Macster - The Last Dragon

Turning, Colin glanced at Wolf, who waited with him no less impatiently--in fact the half-wolf strode and stalked about the parapet with increasingly agitated and uncontrolled motions, clenching his fists, scratching his temple, and snarling under his breath. Every now and then he glared about, as if thinking to find someone to blame for the delays. The Piper rather thought that if he had believed he could get away with it, Wolf would have taken out his frustrations on one of the soldiers garrisoned in the tower.

But at least Wolf's anger and distrust were no longer directed at him. Colin heaved a small sigh of relief, and despite the other man's current state, he offered him a small smile of encouragement. It had felt so good to finally receive Wolf's approval, to earn his respect and understanding, and he was grateful to Wolf for being so honest and open with him. It only reinforced his own opinion that wolves had been a wrongfully maligned and hated species for far too long. To be sure, Wolf's temper and suspicious nature often got him into trouble, and Colin could see how misinterpretation, unintended offense, and a few bad apples could have made the majority of the Nine Kingdoms fear and distrust wolves, but all in all, he felt a change was on the wind, when people would begin to see how truly mistaken they had been and would make amends.

Of course that could only happen if Red Riding Hood III were to change her ways. Gingerly the Piper explored the still prominent swelling on the side of his head where Carmine had struck him with the rock after he rejected her. It did not hurt anymore, luckily, and the royal physician had done an excellent job treating and tending to the injury with ointment and cold compress; it had shrunk to half its original size, and was no longer quite so noticeable, nor did it impair him or prevent him from attending to Briar Rose. But it was a vivid and undeniable reminder of the violence and stubbornness still quite prevalent in the queen of the Second Kingdom.

Colin recalled anew the final moments of their confrontation, after she kissed him, when he had denied her yet again. She had been furious, and had demanded then that he give her his pipe. But he had refused that as well, explaining apologetically that he was the only one who could use it. And then he had made his mistake, turning his back on her to tend to the fire, and she had struck him. As he had passed out, he had seen her standing over him, her expression a wild melange of pain, anger, desperation, and fear. That moment was burned into his brain, never to be forgotten.

Slowly he shook his head. He had told Wolf that he believed Carmine to be a changed woman, but that was not the truth. He hoped that she had changed. He felt that she had, but he did not know it for certain. Of the company, he was the only one who truly knew Red's heart and soul, he believed, and he had seen the anguish and bitterness in her as she realized the truth of his words. He had known she spoke the truth as well when she begged to be released so she could make amends. But what he also knew was that there had been further motivations, and he had no idea what they were or if they would supersede Carmine's will to atone for her sins. Like the others, he could only hope and wait.

He would not have to wait long for Virginia, however. At that moment his thoughts were interrupted by a cry from one of the sentinels, and the Piper turned automatically to gaze skyward. To the south, barely visible against the backdrop of ivory clouds, a dark speck was approaching, gradually growing larger. Normally he would have assumed it to be some sort of bird, but somehow he could sense this was far, far more massive than any bird could ever be, and more deadly. "Wolf! Wolf, I do believe that..."

Colin trailed off as he found himself alone on the parapet, talking to thin air. Wolf had already seen the speck and had fled the battlements for the street below, so quickly he hadn't even seen him move. Colin chuckled, then hurried to catch up with him.

It only took fifteen minutes or so to descend the rapidly corkscrewing stairwell, then race beneath the portcullis and across the drawbridge into the town, and despite the crowded streets Wolf made rapid time, dodging and weaving between the citizens and even shoving them aside if the congestion impeded his progress too greatly. Colin followed after him at a distance, his youth and physical condition still no match for the fleetness of a wolf, and so he was left behind to hastily apologize for Wolf's lack of manners. Those who had suffered most at Wolf's hands--a fruit-seller buried face-first in his stock of juicy tomatoes, a chimney sweep buried head-first in his ash-cart, and a flower-girl and baker whose respective wares had been dumped on the cobblestones--remained irritated and infuriated, but the rest seemed to smile and understand, for they recognized Wolf and Colin as heroes, and knew that Virginia would be returning this day.

