I updated! (And quicker than usual too) I must say this story is drawing to an end soon, and I can't say whether I should jump for joy or to cry. I think I shall miss writing VO because, a pain in the butt as it sometimes is, I have enjoyed writing it immensely, and the characters just really stick to you.

Enough with that. I hope you will like this chapter, and I swear I will update the next one very, very soon. (I'm actually half way there)

Thank you for all the comments from the last chapter, and please review this one too. J  

Chapter 18

In the quiet guest room that glowed orange from the midday sun, the only sound that vibrated through the humid air was Kitten's feverish, bubbling gurgles. Her scales the colour of palest grey, she resembled acutely of a stone carving.

She felt like one too; her skin was a deep, penetrating coldness that could not be warmed by means of blankets, however thick.

A large hand pressed itself on the dragon's neck, feeling for her pulse. More blankets were added to her even though the man knew it did no good. Sighing, he made for the table that sported a large jug of water, where he drenched it in one go.

Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw something silver flicker, and then smelt the scent that was becoming increasingly familiar to him.

'Hello Badger.'

The animal God sniffed daintily. 'And there I was hoping to catch you unexpected.'

Numair put the jug down. 'Well, to begin with, your shimmering – pretty as it is – is a bit of a giveaway to the stealth you no doubt had hoped for. And that distinctive smell of yours is –'

'I get the point,' Badger said stiffly, eyeing the man with all the haughtiness of a God. 'I swear if you were ever a badger kin, I would give you such a bite that you'll think twice before talking to me in that tone.'

'For which I am immensely glad that I am not related to you.' Numair then grew serious. 'Did you want to see Daine? She left here around the ninth hour. I think you will find her in her room.'

'Actually no, I won't. By her request I have come here to let you know that she has gone to the Gods Realm – no, Numair, she is not dead – she is merely summoned there to help the Dragons. They have all caught the same sickness Kitten suffers from.'

Numair's brows snapped together. He did not look at all happy. 'But why send Daine up there? From her current condition, she cannot apply her Wild Magic, which even if she could, would not be able to heal an Immortal sickness. Immortals could only be cured by their own kind, using their own individual magic.'

'Well, no wonder you were a scholar,' Badger remarked, 'how quickly you get to the point of things. You are right in saying Immortals could only be healed by their own kind, and I'm afraid that is exactly what Mithros plans. He has agreed to give Daine her memory back so that she will be able to shift into a dragon.'

Numair sucked the air sharply, his eyes blazing. 'But that would imprison her to be a dragon for life!' His voice was brutal and accusing. 'Shape shifting into an Immortal is irreversible. You know perfectly well of this rule!'

Steady eyes met his fierce ones. 'The Gods have granted her a way of changing back to human form. As long as she does not stay as a dragon for too long, there is no risk for the shape to set permanently.'

'But is she fit enough for this?' Numair demanded, 'changing into a dragon is not the same as into mortal animals. Her mind is already vulnerable as it is without dragon blood running through it.'

Badger heaved a sigh. 'That, we will just have to hope and see. I know you must worry for her, but Kit is tougher than you think. I will bring her straight back once everything is done – and she will at least have her memory restored.'

At this a strange, unreadable expression crossed over Numair's face. There was a particular light in his eyes that conveyed complex, human emotions, which Badger – being both a God and an animal – could not put to words.

Nevertheless he understood the obvious.    

Memories in flashing pictures flooded Daine's mind like a tidal wave that has been bottled up too long. Voices, smells, sound and faces gushed deep within her head, threatening to overspill. The most vivid of all was the emotions, like gusts of prickly energy racing over veins, they pinched, tugged and pulled, embedding themselves deep into her heart.

With a sickening lurch, Daine jerked her eyes open. She was sweating.

'Well? Is everything all there?'

Mithros looked down at the girl, his hand still atop her head, wearing an expression that read expectancy and impatience.

My name is Daine and I'm from Snowdale, Daine thought to herself dryly, though she dared not say it out loud. I am the Wildmage of Tortall, friend to their Majesties, Alanna the Lioness and Numair, my teacher and…

'Yes, I think I've got everything,' she replied meekly.

'Very good. You may start the healing then.' The God sounded brisk and business-like. Perhaps he still was not happy with the current arrangements.

'With your memory, I have also given you the ability to change back to mortal form once your task is done. This special grant is only for one day exactly, but I warn you not to stay in one immortal shape for too long, or your mind will start reshaping itself to that of the immortal. You will soon forget who you are and remain an immortal permanently. Do you understand?'

Daine nodded. With the return of more than half of her brain capacity, she did not think it likely to so soon forget who she is again. Nevertheless, she didn't think it wise to contradict him.       

Daine set to work straight away; Badger had brought her directly to Dragon Land. The dragons here looked just like Kitten, their scale as pale as to near disappearing, and emitting the same, unnatural coldness.

They lay scattered among the land, some lying on their bellies, others by their sides. All looked at her with tired, unfocused eyes.

