Intangible

By Patricia J Ricks

What was it like when dragons ruled the world? For Bull it might as well have been a story to which there was no truth. Being a fog Dragon, Bull is haunted by a past he longs to remember. He is also confronted with a present he wishes he could forget.

Bull is a slave, forced to carry out his master's orders - cruel, unforgivable crimes against those whom dragons were once sworn to protect.

They are Intangibles.

At unexpected times, Bull is able to see past his enslavement, just long enough for him to realize there is hope for his kind. He also sees hope for humans who even now try to rule a world in which the scales have been tipped unevenly.

For soon to be seventeen year old Jean Waterfeild dragons are real, at least in her mind and the books she reads. Raised by her loving yet protective grandparents, Jean has never actually seen a dragon with her own eyes. She has discovered that she has abilities that she isn't able to control, nor does she understand the full implications of these abilities.

When a corrupt General and his brute Dragon force comes to raid her small farming village, Jean finds out for herself that dragons are all too real.

For peace to be once again restored in her world she must step into their world and rely on dragons to help her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Patricia J Ricks
• Release date: Mar 5, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310729669

Book preview

Prologue

The training is near complete, Sir, said a young officer.

Good, good, came the reply. Are the machines ready?

Yes, sir. Shall I – the young officer was interrupted.

Yes, yes. Get the shield up, and make sure we have plenty of fuel. These dragons will require a bit more ‘training’ – and my approval. He waved his hand to dismiss the officer.

There was a Dragonman standing near. He addressed his superior. Dragon, sir. Not Dragons, the young officer said.

Lowki turned to face the young officer. Did you say, ’Dragon?’ As in one?

Ye- Yes, sir, the young officer stammered, noting the change in tone of his superior.

Explain, Lowki said. His interest had peaked.

He has given us quite a fight, sir, the young officer explained, pausing.

Continue, said Lowki, even more interested.

He has killed all the other dragons in the pit, sir.

Lowki stroked his bristly chin with his gloved hand. His eyebrows knitted together. Interesting, he said out loud to himself.

Sir? the young officer inquired, looking questioningly at Lowki.

It is not unheard of for dragons to kill each other in the pit.

No, sir, it is not, the young officer agreed.

"However, you say this dragon has killed all the other dragons?"

Yes, sir, was his reply. Should we proceed to finish his training, sir?

Momentarily ignoring the question, Lowki called out, Lieutenant Durkin, get my firewhip.

The young officer stood there waiting for a reply.

I shall see to this one myself, Lowki said as he was handed his whip.

Sir! the young officer acknowledged, stepping aside slightly, his heels together, his left arm in a salute.

Lowki stormed out the door, several officers following in his steps. One of the officers ran ahead to one of the large machines to the left side of the pit. General Lowki, sir! the officer working the machine stood and saluted.

Alright, men! Lowki said as he nodded, Show me the beast!

The machines on either side of the pit were started. They made quite a noise as smoke rose to the sky. The chains were hoisted around big pulleys. The other ends of the chains were attached to a wooden platform which was used to hoist up the dragons, or in this case dragon. It took both machines fully throttled to raise the beast from the depths of the foul pit. The shield securely in place, Lowki stood, legs slightly apart, broad shouldered, gripping his firewhip securely in his gloved right hand. As the wooden platform was raised, a dozen officers joined Lowki and stood with their whips ready.

Steady! yelled the officer in charge of the machines as two other officers ran to one of the big machines to secure the excess chain.

Here he comes! yelled an officer perched high atop one of the big machines.

The two machines were smoking generously as the platform locked into place. At first the dragon flailed about, his wings slightly outspread. He was not used to the light the sky gave, even though it was a gray, cloudy day. The dragon had a chain around his neck and each of his four paws.

As the dragon looked at the officer high up on the perch, the officer acknowledged the dragon and bellowed, Watch out, here it comes! He jumped down two stories just as a stream of black fire engulfed the perch. Lowki raised his whip. The other officers did the same.

Release the beast! Lowki yelled.

An officer ran up to one machine and pulled a lever. At once the chains released the dragon. Realizing he had been freed; the young, but large dragon gave a spirited roar. He then fully expanded his wings and rose into the air. He flew up into the shield, which gave him a great shock, causing sparks to fly everywhere as it burned his flesh. He did not care; he would try anything to get free. He tried again and again to escape.

It will not yield, dragon! Lowki yelled up to the great beast, chuckling. The black dragon stood taller than Lowki by at least several feet. The muscles in his massive body rippled as he struggled to get free. He even tried ripping the shield open with the horns on his head. The shield, as Lowki had said, would not yield.

