The Dragon Keeper: Mystic's Tale, #1

By Lizzie Anne Love and Betsy Love

Dragons are real… and they exist on the other side of the portal… mostly…
Writing Mystic's Tale brought Anthony and me together… and now it's driving us apart. Who knew that accidentally summoning a mystic would change my life… forever. I mean, it's cool that I now have this baby dragon, but what's the point if I can't tell Anthony? He's been my best friend since first grade? Seriously, we've shared everything… as in Every. Single. Thing. Oh, did I mention he's my secret crush?

And now I'm sworn to secrecy to protect everyone I love.

If that isn't hard enough, Anthony knows I'm hiding something, but it's kind of hard to hide that my ears are growing into elfish points, and my hair is turning purple. Even my eyes look different.

But how can I risk putting Anthony's life in danger when this isn't even his fight? I can see the pain in his eyes, but do I keep my word to the mystic? Or do I tell Anthony before it's too late?

• Language: English
• Publisher: LoveLightPress
• Release date: Feb 18, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201319595

Book preview

1

I, Arietta, keeper of the dragon wing…

Mom was going to kill me. I tried to swallow past the dryness in my mouth. Her pendant lay tucked in my hand inside my sweatshirt pocket, and I was tucked safely in Anthony's Mustang. My execution would happen only if she figured out it was missing.

The pendant looked like a half of a butterfly wing with a green gem crowded against where the thorax would be. I always had an affinity for the delicate creatures, and sometimes I pretended they were fairies when they landed on my sleeves and in my hair. Dad called me his odd daughter. It was easy to pretend the pendant might have come from some magical realm, given to my mother by the queen fairy herself.

I let the chain wrap around my fingers and ran my thumb over the center gem before counting the ones nestled into the scallops around the edge. One, two, three, four—each gem a different color.

The stones lay embedded in the strange metal like drops of hard candy. I glanced at my best friend, and Anthony smiled back at me. He’d better appreciate what I'd done to procure this treasure… for the sake of the story we were writing.

Anthony, Jayme, and I were somewhere in the fifteenth chapter of at least the one hundredth revision of Mystic’s Tale, the story we’d begun in elementary school. Our goal was to finish the story before graduation, which loomed less than two years away. We had plenty of time, but we were stuck on this particular chapter. What would happen next?

Anthony stopped his Mustang next to our favorite picnic tables in the center of Show Low City Park. He turned in his seat, facing Jayme. Paper and pen?

From the back seat, Jayme waved them at Anthony. Turning to me he asked, Loretta, did you bring something magical? I swallowed and withdrew it, letting it dangle from the chain. I hoped it met their approval. Each time we met, we brought props to add to our story, hence, the pendant.

Jayme snorted. It looks cheap. She flopped her hand over the back of the seat. Lemme see it!

I set it on her open palm. Be super careful.

She tested its weight, bobbing her hand up and down. Where did you get it?

I borrowed it from my mom's jewelry box. I winced at the word borrowed. Dad always told us if we took something without asking, it was stealing; it didn't matter the reason.

Jayme turned it over and examined the holographic inscription on the back. This is Total Epic Awesomeness! It's like those baseball cards where the player's all 3D. Any idea what language this is?

No clue. I reached over the seat and flipped the pendant over before placing it back in her hand. See these symbols? They’re the same as the ones on the front—sort of.

How come the symbols are only along this edge? Jayme asked turning it back over.

I shrugged. I have no idea.

Anthony took it from Jayme and examined both sides. Where did your mom get it?

Don't know. I only saw it yesterday morning. I didn’t even know she owned anything like this.

Anthony shifted in his seat. Does your mom know you took it?

A little prick of guilt needled me. I'll put it back before she even knows it's missing. I hoped to return the pendant as easily as I'd managed to take it.

Anthony stroked the gem-stones. They kind of look like those candies that come on ring pops or those plastic diamonds and rubies that toy companies glue onto kid crowns. Wouldn't it be cool if it really was magical?

He held it up to the light. I wonder what kind of metal this is. It's too pale to be gold and too much gold to be silver. Are you sure you didn't steal it from the pawn shop?"

I couldn't believe he was still teasing me about that stupid prank. No, I didn't steal it from a pawn shop. And I didn't steal that ring either. Corban let me borrow both of them. I thought we cleared that up.

Cleared up maybe, but we're not even . . . yet. He faced Jayme. Wouldn't you say?

A mischievous grin crossed Jayme’s face. We still have to figure out how to get even. She winked Anthony but put her arm around me. Just kidding.

