Dragon's Heart Prophecy

Dragon’s Heart Prophecy

by t.j. Gallagher

Copyright 2011; Ebook Edition 2012; Cover Revision 2016

By Thomas James Gallagher

Ebook ISBN 978-1476-2492-78

Previous books by Author

Dragon’s Heart Crystal

Dragon’s Heart Twins

Smashwords Edition License Notes

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Chapter One

Return to Wizenquest

Professor Hunter Degasse, Headmaster of the Wizenquest Academy of Witchcraft and Magic, sat at a secluded table at Ruth’s Coffeehouse in Sprite’s Hollow. He agreed to meet two of his students to discuss certain reservations they had of returning to school.

Professor Degasse observed his students with an intense curiousity as they sat across from him nervously sipping the hot tea they ordered. He was aware these two were, without doubt, the most powerful creatures on earth. Yet, he was sure they were unaware of it.

Nine year old twin Drey Elves, Dalton and Kayla Summers, had but one goal in life. They desperately wanted to become the best healers, so they could serve others in need. Their desire stemmed from their heredity as Drey Elves, but also to honor their deceased parents.

They didn’t appear very powerful, standing only four feet tall. They were scrawny and pale and weighted about fifty-five pounds each. Both had light brown hair with bright blue eyes. The only time they were not timid and shy was when they practiced their healing arts. They also hated recognition of any kind.

Prior to their first year at Wizenquest, Dalton’s and Kayla’s aunts taught them magic, anatomy and crystals. Their instruction in magic began as soon as they were able to hold a wand and say a spell. Their education was interrupted by an attack from an evil Druid and his Kobold cohorts.

Fleeing their home, the twins were saved from a fiery death by a lonely, dying dragon, which they were able to save in return. It was while in his cave, the twins were chosen and decided to join with and become the hosts to a crystalline spirit called the Dragon’s Heart. It was a twin to Cordalius, a spirit of the Dolmens. Together, they teach and enhance Dalton’s and Kayla’s natural and learned magical abilities and healing arts. However, their true powers are largely unknown to them.

The twins decided to conceal their association with the Dragon’s Heart and their knowledge of magic taught by their aunts as best they could. In some respects, their abilities were much further advanced than older classmates at Wizenquest. Unfortunately, circumstances have forced the twins to reveal much of their talents and staff and students now know of their deception.

It was for this reason and their unfounded guilt over the death of three house elves that they were meeting their headmaster, to decide if they would be allowed to return as students or be dismissed from Wizenquest.

Professor Degasse explained they were not to blame for the attack against their school, nor the three deaths. Learning the school and the community of Sprite’s Hollow would have been attacked regardless of whether they were involved or not, made the twins feel better at least.

Their headmaster, like the dragon’s Oracle, was more than a little concerned as to whether Dalton and Kayla would still be able to learn anything from the staff at Wizenquest. Sometimes, fame made people feel arrogant, all knowing and superior to others. The Oracle expressed this possibility to Professor Degasse when she made arrangements for the twins to meet with him.

Professor Degasse’s faith in the twins was upheld as they both confirmed their need to be taught and that they didn’t feel superior to anyone.

I’d like to believe, after fifty years of teaching, that I’d know more about Drey Elves. However, in your case, I’m at a loss.

Why’s that, Professor? Dalton quizzed.

"You two are the youngest students we’ve allowed to attend Wizenquest. You’re in your second year of studies with top marks. You possess knowledge and abilities adepts haven’t mastered, yet you remain as humble as ever.

"You have a race of dragons who call you friends, not to mention your friendship with the unicorns. You’ve been chosen by the Dragon’s Heart as hosts and this takes honor, commitment and courage.

You’ve saved our entire staff of house elves and many students from an unknown disease and terrible death. You then led the largest dragon I’ve ever seen away from Wizenquest, Sprite’s Hollow and his army of Kobolds at great personal risk to your own lives. And now – you’re telling me you’re afraid of being honored at the feast tonight?

We’re not exactly afraid Sir, Kayla began. We just don’t like being honored for doing our job as healers.

Yeah, Dalton added. Some of the kids know we cured them and some might know how. A few of them are friends and know we study hard and have strange magics. Some of them are going to be afraid of us. Like when we first got here and had to put up with their prejudice because we’re elves. That’s why we don’t want any attention or recognition.

