Page 45 of Serving my Dragon
Chapter Fifteen
My little dragon—who’d grown much since I first found her—strutted around proudly flexing her small wings.
“Can you fly with them?” I couldn’t completely mask my skepticism given their paper-thin appearance.
“Not yet. I’ll have to strengthen them first. To that end, I am going hunting.”
“In the jungle?” Kayleigh exclaimed, clasping her hands.
“Where else?” The sarcasm went well with Polly’s rolled eyes. Had we hit the dragon version of teenage years? “There is nothing in the citadel that offers a challenge.”
“Not alone,” Kayleigh protested. She’d taken to mothering Polly, teaching her everything from reading to explaining how the world worked. That included having manners, which was the most difficult as the dragon seemed to think those didn’t apply to her. “At least take Matty with you.”
Polly glanced at me. “He is too loud and will scare away the prey.”
Couldn’t argue with that. I lacked a stealthy gene and always seemed to find a branch to step on.
“But—” Kayleigh tried to protest, however, Polly wouldn’t have it.
“Your concern is noted but unnecessary. I am a dragon.” Polly flexed and puffed her chest. “Hunting is what we do and a skill I must hone. I shall return shortly.”
And that was that.
Polly exited the cave and Kayleigh paced.
“I don’t like this. She’s so little.”
“So is a jaguar’s cub, but that doesn’t make them any less of a predator. Don’t forget, she has the advantage of having the memories of her ancestors. I’m sure she’ll be fine,” I stated rather than convey my own worry. I knew what roamed these parts, including creatures much larger than Pollita.
Without discussion, Kayleigh and I chose to spend the day outside on the pretext of foraging, but, in reality, we listened for a cry of distress.
To our relief, Pollita returned without mishap, her belly rounded and looking fiercely proud of herself. “I can see why others of my kind chose this location. There is an abundance of creatures,” our little dragon declared.
“You’re okay? No injuries?” Kayleigh asked, scooping up Polly and checking her over.
“I am perfectly fine. I avoided the larger types that might cause me trouble but noted their presence for when I am grown enough to hunt them.”
“Did you exercise your wings?” I asked.
“Yes. For now, I can only glide short distances, but soon, I shall soar,” Polly boasted.
I kind of looked forward to seeing that. It must be exhilarating to be able to coast above the world, dipping and soaring.
That night, Juan returned just after twilight, laden with a heavy pack.
“At last, my wily protector returns,” Polly announced, having noticed his presence first.
“Hello, Pollita. Nice wings,” Juan remarked, which, of course, had the little dragon preening.
“Thank you. They are quite nice, aren’t they? What did you bring me?” Polly quickly turned into a normal kid.
While Kayleigh and Polly oohed over the treats packed in the bag, Juan motioned to me. “I’ve got more stuff in the truck, but I’ll need a hand.”
We set off through the jungle and I asked, “How are things back home?”
“Good, although your mama is missing you.”
While I missed her, too, admitting it would lead to mocking. “Did you get anything useful out of those gringos looking for Kayleigh?”
