STORIES
366 - Three Questions
2025
Tahariel Quinn Xyla
Tuesday in the living room …
So …
TAHARIEL:
Hey uncle, you’re pretty good.
QUINN:
Thanks. Yer ma told me you’re datin’ Jesse now. Is that true?
TAHARIEL:
Uh-huh.
QUINN:
You sure about him?
TAHARIEL:
Look, I know all about him. He told me himself. We’re just
having fun till my residency begins. After that - we’ll see
what happens. But really, he’s been … just great.
QUINN:
Gr-date - eh? I’m gonna keep my eye on him just the same.
TAHARIEL:
You and everyone else. What are the books for?
QUINN:
Yer Aunt Lu gave ‘em to me so I could learn about dragon riders.
They read like wikipedia. Me eyes start closin’ just looking at ’em.
TAHARIEL:
Uncle Quinn, if you want to know about your gift
- why not go directly to the source and ask Xyla?
QUINN:
Ya mean summon her here?
TAHARIEL:
Why not?
QUINN:
For one - she won’t like it and two - she’s so … so …
TAHARIEL:
Intimidating.
QUINN:
Ya know her then?
TAHARIEL:
No, mama won’t introduce us. She said if Xyla thinks I’d
be useful to her, she’d never leave me alone.
QUINN:
I hafta agree with yer mama.
TAHARIEL:
But I feel like I know her. Mama and Aunt Lu talk about
her enough. She’s an ancient dragon, so of course she’s
intimidating and probably arrogant too …
QUINN:
Aye, very.
TAHARIEL:
You’re her rider so screw her. She can’t hurt you.
QUINN:
I’m not so sure of that.
TAHARIEL:
I am. It’s an honor thing. You’re magically
bonded to her. You’re her warrior.
QUINN:
Eh?
TAHARIEL:
What do you think dragon riders do? They go into battle with their
dragons. A big battle’s coming, somewhere, sometime. She needs you.
QUINN:
Ya really think that?
TAHARIEL:
Based on all the dragon mythology I’ve read - I sure do.
Summon her. What’s the worst that can happen?
QUINN:
Aye, there’s the question.
Later …
QUINN:
Me niece is right so, why not?
… Xyla! Hey Xyla?
XYLA:
You summon me here! Out in the open. What if someone
were to see me materialize?
QUINN:
Not ta worry, around here they all know ‘bout magic.
XYLA:
Not my magic.
XYLA:
… Is Grace here?
QUINN:
Ya know Gr-dace?
XYA:
Would I be asking if I didn’t know her? Is she here?
QUINN:
I haven’t seen her.
XYLA:
Good. What do you want?
QUINN:
Lu gave me these books to explain what it is I am - but …
XYLA:
She should not have told you about our bond. When the time was
right, you would’ve known on your own. Now you’re drawn to me
and can’t make sense of it. I will answer three questions for you.
QUINN:
Right. Why didja run from me when we first met?
XYLA:
To protect you.
QUINN:
How’s that?
XYLA:
The longer you are in my presence the more powerful the bond
becomes. It should have been a slow growth which is easier on
the rider. It would’ve saved you this confusion. Next question.
QUINN:
Why me?
XYLA:
I’ve been asking myself that very question ever since I
met you. I don’t recall a rider ever being human. I’ve come
to the conclusion it must have something to do with Trey.
QUINN:
Me dad?
XYLA:
Yes. Do you know our history?
QUINN:
Lu said you saved him from am ocean storm
and then put him under a youth spell.
XYLA
Hahahaha. Ah Lu - leave it to her to edit my story.
I created a maelstrom to save him from his captors.
QUINN:
Eh?
XYLA:
Your father was a slave to pirates who kidnapped him.
I sensed his inquisitive mind and felt his magic. I knew he
could assist me in finding my kind who vanished long ago.
XYLA:
… I created the storm, saved him, and punished his captors by sinking
their ship. Once he proved his worth, I slowed down his aging process
with my spell. A human lifespan is too short to be of any use to me.
XYLA:
… Anything more you will discuss with him. Last question.
QUINN:
Uh, right. Is there gonna be a great battle?
XYLA:
Yes. You are my knight. Your weapon is the lance. We
will not be alone in battle. We will find my kind, and
their riders will be revealed. Of this I am certain.
XYLA:
… We are done. Those books are useless. I will have Trey send
more informative ones. We will meet again this summer.
XYLA:
… Do not call me again.
QUINN:
Ma mind’s been utterly blown.
