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  Alex wasn’t even sure other players knew about it. This area of the map was hardly ever explored since there were so many high-level monsters on the ground. But Dragonriders? They could go anywhere.

  They flew in silence for some time. Liza and George had finally relaxed and were watching the clouds pass. They were beyond words. Alex knew how they felt; it had been the same for her.

  Alex could never sum up how it felt to stare down at the world of Middang3ard and see how small and fragile everything was. She didn’t think she would ever get tired of it.

  Finally, they came up on what Alex wanted to show them. It was a mountain, nearly as large as the one during the final expansion raid. Its peak was covered in snow.

  Alex leaned forward to coax the dragon ahead. A few minutes later, they were at the top of the mountain. She guided her dragon to a landing area and leaped off before telling her parents they could do the same.

  The Bounds walked across the snow-covered ground. Alex went to the edge of the mountain and sat down, dangling her feet over. Liza sat down next to her, while George stood behind them. “So, this is what you want to protect?” Liza asked.

  Alex didn’t say anything at first. It was more than a want. “This is what I have to protect,” she finally replied.

  A voice came from behind them. “What do you think of Middang3ard?”

  Liza and George turned and were greeted by another holograph of Myrddin. Liza looked down at the sweeping green plains, the villages, and all the people not even visible from this height.

  Above them, youngling dragons were playing with each other and dancing in the sunlight. “It’s beautiful,” Liza admitted. “And it’s real?”

  “Just as real and fragile as Earth.”

  Liza sat back down at Alex’s side. “Honey, what do you want to do?” she asked.

  “You mean it?” Alex replied.

  Her mother took a long moment before finally nodding, wiping away her tears. “There’s nothing I can say to stop you.”

  “It’s the right thing to do.”

  Liza nodded, gulping back more tears. “This is your decision, not ours. Not mine. Whatever you decide, we’ll support you.”

  Alex watched the dragons dancing above as she leaned back in the snow so she could feel the cold creep up the back of her neck. “I want to be able to talk to them every day, no matter what. Anytime I want to.”

  Myrddin came over and took a seat next to the Bounds. “Of course,” Myrddin offered. “Unlimited communication is the least we can do for our champions.”

  Alex’s face lit up with a smile as she turned to face Myrddin.

  “Awesome. When do we leave?”

  Author Notes Ramy Vance

  December 21, 2019

  It’s Christmas, people… and here in the Vance household we have a tradition... we sing ‘Hi John’.

  Sure we also sing Christmas carols, carve turkey and wear sweat pants, but it wouldn’t be Christmas without ‘Hi John’.

  John (my four year old at the time of this publication) was born 5 weeks early in one of the most harrowing 20 minutes of my life. My wife had developed a condition called H.E.L.L.P. (ironic name, I know). It is incredibly dangerous for the mother and she needed to have an emergency cesarean.

  Over the next 6 days, I spend my time divided between the post-natal ward with John and the ‘blood ward’ (my name for the place) where my wife was being treated.

  So here I was, alone with a new born that I had no idea what to do with. Hell, I didn’t even know any nursery rhymes or songs. My wife knew them all, but she was in another ward, completely out of it.

  John would cry and I wouldn’t know what to do (even writing this induces the water-works… hold yourself Ramy! You’re in a very crowded cafe. Stiff upper lip. Stiff upper lip!)

  Eventually I did the only thing I could think of … I made a song up. Now if you’ve ever met me, you’ll know that I have zero musical talent. Seriously. I mean, I’ve heard about the ‘beat’. People have told me it exists, but I’ve never experienced it for myself.

  And the little diddy I made up for my son reflects that… Here are the lyrics:

  Hi John, how are you?

  How are you, today?

  I love John so much,

  I love him more than play…

  Hi, John, how are you?

  What shall we do today?

  Rudimentary, right? But here’s the weird thing. My son would stop crying as soon as I sang: I love him more than play...

  When he heard those words, he’s go silent.

  Every. Single. Time.

  In the coming years, I have convinced people I know to professionally record the song. I got country-and-western singer named Steve Rivers to do it, a Norweigen Rock Band and a Hip Hop Producer, too. (If you’d like to check out the various versions of the song, they’re all in my Facebook Group: House of the GoneGod Damned. Click HERE to join. I’ll be sharing a post about the song on Chrismas Day, 2019.)

  And so now, several different versions of ‘Hi John’ later, a new Christmas tradition is born.

  A song for John, the kid I truly love more than anything, even play...

  Author Notes Michael Anderle

  December 21, 2019

  Thank you for reading our story! Because of you readers, we get to do what we love…create more stories!

  “Blind? We are going to do a blind hero? AND you want to…”

  You know, I don’t really remember the exact way Ramy and I worked out this story.

  Not without going back through our notes, where we chatted back and forth, but I am very happy with this first book. In it, we lay out the challenges of our protagonist and how she has to overcome her preconceptions about herself.

  And she’s then unleashed into her future.

  The more I learn about my own disability (I’m a bit on the spectrum), I realize that had I known more about it earlier in my life, I might have sought out ways to overcome the challenges. However, I am completely happy with the unexpected benefits.

