Tears of Dragons Gone By: Dragon Resurrection Series, #1

Chapter I

A Normal Christmas

At the Terrence residence , all of the wonders of Christmas applied.  With one exception - Steven Terrence was not home yet for the holidays.  Traveling on business made life very hard for both him and his family, but he did not plan to do it forever.  After all, he just wanted to make enough money to care for his children and his wife.  He loved them very much and he hoped they would understand.  He came home only once a month, for about a week at a time, bearing wonderful and unique gift. 

His wife, Jessica Terrence, held the family together.  She did not want her children to feel her husband’s absence too severely, so she and her mother-in-law, Luella Terrance, kept the children very busy.  Although decorating for Christmas had been especially fun for them, Jessica was still very concerned.  She had read about a military action that took place in Thailand.  She was not sure how this would affect travel, but it was very unnerving.  Those military types tended to shoot first and ask questions later.  She had not heard from her husband for two weeks, which was very unusual-he always called to let her know when his flight was coming into the airport. That way she could pick him up and they would have a few minutes of adult talk time before they arrived home.  She hoped he was okay.  He was visiting a rather remote part of Thailand, and might have had some difficulties getting a flight back.  However, she held her peace and kept the activities lively.

Samantha could feel that her mother was worried.  Although she was only fourteen, she was very perceptive.  She often caught her mother looking out the window or just starring off into the distance.  Samantha thought her mother was so pretty.  Long dark brown hair that always managed to escape the bobby pins her mother used to contain it.  As she watched her mother making the last batch of cookies for the day, she wondered why her mother had such striking dark blue eyes.  Samantha’s maternal grandmother and grandfather had light colored eyes.  Gray or close to it.  They lived in Florida, and she seldom saw them.  However, on her father’s side, there was her grandmother, Luella, who lived in town.  Although she was a widow for the last ten years, she was very independent and active.  

Sammy, hand me that spatula would you please?  This cookie sheet is hot and I don’t want to sit the pan down on the counter.  ​

Samantha liked her nickname.  After all, she had picked it herself. She handed her mother the utensil and then asked if she could have the first cookie placed on the wire to cool.  

​Sure honey, was her mother’s reply, but don’t let the chocolate chips burn your mouth; let it cool for a while.

A sudden burst of energy came bounding through the kitchen door in the form of young Daryl.  Hi Mom - can I have a cookie too?  I’m starved!  Daryl was seven years old and had a way of becoming the center of attention the minute he hit the room.  Daryl took off his woolen hat and his light brown hair stood up in the air as if it was frightened.  His cheeks were rosy red and his light blue eyes danced with delight at the sight of fresh cookies.

Yes, but only two.  I don’t want you to fill up before supper with all that sugar. Besides, I have been baking all day and I do not want to have to start all over tomorrow morning.  When your father comes home, he will be hungry too.  A gentle smile touched her lips as the sweet memory of so many Christmases from the past came into her mind.  Daryl grabbed two cookies and ran happily from the room leaving Samantha and her mother to face the grim realities of the kitchen cleanup.

Samantha started some hot water running in the sink, while her mother put the various ingredients away in the cabinets.  Sammy loved helping her mother.  It made her feel more grown up and responsible.  It also meant she was not like her little brother who did as little as possible for himself.  After all, he is just a kid, she mused.

Mother, are you sure Daddy will be able to come home for Christmas this year? Sammy asked as she finished the last cookie sheet, I miss him.  After a short pause, her mother answered, Of course he will.  He doesn’t want to miss the holidays with his family.  I just don’t know why he hasn’t called yet.  I’m sure we will hear from him soon. After a moment she said, Let’s make some of his favorite soup-just in case he comes in late tonight.

Thus, the day progressed.  Little Daryl continued to play outside with the family dog, Ketchup.  Ketchup was an Irish setter that matched the condiment’s color perfectly.  Daryl named her that when she was a pup and everyone agreed it fit.  Finally, his mother forced him to come in and warm up. 

Sammy helped her mother prepare the soup and then set the table.  Still there was no phone call from her father.  Could it be that not all the family would be together for Christmas?  She wondered what presents her father would bring from the countries he had been in recently.  Although she hoped he had many wonderful new gifts for her, she really wished just to see him.  What if he doesn’t make it?  Sammy wondered.  Her mind jumped from one idle thought to another.  She hoped her grandmother would come over and play some games with them tonight.  She always made things better.  Oh, the night is going to be sooooo long if she doesn’t come.

