One is Come Page 9

  * * *

  After Haylwen left, the big catfish slid quickly to the center of the lake. Lakes can be deceptively deep, and this one was especially so. The catfish had plenty of room to morph into his true form, a silver-scaled dragon, as he swam in slow circles. He kept his clawed hands and feet tucked close, his powerful tail pushing him easily through the dimly-lit water.

  Fire asked me about the Rightad family hinting at prophecy, he thought. I don't trust her, but there is no way she could have arranged that! He shook his head, underwater light glinting softly off of his scales. Well, the first Gift is in play, there is no stopping now. He swam a lazy circle as his thoughts raced. Ok, Fire, you must be plotting how to bring Earth in. With his past, much less as Head of all Clans, he must be coaxed gently. Subtle is not your way, so it must be me. He chuckled, bubbles trickling up from his nose. Unless you are setting me up!

  His laugh dried up as his eyes were caught by a glimpse of the shore. Could it be? Little one, could you possibly be strong, smart, and subtle enough to face all the challenges you would be thrust into? Such a little, pretty one, but there was something... I've never seen another quite like you. He whipped his tail, forming a complex pattern of bubbles as he debated with himself. Yes, I must, he decided. Dangerous for me, and dangerous for you, but important for all. I will ask Fire to read these possibilities, but I must do my own Read of this one. There was something unique about this human, regardless.