do love you. She kissed him tenderly.

His anguish disappeared; he had waited a long time to hear those words.

She stood up, walked over, picked up the scepter and turned around.

He saw what looked like a muddy branch with something shiny on the end of it. Beer can on a stick—ha, ha. He gave his wet socks one more squeeze.

She went to the stream, rinsed it off and showed it to him. This is what you found. It’s my grandmother’s.

He stared at the scepter. "Your grandmother’s? What is it, an antique? Looks expensive—hey, wait a minute—this is the reason you’ve been coming to the canyon?"

Yes, it’s what I’ve been searching for. It’s definitely expensive, and it may be antique. She decided to find out if he could handle the truth. It’s a device—an instrument that can do—amazing things.

An instrument? You mean like a magic wand? Come on, are you trying to tell me that your grandmother’s a witch or something?

Well—some people might think of it as a magic wand and her as a witch. Other’s might think of it as a scientific device and her as an—alien.

Your grandmother is an alien? He raised his eyebrows. Okay, I can believe that.

She frowned. She’s not that kind of alien. She’s human. Her parents were human. She’s just—not from here.

He stared at her silently, wondering if she was sincere. Well, let me get my boots on, and we’ll head back to the truck. I’m sure she’ll be happy we found it.

She heard the doubt in his voice and thought she might have come on too strong. She wanted to reassure him, but right now, the scepter had a higher priority. She climbed up to the ledge, wrapped the scepter in a towel and strapped it to her backpack.

Josh spent most of the walk up the trail thinking about how Tylya’s behavior had changed rather abruptly when the scepter was found.

When they stopped to rest, she took off her backpack and checked to make sure that the scepter was still securely attached. She sat on the ground and shared the last of her water with the dog, using her hand as a cup. Well Lancelot, we finally found it—and Josh really was our good luck charm. She hugged the dog. Gramma will be so-o happy.

Josh poured some water in his hand and splashed it on his face. Yeah, and I bet there’s a real interesting story about how she lost it.

Actually, there is.

I’ll also bet that she doesn’t tell me anymore than you have.

Try to understand—it’s a secret. I shouldn’t have told you as much as I did.

And I promised to keep it a secret. So, is it really a device?

Yes. I hope it still works. She lost it a long time ago.

What’s it do?

It—opens doors—to other places. She watched his face, expecting to see surprise.

"And she’s from one of these—other places," he asked calmly, not quite believing her.

She nodded, stood up and put on her backpack. We better get going.

Now, he understood why Tylya had changed so drastically after her father died, and why Lenora Lansing had always seemed a little out of place in Forest Ridge.

At the truck, she lowered the tailgate so Lancelot could jump in then secured his leash. While Josh stowed the gear in the back, she opened the door and laid the scepter behind the seat then got in and started the engine. She put both hands on top of the steering wheel and stared through the windshield. I can’t believe we really found it. I’m not sure what to do next.

What to do next, he asked, getting in and closing the door. Aren’t you going to give it to her?

Yes—but there’s complications. I mean—I’ll give it to her, just not right now.

What complications? Your grandmother lost it. Your family searched for it. We find it. You give it to your grandmother. How is that complicated?

It is—trust me. I need some time to think. Let’s go to Mom’s station, fill up the truck and get something cold to drink. She made a U-turn and headed back to town.

Well, Granny’s waited this long—I guess she can wait a little longer.

* * * *

I’ll buy the mochas if you pump the gas. Tylya slid a credit card through the slot.

Yeah, sounds good. I’ll guard our stuff, Josh replied, unscrewing the gas cap.

She went inside to the espresso bar. Hi Margie, two large iced mochas with three sugars and whipped cream, please.

The young woman looked confused. The boss’s daughter usually just walked behind the counter and fixed her own drinks.

Is Mom in the office?

I think so.

I’ll be back in a minute. Tylya set the money on the counter, walked into the back room, knocked on the office door and opened it a crack. It’s just me, Mom.

Come on in, Deanna answered, looking up from her paperwork. I’ll bet you’re here for an iced mocha.