At lunch, most of the conversation came from Daryl, who never seemed to have a shortage of things to talk about.  When could they open their Christmas presents?  Did they have to wait until Christmas Morning?  Was Daddy coming home soon?  Did Mommy know what he was bringing?  Did they know that Johnny Miller was moving next week?  His father was transferred to some place.... Daryl could not remember where.

Oh, and Johnny asked if I can come and visit after he moves.  Can I?  I could take my sleeping bag.  It won’t be any trouble.  Please?  Daryl tried to place a pathetic expression on his face, but it turned out to be more comical than pleading.

Well, let me find out some more information from Johnny’s mother.  I am sure it won’t be a problem if it is not too far, Mrs. Terrence said, trying to sound reassuring, although she doubted the visit would be practical.  She had heard that Johnny’s father was transferring to Michigan.  That was a bit too far for young Daryl to travel by himself from his home in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania.

After lunch, Samantha’s mother said that she would take care of the dishes and give Sammy a chance to relax.  Sammy did not feel like relaxing.  It would be very hard to concentrate on much of anything including reading-her favorite pastime.  After all, it was soon to be Christmas Eve.  The phone rang as Sammy walked through the living room to the hallway at the bottom of the stairs.  Answering it and after a brief pause, she pleaded, Grandmother, are you coming over soon? 

Yes, I am-but not before I run an errand or two.  I will not be there much before seven o’clock.  Do you think you can hold out that long? her grandmother asked quietly.  

Well, I suppose so, but please hurry.  I really do want to play some games tonight.  I want to keep my mind busy, Samantha stated firmly.

Sammy, is everything all right?  You sound different.  Worried.  Is Daryl into some new mischief?  Is your mother Okay?  Are you sick?  Samantha’s grandmother loved her little granddaughter dearly.  She had shared her passion for reading and writing stories with Samantha, who became an avid reader by the age of ten.  They had spent many long hours together cooking up new twists to some very old plots.

Yes Grandmother, I’m fine.  I just miss Daddy and I wish he were home.  We have not heard from him and I think that Mommy is worried. Sammy cleared her throat and continued, I think she doesn’t think he will be home in time, but she just doesn’t want us to know.

Well, don’t you worry about such things.  Just think of all the nice presents he will bring when he does come home.  Won’t it be fun to guess which country he has been to?  Grandmother always had a way of making the children feel better.  She always said just the right things.

After Samantha replaced the receiver in the cradle, she hurried in to tell her mother that Grandmother was coming to visit that evening.  Jessica Terrence smiled and said she would be happy to see her mother-in-law.  It had been a few weeks since she had been there.  Samantha felt her spirits lifted.  She ran up the stairs to her room to decide what she would wear that evening.  She did not think that the work clothes that she had worn while cooking would be appropriate for Christmas Eve.

Samantha stood in her closet starring at her clothes for what seemed like forever.  She decided to wear a soft, light blue sweater her father had brought her from Norway and a woolen skirt.  May as well be comfortable and warm, Sammy mused.  Their house seemed to get cooler at night after the sun went down.  Dressing quickly, Samantha decided to take a little time to fix her hair up on top of her head-just as her mother did on occasion.  It would make her feel more formal.  It also would take a long time, because the most that Samantha ever did was to put her long, tawny brown hair into a ponytail.

Samantha loved her bedroom.  It was her retreat away from her little brother; he was not allowed to go in unless invited.  And, it was her quiet place for reading all the wonderful stories her father brought back from England.  There wasn’t enough room for a vanity and a desk, so being practical, Samantha put a large mirror on the backside of the desk and used it as a desk and a vanity. She sat down to start combing out the tangles in her hair-a consequence of being in a ponytail all day.  She looked thoughtfully at herself in the mirror.  Her soft gray eyes seemed to change color when she wore this particular sweater.  Maybe blue was a good color for her.  She did not know as she seldom thought about such things.

Nevertheless, today felt different.  Like something wonderful was going to happen.  She wanted to look especially nice.  She set about working on her hair and just about had most of the tangles out, when she heard the front door open and voices in the hallway.  Grandmother no doubt, had arrived.  Daryl could be heard above all others with his high-pitched voice.  Suddenly Samantha’s heart skipped a beat.  She heard a deep voice she recognized instantly.  Daddy!  He was here too!  Samantha threw down her brush and ran out her bedroom door.  She did not remember the last time she had been this excited to see anyone.

