Silence

Chapter 2 - Daring

I throw the net down onto the cave floor. Mali, my Failen, runs over and grabs a fish.

"Hey!" I yell, grabbing at her. She runs out of my reach quickly, taking the fish with her. I sigh and grab a few more fish, a couple of water birds and some fruit. Mali rubs against my leg, purring. She has already devoured her fish and wants more.

I shake my head no, heaving the net back over my shoulder. She meows in protest, and jumps onto the bed, rolling onto her back. I stretch my arms above my head, running my hands through my hair.

I walk back to the entrance, pulling aside the vines covering it, ready to take off again. The sun shines bright through the small covering of leaves above my head. A small breeze filters through, cooling down the muggy cave.

"I'll be down by the river, Mali," I call over my shoulder. She meows back, and I hear her spread out onto my bed.

As I jump out of the entrance, I can feel the power pulsing through me. Long drackon wings sprout from my back. My jaws extend. My finger nails turn into sharp claws. I flap my wings, soaring into the sky.

Fortunately, a plus of being born to scientists is the cool engineering that went into my pendant, which controlled my power. It made me stronger.

The oceans sparkle in the sunlight, and the trees sway in the breeze. On the horizon, the island of Jelimun rises out of the glittering water. Tropical birds flew in and out of the towering jungle trees. Monkeys swung through the branches.

It was beautiful.

It was mine.

☆

I follow the river west, away from the ocean connecting Senapri to Jelimun. Trees tower over the river, blocking the heat of the sun.

The river itself was wide, wide enough that I could stretch my wings without touching a tree. Animals swum in the river; birds catching different fish, large felans sunning themselves on the rocky bank, and so many different forest animals relaxing at the bank. I even saw a pack of lucus drinking the clear water. The fresh, humid air fills my lungs with the smells of fruits, trees and flowers. I follow this path often. It makes me forget all of the bad things. It's wonderful.

☆

I soar for a while, staying in sight of the river. As I reach the ocean bordering Dramitt, I notice something. It seems unusually quiet. No birds or bugs. No animals lounging by the river. After all the activity I had seen coming here, it was a little unnerving.

I land on an overhanging branch, folding my wings tight against my back, and start climbing silently down the tree. This area just feels off; it feels as if eyes are always on you, it feels like something bad is about to happen. I shudder and leap to the ground, quickly turning back to my Nadic form.

Not even two seconds pass before I feel something cool and round press against my back. A warm hand brings a knife to my throat, and a voice sneers in my ear,

"Don't you move, or I'll slice your throat."