Realizing he could not escape that way, the dragon landed in front of Lowki with a great thud, baring his teeth. The other officers quickly circled the dragon, though not too closely. Lowki cracked his firewhip. The dragon tried grabbing at it as he did so. Pulling it back, Lowki warned, I would not do that, dragon. Come! Tell me your name!

The dragon growled.

Well, come on! Lowki urged. He started laughing, and so did the other officers.

Suddenly the dragon turned and grabbed one of the officer’s arms. The officer yelled out in pain as the sharp teeth of the dragon sank into his flesh past his protective suit. Lowki cracked his whip, making contact with the beast’s right shoulder. The dragon let go of the officer’s arm and turned abruptly, sending a stream of fire Lowki’s way. Lowki jumped to the side. Come on, dragon! he chided. Your fire cannot hurt me. Tell me your name! Don’t squander your tongue, now. Come, dragon!

The dragon looked at the man standing before him. He did not like this man, not one bit. Why should I give you that much power over me? The dragon growled.

If you want to live, you shall tell me. If you want to eat, you shall tell me. If you want to serve me, you shall tell me, Lowki said, glaring at the dragon.

The dragon started to laugh. Eat? Serve? Live? he said. I am alive, I have eaten, and I serve no one.

Oh, you shall serve me, dragon – and serve me well, at that, Lowki said harshly. Turning to the officer to his left, he ordered, Send for Miandrael, Lowki noticed that the dragon abruptly looked up and stepped back. Ah, you know Miandrael, don’t you, dragon?

Only his name, the dragon stated.

Well, soon enough we shall know yours, Lowki said.

Within minutes, the officer came back, quickly followed by an elderly man. The man was wearing a robe that went slightly past his knees. The man coughed as he approached Lowki. This here dragon giving you trouble, Lowki? he snarled, coughing as if to catch his breath.

Just a bit, was Lowki’s response. Let’s see how much trouble he gives after he tastes your drink, shall we? Both men started to laugh.

The dragon backed away. The dragon knew about Miandrael. He knew he was the one who helped Lowki force the burning liquid into a dragon’s belly. All dragons knew him by name. He was in all the nightmare stories that young hatchlings were told. It was a whole different nightmare to have the story standing right in front of him. I will not drink anything he tries to give me, the dragon said, staring at the elderly man.

Oh you shall, dragon, you shall indeed, Lowki said as he nodded his head to some of his officers.

There was a sound of a cannon, and a large chain with a weight on it came flying over the dragon’s left wing from behind. Startled, he turned his head to the left and tried to bite at it. Just as he did this, another chain was thrown over his head from the front and suddenly tightened, securing his head against his shoulder. Enraged, the dragon began thrashing his massive body in an attempt to wriggle out of his bonds. More chains wrapped around his legs and his remaining wing, further securing him.

In a burst of fury, the dragon strained against the chains, and the one securing his neck to his left shoulder broke. He flung his paw, sharp claws gleaming, toward one of the officers. The officer’s body landed in a heap several feet away.

Suddenly, Lowki was on the dragon’s back, shouting at his men. Get me another chain, now! Two more chains! As many as you can get! he yelled, as he grabbed the broken ends of the chain and held with all his strength. Within a second or two, seven more chains had been thrown across the body of the beast and the men were securing them to the platform.

As Lowki jumped clear of the beast, the dragon was hit by a dozen firewhips all at once. As he writhed in pain, he shot fire wildly, trying to take out as many men as he could. There were many shouts and people running about. Miandrael quickly reached inside his robes which were lined with various bottles and sacks, and frantically began to prepare a tincture

Archer! yelled Lowki. A woman ran up with a long bow. Ah, good. Syrina, Lowki said. The woman was fairly young, with pale ivory skin and long, jet-black hair, which matched the hue of the dragon’s skin. Miandrael finished the tincture and put it in a thin leather pouch which he handed to Syrina, who quickly attached the pouch to the end of an arrow. Many officers had been taking turns hitting the dragon to distract him. The dragon was back on his feet, bleeding from wounds that the firewhips had inflicted. He struck out with his clawed paws, striking down two more officers.

You shall kill no more of my men! Lowki yelled at the dragon, while the dragon kept at it.

Ready! yelled the archer.

As Lowki cracked his whip high, he yelled, Fire!

