Dragon Whisperer
Long ago in a harsh and dark time, there was a boy who was a dragon whisperer. Only his parents and Aunt knew but when his parents passed on the boy was in harm.
“Hey! Aunt Susie, can I take a walk in the woods!”
“No!”
“But...”
“Ezathar, I told you no.”
“Well then, I guess I'll just be in the barn.” Ezathar said to no one in particular. Ezathar walked towards the barn but heard a sound in the woods. He decided to go check it out, maybe an animal was hurt! Ezathar went into the woods even though his Aunt told him to stay out. Then he heard it again, this time louder ... then silence.
I should be getting back. Ezathar turned around then thought where is home? I must have followed the noise farther in than I thought I did. Ezathar stood still, darting his eyes around frightened. What was that?! Maybe he should have listened to his aunt after all. Just when he thought he was going to be sleeping in the woods that night, Ezathar saw a light. Then he heard voices. They were muffled though so he couldn't hear them very well. Ezathar only made out the words dragon and prophecy. Then Ezathar felt something cold and sharp against his neck. A drop of blood trickled down his throat. There's a knife against my throat!!!
Someone whispered in Ezathar`s ear “What's your name? Why are you here? Where are you going?” but before he was able to answer he passed out.
When he awoke, he was tied up and had a piece of cloth in his mouth that was tied around his head. His hands were tied back with thick, scratchy rope. He was next to a campfire with three guys, one of whom he had just met. Then Ezathar struggled to speak “Mpphhh mm mpp mm.”
“Hahaha, the boy is trying to talk to us. I'm sorry but we can't hear you. Oh, do you want your mommy and daddy. Hahahahahaha” It went on for hours, then Ezathar finally fell asleep.
Ezathar woke up to something or someone cutting his ropes loose. Ezathar turned around to see a tiny creature with razor-sharp teeth and claws, it was black with piercing blue eyes. “Please don't hurt me.” Ezathar said softly. Then he heard the beautiful yet deadly looking creature speak, but its mouth wasn't moving.
Hello dragon whisperer, just think to me.
You can hear my thoughts?
You are a dragon whisperer.
So, are you a dragon?
Yes, but we have to get out of here!
Ezathar was cut loose by the dragon’s jagged row of tiny teeth, the dragon didn`t have fully grown teeth. He then rushed away with the dragon. They ran swiftly through the terrifying shadows in the woods, which was lit by the moonlight. They stopped at a pile of brush at the bottom of a tall pine tree. Pine needles were scattered over the ground, Ezathar didn`t care. He just wanted rest.
Let’s rest here.
Can I ask a few questions first?
Yes but only because you have to name me so we can talk to each other forever. If you don`t name me, well that would be bad.
Are you a male or female?
Female.
I name you...Skyla.
Nice choice, it has a uniqueness to it.
My first question is... can we speak to each other, like aloud I mean?
Yes we can though it is better to not do it.
My second question is... this is going be awkward...do I have magic?
That is for you to find out.
My last question is...
Suddenly the men from before came charging up. Their fiery torches lighting up the green leaves on the trees. The wind whispered making the fire blaze wildly. “No one escapes us!!!” one thundered. The same guy barked orders at the others. Then they chanted “Ranen! Ranen!” The men came at Ezathar and Skyla with spears and swords positioned at them. Ezathar and Skyla ran deep into the forest hoping to lose the men. They lost where they were as well. A few hours later they stopped.
I don't think they're coming after us anymore. We should rest.
You're right Skyla, I'm tired,
Ezathar yawned loudly.
Good night.
Good night.
Ezathar woke up late in the morning. He saw a big black creature looming over him and was scared until he remembered what happened.
Did you grow Skyla?
Yes, overnight is when most dragons grow.
Oh. Ok. How do you know all these facts?
Dragons are born with the facts. That may sound a bit weird to humans though.
Huh. When can you fly?
In human years, one month. In dragon years, one year.
Ezathar and Skyla got up and started walking slowly. Skyla took the lead.
Where are we going?
Away from Ranen`s men.
Oh. So are you able to tell the future?
No, I only know facts about dragons, sadly.
They walked through the forest with no idea where they were going. They walked like a cub trying to find his mother, frantically rushing in all directions. Then there was a loud rumbling sound.
Sorry, that was me.
Are you hungry Skyla?
Yes, and dragons eat a lot.