After another twenty minutes the Piper made it out the city gates and down the hill to the farmplains that spread for leagues and leagues before becoming deciduous forest. Wolf was already standing on a wall between a field of rampion and one of wheat, blocking out the sun with one hand over his eyes so he could see. "There they are!" he howled joyfully.

Colin looked up--and gasped.

High overhead, wheeling against the blazing sun so that its rays were scattered about it in a coruscating nimbus, an enormous form hovered on gigantic leathery wings, like those of a bat. Every inch of the reptilian body was covered with ebony scales as black as the deepest night, as if a dark shroud were being drawn across the earth to screen away the light of day--a comparison that was not far off the mark, since his body seemed to eclipse the sun itself. Larger and larger the dragon grew, utterly titanic in size, filling his vision until nothing else could be seen. Heat and sulfur and steam and smoke wafted out around him, chokingly thick and scalding, and Colin had to stumble back into the rows of rampion. Finally there came a colossal crunch and the scraping of talons, and then a vast settling as the dragon landed.

Slowly the smoke cleared, and the dragon came into view. Perched atop the wall, its clawed feet gripping the stone as if it were upon a mountain peak, it loomed higher and higher, and it was all the Piper could do not to shriek in gibbering terror and run away screaming. The monstrosity was gargantuan, as tall as his own castle! The shadow he cast over the fields was incredible, as if a fortress of basalt and granite had suddenly thrust up from the soil to dominate the landscape. The wings stretched and flexed, furling and unfurling with ease, while a sinuous, serpentine tail adorned with unbelievably sharp spikes longer than he was tall whipped and slashed about restlessly. Above, the great head-fan spread and shivered like plant stalks, while the gruesome maw parted to reveal fire-blackened teeth and a forked tongue slithering forth in a sly grin.

Finally, after standing frozen in terror for five minutes, the Piper was able to tear his eyes from that horrific visage and its contemptuous glare to look back along the undulating neck--and there he saw Virginia, perched directly between the vast shoulderblades and in front of the wings, clinging to the scaled flesh and body armor as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Her dress was somewhat tattered and singed, and her expression was indescribable--joyful, afraid, exhilarated, terrified, but ultimately enthralled.

Gazing up at her in shock and disbelief, Colin could not find any words to say. He had not realized the dragon would be so ugly, or so immense. Suddenly he found himself glad he was not returning to Castle White with the company, since it seemed the only way to get there in time was on the back of this beast. He knew it was wrong, but he could not help the prejudice, the instinctive fear as he ran his flickering eyes over the dragon. Not only did it engender primal flight patterns in his fluttering heart, but seeing how hugely tall it was, and how high it could fly, he knew he would never have withstood the journey back. For, although his companions were not aware of it, the Piper was deathly afraid of heights.

Even as he stepped back a few more paces to give the dragon a wide berth, Virginia was sliding down carefully from the mammoth back, using protruding scales, bony growths of armor, and the jutting elbow joint of one foreleg to clamber to the wall. Wolf, to Colin's astonishment, was right there to catch her, not even showing a trace of fear, only running practiced eyes over the dragon's body as if assessing its capabilities before giving it a long, gauging look and taking Virginia in his arms.

Then they were kissing, embracing, whispering softly to each other, running their hands over each other's bodies, and all else was driven away. Managing to relax, the Piper could not keep the tears from his eyes as he watched them. Following their return from the lair of the ogre, he had sensed that there were no more walls between them and their relationship was restored. He had received further confirmation from the way they danced so romantically and tenderly at the ball. But he had not known why until the previous night on the castle allure, when Wolf had explained that all was now in the open and had been forgiven. Thus it was that as he took in the fervent reunion, glad for the distraction from the dragon, Colin could appreciate even more the emotions it represented. All was not lost...the fear he had harbored all this time, that he had come between them and ruined their love, was finally calmed. He had not interfered with destiny after all. Wolf and Virginia were one again. And as long as he knew this, he knew nothing could stand in their way.

