Dragon Blood

 

            The sun shone through the curtains of Alex’s room. It was summer break, and Alex was taking full advantage of being able to sleep in. But that sunshine was so bright. He turned over and tried to fall back asleep. Then, with a start, he bolted upright when he realized that today was his 14^th birthday. He was finally old enough to learn what had happened to his father.

            Alex’s dad had left their family soon after Alex was born. Mom said that he had a really good explanation, and that Alex would find out on his 14^th birthday. Privately, Alex was sure that his dad had just abandoned them and Mom just hung on to that thin excuse to make them both feel better. He knew that it had been hard on her. She worked two jobs so they could get the things they needed. Alex was used to not having a father around, but he always wondered what had happened. Today, according to Mom, he was finally old enough to find out.

            Alex jumped out of bed and threw on some clothes without noticing what they were. He ran downstairs to find Mom making breakfast in the kitchen. She had taken the day off to celebrate Alex’s birthday and was making waffles, his favorite.

            Alex breathed in the heavenly aroma as he sat down at the table and said, “Good morning, Mom.”

            She immediately turned around and said, “Happy Birthday, Alex! The big 14!” She served them hot waffles and they started to eat.

            At first, their conversation was all about how they were going to celebrate his birthday, but Alex finally got up the nerve to ask, “What about Dad?”

            At this, Mom’s face fell slightly, but then her smile reappeared and she said, “I guess you’re old enough, then.”

            Alex hated to see Mom sad, but he really wanted to know for sure what had happened. “I’m old enough now, Mom. I need to know. Did Dad abandon us?”

            Mom looked at him with pain in her eyes. “No, he wanted so badly to stay, but he had to leave.”

            “Why?”

            In response, Mom handed him an old envelope that had been sitting on the counter. She pushed it over to him and said, “This will explain everything.”

            On the outside of the envelope, it said simply, “Alex.” Alex slowly picked it up and broke the seal. “Do you know what it says?” he asked curiously.

            “Yes. I didn’t read it, but your father told me. He said you were to have it on the day you turned 14.”

            Alex took out the single piece of paper inside and started to read out loud.

“My dearest Alex,

 I first want to let you know how much I love you and your mother. I wish I could have been there to watch you grow up, but I have other obligations that I must fulfill. Now that you are 14, you are old enough to learn what they are.

            Son, you are of noble, royal blood. Our ancestors have ruled the magical realm of Trellis for thousands of years. In my youth, I wanted no part of that and so escaped to the human world. For many years, I lived amongst the humans. I love your mother deeply and we were so excited to be your parents. My father knew exactly where I was and respected my wishes of letting me live my own life. However, after my father unexpectedly died without another heir, it was my obligation and duty to return, and rule as king of Trellis.

            I have never done anything harder in my life than having to leave my family behind. Your mother is human, and unable to enter the land of Trellis. But you, Alex, are of the race of dragons. You can come anytime you wish. I want you to know that you have a choice of staying in the human world, or living in Trellis. Whatever you choose, I will respect and honor your decision. However, there are things that you must know about yourself.

            You have dragon blood in you that comes with magical powers. In order to use them, and control them, you must come to Trellis where I will be able to teach you. After your training, you will be free to live your life however you wish. Without this training, you will be a danger to everyone around you. Our powers lie dormant until the age of 14, when they begin to manifest.

Take the passage in the basement to get to Trellis. I will see you soon. I love you, son.

Love,

Dad.”

            There was silence in the room as Alex tried to process this information. There was a huge jumble of emotions churning inside of him. Was this a joke? How could he possibly believe this? Stronger feelings were burning inside of him too. If he was of royal blood, why didn’t they live in a palace? How come Mom had to work two jobs for them to live?

            Mom watched him, waiting for him to say something. Alex felt himself getting hot with anger. “Is this really true?” he asked angrily.

            Mom sighed and said, “Yes. Now you know why I didn’t want to tell you. If it were up to me, I would never have told you, but your father insisted.” Her eyes misted over, tears threatening to spill out. “I still love your father. He always wanted what’s best for us, but he had to leave.”

            Alex felt the ball of anger inside him grow hotter. “He could have stayed!” he shouted. “If he really loved us, he would have stayed!” Suddenly, the letter that Alex was holding caught on fire. In shock, he dropped it to the floor, and Mom quickly doused it with a glass of milk from the table.

            “Your father did that too when he got angry.” Mom sighed heavily. “Whatever you believe about him, you are definitely his son, and you will need that special training he talked about. I always hoped that you wouldn’t be like him, but now we know for sure.”

            Alex was still looking at the puddle of milk and the soggy letter that he had somehow set on fire. “What am I supposed to do?” he said softly.

            “You’ll have to do like your father said. Take the basement passage to Trellis.” Tears were spilling onto her cheeks now. “I don’t know how long it will take to control your powers, but then you’ll have to make your decision. Like your father, I want this to be your choice.”

            Alex looked up with hurt in his eyes. “So, I might not come back?”

            Mom pulled him into a hug and whispered, “It’s up to you, but I imagine that the magic there might make it hard to leave.”

            Alex hugged her back tightly as he tried to process this. What was he going to do? Trying to think of something matter-of-fact to say, he asked, “What should I bring?”

            Mom pulled back and said softly, “You won’t be able to bring anything with you.”

            Alex felt like he was in a bad dream as they both walked downstairs to the basement. Mom led the way until they were standing in front of a closet. She opened it, and Alex looked inside. He was expecting some kind of magic or something, but what he saw was just the inside of the closet.

            “It’s just through there,” Mom said, as she pointed inside.

            “Through where?” Alex said, thoroughly bewildered. It wasn’t a deep closet. He could reach out and touch the back of it.

            “Only you can go through there. Just walk toward the back, and you’ll find it.” She gave him one last hug and whispered, “I love you, Alex. Whatever you do, don’t forget me.”

            “I love you too, Mom,” Alex whispered back. Not knowing if anything was really going to happen, Alex took a step inside the closet, and felt a faint breeze hit his face. He held out his hand to touch the back of the closet, but he didn’t feel anything but air. He shuffled forward, and it grew dark around him. His skin started to tingle, and he thought he saw shimmering stars moving all around him. He went down on his hands and knees because he felt like he was losing his balance.

            After walking for what seemed a long time, it finally started to get light again. With a sigh of relief, he recognized trees growing on either side of the path. He looked ahead and was astounded to see a golden dragon standing on the path ahead. Alex stopped in his tracks, unsure if he should run or not.

            While he was debating, the dragon spoke. “Hello, Alex,” it said in a deep voice. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”

            Alex had no idea what to say to this. He still wasn’t sure if he should be running back the way he came. Then the dragon said something that really floored him.

            “Let me formally introduce myself,” the dragon said. “My name is Arthur.” It paused and then said in a softer voice, “Your dad.”

            “W-w-what?” Alex stammered. “How is that possible? You’re a dragon!”

            The dragon let out a snort that could have been a laugh and said, “Look down at yourself, son.”

            Alex looked down and saw sharp golden talons on the ends of his front dragon paws. He turned his long neck to look behind him and saw wings and a tail attached to his golden body. He flapped his wings experimentally and turned back to stare at the other dragon - his Dad.

           “Welcome home, son,” Dad said with a dragon’s smile.