As the archer launched her arrow which held the pouch of liquid, several officers simultaneously struck the dragon between his shoulder blades. As the dragon threw his head back and yelled in pain, Lowki’s firewhip ensured that the archer’s arrow landed at its mark, right down the dragon’s throat. The dragon stood, trying to breathe out a jet of fire and struggling to do so. Smoke escaped through his mouth and nostrils, and then he fell where he stood.

Lowki, pleased with himself, handed his whip to an officer and strode up to the dragon. After a few moments, when Lowki was sure that the poison had done its job, he leaned way into the dragon’s line of vision. The dragon slowly opened his eyes. Everything was blurry and he felt disoriented. I am your Master now, he said, looking into the dragon’s nearest eye.

The dragon blinked once, then twice.

Tell me your name, dragon, Lowki demanded through gritted teeth.

Reluctantly, the dragon answered, Bull. My name is Bull. Then he completely succumbed to the potent drug he had been forced to swallow.

Chapter One — Camdon

Jean had awoken early. Today they were going into town to buy needed food and supplies. Jean was only allowed to go into town two times per month with her grandparents. Jean’s grandfather went into town on a regular basis because he was the mayor of Camdon. They had moved to Camdon when Jean was young. Her grandparents had raised her; both of Jean’s parents died when she was a young girl. Well, that’s what her grandparents wanted her to think. She knew her father had gone into the military and was captured by the enemy – Lowki, an evil man who enjoyed what he did. Lowki’s Dragon Force had made it difficult for anyone to live a peaceful life.

Long ago, Fog Dragons had united with humans and created a tight bond, resulting in humans acquiring special gifts or talents. These humans eventually became known as Intangibles. Lowki hated Intangibles, and he despised dragons. He made the dragons serve him, treating them cruelly. If they would not serve him, they were killed, brutally. He was callous, and while not everyone agreed with his policies, he seemed to always get his way. At least that’s what Jean read and heard, anyway.

There was no real government here in Eklyptia. There were Mayors for each town or city. Then there were The Dragon Forces, the military. They had several forts throughout Eklyptia. The mayors would work directly with the generals of each fort. That was until awhile back, when General Ludin decided he wanted things done differently. Mentoring Lowki, he passed down his bitterness and evil ways. Now Lowki was like General Ludin. Like General Ludin, Lowki wanted every Intangible dead. As for the dragons, well if they did not serve him, they were killed as well.

Jean’s mother had been murdered by Lowki. They did not talk much about her parents, especially her mother. Every time Jean tried to bring it up with her grandparents, they changed the subject. Jean longed to hear about her parents, any information would have been nice. As for General Lowki, she felt that he was getting away with too much. But who was she? She was nobody, really, just another victim of his brutal ways. She wanted to change things if she ever got the chance, however small that chance might be.

In the outlying villages, and in many of the towns, things were difficult. Food and supplies had to be rationed. This was due mostly to Lowki’s forces burning crops, buildings, cottages, and so on. He was gaining numbers, quickly. After all, who wanted to be on the losing side? The other military Forts of Eklyptia were trying to collaborate to end Lowki’s raids. So far, they had not been very successful.

For Jean, dragons were just stories. She had never seen a dragon, at least not that she could remember. Jean’s grandparents didn’t tell her much, but her friends did. She was glad that she had friends who did not want to keep things from her.

Jean had used the last of the milk to make her and her grandparents some nice beaten eggs for breakfast. They owned a few chickens and had a garden. They would get dairy, meats, and other things in town.

Smells good, Grandpapa said as he entered the kitchen.

Sure does, said Grandmama.

Jean served her grandparents, served herself, and sat down. It was a lovely spring morning. The sun was up now, warming the air.

Should be a good day for going into town, her grandfather said.

Just then, they heard the alarm in town go off. It was fairly loud; it had to be heard by everyone. It was a drill. They had been having those more regularly ever since Lowki’s men began attacking towns nearby.

Better get to the safe place, Grandpapa said as he got up from the table. Wouldn’t want this to be the real thing and regret not following our alarm protocol.

But our eggs – they will get cold, said Jean, disappointment in her voice.

Yes dear, come on, said Grandmama. Jean did not like the confines of the safe place; it was all underground. It had metal walls and floors. The locations of safe places varied between families. Jean’s family had one beneath the shed, and a secret wall panel led to it. Every time Jean went down the stairs, she shuddered. She loved being outdoors: in the forest, in the fields, in the streams or the pond. She hated the safe place. It made her feel trapped. It was too confining. She hated that feeling, as she always had.

