Chapter 86: Tahr

Damn female. I can't get her large green eyes out of my head. She's such a cute little thing with her small features and lithe body. Even the stupid headpiece she wears appeals to me. She's tall for a human female and I still tower over her by a foot. When I touched her, a spark of energy traveled through me. It was then that I remembered the same weird sensation when I grasped her hand several years before. I wanted to run my fingers up and down her arms to keep the current flowing and I had a difficult time releasing her. These are dangerous thoughts and they lead to the forbidden.
Humans serve dragons and Meagan never understood that. I know my bride gave Pepper the courage to scamper mindlessly through my lair instead of finding responsibilities to keep her busy and out of my way. And now her scent consumes me with a need I can never fulfill. It must stop now.
I cast my voice into my manservant's head and demand he attend me at once. Henry is in his thirties and will be with me for many years. Training a proper manservant is a lot of work. When a servant grows too old to be helpful, the long training process begins again with a younger human.
Henry works hard and I have no complaints. He's fastidious and takes care of my clothing and other personal needs, which keeps life within the castle walls running smoothly. His stoic face rarely gives away the slightest hint of approval or disapproval no matter what I demand. I like that. I don't need him as a friend. I just need him following my instructions.
About ten minutes after my summons, Henry enters the outer chamber of my bedroom looking harried after his mad dash to my rooms. His uniform is uncommonly wrinkled and he's sweating. He bows with a slight trembling of his hands and stands waiting for my command. My voice was harsh when I beckoned him and no doubt he thinks he's in trouble.
"The young woman known as Pepper has been sneaking into my rooms. Earlier she came into my bedroom while I slept." I pierce him with eyes of pure silver. "Deal with the situation immediately and see she does not return."
His expression startles me. He squints his eyes and appears angry. Too bad.
I wave him away and walk into my bedroom. I should feel better now that the problem is dealt with. I don't. And Henry's behavior doesn't help. I lie in bed trying to fall asleep and decide to visit Bastian and Acasia when the sun is up. Their son, Ashrac, will help alleviate the sadness that's strangling me. Even if I stay for only for a few hours, it will help. It occurs to me that there's a very real possibility that Ashrac's parents will forbid my visit. I grumble aloud because I understand. After what happened with Sarn, they must protect their son from a dragon such as myself or risk losing their greatest treasure. Sarn tried to steal Ashrac and when Laryn's bride, Roxy, interfered, Sarn burned her with dragon fire. Even though Sarn was mourning the death of his bride and not in his right mind, some things are hard to forgive. Burning another dragon's bride to the point of death and trying to take another dragon's child are at the top of the list. The death of a bride can cause dragons to behave irrationally. I too feel the dangerous tug of unwelcome thoughts and the burning desire to possess the current happiness of my brother dragons. I've waited six months to visit my friends. I'm stronger now and feel I can easily resist the temptation to take what I want.
It would be nice to call on Laryn and Roxy too, but they're nesting and await the birth of their second child. This makes them highly unpredictable and I doubt we are a good combination. Laryn once told me of the overpowering urge he had to steal Bastian and Acasia's egg. How they allowed Laryn near their son is beyond me. I can only hope they will grant me permission to visit with their son if only for a short time. I need something to lighten my mood.
On the edge of sleep, a set of wide green eyes enters my thoughts and the scent of sweet herbs takes me into the world of dreams.
***
I know Bastian and Acasia sense the moment I cross into their realm. It wouldn't surprise me to see Bastian charging my way to head me off, but he doesn't. When I'm closer to the castle, I'm able to telepathically communicate. "I come in peace and wish only a few hours to visit my friends."
"Uncle Tahr, you must come and see my new machine," Ashrac immediately responds and I can't help but smile. In dragon form I'm sure my smile looks ferocious and this just causes my sharp teeth to spread further. Ashrac is a young teenager now and is fascinated with electronic devices that don't work in the dragon realms. It's the magic that keep them from doing whatever they were designed to do. Ashrac doesn't care. A few years ago, I brought him a circular robot that cleans human floors in the earth's realm. You would think it was a mountain of gold by how much he coveted the useless item.
"Come in peace, my friend," Bastian says.
"If not, I will tan your hide," Acasia adds, which makes me laugh.
She's such a... mother. It's the only word that describes her. Somehow I don't see Roxy responding quite so gently. Slicing their head off, yes, and she's more than capable. But tanning, no.
I land on the high perch of Bastian's tower where he accepts guests. Ashrac flies around from the opposite side and lands. I shift at the same time he does and the lad throws himself into my arms.
"I've missed you, Uncle Tahr. I'm so very sorry about Meagan and I miss her too."
His words cause my gut to tighten. I inhale Ashrac's unique young scent in order to shake off thoughts of Meagan. Bastian is truly blessed to have such a child and I'm blessed that his parents allow my visit.
Looking down at the top of his head, I can't help but realize how much this young man has grown. There will come a day that he won't throw himself into my arms with the abandonment of youth. A strong yearning to take him to my castle and keep him comes over me. I look up and see Bastian in his human form with a glint of fire in his eyes. I release Ashrac reluctantly and tousle his hair. "You must stop growing or you will be larger than me soon."
Ashrac's chest puffs up and I see a hint of the child he once was. "Mother says I've grown three inches in the past six months. I will be bigger than you and father this next year and then I shall come and steal all your treasure, Uncle Tahr."
It's impossible not to grin when he's so carefree. I remember stealing treasure from other dragons when I was a child. I think all the dragons were in on the small thefts that allowed the children to practice their stealth. That was before the curse and before dragons lived with years of lonely agony. But as it was then and as it is now, children are the greatest treasure a dragon can have. I envy Bastian and Acasia and also Laryn and Roxy. Their miracles shall never be mine.
Bastian breaks into my thoughts and holds garments out for me to put on. "Acasia is waiting below. She plans to serve tea." He holds up his hand before I can comment. "Yes, I know that it's ridiculousness. She believes she can teach our son the proper ways of a gentleman and I wouldn't dare make her think otherwise." His hard stare has me closing my mouth and fighting a grimace.
"Must we, Father?" Ashrac complains.
"Yes, or your mother will be unhappy and we don't want that. Once you've had tea, you may show Tahr your new device."
Ashrac turns from his father to gaze up at me. "She will have small sweet cakes, so it shall not be all bad, Uncle Tahr. Then I will show you the greatest invention ever made."