On Christmas eve, in the year 1999, I lay quietly in bed, all alone at home. My dad and Barb were both at work, and Brandon was spending the night with a friend.
Little did I realize that something truly revelational was about to happen, in just a few hours, that would change my life forever, and open up to me a future that I could only imagine!!
I found myself dreaming about Draco, from 'Dragonheart'. For him to give half his heart in hopes of bettering a man bent on vengeance and greed, was truly inspiring to me. I had watched the film just yesterday, and was thinking about Draco, Bowen, and Einon.
I found myself pondering the surprising realization that Marc was very much like Einon himself. This bothered me more than I cared to admit, even to myself, but it was reassuring to know that he and his friends had been locked up in the Stony Mountain penitentiary just over five years ago, never again to hurt anyone, or be released.
And Moloch, Curtis, and Dallas had all since died of fever, leaving only Marc and his friend Judas, which was further confirmation that people were safe, and not worried about being put in any danger.
Getting up, I quickly had a warm shower, cleaned up, then got dressed in my lined bluejeans, a plain white t-shirt, and my plain grey hooded sweatshirt.
Glancing at the clock, I found it was only 10:30, but I wasn't tired now. I went downstairs, grabbed a slice of dragonfruit for a quick snack, then slipped on my black 'Bates' winter boots and my jacket.
Heading out, I stood on the front step. Luckily, it was one of those winter nights that was somewhat warm.
I headed down the street toward the arena, then turned onto the hill road. Suddenly I noticed something lying on the ground in front of the post office's front door. Running over, I saw a note.
Picking it up, I unfolded it, finding someone's elegant handwriting that I did not recognize.
Charlie,
Here is a very special Christmas gift that I have created just for you. I know of your love for Dragonheart, so I figured this would be a fitting gift. I hope you enjoy it.
You do not need to worry about your family. I have explained everything to them, and your father told me to tell you that he is very happy that you can embrace this new beginning. He, Barb, and your brother Brandon are all truly happy for you, Charlie, and they will always remember you, as will I.
Merry Christmas, my friend.
There was no signature. Puzzled, I found the door was unlocked, Going in, I saw another small piece of paper with a silver key, and a number: 421.
I suddenly realized that it was my father's mailbox number. Intrigued now, I took the key, went over, and unlocked the mailbox in the centre of the vast rows of silver steel mailboxes in the wall opposite the post office door. Reaching in, I felt smooth, polished wood!
I withdrew the object, gasping as I saw a beautifully-crafted, cubic rosewood case with a brass clasp!!
Taking the case, I went to sit on a nearby bench, setting the case on my lap, and opening it. I felt my jaw drop as my eyes widened.
Inside, on a gold chain, was a magnificent silver pendant shaped like a flat disc with a dazzling blue stone in the centre that I instantly recognized as sodalite, which was my birthstone!! The silver gleamed in the light, as the icy-blue sodalite gemstone glowed with a dazzling icy sheen!!
Around the edges of the disc was an elegant inscription I recognized as the Old Code:
"A knight is sworn to valour
His heart knows only virtue
His blade defends the helpless
His might upholds the weak
His word speaks only truth
His wrath undoes the wicked."