Shortly after the drill was over, they were all ready to go into town. Glad to be free from the metal safe place, Jean grabbed her sweater. That’s all it had been, a drill. Not the real thing. Her grandfather had checked the vehicle. She’s all set, he said. Their vehicle was nice. It was the color of smooth cream. Jean loved to trace her finger along the front tire rim as it arched up and around the tire. The seats were made of soft, pale cow hide. They had a few woolen blankets in the back, in case it got cold. Jean’s grandfather was always careful not to add too much Dragon Fire fuel. They had rationed what they had left. They would get the Dragon Fire fuel at a store in town.

Dragon Fire fuel was mined in a special part of the local forest; usually old abandoned dragon caves. There were mines all over Eklyptia, because the dragon fuel had many uses. Mr. Klienen, who owned the store in town, would usually hire several local men to mine the coal. Josh and John Higgins were two of the young men hired by Mr. Klienen. They worked in the mines when they were not needed on their parent’s farm. Josh was a good friend of Jean’s. Working in the mine was dangerous, and Jean found herself often worrying about him. However the pay was decent, which was why several young men had hired on with him.

Jean sat in the back as they drove into town. Her grandfather had the top down, much to Jean’s delight. She loved feeling the wind through her hair. Her grandmother had to tie her hat on tighter so it would not fly away. She did not like the wind in her hair. Jean didn’t have her hat on, even though her grandmother had made her take it. She would wear her hat sometimes, but not today.

Your friends should be coming home for Holiday, her Grandfather said.

Depending on where one lived, one could start schooling anywhere from eight years old up to twelve. They would be a Collegian at the age of twenty. That was when they finished their schooling, and could pursue other interests. In Camdon, schooling was started at the age of twelve. The lack of books and teachers was the reason they started later in Camdon than some of the other areas. Jean wished there were more books in Camdon. She could not get enough of them. All of Jean’s schooling colleagues had gone on to do more schooling or joined one of the many forts to be trained in the Dragon Force. Jean, for her protection, was to stay in Camdon, according to her grandparents. This fact caused much resentment to boil up inside her. She did not hate it in Camdon, she just wanted to travel, see other places. She had three more years of schooling left, and then she would be able to make her own decisions. She could hardly wait. She already knew what she wanted to do, she just didn’t think her grandparents would allow her to follow her chosen path – even if she was of age.

Yes, I suppose they will, Jean replied, not feeling very talkative.

Holten’s boys should be coming back for the summer as well as many others. Mr. Higgins needs help on his farm, he said.

Oh, stop! said her Grandmama. Don’t tease her.

Jean’s grandfather let out a chuckle.

Holten Higgins’ boys were some of the most handsome guys in town. I am not of dating age yet, Grandpapa, Jean said primly.

Most of the young people still practiced the old traditions of not dating until they came of age. That was twenty. Jean was only seventeen, although she would soon be turning eighteen. It had been a year since she had seen most of her friends. It had been twice as long since she had seen her best friend Amanda. Amanda had finished her schooling two years ahead of Jean. After that, Amanda had not only joined the military, but she had signed up to be on the Dragon Force, at Fort Linder. Jean had thought about joining as well until Mr. Higgins’ second-oldest son Matt had come home with a broken back. He had been on the Dragon Force, and was injured pretty extensively. Jean did not want to get injured as badly as he had. She also figured that being in the military would not work for her. She wanted to get married and have children of her own one day. Since she still had a few more years of schooling left, and she was also the same number of years away from dating age – neither of those plans would be happening any time soon. Jean longed to leave, yet wanted to stay. It scared her to leave the comfort of home, even though she felt her grandparents were overly cautious.

When they arrived in town, it was alive with activity. Jean noticed that there were all kinds of Welcome Home signs posted all over. She saw a few people she knew. As they drove past the water mill, she waved and smiled happily at the owners.

Once they arrived at Mr. Persons’ store, Jean started to get out, when her Grandmother leaned over the seat. You stay here. We will be right back out.

Jean scowled. But I… she began to say.

Now Jean, we will only be a few minutes, her Grandmother smiled as she got out.

Oh, here’s my list, then, Jean said, as she quickly pulled out a piece of paper. She gave it to her Grandmother and slumped back into the seat. Great! I’ll just sit here, she mumbled to herself, like the family dog.

Hey, Jean! someone called from a distance. Jean shielded her eyes against the sun, as she looked toward the voice. She saw her good friend Paul Johnson standing across the street with his family and waving. Jean waved back, and smiled. Paul had been one of her closest friends. Her best friend actually, since Amanda had left Camdon. He was the one that would give Jean information on the outside world. He always let her read his books. He had quite a collection on topics from military to Eklyptian history, to books about dragons. Those were her favorite.

