Heart of a Dragon

Chapter Forty

When Salvatore slumped over the table, Jake slid his hands under him just in time to protect the painting. He lifted the boy as easily as if he'd been an infant, cradled him in his arms, and carried him from the room. Martinez stepped forward and stared down at the tabletop.

"What is it?" Jake asked, returning to stand by his side.

"I'm not sure," Martinez replied.

Jake reached out and ran his finger along the edge of the cloth. He stayed clear of the paint, and the design, though when the tip of his finger neared the green circle, he hesitated, and his expression grew vague. The longer he stared at it, the more certain he became that there was something obvious in the design, something ready to leap to life. The perspective was strange — alien even — but he thought if he stared a little longer, it would all come into focus.

The room wavered slightly as he stared, and he stepped back. The air in the room, which had grown heavy with potential, cleared. Martinez shook his head and stepped back as well.

"It has power," he said. "Like the dragons."

"We can't just leave it here," Jake said. "I don't know what it can do, but if the dragons he painted are any indication…"

Martinez nodded.

"Leave it tonight. I will care for it, and when Salvatore awakens, I will talk to him about what he knows, and what he has seen. When I have learned what I can, I will take him to see Donovan. We will take the painting, as well. If it is safe anywhere, it is safe with Mr. DeChance. He has the finest and most comprehensive collection of magical books and documents in the world. He will protect it."

Jake nodded.

"I guess we owe Sal that," he said. "I don't know what would have happened back in that park without him — or the dragons. I do know that what he did felt at least as dangerous as Los Escorpiones, demons or not. It will have to be controlled."

"I think it is time," Martinez said, "that I take on an apprentice. I am an old man, and I have a lot to pass on."

"I hope that we'll see a lot of you," Jake said. His voice nearly broke, but he fought back the emotion. "A lot has happened. I don't know if you heard, or noticed, but I've ended up in charge here. It's a mess."

"You're a good man, Jake," Martinez said. "Snake would have chosen you himself, given the chance. You know that."

"Doesn't make it any easier. And Sally? I don't know much about apprentices, but your place is pretty small. Helen and I…we'd love to have him stay with us…"

"I believe that the boy would love that more than almost anything in this world," Martinez said. "I also believe that, of all of us, he is the only one to see into another. It's a big responsibility. I won't make any more of the paint he used…it's too dangerous…but his gift is what it is. We will have to watch him, you and I. We will have to raise him to be the man he needs to be to wield such responsibility."

Jake laid a hand on Martinez's shoulder.

"I hope that you will not be a stranger," he said. "There is a lot of work ahead of me. There are a lot of things that I don't know. Snake was a very strong leader — I'm a little different. I'm going to need advice."

"I will be here when you need me," Martinez said. He smiled. "I'll have to be certain the boy is receiving the proper care and education, after all."

Jake glanced over his shoulder

"Speaking of that, I'd better get back in there. I'm going to sit up with him. I'll catch some sleep in the chair, but I want to be there if he wakes up. I don't think he should be alone."

"Agreed. I will return after sunrise. He'll need to rest, and he'll need to eat. We'll want to start for DeChance's home as soon as possible. I believe he trusts me, but he has good reasons not to. I want this to end as quickly as possible."

"What about Los Escorpiones?" Jake asked.

"I don't think we'll hear much from them for a while. I also believe that, if any of Anya Cabrera's people remain, they will remain quiet as well. There is no trace of what she summoned left in The Barrio. I would sense it. Now will be a time of healing on all sides. We must work to make that happen as quickly, and as completely, as possible."

"You can count on it," Jake said, turning. "I've had enough battles and losses for a lifetime."

Martinez watched the big man until he was out of sight. When he was alone, he rolled the painting up carefully and tucked it into a pocket in his jacket. When he was sure it was safely stowed, he returned to the main room of the clubhouse, found an old, leather armchair, and sank back into it — exhausted.

When he closed his eyes, the colored spheres strobed softly, just once. He slept immediately, and deeply. He did not dream.