Don’t worry about that. I went to the kitchens to set up a special feast in your honor. I was properly schooled by your friend, Sandy. She said much the same as you just did, so the feast tonight is to make up for the Spring Equinox Celebration.

Dalton and Kayla gave a look of relief before their professor continued. However, you are to report to the kitchens after the feast. It seems your friend found you both a large bowl of your favorite ice cream. The twins glanced at each other and smiled.

In addition, an engraved plaque with your names on it will be placed in the Hall of Honors, for special services to our academy. Both twins groaned, but agreed since it would not be presented to them in front of their classmates. With their agreements completed, it was time to return to their school.

Halfway back to their magic school, they encountered a pure white Lynx with black markings blocking their path. Professor Degasse quickly brandished his wand.

No Professor! Dalton yelled as he stepped in front of his headmaster’s wand. She’s our friend. She won’t hurt us.

The long legged cat advanced on Kayla and pounced on her. Paws on her shoulder, the cat licked the elf’s face, smelled her, then did the same to Dalton before she ran off into the brush lining the lane.

Remarkable, Professor Degasse said. That wildcat must be new around here, I haven’t seen it before. How did you know it wouldn’t hurt you?

Ummm, we’ve met her before, Kayla replied. The twins didn’t offer that the Lynx was actually their friend, Kelly, in her animal form.

Kelly was a twelve year old human-elf halfling the twins had met at the beginning of their first year at Wizenquest. She was over a foot taller than the twins, with light brown hair and large brown eyes. Living in the room next door to Dalton and Kayla, she frequently visited and studied with them.

As the group approached the gates to Wizenquest, there was a loud squeal as Kelly ran to greet her friends in human form.

"Dalton! Kayla! You got away from that monster! You’re alive! When I saw that Druid change to that huge dragon, I thought he’d catch you. I was so worried. I thought you were goners for good. Then your dragon friends showed up and started to attack those Kobold goblins. They fought hard, but your friends won.

Did you know they caught one of the Kobold leaders alive? They questioned him then took him away after he talked with Professor Degasse. Dolan’s been so worried about you too. He kept asking if I thought you’d been eaten yet —

Kelly! Breathe! Kayla reminded her friend as she cut off her ranting. I know you’re excited, but slow down a little.

Okay, I’ll try, but you’ve got to tell me how you got away from that monster.

We almost didn’t, Kelly, Dalton replied. He would have got us, but Pyros saved us.

It was really close, Kelly. I’ll tell you all about it while we change for the feast tonight, Kayla told her.

I’ll expect you and your brother to be on time, Miss Summers, Professor Degasse said as he returned to his office.

We won’t be late, Professor, the twins replied in unison.

Dolan was waiting for them as they entered their dorm. He stood almost five feet tall at twelve years old. He had blond hair and bright blue eyes. He was thin at eight-two pounds and there was nothing to indicate his human-elf heritage. Dolan went to Kayla and hugged her. Kayla, I’m so glad you’re okay. You too, Dalton. That dragon was huge! We watched him take off after you. How’d you get away?

C’mon in Dolan. We may as well tell you and Kelly together, Kayla suggested.

Opening their dorm room, a loud squawking greeted them. John Paul! Dalton said surprised.

Oh – I forgot to tell you, Kelly said. He showed up last night. I gave him food and told him to wait as you’d be here soon. He’s got a note tied to his leg, but wouldn’t let me take it off.

Kayla untied the note, then read it aloud.

"Oooo – you two! You’re in such trouble! We’ll talk about this later! Didn’t you learn anything? Didn’t Pyros teach you? Wait until I see you! So relieved you’re both safe. Meet at P.C., this summer. Oh –seventh line you sent is an old style Theban. It says, ‘Lest demise issue certain’. Hope this helps you. Aunt Marge sends her love too."

Aunt Matty

Wow! I didn’t know Aunt Matty could stammer in a letter. She must really be angry with us, Dalton alleged.

Yeah, guess she is, Kayla agreed.

Well, she’s right, isn’t she? Kelly posed. "You two took a huge risk leading that Dahak away. He scared me, and he wasn’t chasing me!

You could have let the dragons handle him or how about Cordalius? He could have teleported him to another world or something.

