So Many Books, So Little Time

•Chapter Three•

A chorus of "Good night!" rang out as the family settled down in their individual bedrooms. Aleah had successfully completed her homework, and was currently snuggled into her beanbag chair, ready to crack her new book open and exploit its story for an hour or two. She had remembered Phoenix's request, so a pen was resting on the floor within easy reach if she decided to write in the book tonight.

Excitement continued to build inside her as she gently flipped the cover to the very first page. To whom the Dragon's Blessing resides upon was inscribed in the middle of the page. She felt as eager as she usually did when she started a new book, but underneath that was something she didn't yet notice: a spark of knowledge tinged with anticipation. Even if she had noticed it, she wouldn't have thought much of it. But, in the reality she would soon discover, it was the most important feeling a book could ever bestow upon anyone.

The title page was next, and then the story began.

My name is Abel, son of Adam. My father has mentioned the prescence of dragons and the significance of this book for commincating with them. I am preparing my flock of sheep for The Lord, and would appreciate it if the dragons kept their distance from them. If that is not possible, please spare the purest newborn lambs. They shall be my offering. The dragons have my thanks if these needs are met.

•

The dragons gladly preserved Abel's sheep, even going so far as to warn off other predators, and the best lambs were successfully delivered to The Lord. However, Abel was later murdered by his elder brother, Cain, out of jealousy, and so was unable to visit the dragon kingdom. He would have been greatly honored for being the first to use the gift the dragons have bestowed upon humanity.

This is the first use of magic ink, and was a trial run of sorts. The dragons were greatly motivated by its success, but hoped the next user would stay alive for a longer period of time.

Aleah stopped reading to think for a moment. She wasn't sure if she liked the layout of the story, since she found it hard to dive into, but it was certainly interesting. It even seemed to be using real people! Abel was from the Bible, and because her family was of the Christian faith, she believed his story to be true. She wondered if Magic Ink would include more people from the Bible, from history in general, or fictional characters. She hoped the dragons would be described and play a bigger role in the plot than just appearing once or twice in some sort of diary entry.

Her wish was granted when she realized a new dragon or dragon fact was described after every "diary entry."

Windbender dragons are masters of the air. Their scale colors are generally pastel purples and blues, amethyst purple, sapphire blue, white, and gray. Their wingspan is quite large, more so than that of most dragons, and their eyes tend to be a glowing gold. They possess rudder- and fin-like spikes along their spines, tails, and head to help direct their flying. These dragons are small and lithe, despite their wing size, and are extremely quick, whether on the ground or in the air.

Their abilities include air and wind manipulation, fast flying, and fire breath. Mates stay together for life, and usually have three to four eggs at a time. Males are generally larger than females, although females possess shorter tempers and fiercer instincts. Dragonets are less dependent on their parents after a mere month, and start flying a week later. They are fully mature around one year. Lifespan is around five hundred years.

- - -

My name is Noah, son of Lamech. My Lord God has commanded me to build a great ark to save the animals and my family from a flood, but he reserved a special decree for the dragons: they must hide themselves inside their magic. I have heard stories of this book, passed down from Cain. They say it is a means of communication. To survive the Great Flood, the dragons must disappear into the folds of their magic, as they will not be able to fit into the ark.

Return in a few years, I beg of you, to save yourselves and your race. I hope to see you soon.

•

The dragons did just that, and remained in their folds of magic for three years before emerging. They returned to find the world had gone through a vast change, but it was for the better. Noah lived a long, happy life.

Aleah continued to read, her former misgivings about the story washing away as the entries drew her in. Eventually, she reluctantly closed the book and climbed into bed, but that did not stop her from wondering what the next chapter would bring and what new dragons she would discover. And she pondered on what she would write, hoping the future would help. So far, all of what she's read had been in the Bible, so she didn't know why Phoenix wanted her to add her two cents.

In the end, she decided to think about it later, and finish reading Magic Ink before she wrote her own entry or whatever.

I bet the author was religious, she mused as she waited for sleep to claim her mind. I wonder if they're a Christian. Actually, now that I think about it, I don't remember seeing a name. I'll look at it tomorrow, and ask Phoenix about them when I drop by after school. Maybe he knows them, or knows about them. Maybe I'll even bring Raylee! She might like to look at some books, too.

Phoenix was kind of weird about it, though. He acted like he has books personally picked out for everyone. Or maybe that was just for me. Huh. Well, I hope the person he's waiting for shows up later rather than sooner so the bookshop can stay longer.

She yawned and turned over onto her side, nuzzling her head deeper into the pillow.