After another long ten minutes, there came a deep, rumbling cough and a billowing cloud of ashy smoke, and then the dragon writhed his neck down to the level of the humans to offer a smirk. "Thou needst not introduce me to thine effusive companion, milady," he chuckled. "I discern from his countenance and thy response that he is thy paramour, the noble Wolf." He paused, then turned to regard Colin, and despite the innocent, tender shade of baby blue that surrounded his depthless pupils, the prince could not help but tremble. "But who, prithee, art thou?"

For a moment he could not find his voice, but finally the Piper stuttered, "I-I-I am Prince Colin...th-th-the Pied P-piper. I h-have been aiding the L-lady Virginia in her quest, and it was I who b-broke the curse and f-freed the Sixth Kingdom."

"Indeed?" The dragon, who had been eyeing him with disdain and dismissal, most likely at his cowardly posture, now regarded him with respect and amazement. "Then thou art the prince of the legends...and all shouldst acknowledge thy worth and deeds. I have dwelt within this accursed land for nigh on a century, I have seen questors come and go. Some have ne'er penetrated the unyielding thorns and brambles; others have gained entrance by guile, cleverness, or sheer luck, only to be felled by fatal riddles, puzzles, and traps. Only thou hast unwoven the enigma, navigated the perilous enchantment to awaken the Sleeping Beauty. I ne'er have seen its like, nor believed I would see this day come, e'en in mine extended lifetime. The Kingdoms are in thy debt, Piper."

Stunned, Colin could only smile weakly and nod in reply, as he took another step backward. To be congratulated and praised by a dragon was something he had never envisioned, and it did fill him with pride, but he could not help wishing the creature were not so close.

Meanwhile, Virginia had finally broken the last kiss, flushing with embarrassment and arousal, and turned to face him, although she still remained in Wolf's arms. "I did it, Colin! I did it, I found the dragon! Now we can defeat the Ice Queen!" She beamed and caressed his scales, then gazed up at him questioningly, as if seeking permission, before continuing. "His name is Daviander, but don't tell anyone else, not even Briar Rose. Dragons are very protective of their names, they hold them sacred. You two get to learn it because you're my friends, but to everyone else he has to be known as the Last Dragon."

As Wolf and Virginia hopped down to the ground, the Piper nodded agreeably, still not taking his eyes off of the dragon. "Fair enough, milady. I don't think it will be very difficult to follow that stricture in any case. Now...if we are done here, the king and queen wish to say farewell before you depart on your journey...and I would suggest changing your clothes." He glanced in the direction of the castle, then ran his eyes over her raiment.

"Oh yes! Good idea, Colin...and I wouldn't dream of leaving without saying good-bye to Queen Rapunzel." Virginia crossed to his side, hanging onto Wolf's hand as she dragged him along, but a frown was on her face. "But what do you mean, before 'you' depart? Aren't you coming along with us?"

The Piper sighed, knowing this moment was coming but still not relishing it now that it was here. "That is one of the things we must discuss before you go. But come, I shall tell you on the way." He paused, swallowing hard as he gazed once more at the dragon. "I...I suggest that Daviander remain here, if you do not mind, sir. You are our salvation, but matters being as they are..."

"...I would send the entire court into a panic," Daviander finished knowingly. "Nay, we would ne'er wish to create such a disturbance. 'Twould be quite unnecessary in any case, the royals and I move in different circles." His urbane tone and lofty gaze implied a superiority and arrogance that Colin could not conclusively identify as either genuine or feigned for humorous effect. "Go ye even unto the palace, by all means, and I shall await your return with bated breath whilst I perform my matinal ablutions. Ye need not concern yourselves with me, no one shall know I am here. 'Twould be a far different matter were I to accompany you. I am, shall we say, difficult to ignore...and far too...big-boned to enter the castle." He chuckled deeply, a wry, amused sound that made Colin want to laugh along with him, it was infectious. "A myriad of fragile objects there might suffer a grievous accident...china, porcelain, stained-glass windows, the entire castle of Queen Rapunzel..." He smirked.