No, we couldn’t do it that way Kelly, Dalton replied. "If we allowed the Wyverns to attack him there would’ve been a lot of Wyverns killed. The Dahak had a crosier staff, very powerful and deadly. He also could have changed into his dragon form and he’d be twice a Wyverns size and strength.

"Cordalius would’ve needed to be within our Dolmen for us to call him, he’s usually not. The Dahak could have been removed, but we didn’t know what his orders to the Kobolds were. They might have attacked Sprite’s Hollow if he just disappeared. Again, many would have been killed needlessly.

When he saw us, he saw two little elves on broomsticks. No threat to him and he probably thought to catch us easily and destroy us. Then he could return and destroy everybody else. He probably told the Kobolds to wait for his return, which we hoped he would do. We timed the arrival of the Wyverns to be shortly after we left, and it worked.

Everything went well for Dalton and Kayla on the Thursday night of their return to school. During the festive dinner, many of the human-elf students they cured discreetly thanked them for their efforts.

After leaving the feast, Dalton and Kayla said goodnight to Kelly. Entering a secret doorway they made their way to the kitchens per Professor Degasse’s orders.

Dalton. Kayla. Over here, called Sandy, their house elf friend. Sit here, I have a surprise for you, she said, indicating the table and chairs.

All of the house elves soon crowded around the small table. Dalton. Kayla. On behalf of all the house elves that work at Wizenquest, we thank you for saving our lives, Sandy announced as they all bowed in homage to the twins. And I’ve found you some of your favorite ice cream.

The twins stood and returned their homage. Sandy, it’s the middle of winter. Where on earth did you find Black Walnut ice cream? Kayla asked in awe.

Well, we did have to order it, Sandy stated. I went to Jeff’s Chocolate Shoppe in Sprite’s Hollow. He was able to get it here by Postal Portal from New York.

It’s delicious, Dalton mumbled. Thanks Sandy.

Soon, they were on their way up the staircase to their dorm room. Both were exhausted by their long and emotional day.

Dalton, when we met with Professor Degasse at Ruth’s, I was able to hear one of his thoughts about us. He wondered what we would be ten years from now. Did you hear him?

No, but I know when you did. It was just before we left, you got a surprised look on your face and glanced at him, right?

Yeah, that’s when it was. I wonder if it’s something new we can develop or just a fluke? Kayla quizzed as she crawled into bed.

Don’t know, Sis. See you in the morning, night.

Night Dalton, she returned.

Kayla followed her brother through the caverns for almost ten minutes. Dalton, where are we?

Don’t know, some tunnel or something.

What are we doing here? I don’t remember coming here.

I don’t either, Sis. I think maybe we’re dreaming again, but I haven’t seen the Dolmen and this isn’t the right cave. Look – there’s a large room up ahead.

Over there Dalton, on the far wall. An aegis shield, see it?

Yeah. May as well find out what’s behind it, huh? You want to go first?

Heck no! It’s your dream – you go first.

Dalton crossed through the shield to find a small room and another aegis on the right hand wall. Waving his sister into the empty cavern, nothing here, Sis. Maybe through there.

Entering the next chamber, they found a cage with a dead elf, a work bench with lots of books, glass labware and chemicals of all sorts. They looked over papers and notes and Kayla read off some of the beaker labels as Dalton took note of the titles of books and journals.

Wonder who’s been experimenting with this stuff? Kayla asked.

Don’t know Sis, but it looks like there was an accident or something. Look at all the smashed glass and there’s powder all over the floor. Look – over here, another aegis field.

Dalton stuck his head through the shield, then withdrew it. What’s in there, Dalton?

Not much. There’s a flooded cavern and it looks sort of spooky, but I couldn’t see much of anything. Let’s get out of here.

They met him in the outer chamber. He stood six feet tall, covered in black robes and hood, but they could easily see his red glowing eyes. He was staring directly at them as he raised his crosier staff.

Dalton pulled his sister behind him as they backed down the tunnel they came through. The black hooded man followed for a few feet.

Pointing his staff at them, he roared, Torpescere!

Expecting an attack, Dalton had his palms facing the man and silently said his spell, ‘Scuto Defendere!’