That’s the primary reason—I think I’m becoming addicted. She laughed. You just want me hooked so that I’ll spend more time in your store.

Exactly…looks like my strategy is working. Is Josh with you?

He’s filling the truck. I just came in to say hi and ask you a question. She walked over to the desk. Mom, if I decided to go away for a while—to college or trade school, or something like that—do you think you could handle it?

Deanna gazed steadily at her daughter for a moment, hoping to find a hint of the reason behind the unusual question. If it was good for you, like college—yes, I could handle it. Are you planning on going somewhere?

Just thinking about my future, nothing definite. She moved toward the door. Thanks, I have to go, have a good time. Tell Alan I said hi.

Tylya, wait a second! You’re not planning on eloping with Josh, are you?

Uh, no, he hasn’t asked me to marry him. Anyway, I’d rather he finish school first.

You’re not pregnant are you?

Pregnant! Are you kidding? Who’s got the time?

It only takes a few careless minutes.

Tylya sighed. "No, Mother—I’m not pregnant."

Just checking…so how did the prospecting go today?

Josh found one teeny-tiny gold nugget, and I found beer cans and rifle shells.

Well, then it wasn’t a total loss. Deanna remembered Tylya’s original question. You would never leave without saying goodbye, would you?

Mom, you know me better than that. She opened the door. Bye— she said, blew her mother a kiss and closed the door.

What was that all about? Deanna thought as she stared at the door. I bet she’s planning something.

* * * *

Tylya drove to the scenic lookout above Wagon Flat, parked and turned to Josh. I decided to share a few more secrets. I told you the scepter could open doors to other places. Well, my grandparents used it to come here forty years ago. They were only supposed to be here a few days, but an accident caused my grandmother to lose the scepter in the canyon. They were stuck here and needed to stay together, so they married. When my father grew up, Grandpa told him the secret. Dad started spending his free time in the canyon, and it drove a wedge between him and my mother. She always thought he was obsessed with finding gold.

He looked at her silently for a moment. The complication with giving your grandmother the scepter is that she’ll leave and return to her real home. Is that it?

You guessed it. She wanted to tell him the rest, just not yet.

Do you really believe it has the power to do what she said—open a door to another place? He knew she was holding something back.

Yes. Yes, I do believe, even more now that we found it.

He leaned his back against the door and looked at her. You don’t want your grandmother to leave, do you?

Of course I want her to return home. She deserves that much after all these years. It’s just that—

What—what is it?

She used one of her grandmother’s expressions. Do you want an honest reply or a beautiful lie?

I’ll take the honest reply, he answered with a fairly good idea what was coming.

I want her to go—and I want to go with her, relieved now that she had said it.

For a moment, Josh just stared at her. You know… He shook his head, turned away and looked out the window. I knew it was too good to be true. First, you say you love me then say you want to leave.

Josh, I’m sorry but—

Wish I hadn’t found the damn thing—at least you’d be here tolerating me instead of loving me from somewhere else.

Complications, she whispered.

You don’t have to go—I mean—you could stay if you wanted. What about your mom, your friends? Hey, what about Lancelot, are you going to leave him with your mother? You need to think this through.

That’s what I’ve been doing for more than a year! It hurt to think about leaving, but she was determined to go. As you told me before, a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do. She started the truck and put it in gear.

You don’t think she’ll leave tonight, do you? I mean—won’t she take a few days to think about it?

I really don’t know. I suppose she could leave tonight. She’ll need a few hours to prepare most likely, and she’ll need help.

She has to have help? I thought all she had to do was say the magic word and poof the door opens…like to…another world, another dimension, maybe a parallel universe?

It’s more complicated than that, she said, a bit aggravated with his attitude. I can’t give you any details because I gave her my word. I shouldn’t have told you the truth about the scepter, but you did find it. Anyway, in a few days, she’ll probably be gone.

And you?

If she’ll take me. I still don’t have permission to go with her.

Chapter Two

Requesting a Dragon

A late afternoon breeze stirred the crystals hanging in the window of Dragonwood. Lenora stopped sweeping for a moment to watch the rainbows dancing on the walls and recalled that her son Tyler