Daine knelt down beside the nearest dragon and placed both hands on its belly. Closing her eyes, she pictured her human form and mentally moulded herself. Starting with her feet, she gave herself hard, scaled paws that gleamed silver. Next she moved on to her legs and belly, creating a thick hide and a long, powerful tail. Slowly, her body changed, transforming into a young, agile dragon.

Opening her eyes, Daine looked down at herself. Currently, her scales were a shade of pale green, and she mused at the magnificent change. She felt for her Wild Magic, which was still within her in a pool of copper fire, but also found a second magic, shimmering with light and life.

Dragon Magic! Daine thought gleefully to herself.

A shimmer of air next to the sick dragon revealed Badger, apparently back from the Mortal Realm. He jumped slightly upon seeing Daine.

Hello, Badger. Daine grinned at her friend, sharp teeth flashing.

I think I prefer you as a girl, Badger replied with a shudder. At least when you were a girl I did not have to tilt my neck so high.

Daine grinned again, enjoying this sudden feeling of power. She felt alive; every fibre of her body pulsed with magic.

Why, I think I might even be stronger than Badger! Daine thought with some triumph, and then caught herself. She was already beginning to think like a dragon!

An arrogant dragon.

Quickly, Daine forced herself to focus on her task. The sooner it is done, the sooner she can return to Carthak and see Numair.

Numair. Of all memories, the image of her teacher and everything else about him stood out boldly in her mind, shining brightly like the sun. No matter how much she tried to push it back, it just forced itself out again, beckoning and reminding.

Daine shook her head. She could not afford to think of him now. Gritting her teeth, she closed her eyes once again and reached out to the dragon.

Cold, penetrating fog immediately clogged to her, wrapping around her senses like a blanket. In her mind's eye, she saw herself; bright and illuminating. Her patient, she noticed, was a washed-out white.

Probing deeper, she found one of the major vein and entered it gently. Inside, the magical blood, which was once shimmering silver, was now stony and grey. It did not flow fast or strong enough, and there were odd, green grains within it, making it thick and viscous.     

Calling on her magic – dragon magic – Daine sent a stream of silver strands into the blood pool. Her magic bore the healthy silver glow, and it stood out against the tainted blood alarmingly.

With firm determination, Daine set about dissolving the grains. Imagining herself dissolving sugar in a teacup, Daine wrapped her magic around each grain and squeezed, warming and then melting them.

This took longer than she thought for just as she thought she saw the last of the green flecks, more came in swarms. When she finally cleared most of the blood, she was sweating and shaking.

Somewhere in the outer surface of her mind, she felt Badger place a paw reassuringly on her tail. Gritting her teeth, Daine pushed with all her strength the magic in her body to the sick. She saw the silver strands flow through the vessels of her patient, splitting and rejoining at each capillary junction.

With each surge of her power, the dragon before her grew darker in colour, more defined and alive.

With a last tug of breath, Daine broke contact and her patient rose to full height. The dragon – Daine found it was female – shook herself and flexed her muscles. Her scales rippled and shimmered with the movement.

Thank you, young one. Her voice boomed with resuscitated power.

After the first dragon, the rest was much easier. Having got used to dragon magic, and knowing exactly what to do now, Daine could afford to be less cautious, and throw in her magic to the full.

With her patient's – Nightbreath's – and the freshly healed dragon's help, they managed to cure the entire dragon population. Badger stayed with Daine through it all, alert and ready to remind Daine of who she is, should she forget.

After the last dragon sprung to full health, Daine looked about her. Dragons of all sizes in magnificent colours surround her, giving their thanks and greetings. Two young dragons - Steelsings and Scamps - clambered around her. They were fascinated at her seemingly dragon frame and mortal mind.

Gazing about her, Daine felt a surge of emotion that could be described as almost sisterly. She felt a strong sense of community, like she belonged here with her dragon friends. They admired, loved, even respected her, and she wanted to be with them.

The last time she felt like this was when running with the Pack, revenge in her heart.

But there was no need for revenge here. Only rejoicing and merriment. Scamp climbed on to her tail, curious to get a sniff of her. Daine laughed and wriggled herself, making the dragonet wobble.

She could have been my sister…or cousin, Daine found her mind wonder, she and I could have been related. Perhaps we are…perhaps I am a –

Sharp claws dug deep into her paw. She gave a cry of pain and looked down. Badger stood beside her, gazing at her with reproachful eyes.

'You nearly forgot yourself! You have to stop thinking like a dragon, or you will soon become one. We have to go now. Don't forget, you have one more patient to see to.'

Kitten! The image of her young dragonet snapped herself from all dragonish thoughts. She turned around to bid farewell.

A dragon, ancient but cloaked with natural authority stepped forward. 'My name is Diamondflame,' he said, his voice rippling through the air like a wave. 'You have saved me and my kindred, and for that, I am forever at your debt. If ever you are at need, Dragon Land will always be welcome to you.'