Kayla watched, seemingly in slow motion as the man’s spell hit Dalton’s shield. She screamed as they both sat upright in their beds, staring at each other. Dalton quickly crossed the room to hug his trembling sister, telling her she was safe.

D – Dalton! Kayla whimpered, Who was that? What was that spell he hit us with? You blocked it somehow.

I think he tried to stun us. I don’t know what I did, but it was a silent shield spell of some sort. I think it came from the Dragon’s Heart. I don’t know if it was a dream or if it’s real though. Anyway – he was able to see us! He looked right at us and attacked.

It couldn’t have been real. We’re still here in our room. What was he? He wasn’t a Druid or a Dahak, Kayla questioned.

No . . . I think he was a Mage. They’re really powerful wizards. He might work for Mordou, maybe, Dalton answered.

Dalton – why did the Dragon’s Heart provide us with a defense against something that happened in a dream?

Don’t know. Maybe it was some premonition or a warning or something. Want to sit and watch the fire for a while?

Yeah, I don’t think I can sleep right now.

They sat by the fireplace, staring into the flames. They eventually fell asleep, with Dalton’s arm around his sister’s shoulders.

Friday morning came early as Kelly awoke the twins. C’mon you two, breakfast is in ten minutes! Why are you on the floor? Didn’t you sleep well?

Had a bad dream, Kelly, Kayla said between yawns.

A nightmare? Tell me about it, Kelly replied with interest.

We were in a cave, found some things and got attacked by a Mage, Dalton answered sleepily.

Not a very good storyteller are you? You’re supposed to make it interesting – you know, were there other creatures? How about the attack, did he kill you in the dream? Why did he attack you?

Yes, but he was dead. No, we blocked the attack with a spell. He probably thought we learned too much and didn’t want to be exposed. Now can we go to breakfast, Kelly? I’m starving! Dalton complained.

Humph! I’ll get more out of you later. This nightmare could be very important you know. Maybe a warning of some sort, Kelly lamented as they left for the Great Hall.

Their first class of the morning was Herbology with Professor Potts. This class was going to be a question and answer period. He noticed Dalton wasn’t paying attention and was fumbling with his backpack.

"Mr. Summers, perhaps you can tell the class all about Dragons Scales, the common name and usage, please."

Wha — oh, Dragons Scales. I can’t Sir. I’m not allowed to say anything about the usage of dragons—

No, Mr. Summers, Professor Potts cut across Dalton’s remarks. I meant the plant, not the actual thing. I’m well aware you and your sister are Drey Elves and may know the actual usage.

Oh. Well, the plant called Dragons Scales, is also called Bistort. It’s used as an astringent. Er – to help clot bleeding in wounds and stuff. You could also use Witch Hazel in it’s place.

"Very good, Mr. Summers. Miss Summers, could you tell the class about Bloody Fingers?"

That’s also called Foxglove, Professor. It’s a form of digitalis that’s used as a heart stimulant.

"Very good, Miss Summers. Miss McGuire, how about a plant called Baboon’s Hair?"

Er – Baboon’s Hair? Kelly questioned, then remembered. Oh, that’s Dill Seed. I’ve used it in Dill Seed bread and people use it to make pickles out of cucumbers.

And a medicinal use, Miss McGuire?

Er – you can chew them for the prevention of bad breath.

"Yes! Quite correct, Miss McGuire. Mr. Dolan Smith. Tell us about Hercules All-Heal."

That’s also called, Hercules Club and Devil’s Walking Stick, Professor. It’s from the Angelica Tree and the bark, roots and berries are used in several medicines, like for burns.

Excellent, Mr. Smith, Professor Potts complimented. He went from student to student until class ended. Most did well.

Their next class that morning was Astrology with Professor Jody Astrolee. In this class they were taught the Astrological meaning of the sun and moon being called the ‘Light’. The sun shines the light and the moon reflects the light. The sun represents individuality and the moon represents the emotional self. Mercury, Venus and Mars relate to home and immediate family.

A student knocked on the classroom door, entered and went up to Professor Astrolee.

Dalton and Kayla Summers, you are excused to go to the headmaster’s office, she announced.

Wonder what’s up? Dalton questioned as they left the classroom.

Don’t know, but I’ll bet it’s not good, his sister replied.