Even baby dragons?
Even baby dragons.
I'm hungry too. Let's find some food.
A half hour later they heard voices talking. Hopefully it wasn`t Ranen`s men.
What is that?
I don't know, but I hope there's food.
I`ll check it out.
Ezathar ran off and looked through some trees at the edge of a clearing. There were people selling goods and trading. Ezathar ran back to tell Skyla the good news when a man stepped in front of him. The man was about forty years old, by the looks of it, and looked strong enough to be in a wrestling match.
“What's a boy like you doing out here in the woods?”
“I...I was... looking for a place to work...sir.” Ezathar stammered.
“Well, why didn't you say so? My shop could always have a new recruit. People say that I ain't paying them enough, I just can't afford to pay them more. How about I give you two shillings a day, two meals a day, and a place to stay. Now ain't that nice.”
“Yes sir!” Ezathar told him, surprised but trying not to blow his chance away.
“Come now, my cabin is right over here.”
The man brought Ezathar to the opening, past a few shops, and into a ramshackle cabin.
“Rule number one, call me sir in public but John while you're in here. Rule number two, eat breakfast at 5 `o clock sharp and supper at 7 `o clock. Rule number three, you sleep in the attic. Now follow me to the shop.”
Ezathar followed the man, John, to the shop which was right next door.
“How’s business going, Charles.”
“OK I guess.” said the so-called Charles.
“I've got a new recruit!” John said more excitedly.
“He's a bit young isn't he?” Charles answered gloomily.
“People will be sad to see a boy so young working here so they will give him tips.” explained John. “I want you to show him how to make something to sell. Maybe teach him more than that.”
“OK.”
While they were having their conversation Ezathar was thinking, don't they know I can hear them? I speak English! John walked out of the store to go do something. Ezathar didn't know what but he hoped it didn`t involve going in the woods. Skyla couldn`t be found!
“Let’s go make wooden figures” Charles said gloomily while bringing him behind the counter. “Here are the wood blocks that you start with and the carving knife is over there. You take off strips at a time.” he said pointing to the wood blocks in a pile on the floor. Then he left.
Ezathar sighed aloud. Then knelt down and grabbed a wood block and a carving knife and he started carving. He carved for a while and when he was done with his first carving he studied it. It was a dragon in flight, its wings spread apart. He put it in his pocket and it became one of the most valuable possessions he had.
After making some carvings of dragons he started making carvings of cats and dogs. People came in and bought carvings as quickly as they were made. Some people asked for specific ones to be made. Word had apparently gone around about the amazing carvings that John came to see them.
“Wow, I haven't seen carvings that good in a long time. Shop closes in a bit so wrap things up.” John said.
Ezathar followed John out of the store into his cabin. There was a women in there. He recognized the women from the store. She bought two carvings, a wolf and a cat.
“Hello John, is this you’re new recruit you told me about earlier?” the women said, her voice sounded like rich honey.
“Yes, he's staying in the attic. And doesn't he do wonderful carvings.” answered John.
“Yes dear, now let’s eat supper. Oh my! Please excuse my rudeness, I didn't even introduce myself. I'm Claire.” she said.
“I'm Ezathar”
John sat down at the small table. On the table were beans, beef, and mashed potatoes. Ezathar sat down too. Then John handed him two shillings.
“Your pay” he said.
Claire sat down next John.
“Let’s say grace” Claire said then bowed her head and closed her eyes. Ezathar did the same. “Please bless this food we are about to eat and thank you for our friend Ezathar here.”
Then they all said “Amen.”
When they were all done eating Ezathar helped clean the dishes. Claire told him he didn't have to but when he did she said thank you. Ezathar was then given blankets to keep warm with and sent up in the attic. When he was up there he put a blanket down to lay on and covered up with one. Ezathar then took out his carving of a dragon and turned it in his hand thinking. Once it got quiet and he thought Claire and John went to bed he quietly got up and opened the door. The door made a loud creaky noise and Ezathar was scared it woke Claire and John up, so he stood there for a while. After what seemed like hours to Ezathar he went out and closed the door behind him. Then he walked slowly down the stairs like a sloth. When he got to the door for outside he opened it and headed out, luckily that door wasn't creaky.
When he got outside he ran fast as a cheetah toward the woods. When Ezathar got near where he left Skyla he thought her name.
Skyla! Skyla!
I'm here!
