Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary

Kendra had decided that her brother should become a fortune-teller. He had correctly named her, Warren, and Gavin as members of the strike force. Tanu had been included as well. Grandpa had recited the same reasons that Seth had anticipated. Her brother was also correct that he would be left out.

Fortunately, Seth had taken the news much better than she would have expected. Grandma and Grandpa seemed relieved and surprised when he had handed over the horn without a fuss. Kendra assumed it must have helped that her brother had expected the decision. Whatever the reason behind his acceptance, Grandma and Grandpa had been sufficiently impressed to forgo formally grounding him. Kendra sometimes pitied her grandparents as they tried to manage Seth. Short of locking him in a cell, how were they supposed to ground a resourceful kid who refused to stop sneaking out?

Now Kendra sat alone in the living room, enjoying the aroma of the pies baking in the kitchen. There had been no Christmas tree, but her grandparents had filled stockings with treats and given her and Seth wrapped presents. Her presents had seemed suspiciously tailored for the upcoming mission: sturdy boots, a thick coat, new gloves. At least she had had something to unwrap.

They would be eating Christmas dinner at lunchtime, so she, Warren, and Tanu could leave to catch their flight. By the evening they would meet up with Gavin, Dougan, Trask, and Mara in Kalispell, Montana. From there a private helicopter would shuttle them to their destination.

It would be strangest to see Gavin and Mara. Despite her protests to the contrary, Kendra had developed a considerable crush on Gavin as they had exchanged letters during the fall. Seeing Mara would be odd because, since they had last spoken, the Native American woman had lost her mother and her home. Grandpa had explained that after the destruction of Lost Mesa, Mara had joined the Knights of the Dawn and was rapidly becoming one of their most trusted operatives.

Seth trotted into the room, face red from the cold outside. "Kendra, somebody brought you a special present."

"What do you mean?"

"Come see."

Seth led her to the back porch, where she found Verl waiting. Clad in a turtleneck and a black top hat, the satyr looked terrified. He was leaning against the porch railing in an unnatural pose, straining to appear casual. As she opened the door, he raked his fingers through the hair above one ear and gave an awkward little smile. She stepped out onto the porch, and Seth followed.

When Verl spoke, his words came out in a rush, as if he were reciting rehearsed lines. "How good to see you, Kendra! What lovely weather today! I trust your holiday has been satisfactory? Mine has been splendid! I enjoyed a scrumptious breakfast of plum pudding and walnuts."

"Nice to see you too, Verl," Kendra said politely. "I really liked the picture you drew for me."

His smile brightened. "A trifle," he chortled, waving a dismissive hand. "I periodically dabble in the arts."

"It was very lifelike."

Verl plucked at the woolly fur on his legs. His eyes kept meeting hers, then glancing away. "I fear my humble portrait has become outdated. I must attempt another. You constantly blossom. Each day I find you fairer than the last."

Beside Kendra, Seth tried to disguise his laughter by coughing.

"You’re very kind, Verl."

"I had hoped to honor the festive customs of this holiday by giving you another present."

"Oh, you shouldn’t have," Kendra said.

"I cannot help myself." Verl stepped aside, revealing a mysterious object about three feet tall covered by red fabric. "I hoped to give you a gift that would complement your beauty. What more glorious present could I give you than yourself?"

With the flair of a stage magician, Verl whisked the fabric away, unveiling a statue of Kendra wearing a toga and holding aloft a cluster of grapes. Seth started coughing again.

It sounded like he might choke. The statue was very artfully rendered.

"Wow," Kendra said, "that looks just like me."

Verl flashed a crooked smile. "I have never felt such a crushing weight of inspiration. My hands were guided by my admiration."

"I need to grab a drink," Seth managed, eyes watering. He slipped into the house. His laughter became audible after the door shut.

"Seth loves to rake me over the coals," Verl chuckled. "I don’t mind trading jests now and again. We enjoy an almost… brotherly affection."

"You really did amazing work," Kendra said, crouching in front of the statuette. "It’s too much. You shouldn’t have. You know, I meant to get you a gift, but things have been really hectic."

Verl waved both hands. "No, stop, please, no gift is required. My lady, a soft glance, a kind word, these more than suffice. Your very existence leaves me forever indebted."

"You get that I’m fifteen?"

"All too well. I’ve come to terms with the sobering reality that we can never be a couple. Consider me a remote admirer, adoring your elegance from afar. All the great love stories have their tragic elements."

Kendra stood and smiled. "Thanks, Verl. The statue is beautiful. It obviously took a lot of work. Happy holidays." She took off his hat and pecked him on the forehead.

Verl’s face lit up like a Christmas tree. His eyes darted and his fingers fidgeted. He met eyes with Kendra and bowed stiffly. "Merry Christmas." Turning away from her, he pumped his fist. She heard him mutter something like, "Newel owes me an hour of television." Then he vaulted over the porch railing and ran off across the yard.

She still held his hat in her hands.

Seth returned to the patio. "You just made his year."

"I can’t believe he carved a statue of me."

"You need to stop blossoming into such a lovely young maiden." Kendra punched his arm. "I told you, the guy has it bad. He forgot his hat? He made that, too, you know."

"What should I do with it?"

"Leave it on the porch. Are you going to bring your monument inside?"

"I think I’ll keep it out here for now. Why grapes and a toga?"

Seth opened the door. "Verl’s mind is a mystery better left unsolved. Grandma said dinner is almost ready. Want to help set the table for your last meal?"

"That isn’t funny! What if it really is my last meal!"

Seth rolled his eyes. "It won’t be. I’m sure you guys will grab something at the airport."

Dinner consisted of a huge ham garnished with pineapple, garlic mashed potatoes, carrots sweetened with brown sugar, green beans, and hot buttered rolls. For dessert there was pumpkin pie, apple pie, pecan pie, and vanilla ice cream.