Arriving at the door to the headmaster’s office, Dalton and Kayla heard two men arguing inside. Dalton was apprehensive when he knocked on the door. The room grew quiet, then Professor Degasse opened the door and showed the twins inside. They immediately recognized Chief Wizard Rothwell of the North American Council of Wizardry. The twins gave a courtesy bow and sat on the chairs their headmaster pointed to.

I fail to understand why you sent for these children, Hunter. We have several matters to settle before they need to be here, Rothwell complained.

I sent for them because they have the right to know what is being discussed about them. You may address your questions or concerns directly to them. They are in a much better position than I am to answer your concerns as you apparently rather believe gossip and heresay rather than my evidence.

Now see here, Hunter. I’m only here to follow up on the letters of complaint I’ve received. I’m not here to persecute them.

That’s not the way I see it, Dale, Professor Degasse replied. "And I’m sure your summation will not be favorable to Dalton and Kayla Summers as well.

"Children, Chief Wizard Rothwell is here with what he feels are serious grievances against the two of you. He wishes your removal from Wizenquest for the safety of the other students.

Without knowledge of the facts concerning the attack on our academy or your involvement in the affair, he has called for a full Confederation of Faerie hearing. He doesn’t have the authority to remove you from this institution himself. The Confederation has set the matter for a hearing two weeks from Monday.

That’s unfair to tell them that. You know I had no choice in the matter. I’ve heard from at least twenty parents of your students and a few of your faculty members as well.

Yes, I understand Dale, but you won’t even tell me who made the complaints. Well, please ask your questions or express your concerns to these children, Professor Degasse offered.

Well, since they are already here. Let’s start with a simple question, shall we? Nurse Jenny has stated she didn’t know what affected the house elves or halfling students. Do you know what caused their illness?

No Sir, Dalton and Kayla answered in unison.

Well then, how did you cure them? Rothwell asked.

Since you already know we are the hosts of the Dragon’s Heart, we can tell you Sir, Dalton replied. We are learning to become healers and the Dragon’s Heart enhances our innate and learned abilities. In this case, we provided our energies and guided the healing powers. The Crystalline Spirit within us cured those affected. We couldn’t have cured them on our own.

And how did you cross the contamination ward? You violated protocols by crossing the wards. Is this some sort of elven magic we’re not aware of?

I don’t think elves have any secret magic. At least none that I know of, Kayla stated in frustration. Everyone thinks just because an elf can do something, it has to be secret magic. Elves have the same magic you use, nothing more.

And as to the wards, we were taught by friends how to do that, Dalton added.

"Yes, my point exactly! You two have unknown friends with unknown powers. Powers you shouldn’t have control of at your age. What happens when you get angry at another student? Your abilities frighten me and I know of your association with Cordalius. Does he even have limits?

In addition, everywhere you go you’re attacked. You were chased from your home by a druid. Attacked again at Praxis City by a dragon. Attacked by a Dahak and Kobolds here at Wizenquest. What are you going to be attacked by next? Something more powerful? More diseases? More deaths? When is this going to end? Why are you being attacked? Do you even know? He raved.

I think, until these questions can be answered, the best course of action is your removal from this school and the surrounding communities. This was and remains my recommendation to the Confederation of Faerie.

Both Dalton and Kayla stood and faced Chief Wizard Rothwell, but it was Dalton who spoke.

"Enough! You wished to know what would happen when we are angry and we are. You accuse us of unknown powers. This is true. We have powers you cannot understand. You accuse us of causing deaths when evidence states otherwise. However, there is some truth in this regard concerning our enemies. It is true we’ve been attacked and we don’t know why yet. Yes, the attacks on us put others at risk and this is unfortunate. We are here by permission of those who are aware of this situation. You fear our friends and the Dragon’s Heart because you don’t understand them or their reasons for their assistance to us. You fear our magical abilities and how we might use them.

You Sir, have unknown magical abilities and experience far beyond anything we have learned. You Sir, have many wizard friends and associates with unknown magical powers. You Sir, use those powers and abilities in ways unknown to us. Should we fear you as you fear us? We fight the same enemy Sir. We never know when any of us might be attacked. You Sir, blame the battle of good and evil on me and my sister. We Sir, do not except this as true.

Turning to their headmaster, Professor, may we be excused? We have clinic this afternoon and have to attend our patients.