Jean loved to read. Sadly, even Paul had left Camdon, taking his book collection with him. Josh had become Jean’s newest best friend, although he went to work in the mines and she would not see him for months at a time. Now Paul was returning from collegiate schooling, which was in Dewford. Dewford was located a few days’ travel south of Camdon. While Dewford was fairly large, it was not as big of a city as Pran City.

Paul was studying there to become an instructor. That had been a particular challenge for him, because of his stuttering. Jean knew she would not be spending any time catching up with Paul. He had sent her a Dragon Wing Missive, telling her that he would only be home for one day. Then they were traveling to Fort Ruche which was near Pran City. Still she thought she might be sociable, but just as Jean started to climb out of the vehicle, her Grandfather came out of the store. Here is a parcel for you, Jean, he said while handing it to her. It was from Paul.

Jean started opening the parcel as soon as her Grandfather handed it to her. New books from Dewford, thought Jean as she took each book out. She set them down on the leather seat of the vehicle. She looked back up to say thank you, but Paul and his family had already gone. Jean shrugged and slid forward in the seat to grab the first book. The title read The Great Eklyptian War. She was excited to read this one. Paul had let her read the books leading up to the war, but his book about the war itself had been ruined. She had waited a long time to read it, and she was eager to get started.

She was just opening it, when she saw her grandmother coming out of the store with a couple of bags in her hands. Jean! Jean! she called excitedly. Guess who’s back!

Who? Jean asked, unenthusiastically tossing the paper packaging aside. She was wondering if it was Josh or John Higgins. Hadn’t Grandmama just chided Grandpapa about this sort of thing?

Amanda! came her grandmother’s reply.

Amanda! Jean exclaimed with delight as she tossed the book aside, and opened the door to the vehicle. Not even her Grandparents could keep her from seeing her best girlfriend. She practically ran up the steps to the store. As she reached the top of the steps, the door opened and out stepped Amanda.

Jean!

Amanda!

They ran toward each other and embraced, laughing. Oh, Amanda, I didn’t expect to see you! cried Jean.

I know. Good surprise, huh? asked Amanda.

Well, I’ll leave you two girls to catch up while I do some more shopping, Jean’s grandmother said as she started walking back into the store. So good to see you, Amanda, dear, she said, giving Amanda a gentle squeeze on the arm.

It’s good to see you too, Mrs. Lawrence, said Amanda. Turning to Jean, she said, Let’s go over to the park.

Sure, said Jean. They walked arm in arm, talking non-stop all the way, telling each other about what had been happening in their lives since they had last seen each other.

That sure is an interesting outfit you’re wearing, Jean said.

Oh, this? replied Amanda, casually tugging at the bottom hem of her top, Yeah, it’s my riding outfit. I haven’t had time to change. It’s different, I like it. You’re looking pretty, Amanda told her friend.

Why, thank you, said Jean. Jean didn’t ever feel very pretty around Amanda. Amanda had long blonde hair and bluish green eyes. Jean had always admired Amanda for how she looked and carried herself. Amanda always made Jean feel good, though. She always had something nice to say. Even when Jean had been working hard in the garden and was covered with dirt from head to toe, or when she had been baking all day with her grandmother and had flour all over, Amanda would always say things like You look like an angel from heaven. It was teasing in a way, but Jean could tell that Amanda still meant what she said.

Let’s sit here, Amanda said, seating herself on a wooden bench. She took in a deep breath. Ah, smells wonderful here, she said. All the flowers in bloom, the trees – just beautiful.

Isn’t Fort Linder beautiful? Jean asked.

Yes it is, but it’s different there. Still amazing, but not home.

You’ve missed being home, Jean observed.

Oh, you have no idea, Jean. They make us work hard. And training with a dragon is no small thing.

A real dragon? Jean asked, wondering if her friend was just joking around.

Yeah, Jean, a real dragon.

How is it? Being around dragons? Jean asked. She longed to know what it was like being around them. She guessed it was because she was never allowed to talk about them, much less be near one. There weren’t any in Camdon anyway, never had been, which struck Jean as odd.

Oh it’s fun, said Amanda. They really are amazing. I have learned a lot from Forrest.

Forrest? Jean asked curiously, wondering if it was a new boyfriend or something.

Oh, he’s the dragon I ride.

Oh, you actually ride him? Jean replied with surprise. A thousand questions rose in her mind about dragons, but she decided to keep her questions to herself.

