Blue Dragon

.’
    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 grass enjoying a barbecue buffet. Beyond the lawn was the stone-edged shore 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 passed the folder to me. His hand brushed mine and I knew.
    ‘Leo, for God’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 , 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 bedand 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