How Dragons Survived the Flood

Chapter 11

"She is the youngest sister of Sedeqetelebab and Ne'elatama'uk. She is the niece of Na'amah. Methuselah has blessed her with a large dowry, as well. The matter is settled. The shofar will soon be blown to usher in the new day. You will go."

Japh heard the words enter his brain, drifting in on the gentle breeze. His opened his eyes, stiff with grit, and saw the dark outline of Noah in the predawn light. Snuggling closer to Ismi, he rasped out, "Can Ismi come and go as she pleases and stay in this field overnight?"

"I do not have to feed her? And she will perform her bodily functions elsewhere?"

"You do not have to feed her. She will relieve herself elsewhere." Japh yawned.

Noah looked at his son clothed in dragon skin and curled up within the beast's coils. His lips barely moved, "I discussed this with Yahweh. I explained how this dragon affects you and sways you from His will, but He remained silent. Where He is silent, I shall be silent.

Noah paused and watched the guards appear from inside the Ark. "Na'amah has packed what you will need. Come. Eat and be on your way."

As Japh crawled down from Ismi, Noah continued, "I have the yayin kegs ready to go, and I have already decided your route." Noah turned to walk away, and then turned back. "Did you even learn to make Holy Anointing Oil yesterday?

"No."

Noah's icy blue eyes narrowed as he spat out, "You shame your mother's gifts."

Japh felt the sharp sting of his father's words and slumped against Ismi, whose slender tail coiled about him. Her eyes narrowed as she caught Noah in her gaze. Heat and smoke filled the air as she hissed.

Noah's eyes grew wide. Stepping backwards, he covered his face but not before his pale skin turned red. He whirled away from the dragon and quickly left the pasture.

After breaking the fast, Japh stood by Ismi once more, stroking her, memorizing the patterns her hide created as it shifted colors. I have to go, love. But you can stay in the field as long as you need to.

But I can fly to see you. It will not be terribly long, and you will not be far away.

Japh smiled. It will not be long, perhaps until the Trembling Thunder Moon but no later than the full Thunder Moon. He gazed into her eyes. Regardless, I would feel better if you stayed here or went to the breeding grounds if you get bored. You are not branded. I do not want the additional worry of someone capturing you.

But you will be lonely without me. You know it.

Adjusting the bundle he carried that contained his ceremonial tunic and robe, he chuckled. You say this now, after you refused to talk to me from one new moon to another? I will miss your presence, because in mine eyes you are lovely.

He watched as she arched her neck under his hand. But, it is not safe for you out there. Promise me, my father's pasture or the breeding grounds.

Ismi ducked her head and looked away. Promise.

Japheth looked at her, Can you say it louder?

She tossed her head and roared. I promise!

Japheth winced, the cattle in the neighboring pasture stampeded away, and the slaves hid once again. Thank you, love.

He raised his chin in the direction of the house and the two men who had recently left it. My father has come to see me off. He brings Tochen to accompany me to Methuselah's to make sure I perform my duty and, he smiled softly, to keep me from flying away on a dragon.