Even as he wondered worriedly what sort of "ablutions" the dragon might indulge in--the blood of his prey came to mind--Colin could not help himself, at this he did begin to laugh, merrily and with great frivolity, and soon the dragon, Wolf, and Virginia had joined him. Slowly he felt his fear and distrust of the beast start to fade. No one who had such a droll and dry wit could be evil or demonic. His fears were unfounded. In their place came curiosity and awe. What had Virginia said to him? By all accounts the dragon had been a dour, glowering, downright grouchy beast for well over a century. Seeing the change wrought in the dragon convinced Colin more than ever that the Lady Virginia was indeed able to work miracles, possessing the intelligence, determination, and magic to be the heroine of a new Golden Age...

"I understand you perfectly, Daviander," the Piper gasped at last as he caught his breath. "Fret not, we shan't be long." With newfound respect in his eyes, he took Virginia's free hand.

The three of them set off at once for the city and the castle, but as they neared the gates, Colin looked back. The dragon lay languidly atop the wall, as if he were a fine lady reclining on her bed for an afternoon siesta, but when he saw Colin looking, Daviander winked with one azure eye and rolled over on his back, bursting out in new peals of giddy laughter as he kicked his legs and lashed his tail. The Piper shook his head, grinning. Virginia had done the impossible indeed.

Within half an hour Virginia had freshened up, changed her garments, and returned to the throne room where it had all begun, and by that time almost the entire court had assembled, including Briar Rose. As the Piper stood with Wolf and kept his arm looped familiarly around the waist of the princess he loved with all his heart and soul, he saw with a note of vindication that Virginia once more wore the clothing she had during their adventure, and slung across her shoulders was the pack that held the Troll King's magic shoes. It had taken some firm and determined words on his part to convince the maids and the laundrywomen not to throw out the strange and unusual garments, until he had pulled rank as the prince consort, and the castle steward had insisted on keeping such dangerous magical items as the shoes locked in a cabinet in his private chamber along with the pipe, until Colin had threatened to go to King Arundel. It had felt unnatural to be so domineering and authoritative--back in his own court in the Fourth Kingdom he was used to getting his own way. All of his subjects and staff obeyed his every command with alacrity, so that all ran smoothly and there was even at times an air of relaxation and recreation. But although enforcing his will brought a new layer to his life as a prince, it was not all that unwelcome. In fact it made him feel stronger, more worthy of respect. He drew himself up imperceptibly.

Virginia came to him without preamble, taking his free hand and squeezing it tightly. "I'm going to miss you, Colin, I really am." Tears were in her eyes, and her voice was quavery, as if her heart were in her throat. On the way back to the castle, he had gently explained to her his decision to stay, to remain with his true love, and although she had argued that they could use his magic, she had understood, and once he had stressed the strength of Daviander's magic and her own, as well as his fear of heights, she had given in, albeit reluctantly.

"Milady..." The Piper, too, found his voice about to break. They had not been together long at all, in terms of the quest's chronology and their overall lifetimes, but still they had traveled great distances together...in more ways than one, through so many emotions. "Milady, you cannot know how deeply it pleases me to hear you say such a thing. Our first meeting was, to say the least, unfortunate and marred by my intense selfishness. I wish I could undo it...not the meeting itself, but the manner of it. And yet, after that, the fact that you can still tell me you will miss me, will think of me fondly, warms my heart."

"Not too warm, I hope..." Wolf muttered, but the lopsided smile and bold wink he gave Colin told the prince the comment was meant only in jest.

Chuckling, Virginia glanced at Wolf, then returned her eyes to the Piper. In them he saw something he had not seen before...a friendship, a trust, even a sort of love. "Don't worry, Colin, I forgave you for that long ago. Besides, you've changed a lot since then."

"Indeed I have, and it is all because of you, milady. You, and the Princess Briar Rose." He leaned in to kiss his beloved, to inhale her sweet and elusive fragrance. When he pulled back after a long while, she was smiling and her cheeks displayed an even deeper pink to match her gown, which was of royal damask. But as he gazed at her, he suddenly realized the truth of his words. After the dust had settled, after he had understood that this was not a dream and that he truly did possess the true love he had sought for so long, he had divined at once that his pipe had not failed him after all, that it had summoned Virginia at the behest of destiny, knowing he had been foreordained to be one of her company, to aid her in her quest, and to receive his reward for this service along the way in the form of Briar Rose.