I told you, I didn’t steal the ring, and I didn’t steal this necklace either, I said before they could respond.

Anthony gave the pendant back to me. It'll make a great talisman for the summoning anyway.

I tucked the pendant back inside my sweatshirt, and we stepped from the car.

The autumn chill sapped the warmth from the afternoon. Moist air hung like tiny needles waiting to stab through our clothes. I squinted into the fading afternoon sun, which barely showed its face through the breaking clouds. A month of nearly solid rain left the glowing orb pale and weak, a lightbulb ready to burn out.

Anthony opened the trunk and slid his camera bag over his shoulder. Leave it to him to like his dad’s outdated electronics. It would have been easier for either one of them to use their smart phones. It’s what I would have done if my parents could afford one.

Next, Anthony pulled out a staff, its grayish wood gnarled and weathered. A doorknob perched on the top. What do you think?

Whoa! Jayme ran her hand along the painted surface. You make this?

My dad helped me with it. Check this out. Anthony held it over his head, swung it around once, and a bright flash of light exploded from the glass doorknob.

Jayme squinted. Let’s call it the staff of life. She snorted again. How'd you do that?

Wizards don't reveal their sources of magic. Anthony winked and then tapped the tapered end on the ground. Colored lights swirled around the knob. He tapped it again and the lights shut off.

Jayme nodded. That is even cooler than Loretta's junk jewelry.

Thanks a lot. Although, even I had to admit that Anthony's creation was pretty cool, maybe cooler than my piece of jewelry. Maybe.

I turned to Jayme. What did you bring?

One shoulder lifted in a half shrug. Since Loretta was wingin’ it, this goes perfect. She pulled out a miniature fairy from her pocket. Its delicate wings shimmered. I’m fairly sure this is pretty awesome.

Anthony rolled his eyes. Very punny.

Or this. She held up an elf the same size as the fairy, except this one wasn’t of the Santa Clause variety. Come here, Loretta, let’s take an elfie. She chuckled and held up her phone, trying to balance all three. The fairy slipped from her fingers and landed on the cement pad, the wings flying apart from the body.

Oh, Jayme, I’m so sorry. I bent to help her pick up the pieces.

Don’t worry about it. She tucked the elf back in her pocket along with her phone and the fairy. Then holding up the broken wings to the light, she turned them so they glimmered. I can still use these for the summoning.

I reached up and touched her shoulder. Maybe we can glue the wings back on.

Maybe. She smiled again and her face lit up. It’s not like it was super expensive or anything.

Anthony unstrapped his bag. Did you get it at the dollar store?

Naw, the pawnshop. Jayme turned to me. "Does that ring a bell?"

Oh, my gosh, Jayme… I told you I didn’t steal it. Corban really had loaned me the puzzle ring after he showed me how it worked and neither of my friends could put it back together.

Anthony pulled the camera from the bag and set it on the tripod. Forget about the ring. It wasn’t even worth pranking over. Now, get in your places. He pressed PLAY and climbed on top of the picnic table. Then raising his hands over his head, he called out, I, Althor, summon the tale of mystic powers from the lower rune pages, redeemed from the sea of fire. Standing on the edge of the picnic table, he looked majestic in the cloak he'd taken from the costume closet at school. With his gorgeous golden blonde hair and blue eyes, he rivaled every prince from fairytales. The only thing keeping the girls at bay was how shy he was.

Jayme jumped onto another corner of the table. It wobbled and nearly bounced Anthony off. Sorry. Her face turned a shade of red. I can’t help it if I’m big boned.

Our court jester—that's how I viewed her. Today she did little to dispel that illusion in her pointed lady-in waiting hat, sporting a multitude of stripes of different pastel colors. A dark tangle of brown curls protruded from underneath the edge. Her voice lifted in an aria an opera diva would sing before the words left her mouth, the melody enchanting. I wished I could sing like that. I, Jaraya, summon the queen of the faeries. Bring forth your gifts so fair. Endless bounties and joys so rare. She held up the broken wings and waved them as if being swayed by a gentle breeze.

I tried not to laugh at the ridiculous sight she made, but before I could stop myself, I coughed out a chuckle.

She broke character and glared down at me. Don't make me jump on you.

I held my hands out to her as if that might actually protect me from her towering stature. Ouch, no! It wouldn’t be the first time she’d taken me out, so to speak.

Anthony pounded his staff on the edge of the table. Okay, you two, let’s finish this scene today so we can figure out what comes next. He pointed his staff at me. It’s your turn.

