The Tale of Silence

by Tiir Rumibul

Silentvoice is a young child with a cruel father and no mother. He is forced to fend for himself along with his dragon, Whistler. When he meets Valka, however, his life is changed for the better.

2. Chapter 2: Recovery

An hour later, Whistler had gathered enough fish to feed us all. I give the woman's dragon and Whistler their portions. I roast the rest by the fire. I hear groans behind me. The woman is waking up. She looks around. She sees me by the fire. "Did you save us?" She asks. I nod my head. "Thank you. My name is Valka. My dragon's name is Cloudjumper. What's your name?" Valka asks.

I growl softly. I take my dagger and scratch my name in the dirt. Valka reads it. "Your name is Silentvoice? So, you can't speak?" She asks.

I shake my head no. I scratch more words in the dirt. She reads them. "So, your dragon's name is Whistler? May I see him?" Valka asks.

I nod my head. I growl to Whistler. He comes over. Valka places her hand on his nose. Whistler nuzzles Valka gently, mindful of her broken arm.

I return to the fire. I grab one of the roasted fish. I hand it to Valka. She takes it. "Thank you, Silentvoice," Valka says while taking a bite.

I nod my head. Whistler nuzzles me. I look outside. The sun has just set. Valka finishes her fish before falling back to sleep.

I lay down on my bed next to Whistler. I close my eyes. I'm also asleep before I know it.