What he had not realized until this moment was the meaning of the May Queen's words. In the misty valley of the Second Kingdom, following the chase by the sprites and preceding the enchanted growth of the hedge maze, the nature spirit had proclaimed that he was exempt from her laws, that unlike Virginia, Wolf, and Carmine, what he required would be given to him by another. That other, he saw now, was Briar Rose. The May Queen had known his destiny even then, and had known that all he needed to fulfill his life was his true love...she who would make him happy, but who was also perfectly matched to him. The way the princess had seen straight into his heart almost upon meeting him, and the way she encouraged and directed him to be a better man than he had been...this revealed Briar Rose was the one for him.

Even as he was still struggling with the enormity of this revelation, as he ran his hand through the princess's ebony locks as if he still could not believe she were real and that she loved him--which he could not--Virginia was speaking again. "I'm glad you think so, Colin. But I bet Wolf doesn't think so, and that he's glad to see you gone." She was glaring at Wolf, half-mockingly, but half-seriously.

"Actually, Virginia," Wolf answered her with a straight face, "I believe the princey has changed. He's not such a bad guy, once you get to know him."

Virginia's mouth dropped open, and it was all Colin could do not to laugh. She glanced back and forth, from the prince to Wolf, a suspicious and cagey look on her face. "All right, what's going on here? What haven't you guys told me?"

Colin smiled, rather enjoying this chance to take Virginia by surprise; by mutual consent he and Wolf had agreed not to inform her of the cooling of the animosity between them until she asked about it. "While you were fetching the Last Dragon, milady, Wolf and I came to an understanding. Suffice it to say that while he and I will not always see eye to eye on matters, we have agreed to let bygones be bygones, and to respect and trust one another."

Again Virginia narrowed her eyes, as if she sought some loophole that would allow hostilities to be declared anew. Then she turned slowly to Wolf. "Is what he says true? You used to hate his guts, and now you're his best buddy?"

The half-wolf coughed loudly and looked, ironically, sheepish. "Now, I wouldn't go that far, my creamy, dreamy dumpling! I'm not saying I'd like him to build a summer home next door to our forest residence in the Fourth Kingdom, or that he should rent the neighboring penthouse in New York. Not by a long shot! I've just...he and I talked a lot, and we settled our differences. I realized I was wrong about Colin." He shrugged and smiled apologetically.

His mate's expression went through so many contortions the Piper couldn't keep track of them, but he knew he saw consternation, amusement, anger, and disbelief in Virginia's eyes. Finally she seemed to settle on disgruntled. "I see...seems I missed a lot while I was gone. You'll have to tell me about it later, Wolf...in great detail." She shot him another look that would have cracked ice, and Wolf gulped visibly. The Piper carefully hid a grin with his hand. Things seemed to be back to normal...and he had a feeling Wolf would be explaining all the way back to Castle White--especially about that forest residence quip which, from the look on Virginia's face, had not been a mutual decision...

"Anyway," Virginia said after a while, her expression clearing as she turned back to the prince and princess, "I guess we'll both be sorry to see you go, then. And I wish we could be here for your wedding, but duty calls. Time for Super-Virginia to save the day again!" She rolled her eyes in self-mockery and laughed.

Before Colin could hasten to gainsay her, or inquire what she meant by her use of the word "super," Briar Rose stepped in. "On the contrary, Lady Virginia, you will have no trouble at all in attending our wedding. Colin and I have decided to postpone it until after the Ice Queen has been defeated and the Kingdoms are safe again. And after your own wedding to Lord Wolf, of course." She smiled, dimples appearing in her cheeks, and nodded graciously. "Neither of us should dare to miss it, or to act as if we sought to steal the attention away from what will be, by unanimous consent, the wedding of the century--and well deserved, too, I might add."

Colin nodded eagerly; during Virginia's absence both Wolf and Queen Rapunzel had informed him of her ancestry, and like Wolf he had not been surprised in the least to learn Virginia was a princess. He had always known her to be greater than she gave herself credit for. "Most assuredly! A princess and heroine of your status deserves the very best King Wendell has to offer. You can be certain that Briar Rose and I will attend the ceremony, and provide ample time for you and Wolf to attend ours at a later date."