Skyla scampered up to meet him, as a dog would go up to it’s owner.
Where have you been?
Well this guy found me in the woods and he recruited me. Here have some food.
Ezathar held out his hand, on it was some beef from supper.
Mmmmm. This is good, but not enough for a growing dragon like me. Where did you get it?
The guy also let me sleep in the attic and eat breakfast and dinner with him and his wife.
You didn't say anything about dragons, did you?
No! Of course not!
Good, we don't want anyone to know about us, it's hard to trust anyone.
They stood there silently for a while. The wind brushed against Ezathar’s hair. Skyla spoke up.
You'd better get going before you're missed. See you soon!
Bye!
Ezathar headed back to John's house but stopped when he heard loud voices. He decided to go and investigate.
When he got to where the voices were they stopped. Ezathar waited a bit and then he heard a twig snap from behind him. He turned around so quickly that he stumbled a bit and fell. Ezathar looked up and saw Skyla looming over him.
Why do you have to scare me!
I didn't try to I was just checking on you.
Well what were the voices!?
I found this.
Skyla dropped something on the ground. Ezathar picked it up and yelled, “It`s a recording!”
Don't talk aloud remember?
Oh yeah, sorry.
So what is a recording?
It's where someone presses a button and this remembers the voices and what they are saying.
Oh ok, let's hear it.
Ezathar pressed the replay button and this is what he heard.
“Right now I'm spying on a group of Ranen`s men. They have a camp set up in the northern part of the woods. Oh no. I think they've found me. Help! Mmmmhh mm mhhm mmhmm!”
We've got to help her or him!
Settle down, you can't leave suddenly or they will be suspicious.
But I've got to...
No! In a few weeks you can but not yet.
Ugh, that's a loooong time.
I know, but we can't take any chances of being found. Now go quickly, they can't see you going back.
Meanwhile,
“You'll never get away with this, my father will find out and send search parties.”
“Aww, the princess needs her father to protect her.”
“Someone will come. I know it.”
Back at John's cabin, Ezathar raced in only to find Claire making breakfast.
“Where have you been? We were worried!”
“Uh...I was out. I took a walk. Yeah that's it.”
“You don't sound so sure.”
Ezathar put on his best smile. “I'm sure!”
“Ok.” said Claire. “Well breakfast is ready. Sausage with eggs and biscuits.”
“Mmmm. Sounds delicious.” Ezathar remarked. Once they got done eating (name) was stuffed. He hadn`t been this full since, well ages. He went back to the shop and grabbed his carving utensils. Then carved again but this time he was slower. Something was on his mind.
Who was that person on the recording, and where were they from? Could the person help him and Skyla, who was possibly the last dragon?
“How’s the customers.”
Ezathar looked up to see a man with a white bushy beard, no hair on his head and robes that had mud on them.
“Wh-who are you!” Ezathar announced to the stranger.
“My name is not needed, do you by any chance have a carving of a...dragon?”
“Y-yes.” said Ezathar not thinking.
“I'll buy it.” the man said.
“7 shillings.” Ezathar said amazed. Who was this man and why did he want a carving of a dragon. But Ezathar couldn't stop staring. The man gave him 7 shillings and took the dragon carving off the counter and left without a word.
Once Ezathar fell out of his trance he headed outside to check the time, the sun was going down so he should close up shop and head to John's cabin.
About one and a half weeks later
Ezathar stood at the entrance to the cabin, and smelt hoping there to be the smells of food. But that's not what he smelt. He smelt, burning. The cabin was burning! It must have been the work of Ranen's men. They tracked him!
I must get to Skyla and tell her what happened.
Ezathar ran past the shops into the forest and to the place where Skyla was hiding. When he got there he thought out her name.
Skyla! Skyla, where are you!
I`m here, up in the sky.
Ezathar looked up. He saw Skyla flying around in a circle above him.
You can finally fly!
Yes! Now hop on.
Skyla dove down head first and changed into feet first, right before she hit the ground, and landed. Then crouched down so Ezathar could get on. Skyla had grown a lot while in hiding but she was ready to stop hiding.
Go up so we can watch the area.
Ok. Going up, hold on!
Once they were up high enough to scour the area they looked around.
Where are Ranen`s men?