Yes, of course you may be excused, he returned as he showed them out of his office.

Impertinence! Rothwell blurted out when the door closed.

No Dale, honesty. We seldom hear it these days. They were quite blunt weren’t they? Not only that, but they are right and you know it. They’ve never given us a reason to fear them or their powers. The only thing I’ve ever heard them express is a desire to help others. I see no reason to fear them and absent orders from the Confederation of Faerie, I will not remove them from my academy.

I’ll still have to make my report to the Confederation and furnish them with the letters of complaint, Rothwell stated.

We all do as we must, Dale.

That wasn’t right, what the Chief Wizard did, Kelly remarked. He shouldn’t blame you guys for anything.

He had to act on the complaints, Kelly. I don’t think he really means to cause us problems; he’s stuck in the middle, like us, Kayla posed.

We’ve got to find out why you’re being attacked, Kelly suggested.

Even if we knew that, we’d probably still be attacked. Kayla and I think it’s to do with the prophecy and our being Dragon’s Heart. Mordou must have already figured it out. At first, he wanted our capture. Now, he wants us dead, so something’s changed. We’re in his plans in some way we don’t know yet.

This is the same prophecy you told me about last year, Kayla? Kelly quizzed. And you still don’t know what it says?

"We’ve been working on it. We’ve read through everything the dragons have from past hosts. We know the first two lines and the dragons helped with the fifth line, ‘The Great Circle opened’. Aunt Matty just sent us the meaning of line seven.

Kayla – this might be the most important thing in the world! What if this prophecy is for now – today? Do you know when it’s supposed to conclude? Who’s involved in it? What do you have to do – or not do?

We don’t know yet, Kelly, Dalton confided. All we know right now is the prophecy is written on the Dolmen and seems to be in eight different languages. Cordalius can’t help either. He views the symbols as a collection of places, times and dimensions, not as writing. I’ve asked the meaning of an individual symbol and it had no meaning to him.

We drew the symbols in our journals so we could work on them here at school, Kayla said. We thought maybe our professors might be able to help or maybe we could find some translation in a library book. So far, we haven’t been very lucky.

Well, I’m good at puzzles. Let’s have a look then, Kelly asked. If it’s okay, I’ll make a copy to send to my sister, Kathleen. She’s studied languages and goes on digs to find ancient artifacts. She reads Runes and other symbolism.

Hey – good idea, Kayla agreed. "We know the first two lines are about me and Dalton. ‘Two as one but nought’, means twins, but not identical. You know, one boy, one girl."

That’s logical, Kelly admitted. And line two?

"It says, ‘Elven be two but nought’. We’re elven and we think the, ‘but nought’, means we’ve joined the Dragon’s Heart and we’re dual natured.

Yeah, that fits too, Kelly agreed. How about the other lines?

Dalton thinks the third line is Dwarven and something about fate. He thinks there’s a wheel and twins mentioned in the next couple of lines. Aunt Matty says the seventh line is in ancient Theban.

Here’s her note, Dalton began. "It says, ‘Lest demise issue certain’. Wonder what that means?"

Okay, let’s look at it, Kelly suggested. "I don’t know how much proper English you’ve had but the word ‘lest’ means ‘for fear that’. The word ‘demise’ means just that – ‘death’. ‘Issue’ means ‘happen’ in this case and ‘certain’ means just that. So you have: ‘For fear that death happens for certain’. There must be more in another line."

Great! Probably means we’re gonna die, murmured Dalton.

I doubt that, Dalton. Still, I wonder why there’s only one dragon language in the prophecy. You’d think with it written on the dragon’s Dolmen, they’d be able to read it, Kayla mused.

Obvious though, isn’t it? Anyone looking to decode a secret message possessed by dragons would think it to be in their language. That’s an ingenious way to hide it, Kelly observed.

We’ve done all we can for now, Kelly. Dalton and I are going to the clinic, want to come?

Not this time, Kayla. I’ve got some things I need to get done, plus I want to write my sister.

Yeah, Dalton and I need to return a letter to our aunts too, but it’s gonna have to wait till this afternoon. See you later.

On the way to the clinic, Kayla had a burning question that couldn’t wait. Dalton . . . in our nightmare, you put up a shield of some sort. How did you do it?