Virginia looked nonplussed, then embarrassed as she blushed a furious red. Apparently, from the look she gave Wolf, neither her heritage nor the wedding were supposed to be common knowledge, but Colin could not blame Wolf for imparting the truth so impulsively; his love was so strong that he felt compelled to brag and boast about Virginia and how he had won her. But she did not seem to see it that way. "Somebody's been a bad wolfie and given away a few secrets..."

Wolf scratched self-consciously at his temple and pretended to be interested in one of the nearby tapestries.

Before Virginia could give Wolf a piece of her mind, the trumpets sounded in a brassy fanfare and they all turned toward the thrones where the king and queen had just seated themselves. "Pray silence," the page announced in ringing tones, "for our esteemed monarchs, who wish to convey their final gratitude to the hero and heroine. Lord Wolf, Lady Virginia, would you be so kind as to approach?"

Colin watched as Virginia's anger fled and she took Wolf's arm, proceeding with grace and dignity down the crimson carpet to the thrones, but she set a rapid pace to underscore the urgency of her mission and the need to avoid lengthy speeches. The Piper followed her with Briar Rose on his arm, coming to a stop just behind the two heroes.

Queen Rapunzel spoke first, her expression warm and proud as she gazed down at Virginia, her curls of sunshine blonde spilling in silken glory upon the dais. "Lady Virginia...from what Prince Colin has told me, your quest has been a success...you located the Last Dragon and persuaded him to join your cause. Now all that lies before you is the confrontation with the Ice Queen. You did not believe me at first when I assured you that you possessed all the skill, bravery, heart, and soul to succeed. Now you know I was right. I wish you all the best, in your endeavors against the witch's sorcery, and in your destined future that you have so rightfully earned. Thank you--for bringing Colin here to awaken my daughter and free us of the spell, and for once again risking your life for the lands. As far as I am concerned, you are not only one of the Four Who Saved the Nine Kingdoms, but the Sixth Woman Who Changed History."

A collective gasp filled the throne room, rippling and spreading throughout all the courtiers--not one of disagreement or anger, but one of awe and understanding, one of recognition of the truth, and wholehearted acceptance of it. Virginia seemed to falter, her knees buckling as if she were about to faint, and Wolf had to grab her around the waist and hold her upright for a few moments. Colin himself was stunned. Such an honor was unheard of--not that Virginia did not deserve it, of course, but as far as he knew, the decision of whether to grant such status to a woman of great influence and power was up to the entire Council of the Nine Kingdoms. But then, as one of the Five Women herself, Rapunzel could likely bypass the Council altogether. And even should the more traditional, obstinate, and elitist Council members disapprove, the weight of Rapunzel's endorsement would likely carry the day. Still...

Even as the buzzing and gossiping continued, King Arundel raised his hand for silence, and received it. "I know all of you are surprised and amazed by this announcement, but I wish to declare publicly and unilaterally that I support my queen's decision. And I have an announcement of my own to make." He paused, then looked at Wolf. "Lord Wolf, I am certain you know that in the time from which I hail, wolves were seen as filthy, murdering animals who deserved only contempt and hatred, and that they were killed on sight. And I must confess that while I was never as rabid in my opinions as others of the time whom we both can name, I too was guilty of distrusting, rejecting, and devaluing your people. But, time has passed, the Nine Kingdoms have moved forward, and while hatred of wolves is far from vanquished, it is, I think, a thing that should be relegated to the past and remain there. It is you who has convinced me of this. Not only were you also instrumental in bringing the Piper here, but my daughter has informed me of all that you have done for the Kingdoms. Thus, it is my royal decree that we all, every one of us, owe you a debt of thanks. Henceforth, wolves shall nevermore be hunted or poached in my Kingdom."