Dressed in my jeans, sweatshirt, and tennis shoes, I knelt before the royal court above and proffered my token. "I, Arietta, keeper of the dragon wings, summon the master mystic and his dragon. Itza Azella, O'antiqua."

A gust of wind whipped up around me, swirled strands of my dishwater-blond hair around my face and shoved its icy fingers through my sweatshirt sending a shiver down my spine. I captured the strands of my hair and pulled the hood over my head.

Cool words! Anthony broke character for a moment. We'll have to be sure and include them in the story.

An abnormally large raven swooped down onto one of the branches of a nearby pine tree and let out one single squawk. Its black eyes penetrated mine. Another shiver went down my back. I'd read enough stories to know that black birds meant evil or death. I pointed up at the creature. We have got to use that in the story, too. The bird puffed out its feathers, making it double in size and cawed again as if in agreement.

Weird. Jayme kept her eyes fixed on the creature. You think it's sick or something?

Who cares--it's cool. Anthony gave a thumbs-up. Well, let's get on with it. He raised his hands. Oh come to us great mystic. We summon you to aid us in our quest. Then motioning to me he said, Loretta, give me the Talisman.

I climbed to the tabletop, all the while holding the pendant aloft. Here, oh great king is the … I paused trying to come up with the right words to call this magical accessory. Before I could think of anything, the raven swooped down out of the tree with a horrifying screech. It snatched the pendant from my hand and flew off down the hill toward the baseball field.

Not my mother's necklace!

What the heck… Anthony jumped off the table, his cape fluttering behind him.

My stomach knotted and my hands went numb. Now she was going to kill me for reals. I took off running through the pine trees. Overhead the bird circled several times before landing on the top of the backstop.

Afraid to scare it off, I stopped at the concession stand. What am I going to do? I said when my two friends joined me. I peered back around the building. The raven shifted its weight from foot to foot, bobbed its head and blinked once at me.

Anthony came around the corner breathing heavily. He propped his staff against the wall and fastened the strap to his camera before he slung it over his shoulder. Jayme, do you have any food on you? We can lure it down.

Jayme reached in her pocket and fished out a half-eaten granola bar.

Anthony took it from her. I'll sneak over there and toss it on the ground. That bird will have to drop the pendant in order to eat.

I held my breath hoping his plan would work. Anthony tip-toed around the concession stand, emerged behind the first base bleachers, and waited.

A guy in a white robe sat on the bottom bench with his fingertips pressed together. His jet-black hair floated around him, and his cloak billowed like he was floating underwater. It was freaky-weird for sure. His clothes looked like they were made of gossamer or spider webs, and even though the wind had completely stopped his clothes had that same billowiness to them. He turned his focus on the bird. The raven cawed again, dropping the pendant to the ground. It flew down to the ground and pecked at my mom’s piece of jewelry. I had to get it back before that stupid bird damaged it.

The guy stood and walked the short distance to the raven. Once he picked up my mother’s pendant, he returned to the bench and tucked it into a golden satchel sitting at his feet. The bag had the same shape and size as a duffle bag and shimmered like the sun bouncing off Fool Hollow Lake at sunset.

Anthony crept back to us. Great, now what do we do?

I pressed my fingers to my forehead. My mom's seriously gonna kill me.

Just don't tell her. Jayme patted my shoulder.

A lump the size of my fist clogged my chest. You didn't see her crying about it. It wasn’t like her. She’s usually yelling at somebody for something. Yesterday after school, she didn’t hear me come in. I guess she thought she was home all alone. After she fell asleep on the couch, I snuck into her room. I just wanted to get a better look. I never meant to take it out of her room, but when I saw the holographic writings on it… I shrugged. I just thought it would be cool.

Anthony put his arm around my shoulder. It's probably something an old boyfriend gave her, and she was thinking of him.

No, it seems like something more. I don't know, just the way she was holding it. I've never seen her cry like that. I paused afraid to tell them what she said. My mom whispered my story name.

Jayme gasped. Seriously? How would she know your story name?

I know; that's what's really weird because she doesn't even know about our story. She just thinks we’re studying at the library. I glanced at the bird again and back at Anthony.

Maybe she was drunk, and her speech was slurred. Anthony chuckled. You probably just thought that’s what you heard.

The only thing keeping me from shaking was Anthony’s firm hold around me. I just have to get it back.

You guys. Why don't you walk over there and ask for it."

Anthony released his hold on my shoulder and shrugged. What if that bird is trained to steal stuff? You think he's going to hand it over just ‘cuz you ask?

What's the worst that could happen? Jayme held up her cell phone. "I'll call the police in case he decides not to cooperate or gets violent or something.

