Blue Dragon Part 21

'We could get into trouble for this,' I said.

'Wait,' the Dragon said.

A bubbly tingling sensation moved through me.

'Go straight through. Hurry,' the Dragon said. 'I can't make the Dark Lord invisible for very long, he is extremely large. Quickly.'

I took Simone's hand and we rushed past the customs and immigration counters together.

Stay quiet, the Dragon said. the Dragon said. They can still hear you, even though they can't see you. They can still hear you, even though they can't see you.

A few drowsy security guards didn't notice us, even though our feet probably made some noise.

'This is so cool so cool,' Simone whispered.

I hushed her until we were on the other side. The bubbly sensation stopped.

'Can I learn to do that too, Daddy?' Simone said as we went out the terminal to the car waiting area.

'Invisibility? Probably,' John said. 'We'll have a session together when the Lady is finished with me. We may try a few things.'

'Cool,' Simone said.

A large van with tinted windows waited for us.

'This is it,' the Dragon said. 'The driver is one of mine. He will take you directly to the resort. I will follow when the luggage is secured. I'll meet you there.'

'Thanks, Dragon,' I said.

He smiled slightly. 'You are most welcome. Let's get you sealed and safe.'

I stopped before I entered the van and looked inside. The driver smiled at me. I held Simone back. 'Dragon, please double-check for us.'

The Dragon opened the front pa.s.senger door and poked his head in. There was a blinding white flash and the driver disappeared.

'They are certainly on to you, my Lord,' the Dragon said. 'Please wait, I will get another driver for you.'

'd.a.m.n,' John said under his breath.

'On second thoughts, I will come with you,' the Dragon said as another grinning driver materialised in the van. 'They're probably planning to ambush us on the way to the resort.'

'How did you know?' John said.

'I have no idea,' I said. 'But I think it's just application of Murphy's Law.'

'What's Murphy's Law?' Simone said as I strapped her into her seat.

'If something can go wrong, it will go wrong,' I said.

'Once you are at the resort you will be safe,' the Dragon said, pulling himself into the front pa.s.senger seat. 'The seals there are the most powerful in existence. I had them set when the building was erected. They are part of the structure. Nothing will get in.'

'The seals on my house in Guangdong were breached,' John said grimly.

'These are blood blood seals, my Lord,' the Dragon said. seals, my Lord,' the Dragon said.

John stiffened. 'You will tell me more about this later,' he said, his voice a low rumble.

'Let's go,' the Dragon said.

No one tried to ambush us with the Dragon in the car.

The lobby of the hotel was at least five storeys high with a soaring pitched roof. Splas.h.i.+ng fountains decorated the centre, and the walls were rich with Malaysian designs and local Borneo handicrafts. The check-in counters were to one side.

'I suggest you go to the end of the lobby and take a look at the resort while I arrange keys for you,' the Dragon said. 'I will need to have the keys put through the computer. How many do you need?'

'How many rooms are you giving us?' I said.

'The Presidential Suite,' the Dragon said. 'Fourbedroom apartment.'

'One for me, one for John, one for Leo should be enough, I think.'

'If they are blood seals then the Lady will not be able to materialise in there,' John said. 'One for her too.'

'Very good,' the Dragon said. He hesitated and his face went blank. 'Good. Your bags are here. I will arrange the keys. Go,' he said and gestured towards the end of the lobby. 'Have a look.'

I took Simone's hand and we walked across the lobby, John and Leo following us.

Simone looked around, goggle-eyed. 'This place is huge huge.'

When we reached the end, we could see over the edge of the lobby to the swimming pool and the ocean beyond. We were about two storeys up; the back of the lobby was higher than the front.

'Wah!' Simone said.

Leo chuckled.

The vast pool below us was a deep shade of blue, surrounded by lush tropical plants and vibrantly green lawn. A barbecue had been set out on the lawn, and guests sat at tables spread on the gra.s.s enjoying a barbecue buffet. Beyond the lawn was the stone-edged sh.o.r.e of the ocean, which was a deep shade of indigo, rippling with small waves. Across the water, right on the horizon, were four tiny islands.

Above the islands, the sun was setting in a spectacular display of vivid tropical colours. A fresh breeze, full of the smell of the ocean and flowers and tinged with smoke from the barbecue, brushed our hair.

'And I'll be locked up for ten days,' John said ruefully, leaning on the railing.

'Can we go out to the islands?' Simone said, excited.

'Yes, of course. There isn't much beach here on the mainland, the best beaches are out there,' the Dragon said, appearing behind us. 'After you have settled in, we will go out. I have a boat, I will take you, Princess.'

'Thanks, Dragon,' Simone said.

Qing Long bowed and smiled slightly. 'My pleasure, my Lady.' He gestured. 'Your rooms are prepared. Please come this way.' He handed John a small folder. 'Keys.'

John nodded, and immediately pa.s.sed the folder to me. His hand brushed mine and I knew.

'Leo, for G.o.d's sake, quickly,' I said, breathless. 'Catch him!'

Leo moved like lightning to grab John before he hit the floor. He wrapped his arm around John's shoulders and supported him.

'Why didn't you say say, Daddy?' Simone scolded.

'Let's just get him into the room,' I said. 'When will the Lady be here?'

'She is here already,' the Dragon said. 'She is outside your room, waiting.' He smiled at John. 'Let's get you up there.'

