I took the police report back to my room.   By the time the sun started showing signs of life over the horizon I was very familiar with the case.    I knew I wouldn’t be able to leave the island, but I wanted to show support to those who would.  I grabbed a light sweater and headed to the docks.     As I approached the soldiers all dropped to one knee.     “Please rise.” I said, “It is I that come to honor you this day.  Be tireless, and bring Dakari home!”      Everyone cheered, the mood was confident.  As the ferry departed and became a speck on the water, I wa

    Fear swept among our ranks.  My people needed a competent leader, and I wasn’t sure I was up to the task.  How I wish my Grandfather would swoop in and take over.  No, that wasn’t true.  If I ever wanted to earn respect from my Pride, it would be in times of crisis.  I just needed to channel my inner feline strength.  It was time for Kaya, my panther, to make herself known.  If the goddesses felt I was born to be a leader it was time I called on them for help.     I need to remember what Grandfather always said, “Just do what comes next.”  I took a deep breath and steadied myself.  “Ok, we need to speed up our time table.  There is no need to wait till just after midnight.  Let’s get all the players here in under an hour.  Bring the shapeshifters, someone find Dalya,

    The sun rose over the horizon in shades of blue and purple stunning enough to hurt the eyes.  Off the coast the clouds formed and dissipated, the winds carrying the remnants far and wide.  A group of fifty or more met on the beach, looking none too rested.    Katalea studied the group and saw the look of determination and hope on their faces.  Tiredness showed in the hollows of their eyes,but our Pride was resilient.  They would train as a unit, as they had almost every summer.   Groups would be formed and leaders would emerge.  Classes would start again in all aspects of training.    Mr. Kalb would supervise as Abe and Dalya thought Tahtib to the younger generation

    A full contingent of battle ready warriors is ready to accompany me to my suite.  Abe gets one whiff of the lust filled air and emits a warning growl.  He is not my mate as of yet, but he is clearly not attempting to share me.  The others lower their heads, and back down to his challenge.  After training with Abe for years, no one wants to take on Abrax Kalb.     The salty night breeze has a welcome chill to it as we walk hand in hand to the house.  The sun is dipping below the horizon, leaving us captivated with an exhibition of magenta streaks, mixing and swirling with clouds that hold dark golden hues, enchanting us for a brief moment of unspoiled beauty.  I have so many emotions coursing through my body, this romantic scene seems to be setting the stage for a di

Part Two In The Dragon’s Lair     The cliffs in this part of Ireland never fully dried.  Be it the mist of ocean spray, or the endless rainfall,  the caves were a beautiful view from far away but not too appealing at close range.  They served their purpose for the Gruppa of weredragons now occupying them. The main cave was about a hundred feet above the pulsing ocean below, at high tide.  A human would have to work extremely hard to find himself exploring here.  Dragons entered in flight then shifted once on solid ground.  The dense mist stood as cover, light rarely reflecting through to the actual entrance. Of all the temporary lair’s they had inhabited, this current one seemed the most ideal.  At least that is what Essam believed.