The Lizard King

Part 10: A Proper Name

"Hello?" Kayla's voice echoed through the woods. "Is anyone there?" She looked all around her. She was sure she was in the right place. The lizardling's cave shouldn't be too far from where she was now. Was it ten steps past that giant oak instead of fifteen? Maybe she took a wrong turn at that rock? She didn't know.

It was getting to be dark out and still no sign of him. Kayla didn't want to give up though. She brought both her bow and quiver and her dagger with her to defend herself, as well as some salted meat to snack on if she gets lost. She was determined to find him.

"Hello!" She yelled again. "Are you out there? I just wanted to thank you!"

Right after she finished, she heard it. Thud. Thud. Thud. Rhythmic and slow. Right behind her. She spun around and there he was, standing in his camouflaged cloak, his bright amber eyes looking right into hers. He stood there perfectly still, like a statue. Kayla was frozen-all she could do was stare right back.

"Good to see you again." he said in that raspy voice.

"I'm...um," Kayla stammered. She forgot how big he was. It completely caught her by surprise.

"I'm flattered that you came back to visit," he said, "But this isn't a good place to be at night."

"I-I'm sorry," Kayla managed to squeak, "I just wanted to see you again. You did a lot for me that for me that you didn't have to do."

The creature's head turned slightly and his brows furrowed. "You haven't gotten much kindness in your life have you?"

Kayla furrowed her brows in response. "How'd you guess?"

The creature smiled at her. "You've come a long way to see me. Come, let's have some tea." Kayla followed swiftly in his footsteps, making sure to avoid his tail as it swung from side to side when he walked. Soon the two of them were inside the walls of the cave.

As they walked in, the two took off their cloaks and threw them onto a large stone slab. Kayla couldn't help but marvel at how big his cloak was. She reckoned she could pitch a large tent with it if need be. She even dared to reach up and touch the material. It was soft. Woven from some type of animal fur. Not wool. This was a bit coarser. Kayla could smell it even a foot or two from her face. Fresh cut pine. The same wood her new house was made of.

"That's a very old cloak." Kayla's head jerked up to find the creature staring at her from across the cave. "I've had it ever since I can remember. Never quite figured out what it was made of."

"Maybe you could remember if you got your memory back?" Kayla said.

"Well that would be nice." He grabbed two large cups and poured hot tea into both of them. He handed Kayla a cup the size of a pint. "Figured you'd enjoy a bigger serving seeing as what happened the last time you had some of my tea."

Kayla chuckled a little bit. "Thanks." She drew the cup of sweet liquid to her lips once again. It tasted even better than she remembered. Of course, that could be because this time she was familiar with the situation she was in. As she was drinking, she looked all around the walls of the cave. Each one was well-lit with candles and the roof was high above. There wasn't much else lining them. Each one was smooth and blank. Perfect for what Kayla had in mind.

"Something on your mind?" the creature asked. Kayla looked back to find those eyes again, only a bit away from her.

"Yes," Kayla said timidly. "You're sure you don't remember anything...about your past life I mean?"

"Not a thing."

"Well," Kayla struggled to get the words out. Why was she having such a hard time? She's never been so anxious like this before. "I might be able to help you."