Mara always knew when she was dreaming, and the ones when she was flying were the best. The pink clouds backdropped the blue sky as air rushed beneath her feet. While some found it scary, she found it exhilarating. A fairy tale oasis where she was both champion and princess.
This, however, was the first time she wasn’t alone. As the clouds whizzed by, a golden dragon flew beside her.
He was huge, his natural gold armor shimmered in the sun as his muscles flexed beneath the thick scales. His long-spiked tail moved over the wind with beauty and grace while his clawed feet tucked under his body. The predatory golden eyes held fire and anger as they survey the imaginary countryside while thick wings pounded the air with rhythmic strokes. He was the most majestic creature she had ever seen. A god compared to the dragon replica in her store. The one that depicted this magnificent creature perfectly.
His deep growly voice shimmered in her mind, but the lips that covered razor-sharp teeth never moved. How do you remember a place that you have never visited? One that no longer exists.
It was the voice from her bathroom. Her delusion seemed more real than when she was awake. Like you, this place does not exist. This is a dream. My fantasy.
The dragon looked ahead. A single stroke of his wings sent flurries of wind blustering into the colored clouds, yet Mara was unaffected. Is it? His voice was distant, as if he was concentrating on something else.
Mara squeezed her eyes tight, concentrating on her bedroom. She ran her hand through the air when her attempt to wake failed. You are a figment of my imagination. I saw the sculpture of you move and now you’re in my dream. It’s my brain trying to work through the trauma of my mental breakdown. She rubbed her chest as old memories attempted to take hold. I have always loved painting mythical creatures, so an imaginary golden dragon with a sexy voice isn’t the worst apparition I could come up with.
The dragon shook its massive head. His scales scraped against one another as if made of steel. The beast had the audacity to look irritated at her lack of acceptance. Your theory is interesting and somewhat amusing, but it is incorrect.
Mara slapped her hand to her forehead. Ha! Says the talking dragon. If I didn’t know I was dreaming, I would check my medication to see if it was dosed with LSD, then check myself into a mental institution.
The dragon snorted. Both are ridiculous and unnecessary. Besides, I would not allow you to remain in such a facility.
Mara concentrated on the shop. Whatever this was, she didn’t have time for it. I need to get my art sold and get my head on straight. The store won’t save itself. Get it together, Mara.
The dragon turned his head, piercing her with his gaze. His black pupils ignited in yellow fire. Your name is Mara.
She huffed. Great, even my imaginary dragon friend doesn’t know my name. I’m even forgettable in my delusional state.
The dragon’s snout twitched. A long-winded exhale sent wind fluttering against Mara’s cheek. You are not forgettable, Mara. You’re powerful and able to block me, which is surprising since your magic is untapped. Your instincts and power are maturing.
Her laugh was more hysterical than funny. My magic? Wow, I really have fallen off the reality train, haven’t I?
This is more than a dream, Mara. We’re connected in a way you don’t understand. You must tell me where you are.
Mara shook her head. You’re a sculpture in my shop. My imagination springing to life because I’m under a lot of stress. You don’t exist.
The dragon flew in silence for several seconds. If that is true, then there is no harm in telling me where I sit within your shop. What is the name of my home?
The words echoed in her head. Inn Plain Sight.
The dragon’s lip curled, exposing long serrated teeth. What does that mean?
That’s the name of my shop. Inn Plain Sight.
The dragon looked to the heavens. How ironic. Years ago, I asked my brethren where a druid would hide in the coming centuries. Inn Plain Sight. How clever.
I wasn’t hiding.
Yes, you were, but that time has passed. I will see you soon, Mara.
I guess that means it’s time to wake up. Bye, dragon boy.
I have already told you; my name is Legion and I assure you, I am not a boy.
Mara’s eyes snapped open. “Legion,” she said, before jumping out of bed then running down the stairs.
Chapter 4
The notion that the dream was real wouldn’t leave her. That sexy male voice vibrated in her ear, unwilling to relinquish his hold. Mara pointed at the bookshelf. “Natalie, can you grab the large brown leather book at the top?”
Natalie went over to their private selection of books. She pulled out the large tomb with gold Gaelic script. “This one?”
Mara nodded. “See if you can find any mention of a dragon named Legion. I think my mom mentioned it once, but I’m not sure.”
Natalie brought the enormous book over to the counter and opened it. “Why the sudden interest in Scottish fairy tales?” Her hand ran over the imbued gold letters. Though worn over the ages, the craftsmanship was impeccable and Natalie’s appreciation showed.
Mara pursed her lips, unsure how to describe what was going on. She told Natalie everything, but how did you explain something you didn’t understand yourself? “I need to know if he’s real. I mean, was real.”
Legion shimmered in her mind. There is no need for you to search my history. I am on my way to you and will answer any questions you have.
Mara’s eyes closed. “Stop it.”
Natalie touched her shoulder. “Mara, what’s going on? You’re scaring me.”
Mara gazed into the blue eyes of her best friend. The face that had kept her sane when her world had crashed around her.