Applause filled the throne room, and now it was Wolf's turn to be on the verge of collapse, and Colin understood why. Although all the monarchs had been grateful to Wolf after what occurred at Wendell's coronation, none of them had been required to uphold the young king's pardon, nor had they seemed to have any inclination to do so. Having been an attendee of the coronation ball himself, the Piper had been of the same mind as his king, and would gladly have seconded the pardon had he ruled a kingdom of his own, rather than being a vassal to Wendell. But so far the only other Kingdom to support the pardon had been Cinderella's. Now that another had joined in the recognition of wolves as heroes--and not just any Kingdom, but the revered and powerful Sixth Kingdom--others were likely to follow suit. In particular the Fifth, which had been Rapunzel's realm before she and Arundel had given it to Old King Cole and the Naked Emperor and then created their own kingdom, would respond favorably. As such, this move might well be the precursor to a universal pardon for wolves everywhere...especially if Carmine's heart had truly been changed...

Colin's thoughts were interrupted again as the king rose from his throne and gestured toward the bank of windows facing to the west. "With these proclamations, we send you on your way, for there is no more time to lose. Go at once, Lady Virginia, Lord Wolf. All of our hopes and prayers go with you. Godspeed."

Hurriedly Virginia turned back and moved to Colin, embracing him tightly and making him quite embarrassed. "Good-bye, Colin...I'll never forget you. See you soon...I hope." She pulled back, kissed him chastely on the cheek, and then turned to say farewell to Briar Rose.

Wolf approached next, eyes bright and still excited with the news he had just received, a huge grin on his face. "So long, Piper-boy! Good-bye and good riddance!" He smirked and winked, then shook Colin's hand before bowing to the princess, then leading Virginia across the marble floor to the windows, where a helpful servant had unlatched the adjoining glass doors set in their center, letting in the scent of sweet grass on the sun-warmed air.

Still blushing from Virginia's kiss, Colin took Briar Rose's hand and walked with her to the doors, watching as Wolf and Virginia descended the seven steps into the side garden of the castle, picking their way along white-stoned lanes between fountains and pink rosebushes in glorious bloom. Then, as if he had known they were coming and needed his presence, Daviander suddenly burst over the rise below the garden wall, letting out a piercing shriek of defiance and grandeur. Everyone in the throne room rushed to the windows to see what was occurring, but contrary to the Piper's surmises, when they saw the Last Dragon they did not run screaming in fear. Instead every face was upturned in awe and respect, none more than that of his fiancee, Briar Rose. In her hazel eyes he saw reflected a childish wonder, an inner delight that nearly stopped his heart. And as he looked out once more over the garden and saw the ebony-scaled beast looping and dodging and spiralling about in feats of aerial prowess, he began to see Daviander as she did...as a majestic, wondrous, handsome creature, the last of his kind and bearer of a magic ancient, mysterious, and incomparable...a magic that should never be lost to the Nine Kingdoms.

The dragon pirouetted one last time in the azure sky and then leveled off, hovering alongside the garden wall as his wings flapped grandly, stirring up dust, leaves, grassblades, and pebbles. "The day is wearing on!" he proclaimed loudly. "Shall we, perchance, be on our way?"

Virginia giggled and nodded, hurrying along the path to the wall and clambering up a grapevine with Wolf's help. Then together the two of them in turn scaled the dragon's foreleg until they were seated between his shoulderblades, ready for takeoff. Virginia waved frantically to all those assembled, and then with another roar, a blast of fire, and a massive downbeat of his wings, Daviander was aloft, circling high into the sky.

Colin watched them go, his heart beating rapidly, his tears flowing, until he felt a gentle tug at his elbow. Turning, he gazed down into the heart-stopping eyes of Briar Rose, and slowly his tears faded as his love for her once more burned within him.

"Do not cry, milord," the Sleeping Beauty admonished him softly. "They are off to perform their great deeds...and you, you still have me. And I love you."

"I most certainly do have you...and I love you as well, beloved." He enfolded her in his arms and whispered teasingly. "And shall we live Happy Ever After?"

"Of course we shall," she whispered back just as teasingly. "Of course we shall."

And then she kissed him, long and lingeringly, and the Pied Piper responded without a trace of hesitation. He swept her into his arms and kissed her back, his destiny found, as they stood in the shimmering rays of noonday sun pouring in the windows, as the king and queen and their court applauded, for whom he knew not. And he kissed her as, in the sky above, the Last Dragon and his passengers shrank to a speck and vanished eastward...traveling, ever traveling, toward a destiny of their own.