Taryn looked out of the porthole of the boat. The waves were starting to get bigger, as though they were trying to keep Taryn from her goal. But she was more determined than anyone else to get there. Galvin, her new husband, was on deck, learning about sailing. Taryn stepped out of her cabin, and looked out the door. Galvin was at the wheel, the captain looking on. Galvin’s spirit was soaring like his namesake, the sparrow. His chestnut hair was flowing and gleaming in the afternoon sun, and his wonderful smile played across his face. Taryn smiled and went back to her room. Galvin was, as anyone knew when he or she saw Taryn and Galvin together, the most important thing in Taryn’s life. They balanced each other out. Taryn was stubborn and fanciful, but Galvin was calm and logical, the rock that sheltered them during a storm and tied Taryn down out of the clouds.

The sun was setting on their last day at sea, when Taryn strolled up to Galvin. “I’ve decided where I would like to live.” She susurrated in his ear, “in Glastonbury, by the Tor. That’s where King Arthur was and Avalon is.”

Galvin frowned. “I’m not sure that’s best. You might get too caught up in your imagination, and not pay attention to our home and family. Plus,” he said with a grin, “you might get caught by the faeries.”

“No, I wouldn’t. I might go up there every once in a while and take in the history and magic, but I would always put my family before my fancies.” Taryn replied. “Please? I’ve always wanted to live there, ever since my mother bought me ‘The Once and Future King’. You know how much I read that book. It was in tatters when you met me!”

“We’ll see.” was all Galvin would say, and Taryn knew the conversation was over. She also knew that he would at least consider it.

When they landed in the port, Galvin went inland to find a new home. Taryn stayed behind in a hotel to organize their belongings and transportation. She sat in her room alone, to think, to wonder, to imagine herself flying beyond all else That night she had a dream. A dream that carried her back in time to King Arthur’s round table, and a secret meeting with only his trusted knights and Merlin.

“This sacred creature must be kept away from Mordred and his minions.” The King began. “It must be magicked into a time unknown and unreachable to him, to await the coming of the right one. Only the right one will be able to know its nature and to control it. Merlin, I give this task to you. My knights shall protect you in your magic, and will live eternal awaiting the one.” Taryn saw Arthur give a large polished rock to Merlin, then Merlin and the knights walked out of the chamber. King Arthur sat in a chair, and rested his head on his hands. Taryn knew that he was in the later years of his reign, and was soon to be mortally wounded and sent to Avalon to heal. She sighed in pity for this great man, then Arthur suddenly lifted his head and stared at her, a shocked expression on his face. The dream faded out, and Taryn woke to the sound of seagulls calling outside her window.

She sat up and thought about what she had seen. Was it real? Did she really see into the past, or was her imagination getting the best of her? She didn’t have time to figure it out, as Galvin came bursting into the room. “Get the things together! I’ve found the best place, and I’m sure you’ll love it! It’s as beautiful as dragonflight.” Taryn leaped out of bed, threw on some clothes, and grabbed some things while Galvin picked up the heavier goods. She followed him out to the cart, where they organized their belongings, and jumped in. He took them along a winding track far into the country, and Taryn realized that he’d ridden the entire night just to get her excited about their new home as soon as possible. They rounded a corner, and Glastonbury Tor bore down upon them. Taryn’s eyes grew large, and she hugged Galvin around the neck. Galvin drove the horses down the lane to the closest house to the Tor. It was a small cottage with a green door and red flowerbeds.

After putting their belongings away and making their home theirs, Taryn rushed up the hill, skirts flying in the wind. She stopped only to take off her shoes to feel the grass under her feet, to feel the magic seep in, to experience every thing the Tor could give her. She climbed up to the tower on top of the hill and touched its surface. Taryn felt as though it were hers now. No one else could ever own it as much as she did now. As she slid her hand across the rough surface of the stone, Taryn felt something smooth. She only had time to realize this, before everything went black. Taryn fell through the darkness, not screaming, but horror-struck. She knew that she never would be able to get back to her husband. She knew that he would wait for her to come back, enjoying her joy, but then get worried when she didn’t return.

Taryn landed in sunlight. Several men in armor rushed up to her as she dropped a large rock she had been holding. The tower had become a large building. The men quickly kneeled and announced, “Welcome, Appointed One.” A small squeak came from the vicinity of Taryn’s feet. The large rock had hatched. Apparently it was an egg, and a red dragon fledgling was screaming at her with its tail around Taryn’s leg. She had become a Dragoneer. Later would come more pain, hardships and quests than anyone but Taryn Dragoneer could handle.