Page 47 of Serving my Dragon
During that time, Polly grew at a crazy rate, no longer the size of a kitten but now that of a medium-sized dog. Her wings did indeed thicken and her ability to coast from tree to tree soon turned into actual flight. I’ll admit to feeling a sense of awe the first time I saw her swooping and twirling in the air above the lake.
No more did I think of Pollita as a lizard. I beheld an actual dragon, albeit, minus the fire, a touchy subject as it turned out.
I broached it one night during dinner. “So how come the stories claim dragons breathe flames?”
“Because some do,” Polly stated. “There are five main abilities a dragon can have. Fire, acid, water, ice, and electricity.”
“Which one do you have?” Because I’d not seen her display any of those.
“None,” my dragon grumbled. “Whatever my gift is, it remains well hidden for the moment.”
“I’m sure it will come,” Kayleigh soothed.
“Or not,” was Polly’s more ominous complaint. “While rare, it happens that some never discover their gift. Without one, it will be harder for me to expand and protect my territory.”
“You do realize, humanity isn’t likely to just allow you to take over a country, right?” I felt a need to speak up.
“Allow?” Polly scoffed. “As if I will ask for permission. I am a dragon. I decide what I shall claim.”
“And if people balk?”
“Why would they? It is an honor to have me as their ruler.”
The conversation reminded me that for all intents and purposes, I spoke to a child. “Because people don’t like to be told what to do, and since you’re the one who keeps speaking of your enemies hunting you, you are obviously aware that humans do sometimes fight back.”
“What would you suggest instead?” Polly huffed. “A dragon’s whole purpose is to accumulate wealth and land.”
“You don’t have to be vocal or visible to do it, though,” I countered. “The world’s richest people are rarely seen. They simply buy everything they want. Bribe when needed.”
“Are you suggesting I dominate through stealthy means?” Polly sounded shocked.
“Yes.”
It took her a moment to reply. “You know, there might be merit in that. It would make it harder for my enemies to notice my gradual takeover. You have given me much to ponder and plot. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I am finally strong enough to fly across the chasm and immerse myself in the heated pool.”
With that announcement, Polly entered the citadel by soaring through the waterfall.
“That was very well done,” Kayleigh stated. “I’ve been wondering how to broach the world domination fixation Polly has.”
“I don’t think she grasps how poorly that would end. She’d either wind up shot or taken captive for study.” Neither of which I wanted to see happen.
“She’s a smart girl. Give her time. It’s gotta be hard to have all these implanted expectations that are at odds with the world she hatched into.”
“Speaking of time… You haven’t said anything about trying to return home.” A subject I’d been dreading, but like a vacation, I knew this idyllic respite would eventually have to end.
“Trying to get rid of me?” she teased.
“No!” It came out rather forcefully. I sighed. “But let’s be honest, while I am enjoying the time we’ve spent here, we both know it’s only temporary.”
“Does it have to be?” Kayleigh grabbed my hands. “I love you, Matty. And honestly, the idea of going home…” She shook her head. “I want to be with you.”
At her declaration, my heart almost burst. “I love you, too, but what about your life, your home, your job?”
She shrugged. “Easy enough to pack up the mementos and clothes I want to keep and have them shipped. I can sell or donate the rest. As for teaching, think a school in the area would hire me?”
“I don’t think that would be an issue. I know of a few English immersion schools.” Excitement filled me at the thought of having her around.
“The biggest issue is Polly.” She glanced at the waterfall. “I know you don’t want to stay here, but she’s already getting too big to hide at your house.”