Everyone had gone into the living room, and it seemed that all were talking at once.  As Samantha reached the living room door, she stopped suddenly.  She felt embarrassed that she had run down like a little kid.  She smoothed her hair and walked in the room toward her father as a young lady should (or so her grandmother had said a young lady should).  Her heart started to pound as she realized that something in the room felt strange.  It felt like it was no longer her living room.

However, when Samantha saw her father, she forgot all her best plans for behaving like an adult. She ran into his open arms, a little tear forming on each eye.   Why were you so long getting home? was all that she managed to ask.  ​

Well, Sammy, I had a very difficult time getting out of that country.  As a matter of fact, I had a few moments when I was not sure I would make it home at all.  Samantha’s father held her quietly for a few moments and then said he needed to bring in all his stuff from the car.

Want to help me carry in half the world? he asked her.

Sure!  Samantha was recovering rapidly.

Her mother said she would help too, and so the three of them proceeded to lug in more packages and more suitcases than Samantha had ever seen.  It took almost fifteen minutes of running in and out of the house to collect all his stuff.  It took all of Grandmother’s wits to keep Daryl from investigating each package as it was carried in and placed in the hallway or on the floor near the Christmas tree. 

Every time his father crossed the doorway with a new load, Daryl asked Is that one for me? or Is this one mine? or When can we open them?  Finally, he gave up and stood by the entranceway waiting for the unloading to finish.

After all the goods were brought into the house and everyone had taken off their coats and boots, Grandmother brought in a pot of old fashioned hot chocolate and some marshmallows.

I am so glad to be home. Steven Terrance stated, The fire place makes everything seem so safe and cozy.

Jessica noticed the word safe, but decided not to ask too many questions in front of the children - she was afraid of the answers she might get.  As everyone settled in around the fireplace in the living room, Jessica asked her mother-in-law why she had not mentioned that she planned to pick up Steven at the airport.

Well, Steven called me and asked if I could pick him up-sort of a surprise for everyone.  He did not want you to have to stop preparing the Christmas goodies and he was not really sure what time he would get in as all flights were running late.

Samantha and Daryl did not understand the timing, but they were so glad to have their daddy home. They were content just to listen to the adults discuss the trip.  At least for a little while.  Daryl knew it would be soon that he could ask his questions, so he was willing to wait-at least for a few minutes in silence.

Are you hungry?  Do you want something to eat with your hot chocolate? asked Jessica as she looked at her husband’s thin face.  He seemed tired and relieved to be home.

No, it feels good to just sit and relax, he said,Maybe a little later.

Jessica did not press the subject.  She knew her husband would feel hungry soon after he smelled the soup she had on the stove.  Honey, she asked,Why do you have so much luggage? ​

Well, after this trip I decided that I have had enough travel.  I think it is time to be with my family all the time, not just once in a while, he said with intensity. ​

Jessica and the children sat there in dumbfounded silence.    They all thought the same thing at once.  This is too good to be true! ​

After a moment, Samantha asked, Daddy, you mean you're not going away after New Year’s Day?

No, Sammy, I’m not.  At least not out of the country.  I don’t ever want to have to experience that again!  He emphasized that with a great deal of strain on his face.  He appeared to become even more tired suddenly, and obviously did not want to dwell on the immediate past.  Hey, why don’t you kids open up some of the presents I brought with me?  Maybe two each?  It will make us all feel like we are celebrating!

Jessica was too stunned with her husband’s announcement and facial expression to protest this break with tradition; they always opened the presents on Christmas morning.  But something was definitely different about her husband tonight.  She had never seen such a look on his face.  Such a nice face too, she mused.  While she looked steadily into his tired, gray eyes, she realized she was holding her breath.  Okay kids, let’s move the chairs around the Christmas tree.  Then we can all see what everyone gets! she said with returning enthusiasm.

As everyone started moving chairs and sofas, Grandmother arranged the presents around the tree.  Jessica pulled her husband aside and asked him if he was up to all this hustle and bustle.  Steven, you look so exhausted and I am worried that something might be wrong.  Were you in some sort of danger while you traveled?

Yes, but let’s not talk about it now.  I will explain all that tomorrow.  I really want to return to a more normal routine for tonight, he replied quietly.

