Adele's Stories

A growl emanated from deep within his throat. He might be a fierce dragon, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen him angry before. He sheltered me with his wing while he faced the coal black dragon. Beau’s blood red scales made for a sharp contrast as they faced off under a star studded sky. I prayed we’d make it out of this alive. Beau had always been my strong protector, ever since the day he hatched. But never had he face an enemy who was equal to his own strength. I feared more for him than myself. The enemy dragon took a menacing step forward. Beau lowered his head and growled again in warning. The dragon hesitated but didn’t back off. I don’t know what interest this dragon had in me. More than likely he had a human companion who had made him come get me. But I don’t know any humans who want to hurt me. At least none with a dragon companion. That I know of. I shivered as Beau growled again. This time louder and more menacing. It was no longer a warning. This was a clear threat that if he came any closer Beau would attack. To protect me. I wanted this to stop. I wanted to yell out that I would go with the dragon if he would leave Beau alone. But although I could easily communicate with Beau as he was my companion I didn’t know if this other dragon could understand me. I had never communicated with another dragon before.

I placed a hand on Beau’s side, trying to settle his anger as I stepped out from underneath his wing. I knew he wanted to stop me, but he also knew the only way he could stop me was picking me up and flying away with me. And he swore never to that again. I took a deep breath and squared my shoulders. “I will do what you wish. Just as long as you let Beau go free. And tell me what it is you want.” The coal dragon tilted his head at me as if he was considering my words. I hoped that meant he understood me. Finally he grunted, raised his head and took three large steps backward. I knew that meant he had agreed. But before I could take a single step forward, Beau stuck out his wing and used it to pull me against him. I leaned against him and looked up into his eyes that were pleading with me not to go. “I have to,” I whispered gently to him. “I don’t want to risk you getting hurt or worse.” I managed to peel myself away from him and begin to walk towards the black dragon. But when I was a good distance away from Beau the coal dragon pounced. He soared over my head as he launched himself at my companion. And it was in that instant that I realized the dragon had never come for me. He had come for Beau.

I screamed as Beau was tackled to the ground. The fighting that ensued was vicious. I had never seen anything like it nor did I ever want to again. I wanted to jump in and help but I knew I would only succeed in getting myself injured if not killed. And Beau wouldn’t have the freedom to do what needed to be done if he was worried about me. So I watched helplessly as my companion fought for his life. It lasted for what felt like hours, then suddenly, it was over. Beau was standing over his enemy bruised and bleeding profusely from multiple injuries, but he was alive. I let the tears rush down my face as I ran to hug him. He accepted my hug gratefully, needing it just as much as I did. I knew I would never take Beau for granted again. My protector, my friend. My companion.