Chapter 5

On the fourth week Fajra was growing too large for the small clearing and her need to stretch out her wings was becoming more impulsive. At nearly a month old she needed more feeding and didn't need her food slaughtered and she would often fly off into the night and feed herself at feeding pens and return full and quite pleased with herself. Kevin had to scold her constantly to the point where she couldn't be trusted and the herds had to be moved to more hidden and well-guarded areas to stop her poaching.

" I don't see why I can't feed myself as I like when there's plenty to go around and if the cows and such are for the dragons and I'm a dragon it seems quite reasonable to me that I should be allowed to pick a few up for a snack.'' She said with a huff after Kevin had given her another lecture on the subject.

Kevin sighed and placed a hand over his head "Fajra you can't go around plucking livestock out of pens the herds are rationed out and each dragon is given its fair share if it were allowed for everybody to feed themselves as they like why there'd be fighting over food and havoc everywhere for I'm sure the bigger dragons would over feed themselves and surely let the smaller dragons go hungry and pray tell what about the young dragons who can't yet fight? Would you let them go hungry because of your greed?'' he said not meaning to be mean but telling the honest truth Fajra's actions could be seen as nothing more but pure greed.

Fajra tapped one of her talons on the ground in deep thought and sighed and lowered her head and looked at him with her golden amber eyes " I'm sorry then for acting like a greedy pig and I promise not to do it again.'' And she nudged him with her soft nose and he hugged it and kissed her chin "Its ok my love I'm afraid it's just too dull for you here once we get to the covert you'll feel much better.'' And he patted her side and they went off for a short flight around the sanctuary.

Early the next morning Kevin was woken up by Fajra pushing him with her muzzle, he grumbled " What is it?'' and tried to go back to sleep pulling the blanket over his face , " There's a girl here and she says she's come for you.'' She replied and nudged him again. Kevin opened one eye and turned to see and was shocked to see Captain Aimee standing before him with Brinsop a few feet away. Kevin was quick to stand and give a formal salute but Aimee shook her head " No need for all that were equals here.'' And she smiled and patted his back and eyed Fajra who was eyeing Brinsop suspiciously, "What a beauty she is the Chinese clearly have out done themselves.'' And Fajra bent down to acknowledge the compliment, "Why thank you. Are you Captain Aimee that Kevin has been talking about? He says you are very nice and was the reason why he was here for my hatching which I'm thankful for.''

And she nuzzled Kevin affectionately which made him blush. Brinsop snorted and Aimee rounded on him "Brinsop don't be that way you should be happy for Kevin's promotion.'' And the dragon merely snorted and lowered his head and stepped closer eyeing Fajra who only reached his shoulder, " I've missed you Kevin but I suppose as long as your happy I guess I must be content with it all.'' He said stubbornly.

Brinsop hadn't like the idea of losing him like all dragons they became very possessive of their crews and took it to heart when they lost one to another dragon. Kevin trying to ease the poor creature gave him a chin scratch which he often did when they'd come back from a mission or a bath. But Fajra let out a possessive growl and put a defensive claw around Kevin drawing him closer to her; he could only sigh and patted her talons which were caging him in close to her. Brinsop merely snorted and backed away not wanting to trouble the captains with such childish behavior, and settled himself down.

Aimee shook her head and turned to Kevin who was giving apologizes to Fajra who was eyeing him challengingly. She smiled at them "You two are quite a pair I'm sure you'll do fine in your wing.'' And Kevin stopped his placating to stare at her "My wing you mean they've found someone to assign me to?'' he looked over at her and she nodded her head and handed him a letter stamped with the Admiral's seal. He opened it and read it aloud so Fajra could hear it.

Dear Kevin,

I know I've said this from recent letters already but let me once again congratulate you on your success at harnessing your Fajra I'm quite pleased with you my boy. I'd like to inform you that your little project has been finished and is waiting for your return. But back to business I'm assigning you and your beast to a new wing which we've just formed it is too be deported to the battlefield in Iraq within three months.

Signed,

Admiral Omar

The letter was short and to the point, Fajra seemed to glow in this "Does that mean I'll get to fight?'' she asked with fire in her tone and Aimee shook her head "I see you are a blood thirsty little creature. Yes you're going to be shipped off as soon as your training is finished and you've reached full growth.'' She added, Kevin looked at the letter again " A new wing?'' he said to himself and shoved the letter into his pocket, " So were to leave now I presume?'' he asked already knowing the answer , Aimee nodded her head and winked at him " Also your little surprise has also been finished as well.''

Kevin blushed and looked up at Fajra who was eyeing them both suspiciously, "What surprise?'' she asked looking at him longingly. Kevin just winked and said " You'll see when we get there my love.'' and she huffed and began busying herself thinking of what the surprise could be, while Kevin packed his few belongs into a bag and zipped up his riding jacket his goggles in hand. Aimee was already waiting for him on Brinsop who was speaking with Chief Aloe and Anna; he hadn't noticed them come into the clearing.

They'd come to see them off Aloe shook Kevin's hand and smiled "Take care of her and you of him.'' He added looking at Fajra who nodded "I will not let any harm come to him.'' And she nuzzled Kevin affectionately. Anna who'd been standing quietly sighed and said sadly "Take care my little one and be strong for both you and your captain. And watch over one another.'' And she quickly turned and walked away.

Kevin wanted to go after her but Aloe shook his head "It's hard for mother to watch little ones grow up and leave the nest.'' And with that he said his goodbyes and backed away for them to take off. Fajra lifted him up into the saddle and waited for him to be securely in before taking off flapping her wings she hovered over the ground then pushed off and circled waiting for Brinsop who soon joined her and they quickly set off towards the covert.