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117
Anny Cook
ball and the rough wooden box containing the key. There was the loud rush of a cold,
howling wind and then suddenly a silvery path appeared in front of them.
Clarice s eyes met Otis with shadowy fear. He smiled and touched her hand. Shall
we? he queried in her mind.
The sound of his voice set her at ease. Yes, she replied, suddenly calm and sure.
Together, they stepped onto the path and were instantly transported to the icy shore of
her dreams where Aonghus the wizard waited with increasing impatience in the fiery
sunset.
 Come, come, he urged testily.  We must hurry! He snatched his wand from
Otis hand and instructed Otis to take the crystal ball from Clarice and set it at his feet.
 Yes, yes.
Now what? Otis demanded with a ferocious frown.
 Take the box. Return it. Now! Aonghus whirled his wand in a flamboyant circle,
muttering in a language unfamiliar to his descendents. Suddenly with a mighty shout,
he pointed the wand at the sea. As though pushed back by an unseen hand, the sea
parted revealing a liquid staircase that went down, down, farther down than the
dragons could see.
 Go!
Hand in hand, Otis and Clarice descended the stairs, each step turning solid at the
touch of their feet. When the trembling of Clarice s hand captured his attention, Otis
held it more securely, offering his comfort and support. She drew a deep, settling
breath. Otis her mate and rescuer was with her. All would be well. Eventually, at the
bottom of the stairs they saw an icy altar with a rectangular depression in the center.
While Otis waited, Clarice walked forward, gently set the box in the depression and
backed away until Otis hand rested on her shoulder. Turning to him then, she lifted her
head until their eyes met in the glow of the sacred altar.
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Rescuing Clarice
I love you. I will always love you until the end of time, whatever may come our way, she
vowed before placing her head on his shoulder. Their tails entwined. Their eyes closed
in homecoming. Their hearts beat as one.
Otis strong arms enfolded her as she listened to the beat of his heart and she
realized they were no longer in dragon form. When her eyes fluttered open, they were
standing in front of the hearth in the living room.
 Home, Otis sighed happily.  At last we are home.
* * * * *
They slept in peaceful contentment, curled together as one. Clarice stirred lightly
when she recognized the icy plain of her dreams, though there were clear differences.
Polar bears gamboled in the snow. A sea lion poked his inquisitive nose from the lone
opening in the frozen sea. The old man rested on an icy hillock wrapped in his warm
cloak. And he was smiling.
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About the Author
Anny Cook learned to read at five years old. Learning to write was a natural
extension. Through her adult years while a wife, mother, grandmother, fast food cook,
warehouse book packer, Girl Scout and Cub Scout Leader, perpetual college student,
executive secretary and adult education teacher, writing served as the anchor that kept
her sane.
Well, maybe not exactly sane, but close to it. Today, after thirty-five years with kids,
cats, dogs, guinea pigs and hamsters, she and her husband are empty nesters. Sigh.
Finally, there s time and quiet to write in peace.
Anny welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and e-mail
address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.
Tell Us What You Think
We appreciate hearing reader opinions about our books. You can e-mail us at
Comments@EllorasCave.com.
Also by Anny Cook
Flowers of Camelot 1: Chrysanthemum
Flowers of Camelot 2: Honeysuckle
Flowers of Camelot 3: Daffodil
Flowers of Camelot 4: Magnolia
Kama Sutra Lovers
Mystic Valley: Everything Lovers Can Know
Mystic Valley: Traveller s Refuge
Mystic Valley: Cherished Destinies
Mystic Valley: Love Never-Ending
Winter Hearts
Also see this author s titles at Cerridwen Press (www.cerridwenpress.com):
Mystic Valley: Dancer s Delight
Discover for yourself why readers can t get enough of the multiple award-winning
publisher Ellora s Cave. Whether you prefer e-books or paperbacks, be sure to visit EC
on the web at www.ellorascave.com for an erotic reading experience that will leave you
breathless.
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