I’m not sure. I just knew the spell creates an indestructible shield. It returns and enhances, any spell sent against it. You activate it just before you’re attacked ’cause it only lasts a few seconds.

How do you activate it?

"You hold your palms toward the person you’re defending against. The spell is silent. You just think ‘Scuto Defendere’, and it activates, Dalton answered. Oh, you can see it, but the other person can’t."

Do you think it’s a real spell?

Don’t know Sis, want to try it out?

Yeah, but nothing dangerous, okay? Kayla posed.

Okay – say your shield spell now. Dalton pointed his wand at his sister and said ‘trudere’."

Ooomph! Dalton got out as he hit the ground in pain.

Dalton! Are you okay? His sister almost screamed.

Think so. Wow! I used a ‘poke’ spell to the stomach. Good thing I didn’t use anything stronger. That was like someone big punching me in the stomach.

How did we get a real spell from a dream, Dalton? Kayla questioned suspiciously.

It must be from the Dragon’s Heart. It must have sensed we felt danger, even though it was only a nightmare. Somehow it told me what to do and gave us a defense. Maybe it will do that every time we face danger, huh?

It hasn’t before, Dalton. However, it’s something to think about and we’ve got a great defense when we need it.

Sunday evening, Dalton and Kayla wrote back to their aunts and tried to explain why they took on a Dahak. They sent their love and thanked their aunts for solving part of the prophecy too. John Paul would begin his flight first thing in the morning. Meanwhile, the raven sat on the fireplace mantle, stately as ever.

~~~~

Chapter Two

Trouble with Spells

With John Paul sent off, the twins joined Kelly for breakfast. You guys know everyone’s a week behind in class schedules, right? According to Professor Incantos, we’ll have make-up homework and classes in the evenings. Guess we’ll be studying until midnight all week, Kelly complained.

Yeah, Dolan told us that yesterday. He also said our courses are gonna be more advanced from now to the end of the year, Kayla added.

By dinner on Monday, the twins and Kelly knew exactly what their professors meant. They had piles of homework and a Charms class after dinner that night.

Kelly noticed Dalton and Kayla didn’t seem interested in their studies like normal. What’s up? You two are acting like your favorite pet died or something.

We’re a bit preoccupied, Kelly. We’ve got a hearing coming up and Chief Wizard Rothwell’s comments were hurtful to us. We might get kicked out of school, Dalton answered.

We could always find another school I suppose, but we’d miss our friends, Kayla added.

You’re not gonna be kicked out. You didn’t do anything wrong and besides, Professor Degasse said you’re welcome here. Not only that, but my sister said the Confederation of Faerie is far more fair than the Council of Wizardry, Kelly informed them. Now – will you tell me what an infusion of Skullcap is used for?

It’s used for cramps, Kelly. You make a tea out of it for internal use, Dalton answered.

Professor Jackie Green, watched Dalton and Kayla intently as they entered her classroom. Modern Magical Defense class had never been easy for the twins with her as their professor.

This class will review the following spells: disarming, stun, punching, repelling and shields. Mr. Summers and Miss McGuire will come to the front and demonstrate the punching spell. Miss Summers and Mr. Smith will practice on this side of the room.

Dalton wasn’t at all sure about Kelly’s shield spell or whether it would hold up against his punch spell. He decided to use a jabbing spell instead so she wouldn’t get hurt. Facing each other, Kelly said her spell for her shield, Dalton whispered his spell so his professor wouldn’t hear it. Dalton’s spell knocked Kelly to the floor. He quickly ran to her side.

Sorry Kelly. Are you all right? That wasn’t suppose to happen. I didn’t mean to hurt you, Dalton ranted apologetically to her.

Holding her mid-section as Dalton helped her up, it’s okay Dalton, I know you didn’t mean to knock me down. What happened?

Don’t know. I used a jabbing spell, not a punching spell. I wasn’t sure your shield would hold.

Try again, Dalton. I’ll try to increase the strength of my shield.

Are you sure? It might happen again.

Yeah, but just a jab, okay?

Okay, Dalton said taking his position and aiming his wand at her. He said his spell – nothing happened. He tried again with the same result. It’s not working at all now, he lamented.

Yes it is, Dalton. I’ve felt it both times, but it was so light it felt more like a poke. Try again.

Once again, Dalton was apologizing