A Dragon for Aurelija

Chapter 19 The Trap

When Ailleacht leapt into the sky after saying goodbye to Relly she had no clear idea of where she had to go but was driven by a burning desire to go. She climbed higher in the sky over London then uncloaked and suddenly knew her home. In a flash of light the dragon crashed through time and space and flew over a world much different than the one she knew. Twin suns burned in the sky and the land she flew over was covered in ice. Ahead lay a huge volcano bigger than Krakatoa and spewing fire from side vent near its peek. Other much larger dragons flew up to meet her then led her spiraling down to the enormous caldera of the volcano.

Ailleacht landed in the soft black sand of the caldera and saw all around her the assembly of elder dragons and they were singing to her. They sang of her parents and genealogy of the discovery of other worlds and the history of her dragon kin. Then Ailleacht began her song telling of her egg lying dormant for over ten thousand years and how the touch of a special girl revived the egg. She sang of her love for the girl and gave an account of all she had experienced. When her song and that of the other dragons finished it felt like eons had passed. The eldest spoke. "We are pleased with you and welcome you to our family. Your parents are long passed but in you and your prodigy they will live on. We give you the name Ailleacht the same name the girl who revived you gave you. Live long and prosper daughter."

*****

It was raining hard when Nick and Jeremy exited the coach that had brought them to an area near the docks. Both had anticipated the rain and were wearing broad brimmed hats pulled low to hide their features and long oil skin coats. They received little attention as others traversed the street looking for cover. "Smells like dead fish!" Nick said.

"Watch were you step," Jeremy said, "this is were the fish mongers have their businesses and the just sweep the fish offal onto the street."

"Who cleans up?" Nick asked.

"The rain," Jeremy answered as they picked their way down the street. The gutters down the middle of the street were flooding as the rain washed everything into them. "This is no where as bad as the butchers street, they slaughter right in the street and it is slippery with blood and fat." Nick cringed with the thought of walking those streets. Jeremy pointed ahead, "That's the warehouse they stage everything from. Tonight the leaders will meet. We'll get a good look at all who are involved. We can get in and hide before they begin to arrive."

"How did you learn this," Nick asked.

"I have two informants, they have been useful in the past." They walked carefully to the rear of the warehouse. There were lights evident in the front so they sought a darkened area to enter. They found a small narrow door in the back and opening it slightly were satisfied that it was dark inside so the slipped in and closed the door. As soon as the closed the door they heard a lock close locking them in. They were trapped. Nick pulled both of his guns out of his coat pocket as did Jeremy.

Those will do you no good," they heard DeVoissier say, "I have six armed men and you don't have a chance. He pulled the shade from his lamp and Nick saw he was not faking and simply put his hands up. "That's a smart move Nick." DeVoissier's men took their weapons. "I think you know some of my men." Nick recognized the bald man taking his gun.

"Ah, Mr. Tallywags," Nick said to the man smiling. Then man looked enraged but Charles walked into the room and everyone quieted.

"Dear brother, what brings you out on a rainy night like this?"

"I'm hunting traitors Charles. I had prayed that you were not involved."

"King George is mad and the prince is a fool," Charles said, "I'm just looking out for me. Join me in the new world order the emperor is about to create."

"I must decline. My loyalty is to England."

"Well then you may have guessed you fate brother. But don't worry I'll take little Aurelija under my protection. I'll bed her and enjoy her for a time. Tell me is she as lively in bed as she is while dancing, does she moan like a little whore?" Nick moved fast to close the distance between them and punched Charles before he was rendered unconscious by a blow to the back of the head. DeVoissier's men simply dragged him out of the warehouse and threw him on a cart. Jeremy sat with him as they were driven away. The cart stopped and the back of another building in the warehouse district and Jeremy was led carrying Nick into a cellar. The building was well lighted and music and laughter filtered down into the cellar. Then the heavy door was closed and locked leaving both men in the dark.