Fleas - Songs of the Gnolls I

THE ONE THING I HAVE 1.3

He heard movement in the darkness of the night. He recognized the footsteps and knew it wasn't an orc or any other threat, so he kept his eyes closed, even though he couldn't fall asleep.

"Who is it?," he heard a whisper.

"The smallest one. That one, I think."

He prayed they weren't talking about him, but they were. He felt the grip on his paw and was lifted effortlessly. Face down, he saw the warriors smiling at him and feared the worst. He began to cry. He did not want to die.

They carried him outside the matriarch's tent and released him like a piece of zebra meat. He rolled into a ball and covered his head with his hands.

"Don't be afraid, it's me," said a familiar voice, it was the matriarch's daughter, "It cost me several favors, but I was able to convince them to bring you."

He looked in all directions. When he saw that no one was around, he turned on his heel.

"W... w... why are you looking for me?"

She smiled and tilted her head to the side.

"Because I like you. You must look like my brother."

"You have a brother?"

"I did. Come, let's go to the water."

They circled to avoid the night watch. The tribe had parked a few yards from the oasis, but to be alone they walked to the other end. In the darkness, they watched the light of the waning moon reflect in the still water. She dipped her legs and lay on her back. He imitated her.

"I have heard that to the east, far to the east, there is an evergreen land where the water is so deep that it reaches the horizon. Do you think it's true?"

"I can't imagine it. With so much water, we would never go thirsty."

She looked at him gravely; he was startled for a moment.

"You can't drink that water. But big wooden monsters ride on it. People travel like that, riding on the backs of those beasts."

They looked at the sky again.

"What do they look like?"

"The humans?"

"Yes."

"I was very small when I saw them. They're always covered in cloth, no matter how hot it is. And they don't have any fur, except on their heads and some on their snouts. They don't have tails either. And they all have names, that's very important to them"

"Do you have a name?"

"Yes, my name is Kkelea. And you?"

"I don't have a name, just fleas."

She laughed at the comment. He liked her laugh.

"If any of the warriors bother you again, I want you to find me. Promise me you will."

"Yes, I promise."

"I will protect you, Fleas", she laughed again. "That will be your name."

They returned at dawn. He didn't sleep at all. He was very tired the next day and fell asleep while they were dismantling the camp, wich cost him several lashes. But it was worth it.