Anthony took my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. C'mon, we'll get it back.

This better work. I turned to see if Jayme was watching us, but she had hidden herself behind the block building.

Don't worry, I'll pour on the Fenmore charm, and if that doesn't work, I'll offer a reward.

How much do you have on you this time? I asked.

Anthony released my hand, pulled out his wallet and fingered several twenty-dollar bills. Enough, I'm sure. I kind of missed the security of his hand. He’d always had that calming effect on me.

I reached in my jeans pocket and withdrew my lunch money—three whole dollars. Here, this might help.

Anthony lowered my hand. You'll need that for tomorrow.

My jaw clenched almost as hard as my fist around the dollar bills. This was my responsibility. While I appreciated everything he did for me, he shouldn’t have to keep bailing me out because his dad gave him a hefty allowance. I'll pack a lunch tomorrow.

A couple of dollars won’t make much of a difference. He was right.

Okay, but you have to let me do something for you, alright?

I’ll hold you to it. He held up his pinky.

I locked mine with his.

Once we reached the end of the bleachers, I cleared my throat and the man looked up at me. Um, excuse me… but your bird, I mean… that is your bird, right? He… um… took my pendant that you put in your bag. Why did I sound like such an idiot? I should have let Anthony do the talking. I plowed ahead anyway. It belongs to my mother, it's not expensive or anything, it's just, well, kind of sentimental to her. I didn't want him thinking it was worth anything, at least not as much as Anthony was willing to offer.

The guy twisted to face me. His eyes were an odd shade of green, almost a golden green with flecks of silver. They were the strangest contacts I'd ever seen. I guess I expected him to be older, but the smoothness of his skin and the youthful glow of his cheeks and lips confused me. He looked like he couldn't be much older than me. Maybe eighteen or nineteen?

He lifted his closed fist toward us then one by one opened his fingers until it looked like he was holding an imaginary tennis ball. He blew on it as if shooting energy at us, then tapped me on the shoulder and reached around me to touch Anthony’s hand.

Weirdo, I thought.

You are Arietta. His rich base voice surprised me—especially coming from someone so young looking.

Loretta, I corrected.

That is what you are called here. But your real name is Arietta.

How did he know about my story name? No, it's Loretta. Why was I even giving this stranger my real name anyway? He must have overheard me speak the name of the character from our story. You have something that belongs to me . . . well, to my mother. May I have it back please?

What will you give me in return?

We can offer you a reward. I gave Anthony a nudge in his ribs. He didn't move, like he was in a trance. Anthony? My friend stared blankly at me as if he wasn’t really seeing me. My insides turned upside down. Why wasn’t Anthony responding to me? I turned back to the man. What did you do to my friend?

He ignored me. You may have what's inside. He reached for the golden bag, but instead of grasping the handle, he held his hand above it. It levitated to within an inch or so of his palm. There had to be strings attached between him and the bag. Squinting, I tried to figure out his magic trick.

On the side of the bag, symbols danced off it like the holograms on my mom’s pendant. I tried to step back, but Anthony’s still form blocked my way. A knot formed in my gut, and I had to rub the sweat from my palms. This is just a magic trick, I kept telling myself.

The fabric on the bag became translucent and a pulsing purple orb glowed within and whirled like a top. It called to me, but I couldn't make out any words, only impressions like the rapid flashes of television commercials. Pictures of green ferns, plants and misty forests passed through my mind. Flitting in and out of these images, others arose too unbelievable to describe. Winged creatures, the size and speed of dragonflies or hummingbirds, danced in and out of shadows, only they looked human, not animal.

I stepped on Anthony's foot when I moved back. Still, my friend didn't budge. What was the matter with him? What had that man done to him. I… uh… only want my pendant back. Weakly, I added, Please? Jayme better be on the phone with the police.

The guy smiled at me showing a row of perfect teeth.

This time I gave Anthony a hard poke to his ribs with my elbow. Anthony? The color had drained from my friend's face, and he stood like a stone statue. What was the matter with my best friend? I shook his shoulder. Anthony! I screamed.

The wail of a siren in the distance came down the road. Good, Jayme had called the police. You're not going to get away with this. The louder the blare of the police car, the bolder I felt. Give me back my pendant, or the police will arrest you for theft.

I will in time. He waved his hand again, the bag drifted back to the earth with a soft thud. Behind me Anthony gave a raspy intake of air as if he'd been holding it the whole time. I clutched his arm to keep him from falling over when he collapsed against me.

I turned back to where the guy had sat. Now, give it back to me, I said to the empty place in front of me.

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