  Yes, I am challenged at times working with other people because I fail to communicate well. I’ve had issues talking to everyone from my older brothers to workmates because my brain fails to put into words all of my thoughts in a cohesive discourse.

  When I see nothing but confusion on the faces of those I’m speaking to, I know I have once again left out a few salient points.

  But unleash me with a laptop, and the challenges I have talking to others go away. I can’t explain a story while chatting at the table, but I can weave a tale with a typewriter.

  For all the challenges which often cause failure when speaking, I’m provided benefits when I type. What I would have sacrificed to “fix” earlier in my life, I wouldn’t give a dime to change now. What felt like a curse, I now count as a blessing.

  May you find how what you feel is a curse might become a blessing to you as well.

  Ad Aeternitatem,

  Michael Anderle

  Ascent to the Nest

  Dragon Approved™ Book Two

  Chapter One

  Alex sat on her porch and listened to the passing cars. The streets were fairly empty for the middle of the day. She could hear her parents moving around nervously near the front door. Today was the day.

  It had been nearly a week since Alex had finished the Middang3ard expansion and spoken with Myrddin and Manny. Part of her still thought the whole thing had been a dream, but after getting ready to leave this morning, she knew she was wide awake.

  George and Liza opened the front door and stepped outside. Myrddin had left without restoring her sight. He said it would happen after he prepared the necessary magic, but Alex wished she could see their faces one last time before she left. She would probably be able to see them when Manny arrived, but it would be with someone watching. It was already hard enough to show them how she felt.

  Liza sat down next to Alex and rested her hand on her daughter’s knee. “Guess you’re heading out a lot
sooner than we thought you would.”

  Alex smiled and nodded as she squeezed her mom’s hand. “You know, I’m kinda scared. Actually, ‘scared’ isn’t the right word. I’m terrified. I have no idea what this will be like.”

  George took a seat on the opposite side of Alex and lightly punched her shoulder. “You got this, kiddo. It can’t be any worse than what you’ve already come across in the game. And besides, Myrddin said you’re one of the best he’s ever seen. He wouldn’t want to risk you.”

  “It’s not that. I’m not scared of any of that. Myrddin mentioned something like a boot camp when he emailed me. He made it sound like, I don’t know, like a school or something.”

  Liza chuckled as she squeezed Alex’s hand again. It was a habit she’d had since Alex was a small child, and it always made her feel like a baby. Sometimes Alex hated it, and other times, it was the most comforting thing in the world. “You afraid of finally having to go to school?” Liza asked.

  Alex leaned back and turned her face to the sun, which felt amazing. “What if everyone has a problem with me?” Alex asked. “Or I don’t make any friends? What if I end up being shyer than Kevin is?”

  “Honey, no one could be as shy as Kevin is. That boy is hardly able to string two sentences together. But hey, even you said he’s pretty popular in Middang3ard, so there’s hope for everyone.”

  Alex folded her arms. She felt her face pouting and wished she was doing a better job of hiding her emotions. “I don’t understand why I have to relearn everything. Myrddin said I’m one of the best that they have. What else do I have to learn?”

  George stood up and cleared his throat. Alex felt like he was going to turn on “Dad Mode.” It was that specific noise he used, the one that was more of a cough than an act. “You know, that might not be the best attitude to have, kiddo,” George started. “You might want to try some humility. Just a little bit.”

  “I know. I know. I’m just… I just don’t want to have to meet other kids, okay? It’s always so uncomfortable for me. I never know what to say or who to talk to, or if I’m even allowed to talk to anyone. It’d be easier if I could just learn on my own.”

  “That’s just because you’re used to learning on your own. That doesn’t mean it’s the best way to do it. Besides, did you pick up all your dragonriding skills on your own, or did you get help from other players?”

  Alex turned away from her father’s voice. He was right, but that didn’t mean she wanted to give him the satisfaction of admitting it, even though he knew already. He knew her better than anyone.

  Alex heard her mother stand. “Looks like your ride is here.”

  Alex listened to a car roll up their driveway. It was nearly silent, so it must have been a newer model. It had to be Myrddin or Manny if her parents recognized it.

  Alex reached for her mom’s arm, not that she needed help to get to the car. She just wanted to feel her mother close by.

  Liza and George guided Alex to the driveway as her hands trembled. She hadn’t admitted to them how frightened she was of leaving. It wasn’t just the prospect of being at war with the Dark One or having to learn completely new things. She was afraid of leaving her parents.

  Her home had been her entire life before she found Middang3ard. There wasn’t anyone she loved or trusted as much as her parents. Now that she thought about it, she’d rarely left the house for more than a week. The longest she’d ever been gone was on a trip with her debate team.

  Manny’s voice broke Alex’s anxious train of thought. “Good to see that you are up and ready to go. Also glad to see you got the part about not packing anything since everything you need will be provided.”

  “What about friends?” Alex grumbled.