'I'll make it,' John said.

'It is most disconcerting to see you so weakened, my Lord,' the Dragon said as he guided us along the hotel corridor. It was an outdoor breezeway, meandering through the vibrant gardens. 'I have never seen you like this in all the time I have known you.'

John didn't say anything.

A lift lobby was at the end of the breezeway. The Dragon made the lift doors open before we reached them.

'Third floor,' the Dragon said. 'Room 301, of course. Right at the end of the top floor, overlooking the marina and the ocean. Quite a good view. Best room in the house. It's costing me a fortune to put you up here. Usually I have a Celestial in, and they pay for it in fine Celestial jade or equivalent.'

John didn't say anything. His face was rigid as he clutched Leo.

'Are you okay?' I said softly. 'Hold on.'

The lift doors flew open. 'This way,' the Dragon said. He led us along the third-floor corridor, which was flanked on both sides by the dark wooden doors to the rooms. We went all the way to the end, John struggling to walk, Leo almost carrying him.

Ms Kwan waited for us outside our suite. The Dragon pushed the door open.

'Bring him in here with me,' Ms Kwan said to Leo. 'Hurry.' She rushed straight into the suite, through the large living room, and pushed open a door to the right of the enormous balcony.

Leo hoisted John and carried him in his arms like a child. Simone and I followed. Ms Kwan had gone into the master bedroom. It had an enormous king-sized bed and a couple of comfortable wicker chairs next to the window.

'Drop him into a chair,' Ms Kwan said, quickly moving to close the blinds. 'Leo, put a chair across from him for me.'

Leo obliged. John was unconscious.

'Daddy,' Simone said, taking John's hand. She gently touched his face. 'Daddy.'

'Move away, Simone,' Ms Kwan said, throwing herself into the empty chair and grabbing John's hands. I pulled Simone away. Ms Kwan lowered her head, raised their joined hands palm to palm, and the silvery light of shen energy surrounded them.

'Out,' Ms Kwan said without moving. 'You were just in time. Leave us.'

I took Simone's hand and went out of the room. Leo followed us and gently closed the door.

'He nearly didn't make it,' Simone said.

The Dragon waited for us in the living room of the suite. 'Your bags are here,' he said, gesturing towards a smiling porter. 'Tell the demon where to put them. In about half an hour dinner will be delivered. There is a dining room next to the front door, or you may wish to eat on the balcony.' He gestured towards a side table. 'There is an extensive list of hotel activities on the table. We have a small cinema and bowling alley in the country club at the centre of the resort. Of course you have full use of it. The Princess,' he said with a bow to Simone, 'can call me if you require anything. I have informed the concierge and housekeeping that you are to be exceptionally well cared for. If you need anything, do not hesitate to call them. You have an open account at the resort shop.' He spread his arms and his blue eyes flashed. 'My resort is yours. Enjoy.'

I went to him and took his hands. 'Thank you so much, Qing Long.'

The Dragon smiled and nodded. He shook my hands away gently. 'Rest. Look around tomorrow. If you wish to go to the islands, my little boat is yours.'

He saluted Simone, then me, then swiftly turned and went out.

Simone jiggled. 'I want to pick a room!'

'Well then, let's have a look,' I said. 'Ms Kwan will need a room, your dad already has a room, so that leaves two rooms. Looks like you and me are sharing, Simone.'

'I'll sleep on the sofa,' Leo said. 'You take a room of your own, my Lady.'

Both Simone and I laughed at that. I gave Leo a push, ribbing him. 'Those are two-seaters, Leo-you folding yourself up to sleep? I don't think so.'

The suite was enormous. It had a luxurious living room in the centre, with a dining room behind it, and a huge balcony with a spectacular view over the water to the islands. The room was expensively decorated in shades of maroon and cream, with generous use of exotic Borneo timber.

We looked at the remaining two bedrooms. One had two single beds, the other a queen-sized bed. Not really much choosing necessary.

'This isn't right, my Lady,' Leo said as I directed the demon to put his bags in the room with the large bed. 'You should have this room. It's not fitting for you two to share.'

'Simone and I are having a girls' sleepover party,' I said. 'There's a television with a video in here, and we'll be staying up late and watching Sailor Moon Sailor Moon and and Cardcaptors Cardcaptors. I saw videos for rent at the concierge desk.'

Simone jumped up and down and clapped her hands.

I dug Leo in the ribs with my elbow. 'You can do it instead, if you like. I'm sure you're a big fan of Sailor Moon Sailor Moon.'

Simone's little face was serious. 'Do you like Sailor Moon Sailor Moon, Leo? You can come and watch too, if you like. Sailor Mars is my favourite.'

'Not Sailor Jupiter?' I said. 'She does martial arts.'

'Nope,' Simone said, her eyes sparkling. 'Sailor Mars lives in a temple and does magic stuff. That is so cool so cool. I wish I could do magic stuff like that.'

I glanced at her. She was serious.

'I think I'll skip it for just one night, ladies,' Leo said, also perfectly serious. 'Maybe another time.'

'Okay, Leo, if we find a really good video I'll lend it to you,' Simone said.

Leo bowed. 'My Lady. Now will you two go out and let me unpack? I do not do not want Lady Emma anywhere near my clothes.' want Lady Emma anywhere near my clothes.'

Simone dragged me out and we showed the demon where to put our bags.

CHAPTER TWELVE.