Remnants - The Dragons of Dragonvale - Book One

Chapter 10

"Kotai?"

Kotai heard the voice of Jaessa calling to him from the mouth of the cave. "I'm here, Princess," he called in return.

Soon, the young girl was once again nearing the nest where the seven draglets lay napping. "Do they sleep a lot, Kotai?"

Jaessa knelt down next to the nest, making herself as comfortable as she could on the stone floor. The fire near the nest warmed the damp air of the cave. Jaessa laid her arms on the side of the nest and let her eyes dance across the tiny draglets.

"They're babies, Princess. All babies sleep a lot I suppose." Kotai studied the young child in front of him. He still had trouble believing that she was the hatcher he and Tezza had been waiting for. His heart clenched a bit at the thought of his dead mate. The white draglet resembled her most and he was glad he had that small reminder of her.

"I suppose they do," Jaessa sighed. "Kotai?"

"You don't have to call my name, Princess," he chuckled, his rich, deep voice rolling out and echoing around the walls of the cave.

"Ah," she blushed, ducking her head shyly. "Ko...I mean... is it true that dragons can shift?"

"Yes, all dragons have the ability to shift into a human form."

"Can they do it?" Jaessa looked up at Kotai with curious eyes that sparkled with the light of the fire.

"They're too small right now. Dragons reach a maturity at about twenty years of age. It is then that their bodies began preparing for their first shift."

"So, since you are very old, you must be able to shift, yes?"

Kotai find himself laughing once again. "Princess, I am indeed very old, but even I am still able to shift, though I must admit I haven't done it for quite some time."

"I imagine you must be very regal looking," Jaessa smiled.

"You are too kind. Now, are you interested to know what gender these little ones are?" The large dragon lowered his head towards the nest, his large gold eyes gazing at his children.

"You found out?" Jaessa stood up on her knees, practically bouncing with excitement. Her brown wavy hair bounced slightly with her movements. "Are there any girls? I would love to meet a girl dragon."

Kotai shook his head gently. "I'm afraid not. All seven draglets are male. Does that disappoint you?"

Jaessa sighed softly but quickly erased her frown and replaced it with a wide smile. "No, I suppose not. I don't have much experience with boys though," she said, her voice lowering sadly. "My servant, Azir, is the only boy I know. He takes care of my horse and protects me when I'm out and about."

"Oh? Is he here?"

"No, I made him go home, though he complained that he might get into a lot of trouble because of my order."

"Princess, he has a job that he is supposed to fulfill. You must let him do those things or he will feel useless and worthless."

"I suppose so. Kotai, may I ask you a question? It's been bothering me for a long time. I know I'm just a child, but I see things. People think I don't, but I do. I watch and I listen, a lot!" Jaessa shifted back down to the floor of the cave and pulled her knees up, tucking her long skirt under her feet.

"You can always feel free to ask me anything." Kotai could see the child's mind working behind her deep scowl. He wondered what sort of question a young child like her could have that would cause such a heavy expression.