Finally, after what seemed forever to Daryl and Samantha, all was ready for the opening of the presents.  The children could not believe all the packages their father had brought.  How did he get all that on the plane!  Mother had already placed other packages under the tree from her shopping with Grandmother.  It looked like a small department store in a nice, neat circle.

Okay kids, start your engines! their father said with returning energy.  Just to see them again made him feel better.  He settled back into his favorite chair and started to relax a bit.  Jessica perched happily on the arm of his chair and Grandmother sat on the couch.  The kids sat on the floor and Samantha passed out two presents each, as was her traditional duty.

Daryl did not need to be told twice.  He snatched up the largest parcel and started to unwrap it with all the finesse of a Tasmanian devil.  As paper flew all over, Mother would get up and place it in a trash bag.  She did not want to spoil all his eagerness.

Samantha decided she would open her packages more slowly.  However, after opening her first present, she saw her father looking at her very strangely.  What’s the matter Daddy?  Is something wrong? she asked.

Steven Terrence did not say anything.  Instead, he got up and walked over to his briefcase, which was lying next to the large brown chair in the corner of the room.  Opening it slowly, he saw what he was looking for-a small package in plain brown paper, tied securely with plain, white string. It did not look overly impressive.  He turned back to his family and walked directly toward Samantha.  I brought this back from Thailand.  It is extremely precious in value.  I want you to have it Sammy.  I have been away from you so long, thatI was afraid you would have grown up before I could do anything special for you.  To make up for that, I have brought you something very rare.  I hope you like it.  Mr. Terrence seemed very anxious as she took the small parcel from his hand.

Heart pounding, Samantha turned the package over. She knew something very remarkable must be in this package, but she did not have a clue what it could be.  As she cut the string with the scissors her grandmother handed her, she noticed the twinkle in her grandmother’s eyes.  Wow, she knows what it is!  Sammy thought.  It must be wonderful!  As she removed the brown paper, she noticed the little package was very heavy.  She was dying of curiosity, but did not want to rush the moment.  Everyone was watching to see what her father had brought and why it deserved such serious attention. 

Samantha finally removed all the brown paper.  Under the brown paper was a small, white cardboard box. It was about eight inches wide, twelve inches in length, and six inches in depth.  As she lifted the lid of the box, she saw a beautifully carved wooden box inside. She could not believe how beautiful it was.  She lifted it out to examine all the sides.  It was very old-she could tell.  The wood seemed to be a type of dark mahogany with tiny figures carved on all four sides.  They seemed to show some sort of scene.  Samantha’s fingers tingled as she turned the box end over end. ​

After some moments and many exclamations from her mother and grandmother, her father said, Open it up.  His expression was very serious and a little disconcerting. ​

Samantha did not realize that the little box was just that - a container to hold the real present.  She was so entranced by the beauty of the small box, she did not imagine that anything could be contained within it.  Slowly she tried to open the box.  There did not seem to be any hinges or handles.  It did not lift straight up. 

How do I open the lid?  Samantha queried softly.

Steven took the box from her hand gently and said, Here, I will show you its secret.  He held the box in both of his hands.  With his thumbs on either side, he slid two of the carved figurines forward, very slowly.  When he did, the lid seemed to pop up slightly.  He handed it back to his daughter with anticipation showing on every inch of his face.

Sammy slowly opened the lid and sat staring at the marvelous sight within.

What’s in it?  What’s in it? demanded Daryl, who was having a hard time keeping quiet with all the suspense and silence that seemed to surround the opening of the box.

Sammy just looked up at her father, moisture forming in her eyes.  The small object contained within the box was breathtaking.  The detail was stunning and obviously done with a great deal of precision.  She could not believe how he had found such a beautiful, little statue.  

She carefully lifted the small piece out and sat it on the coffee table.  It was a very intricately formed dragon.  It appeared to be made of gold, with two small rubies for its eyes.  It stood about 8 inches high, and could not have been more than 3 inches wide in any one spot.  The expression on its face made it appear to be slightly amused.

Samantha got up and ran to hug her father.  Thank you Daddy, it is just the most beautiful gift I have ever received! ​

Take good care of this little dragon, sweet heart.  I have heard that if you take care of it-It will watch over you!  Mr. Terrence proceeded to tell Samantha about the care needed to keep the little statue in perfect condition.  Then he cautioned her, You must not remove it from the house, honey.  Nor can you tell anyone about it.  There are many who would posses it if they knew of its whereabouts.  