  Manny harrumphed at Alex’s statement. “I believe that part is up to you,” the Beholder retorted snidely. “There’s only so much we can offer, but I assure you that everyone in your class is about the same age. You’ll at least be around peers.”

  George placed his hand on Alex’s shoulder, and she instantly felt better. “How old are your dragonriders?”

  “Alex would be one of our younger riders. Most were recruited at about the same age, but our oldest? I don’t believe we have anyone over the age of...” Manny’s voice trailed off before he finished. The abrupt stop meant he didn’t want to complete his sentence.

  Given the topic, he didn’t need to. Dragonriders didn’t get very old since most died in battle.

  Great, Alex thought. Just great. Dead girl walking here.

  There was an awkward silence as all four tried to figure out what should be said next. Alex already knew what time it was. This was the part where she was supposed to say goodbye. This was the part where she was supposed to leave behind everything she’d ever known.

  This was the part where she was supposed to begin her adventure.

  If there was ever a time for her to be brave, this was it. They’re probably freaking out right now, Alex thought, trying to imagine what her parents must be feeling.

  Alex turned to Liza and threw her arms around her. She kissed her cheek and felt the damp tears running down her mother’s face. Then she turned to her father and hugged him as well. “I should get going,” she said. “I’ll message you guys as soon as I get a chance. I love you.”

  Alex pulled out her foldable cane and opened it. She tapped it on the ground and turned in the direction of the car. Manny floated next to her. “You know, I can help you see—”

  “Not now,” Alex interrupted. “When we leave, okay?”

  “As you wish.”

  Alex tapped the cane against the car and felt around until she found the door handle. She opened it and slipped inside. As she listened to the engine turn over and Manny breathe uncomfortably at her side, she’d never been happier she couldn’t see. Watching her parents would have broken her heart.

  Listening to them was hard enough.

  Chapter Two

  Alex felt the car moving and assumed they were on the highway since they hadn’t stopped for some time. Manny had asked a couple of times if Alex wanted him to lend her his vision, but she’d declined.

  It was fairly obvious to him that Alex didn’t want to talk. She’d cracked her window and was letting the cold air hit her like a hard slap across the face.

  After an hour or two, the car stopped. Alex grabbed her cane, opened the door, and stepped out. She felt around for a few seconds before deciding she didn’t want to start off without directions. “Manny, where are we?”

  Manny, floating beside Alex, coughed quietly. “We’ve gone as far as the car can take us. The rest of the ride is by plane.”

  Alex’s heart jumped into her throat. She’d never been on a plane before. Neither of her parents made enough money to travel for fun. A couple of times, Liza or George had left town for a few days, but they’d never taken Alex with them.

  It wasn’t a point Alex liked to bring up. Her lack of travel was a sore spot between her and her folks. She had a sneaking suspicion they could afford to take her but were afraid of how her sight might impact the trip.

  Alex knew she was being paranoid. There had never been a situation where Alex’s parents discouraged her from doing something because she was blind. She was just looking for excuses to be bitter.

  Funny how your first feeling after leaving home is bitterness, she chastised herself.

  She shifted her weight from foot to foot and tried to find the right words for what she wanted to say. She’d never been good at asking for help, not even from her parents. Asking for assistance from a floating demon-head full of eyeballs wasn’t the easiest thing in the world for her.

  Luckily, Manny spoke first. “Uh, is there something you need?”

  “Could you guide me in the direction of the plane?”

  “Are you sure you don’t want to use my eyes?”

  “All right, I guess it’s about time. Lend me your peepers, fellow countryman!” She tried to say jokingly, but her excitement at seeing again, e
ven if it was through his eyes, broke through.

  There was a flash of bright green light, and Alex nearly stumbled from the shock. She still wasn’t used to that part, but there it was: the world right in front of her eyes. Granted, it was still tinted with the odd green color she recognized from the game, but she could see.

  Alex looked around at the small private airport. She’d read about how rich people could afford their own planes and assumed Myrddin wasn’t any different. He was one of the richest people in the world, after all. People that rich didn’t have time to wait at airports.

  And now, neither do I, Alex thought. Guess this must be a big deal.

  Alex pointed at the slim airplane a couple hundred feet in front of her. “Is that the one we’re going to take?” she asked, trying to make sure her voice was even and not too excited. For some reason, she didn’t want Manny to realize she’d never been on a plane.

  Manny floated ahead, flanked by the car’s driver. “Yep, that’s the one,” the Beholder said. “Myrddin sent his fastest plane for you. He’s very anxious to get you started on your training. He says it’s imperative. You were my most important recruit all week. Jeez, I was losing sleep over you.”

  Alex laughed as she tried to keep up with him. For a creature with no legs, he sure as hell moved quickly. “Why were you so worried about me?” she asked.

  “Myrddin was stressing me out. He kept going on and on about how I was going to lose an eye if I messed this up and terrified your parents, as if he’d forgotten how easily humans spook. Come on, we just go up the stairs.”

  Manny floated up the plane’s staircase. Alex held her breath as she took her first step. She hadn’t realized her trip to Middang3ard was going to provide so many different experiences.