Third chapter now. Please keep reviewing!
Over the next couple of days I work little in the kitchen, mostly visiting the dragon.
I tell the women I work with that I am sick and I don't want it to spread.
I tell my dad working hours have been extended, giving me more time to spend with the she-dragon.
I bring the growing dragon fresh food everyday, which I catch on my way to our secret hideout. She always wolfs it down quickly then looks at me as if waiting for more.
I change the leaves that serve as bandages too, seeing that the torn wing is now healing.
This means the she-dragon could fly again soon.
This means that she could leave me. That she could fly away and never return. And I would have to go back to the boring kitchen work like before. I would probably still go out every night, but maybe then I won't enjoy it as much.
Or the she-dragon could stay.
I want her to stay. I want the dragon I still have no name for to remain here with me, here.
She has been the most extraordinary thing that has happened to me yet, probably ever.
We could be friends and I could ride her when she's old enough. We could explore the island together. We could hunt and fish day and night…
All of these thoughts going through my head remind me of one thing; kitchen work.
How would I ever get out of it? I can't just keep ditching like I do now. I would have to think of something else. Something valid…
I trip over a rock in my path, falling onto my hands, making them sting.
I'm surprised. I must have been so distracted by the future that I had forgotten to watch where I put my feet.
Slowly, I pick myself up form the moist earth and see what had tripped me.
It wasn't a rock that made me stumble and fall.
It was a snake.
It probably isn't venomous, but everyone in the village knows they can still give you a nasty bite, even the smallest of children, who have not yet even begun to work.
Snakes often find their way into the food supplies stocked up for winter. When we find one, we all have to be careful not to get hurt.
Now in an upright position, I force myself to stand completely still even though my legs are telling me to run. Even the smallest movement can agitate the reptile, which is now on my left boot.
I'm rigid all over. Even if I tried now, I don't think I could move, it's like I've grown roots.
Now the snake is back on the ground though, heading for my other boot, I take a step forward.
This one step allows the snake to slither in a straight line without coming in contact with me.
Even after the serpent has disappeared into the bushes, just off the path, I stand there until I can no longer hear the rustle of leaves that the snake makes each time it moves.
Finally free form the long and scaly creature, I continue in the direction of the clearing.
I've been here a few times while it's light and I'm sort of used to the brightness of everything. It looks just like when the sun has set, only more colour-filled and lively.
It's almost midday by the time I arrive to the rock fall.
I had walked slowly due to my twisted ankle. I had sprained on my way down to the clearing a few days back. It was much better now but still hurt every time I put weight on it.
After that time I had forgotten to replace the boulder, I have been careful to put it back as I have often heard men from our village hunting close by. I don't want them to locate my secret hideout that I share with the dragon.
This part of the river here is plentiful with fish and a large amount of birds live here too. If the hunters came I could no longer come here plus they would hunt here until it is as empty of animals as the rest of the island forest.
They would probably also find the dragon.
That is something I have to prevent. I found her. I healed her. I fed her.
I should protect her too. I'm simply afraid of what they might do to her is she is located.
I run across the clearing and leap over the river without even using the tree-bridge. I've done that a couple of times now and it doesn't take too much energy. In a way it's just like jumping through the trees.
When I enter the cave, it's a relief from the scorching sun. The fresh air surrounding me cools me almost immediately.
Now that summer is just around the corner, the days are getting longer and a lot hotter. This cave is hidden throughout the day and stays cool and in the shade.
To my advantage, the long days also allow me to spend more time with the dragon.
At the sight of me the dragon perks up, like usual. Her eyes bright and shinning. It's become a habit for her, I guess.
Her stomach grumbles loudly, eager for the meal I have brought.
I throw the limp animals high into the air, almost touching the cave roof.
For this, the she-dragon has to stretch her neck to catch her meal.
It's good exercise for her really.
She's been in this cave for over a week now, not leaving a single time during her recovery. She's obviously a lot weaker than before.
I sit with her, just complaining to her really, till the sun begins to set. I decide to stay a bit longer with her. Just till it's dark, then I'll go, I promise myself.
I move a little closer, hopefully she trusts me by now, reaching my hand out to touch the dragon.
She's half asleep, eyes closed. Not yet aware of my action. I lean in even closer.
Her eyes snap open and, for a second, I'm almost blinded.
Her lightning yellow eyes shine brightly in the dim light of dusk.
She looks me straight in the eye and the light from her eyes are like a candle, they're luminous.
Then when she looks away, they serve as flashlights, reflecting off the cave walls.
Now I know the perfect name for her.
Shadowshock.
It's perfect. I thought of it just now.
Seeing her eyes for the first in the darkness of the settling night. I've seen them before of course, but they have never been this bright.
"Shadowshock" I whisper to the she-dragon. I then firmly place my hand on her scaly head and whisper her name over and over until I see understanding settle in her eyes.
She then frightens me slightly by breathing out a small flame.
It's the exact same colour as her eyes; it looks like liquid bolts of lightning, illuminating the cave even more than her eyes.
It's only a small amount of fire but I'm guessing it's her first huff, ever.
Dragons are not born breathing flames. They develop the skill over the first few months of their life, then with practice they can blow flames for almost three minutes straight.
Shadowshock must be proud. I know I am, for not leaving her and getting to see this. For sharing this moment with her.
For healing her in the first place.
I still have to leave her here. I wish I could freeze this moment and live in it forever; alone with Shadowshock and no worries whatsoever.
We all wish for things to happen and they don't always do. However I will be back to visit the dragon tomorrow.
I say goodbye to Shadowshock and leave.
Keep reviewing and alerting and expect the next chapter soon!