Sammy looked at her father’s face.  That strained intensity had returned to it and she was a little frightened.  But the small dragon was so lively in appearance, that she soon forgot the foreboding she had felt at that moment.  She held it in her hand and turned it over repeatedly, memorizing every detail.  The small body seemed to glow slightly, and was warm to the touch.  How can it watch over me?  Maybe Daddy is just making up a story to intrigue me.

At that point, Ketchup came into the room to see what was causing all the excitement.  As soon as she spotted the little statue in Samantha’s hands, she came over and started to sniff it suspiciously.  Suddenly, she started to bark at the little dragon, as if it was an animal that had entered her private domain.

Ketchup you crazy dog, what’s the matter with you?  Daryl sputtered, Come here and look at my new Electro car.  Daryl started the remote controlled car up and it whizzed across the room towards the excited dog.  Ketchup forgot about the stationary statue and started to hop up and down on her front paws at the little car, barking wildly.

Well, it is getting late children.  Tomorrow will be a busy day! stated their mother reluctantly.  She was so happy to have her husband home in time for Christmas and everyone was having such a good time opening up the presents.  There would be time for more playing and more talking tomorrow.

While Jessica scooted the children up to bed, Grandmother Luella set a bowl of warm soup and rolls out for her son to eat.  Steven would have to answer many questions, but she knew that they must wait.  He seemed too tired and hungry, so they would leave him eat in peace.

The children went happily to their own rooms at the head of the stairs.  Daryl was very tired and was soon fast asleep, sprawled out sideways across his bed.  Samantha, however, was too excited to sleep.  She had placed the small dragon on her nightstand next to her bed.  Although the lights were out, she could see its faint outline against the light, cream-colored walls of her bedroom.  Turning her light back on, she walked across the room to close her curtains and stood looking out the window for a long moment, before returning to her bed. There must be a full moon tonight, she thought as she gazed across the lawn.

Although it had been an exciting day, she suddenly felt very sleepy.  The little dragon was such a wonderful gift.  Sammy crawled into her bed and turned on her side to look at the little statue. She reached over to turn out her light, and as she started to drift off to sleep, she suddenly noticed the dragon’s eyes.  They were looking back at her.  The dragon’s eyes seemed to be glowing and much brighter than when she had her bedroom light turned on. The tiny dragon’s ruby eyes appeared to be as bright as two stars shining in a dark blue – black night sky.  The longer she looked, the brighter they appeared.  Samantha couldn’t believe it.  How does that work?  How could this possibly be?  Then something amazing happened. 

The tiny golden dragon suddenly turned its head and looked at Samantha.  It moved!  She thought how could it move?  It is made out of metal.  How does metal move? The dragon’s eyes continued to glow even brighter.  At first, Samantha was almost panicky, but after watching the little dragon for a while, she had a feeling of overwhelming security and happiness.  She half expected the dragon to start talking.  But it didn’t.  It merely seemed content to stare at her.  Samantha did not move.  It was not that she was unable to move; it was just that she did not think of moving.  Instead, she simply lay on the bed, gazing at the small dragon and looking right back into its eyes.  

The morning came quickly.  Sammy woke up early to the pale winter light that was starting to filter through her curtains.  She sat up abruptly and looked at the small dragon. It was where she had placed it on the nightstand next to her bed.  Its eyes seemed to be back to normal and it was no longer looking at her.  Sammy started to smile.  I must have been dreaming without knowing it, she thought happily to herself.  But it seemed so real.  I guess dreams do sometimes.

It was still very early and Sammy knew that no one else would be up.  She quietly dressed herself for the morning events, picked up the little dragon, and slipped noiselessly down the stairs.   She decided that it would be fun to start coffee for the adults and then get the traditional bubble bread in the oven.  Grandmother had started the dough the night before, and it was in the refrigerator - growing to an unrealistic size.   First Sammy melted some butter in the microwave.  Then, sitting at the table, she punched the dough down and started forming the little balls, that would make up the sweet bubbles in the bread.  Taking a piece of dough, she rolled it into a ball in her hand, dipped each one in butter and then sugar and cinnamon, and placed it into a bundt pan.        

This took a long time, but she did not notice as she was deep in thought about her strange dream.  Somehow the little dragon seemed to appear to have a personality all its own.  It was friendly and yet at the same time it seemed to be a very wise.  Now at that thought, Sammy started to chuckle quietly to herself.  Next, she would be giving it human characteristics in her imagination. The mind plays such silly tricks.  And yet... ​