DragonTribes #1: RiverTribe

Chapter Three: The GrasslandTribe

The dragon parade was headed back towards the Tribe, Alicia's father in the front and Alicia in the back with Alligator. They traveled at a slower pace for Alligator and Turtle, as they carried the weight of all the caught fish. The rush of the river sounded behind them, accompanied by the light thumps of the dragons' claws stepping in the dirt. Alicia was looking down at her own feet, stepping in Turtle's tracks. Her foot barely filled half of one of Turtle's footprints.

Alicia stopped, realizing she almost stepped over Turtle's tail. She looked up. Everyone had froze. The dragons' ears were pressed forward with curiosity. She tried to look around the dragons to the front, wondering why Daddy had stopped the parade.

Tanu had stepped aside, ropes out of his hands. He looked back, a face twisted in confusion. "Leave Alli, she'll be fine." He waved her forward.

Alicia looked at him worried, dropped the rope, and walked cautiously to Tanu. Tanu was looking at Daddy, who was staring at the sky. Alicia looked up, not knowing what Daddy could possibly be looking for.

"Tanu; Alicia." Daddy called them cautiously.

Tanu held Alicia's hand and the two walked towards him. They moved quietly.

Tanu looked at the sky, then Alicia's father. "What's-"

Daddy held a finger to his lips and continued looking in the sky. His eyes darted around, scrutinizing every cloud.

Alicia listened carefully. Everything was still. She wasn't sure how long they stood there. Over time, she started to faintly hear wing beats. Tanu, having been watching her father, now returned his gaze to the sky. 

With one quick motion, Daddy pointed East, scaring Alicia. Scarier, however, was the great look of fear on his face. Alicia didn't know Daddy could ever be so afraid of something. She followed his finger.

What looked like a flock of large birds was coming towards the RiverTribe, but then Alicia realized they were dragons. Red dragons.

Tanu gasped. Everyone was frozen, doubtful. No one could believe it was really happening.

But finally, the urgency of the situation overcame their doubt. "Hurry, we need to warn the Tribe!" Tanu yelled and sprinted down the path towards the village. 

Daddy immediately picked Alicia up. She clutched to him, afraid. She didn't know exactly what was going on, but she knew something was. Red dragons were dragons of the GrasslandTribe; that she knew. Daddy sprinted after Tanu, who was a good distance ahead.

The pounding of dragon talons followed behind them. Although the dragons had no one holding ropes to guide them, they too seemed to either understand the severity of the situation or be equally confused as Alicia. 

Tanu ran through the village and straight into the Chieftain's tent. Daddy, still trailing behind, stopped and stared at the tent. He brushed Alicia's hair with his fingers, trying to calm her. Alicia looked over his shoulder. The dragons stood staring quizically. Alligator and Turtle looked to the East. 

Many people, aroused by the commotion of the running dragons, were peering out their doorways, looking at them. None had yet to look in the approaching flock's direction. They were all very confused, some even angry.

But when Tanu burst out of the Chieftain's tent and yelled, "The GrasslandTribe approaches!" that all changed. He pointed to the red dragons, and many followed his finger.

Chaos broke loose. Screams echoed throughout the tribe. People rushed into their homes and came out caring important belongings to them. Mommy ran to Daddy and Daddy put Alicia back on her feet. Mommy had a painting and Alicia's doll in her arms. Alicia ran to Mommy and grabbed the doll from her. She held it close to her heart.