Demons of the Queen

Chapter 10

When I wake up in the morning my back hurts like hell. I mean, I'm not sure what else to expect after sleeping on a rock.

I open my eyes and roll over to see the dragon. She is gnawing on a bone like a dog. I guess dragons have to keep their teeth strong sharp too, but I just never have imagined them gnawing on bones like this.

Now that this dragon likes me, maybe I can convince it to fly me to the Hamoyin. The Hamoyin is the longest river in Selia. If I can fly there I can get rid of Owen much faster.

I look past my feet and see my parents and Owen floating silently.

I stand up and walk towards the dragon.

I should name her. Not because I care about her or anything, but because it will be easier to communicate with her.

"I am going to name you," I tell her.

She stares at me.

"How about Susanna?" I say.

The dragon looks appalled.

"How about this: when you like the name, nod your head up and down," I say.

She looks like she understands so I continue.

"Angie?" I say.

Nope. This dragon is picky.

"Rowen?"

She doesn't nod.

"Beverly?"

I don't have time for this.

"Samantha?"

I am getting very frustrated. I keep trying names until finally, I get it right.

"Cecillia?"

The dragon nods.

I sigh.

I just wasted five minutes of my life naming a dragon. Whatever.

Cecillia snorts and begins chewing on a bone.

"Cecillia, you will take me to my next task," I say.

Cecilia snorts again and nods her head.

She gets up and walks over to the edge of the cave. Suddenly, she dives into the water.

I near the water splash on the other side of the waterfall and so I dive in too.

The water is colder now and I swim faster so I can get out quickly.

I get under the waterfall more easily this time and when I come up to the surface the first thing I see is my ghost family. I groan.

Cecillia turns her head towards me and shoots me a confused look.

I ignored her. I slip my hand inside my boot to grab the paper with the map that man drew for me. The paper is a crumpled and soaked mess. I decide I need a new plan.

"Cecillia, fly up and we will search for the ___ river from the sky," I say while climbing onto Cecillia's scaly back and bracing myself for her takeoff.

Cecillia shoots up into the air and I let out an ear-piercing scream as I almost fall off her back. I regain my balance and relax a little.

My ghost family is hardly above the trees. Maybe I can outfly them!

"Fly fast, Cecillia!" I scream.

Cecilla flaps her wings faster.

I look down and see my ghost family slowly get smaller. I grin and sigh. I haven't had a break from them yet and it is so wonderful to not have them stalking me. I know that they will catch up by the time Cecillia and I get to the ___river, but I don't care right now. I am enjoying my freedom.