With his words, the rest of the dragon murmured in agreement and dipped their necks in respect.

Daine thanked each and every one sincerely before allowing Badger to escort her back.

When she opened her eyes again, she was in Numair's bedchamber. Feeling a little dizzy, she made for the door but Badger shot her a warning look.

Listen, he sent.

The bedroom door was closed, but she soon heard raised voiced from the next room. It did not take long to realise who's.

' – checked the gardens and she's not there!' The Emperor was saying angrily. 'I swear to you Arram, if you are concealing her in any way I will – '

'Do not throw death threats at me when your own bride avoids you.' Numair's voice was low and dangerous.

'If she avoids me, it is your doing! You have been plotting in her head!'

Numair laughed scornfully. 'Do you hear yourself, Ozorne? Anyone would think we have switched roles. You have already checked my bedroom and seen with your own eyes that she is not here. What more do you want me to do?'

'I want you to tell me where she is,' Ozorne demanded, 'I am warning you, Arram. Where is she?'

'Mithros knows,' Numair replied, meaning every word. Daine suppressed a laugh at the literacy of his answer. 

There was a deathly silence, which Daine assumed the two mages were trying to out stare each other. Then, she heard Ozorne hiss, 'I won't forget this, Arram. Mark my word.'

There was a swish of robes, and then a loud bang.

As soon as she heard the Emperor leave, Daine turned to Kitten who lay curled up on the bed. It did not take long to heal her, and she found the dragonet's case to be less severe than the dragons in the Gods Realm.  

She just about finished when the door flung open. Numair stepped in, his eyes widening at the large dragon before him.

'Daine?' he asked cautiously. He walked forward slowly and placed one hand on her long neck. Daine shivered.

There was something very intimate about that touch, and the way Numair stared at her scales – which unfortunately became a bright shade of red – made her heart thud.

'Enough with that,' Badger's curt voice cut through the air. 'Numair – let her change back before she forgets her own name.'

Alarmed, the mage drew back hurriedly. He took off his own cloak as he waited for Daine to transform.

When she did, he quickly handed the cloak to her, looking away as he did so. Daine couldn't help but notice the blush on his face.

Flexing her fingers gently, Daine wrapped the large cloak like a towel around her chest, leaving her arms out for movement.

Numair turned back and looked at her. He seemed oddly nervous.

'Are you…. well, are you… yourself?'

'Well,' Daine answered slowly, and looked down at her body. 'I not a dragon anymore, if that's what you mean.'

'No, that is not what I mean.' Numair frowned at the smile on her face. 'Do you remember who you are? Do you …remember me?'

In reply, Daine walked towards him and then flung her arms around his neck. Numair immediately held her, pressing her close to him.

'I remember when I saved you as a hawk,' Daine whispered into his hair, 'and I remember coming here with you. I remember making that agreement with Ozorne, and…and you, jumping off from that boat.' She giggled slightly. 'I even remember not remembering!'

Numair didn't reply, but just held her tight, stroking her hair and feeling her close to him.

In the midst of this, an annoyed grunt came from the animal God. He had watched the whole thing with Kitten, and was wishing fervently that he had left earlier. With a quick word to the dragonet, he vanished.

'I missed you Magelet,' Numair murmured softy, his warm breath tickling her neck. Daine buried her face into his shoulder and breathed in his familiar scent.

How wonderful it was to remember him again!

She looked up, and saw the plain longing in his eyes. He must have seen it in hers too because he touched her cheek and lowered his face towards hers.

There was a tremendous bang and Ozorne appeared by the doorway. He took one look at Daine, her cloak and bare shoulders, and his face contorted with fury.

'I knew it,' he hissed, eyes blazing wildly. 'I knew she was here with you.'

Numair moved instantly, pushing Daine away from the door.

'Get out,' he said quietly, 'you are trespassing.'

Ozorne roared in laughter, his hard mirth unsettling Daine. 'Oh no, Arram,' he whispered, 'I am not the one trespassing. You see, whilst you are in Carthak, in my palace, everything belongs to me!'

He was looking on the verge of madness, his eyes bulging with suppressed vehemence. 'Everything!' he shouted, 'including her!'

Daine drew back, afraid of the look in his eyes. Numair cursed and stepped in front of her.

'Get out,' he said again, 'you are not wanted here. You have never been, and if you think for one second that I will let you anywhere near Daine –'

'I don't plan to do anything with Daine just yet, Arram,' Ozorne whispered maliciously, 'and I don't plan to leave either. You have broken the rules here, and you have consorted with my wife! I am not going to let you get away with this.'

'Then fight,' Numair said and a black ball of fire leaped on his right palm. Ozorne responded with a similar emerald fire in his.

'Numair, don't,' Daine whispered helplessly, clutching the cloak around her. She shook violently; the mages were staring at each other with a kind of animal hunger for blood. They circled each other slowly, eyes fixed, arms stretched.

Any second now, one of them would pounce.