The Guardian

Shadow Beasts, Jikininki, Beast Masters, a Telepathic Dragon, and who knows what else is out there. The Citadel may consider him an adult, but this was a lot for his eighteen-year-old mind to take in. He also didn’t totally trust the Citadel Elders. There was something in Cronos’s body language that betrayed his words. What Alexander needed was to speak with someone from his own community. He needed to speak with Dr. Jason.

Draco could feel Alexander's frustration. The outside world was quickly closing in on the young man, and although he could offer counsel from a dragon’s perspective, it wasn’t the point of view Alexander needed right now. Connecting two people’s minds across large distances required intense concentration and a willingness by both parties to be connected. Draco hadn’t connected with the Doctor for several years. He could sense that Jason was still alive, but he had no idea about his physical or mental condition. The best he could do was send out a calling and hope Dr. Jason would respond.

Jason often thought about the day his village was overrun by the Jikininki. He remembered converting an old barn into a makeshift field hospital that no one ever had the chance to use. Even though ten years had passed, watching his friend Cleo struck down by a Beast Master guard while shielding her son remained fresh in his mind. Logic told him that he had been too far away to save her, but that didn’t remove the guilt he felt. That one memory was probably the main reason for ignoring Draco’s many attempts to connect with him.

Alexander, I’m afraid the doctor doesn’t want to connect with me. He may change his mind in the future, but for now, I have done all I can do.”

“Can I try? Is connecting minds something only dragons can do, or can humans do it too?”

“That’s an interesting question, Alexander. I have heard that some sorcerers and witches have developed the skill, but I have never had a person connect with me first.”

“What if I reach out to him using your mind as a conduit. It would be the same as when I rode on your back, only I would be riding on your mind. He might recognize it was me and want to talk.”

“I must say, Alexander, that is an interesting proposal, and it just might work. I’ve never tried before, but if it does work, we could develop a communications network that would bring people together much faster than the way things are done now. If we’re going to try this, you will need to be located in a completely quiet place without any distractions.”

“I’m in my room right now. There is a curtain over the window, and no one is in the hallway. This would be the perfect time to try, it you’re ready.”

“It’s not a question of me being ready; this will be all about how well you can control your mind. I think because we have been communicating like this since you were five, you should be able to manage your mind with a minimum of effort. I’m going to give you instructions, and you must follow them precisely. Are you ready?”

“I’m ready, Draco. This is going to work; I can feel it.”

Alexander closed his eyes and placed his mind in a state of complete calm. Time and distance dissolved around him until it felt as though he was suspended in an endless void of emptiness. Slowly, the misty figure of a man formed in the distance. The mystery man drifted closer, and as he did, Alexander began to recognize identifying features. The curve of his nose, bright blue eyes that immediately placed the boy at ease, and, although partially covered by a shaggy beard, that unforgettable smile.

“Hello, Dr. Jason. You have no idea how pleased I am to see you again.”

“You have grown so much since I saw you last. I wasn’t sure it was you at first, but who else would Draco allow to access his mind like this? Thank you for reaching out to me, Alexander. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t wonder how you’re doing.”

“I’m the same, Doc. Draco would tell me you were still alive, but I needed to see you for myself. I have so many questions, and I hope you can answer at least some of them.”

“I’ll do my best, Alexander, but I can’t promise I have the answers you’re looking for.”

It was at this point that Draco chose to join in.

“I’m sorry, my friends, but I need to terminate this conversation. Acting as a go-between is much more draining than I ever imagined. In the future, you should be able to connect without me, but be careful, the Beast Masters have limited telepathic abilities and will tap into your minds if you’re close to them.”

“I wish I had known this sooner. I think they sent some Jikininki after me. Got to run, we’ll talk again soon.”