Suddenly they heard something from behind them. They turned around and saw...a bird. Then they saw a speck in the distance. No, two. Wait, three, five! There were five riders on dragons. From their uniform they seemed to be Ranen's men. But what was that? A whip, they all had a whip to hit their dragons with if they disobeyed.
Poor dragons, they are being forced to fight their own kin.
Ranen will pay for this!
Skyla don't get crazy! You're getting as uncontrollable as Ranen.
I'm calm, what are you talking about.
Ok, this is the plan. We scare them off but don't hit the dragons and we set out the fire and leave. We also should look for that person that was taken by Ranen.
Fine.
Ezathar and Skyla flew toward the dragons but right before they hit them Skyla swooped up and shot fireballs at the riders. Two got hit but the rest were still fighting. The guy, who looked like the Sargent, had his dragon shoot fire at Skyla and Ezathar. They narrowly escaped. The rest that were left followed his lead.
Ahh! I've been shot in the wing! We`re going doooowwnn!
Skyla and (name) went down toppling all over the sky.
“Oooff!”
Then blackness.
“Uurgh” Ezathar groaned. Then realized what happened and got up abruptly, Ezthar winced in pain. He looked down and saw a bandage wrapped around his ribs and one around his leg. He must have cracked his ribs and broken his leg when he hit the ground. But where was he? Ezathar tried to ignore the pain shooting up his leg as he walked around. It felt like a bunch of pine needles pricking Ezathar`s leg.
“You know, we found a boy lying on the ground by a dragon.”
“WHAT!!! You know we can`t trust anyone!”
“They came down like a missile. I could hardly see them they were going so fast.”
Silence, then footsteps sounded. They were coming in Ezathar`s direction, Ezathar hid around a corner in hope that whoever it was would stop soon enough. The footsteps stopped around the corner from where Ezathar was hiding. He could see the nose, of the supposedly guard, peeking out from around the corner. Should Ezathar run, or should he stay. He didn`t have time to choose when a guard came up behind him.
“Hey, where do you think you`re going!”
Ezathar limped away from the guards but didn`t get very far till he was surrounded.
Ezathar!
Skyla I`m surrounded and wounded.
Coming!
Skyla broke away from the rope that was holding her down, she didn`t want to leave Ezathar before, and swooped through hallways toward Ezathar. She landed right by him and he hopped up. Skyla took off into the sky and Ezathar saw archers readying their fire.
“Hold your fire!” a woman called out.
Are they on our side?
I don`t know, you want to go down?
Yes, but let`s stay at a distance. We don`t want to be attacked, we`re already wounded as it is.
I tore my wing and they fixed it so, they should be fine.
Skyla swooped down and landed in the midst of the archers. “What do you want from us?” Ezathar cried out.
“We want to save the dragons and get rid of Ranen`s men!” the woman called back, “Here is our kingdom where we train dragons and men to fight and use their abilities.”
There are more dragons that are free?! Yippee! I`m going to get to see more dragons!
Hmmm…let`s see the dragons Skyla. Should I tell them?
Yes, for now you shall talk to them.
“Skyla and I want to see the other dragons.”
“Ummm” she hesitated, “They`re busy right now. Perhaps you shall come when they`re not busy.”
Skyla, I don`t like this. Let`s leave this place.
Alright, but I wanted to see the other dragons.
I think these are Ranen`s men and that they are tricking us.
Yeah…now that you say that.
Skyla swooped Ezathar up onto her back and flew away. “Ranen will get you! He will succeed!” the now angry woman bellowed. Skyla flew away leaving the gathering of men and archers watching them fly away.
When sundown came they stopped to rest. And Ezathar rested till the middle of the next day.
Ezathar woke to sunlight blaring violently. The light was nearly blinding. He sat up in his makeshift. It wasn`t much, just a pile of leaves. Skyla then scampered up to him as a playful puppy would.
Guess what! Guess what!
What…
I saw a dragon flying freely in the sky. And when I snuck closer I saw a shop! Can we eat?! Can we, can we?
Sure.
Ezathar gave in not wanting to take away Skyla`s excitement. Maybe there was someone who liked dragons. But you couldn`t be sure. Ezathar told Skyla to wait for him away from the shop. He didn`t think she would listen though but it was worth a try. Once he saw the shop he ran up hurriedly. Skyla could come in at any moment. He should probably know if it was safe.
“Hello! Anyone here!” Ezathar walked up to the front of the stand and saw the man who wanted the dragon carving.
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