You haven’t written me much, Jean stated, feeling a bit put out.

I’m sorry Jean, it’s just I am so busy. Amanda put her arm around Jean’s neck and hugged her friend. Besides, you keep pretty busy reading books and stuff.

Jean smiled because she knew Amanda was right, and they were both busy, just in different ways. But what was keeping Amanda busy sounded more interesting than what she was doing to keep busy.

Would you like to meet him some time? Amanda asked.

Meet him? Who? Forrest? Jean asked with astonishment. Oh, I don’t–

Oh, come on, Jean, interrupted Amanda. You’ll like him.

Jean wasn’t so sure. Dragons fascinated and scared her at the same time.

Come on, urged Amanda. You can meet him before the dance party tonight.

Dance party? asked Jean.

Yeah, at the Higgins’ house, said Amanda.

Oh, I don’t know, Jean said.

Oh, come on, Jean. You can see Mrs. Higgins.

Jean sure did love Mrs. Higgins. It was the thought of the older Higgins boys and all the other young men and women who would be there that made Jean feel uncomfortable – except for Josh Higgins.

It will be fun, said Amanda as she poked Jean’s side with her finger. Ask your grandparents if you can come. If you can, I’ll meet you at the east end of the forest at 1800. You can meet Forrest and then we can go to the dance party.

Jean hesitated with a response. He’s here, Forrest? she asked, afraid of the answer.

Amanda laughed. Well no, not technically, he’s in the forest just outside of the Village.

Please? Amanda pleaded.

Oh, okay, said Jean, unable to tell her friend no.

Oh, good, said Amanda, giving Jean a big hug. It’s going to be so much fun. Everyone will be there.

Oh, great, Jean thought, that’s exactly what I was afraid of.

The two friends continued to talk. After they had gotten something for lunch, they headed back toward Jean’s grandfather’s car. Her grandparents were already waiting inside.

Once Jean was in the vehicle, Amanda leaned down and whispered, Don’t forget, east end at 1800.

What? Jean asked.

Oh. Six PM. Sorry. I know you don’t use military time.

The girls quickly hugged and the vehicle began moving. Goodbye Mayor Lawrence, said Amanda. Goodbye Mrs. Lawrence.

They both waved and Jean’s grandmother called, Good to see you, Amanda, dear.

Oh, she’s such a nice young lady, Her grandmother stated. Her clothing, though – Oh my. I didn’t recognize her at first. Thought it was Luke Sullivan at first.

Grandmama, Jean said, How could you say such a thing? Amanda is the most beautiful girl around.

I beg your pardon, young lady, but I must disagree, said her grandfather. You are the prettiest young lady for at least a thousand miles besides your grandmother here. He gave his wife a wink. They all started to laugh. Jean saw her Grandfather take her Grandmother’s hand. They sure love each other, she thought.

Once they got home there was a ton of stuff to put away. There’s a dance party at the Higgins’ tonight, Jean said as they unloaded the vehicle.

Is there, now? said her Grandfather. Jean sighed. Grandpapa, you know about it already. Don’t you?

He smiled.

I was hoping that you would let me go, said Jean. Amanda will be there, she quickly added.

Well, if Amanda will be there, I suppose–

You suppose what? Grandmama interrupted.

Well, if Amanda is there with Jean it should be fine, said Grandpapa. Besides, it will give Jean a chance to see all of her friends. And it is at the Higgins’ place.

I’ll be fine, said Jean.

Well then, said Grandmama. I guess that will be okay.

Oh, thank you! said Jean as she kissed her grandmother’s cheek. Hugging her grandfather, she repeated, Thank you.

Jean started up the steps to the house.

Jean, her grandmother started to say.

Oh, let her go get ready, said her grandfather. It’s not every day she gets to go to a dance party.

Chapter Two — The Dance Party

Jean kept looking at her reflection in the mirror of her vanity. Should she wear the pale pink dress she had on, or something else? She wasn’t sure. She had worn her white dress with the embroidered flowers at the neckline into town earlier. Maybe she should have worn her shorter dress with tights into town. Oh well, too late now, she said to herself. She decided to keep on the soft petal-pink dress after all. Why was she so nervous? She loved going over to the Higgins’. Lots of people were going to be there, that was the reason, especially Josh. She liked it when she went to visit the farm and it was just Josh’s family. They always made her feel at home.

Jean walked into the living room. Her grandfather was sitting by the front door in his reading chair. The fire lamp on the table in front of