Hatchling Chronicles Chapter 5

Written and as told by Kath McGill

Chapter five, Knowing that the rat supply would not be enough to last long, Cormie took on to wandering the caves at night in search for food. With in a weeks time the meat supply that was delivered had dwindled down to a few mouthfuls that the hatchlings made sure their mother ate. She was so weak now, from not having proper food that her ribs showed against her side. If they were able, and could catch enough to feed them all, each of them would try to bring her back a rat if they could. It wasn’t enough though. A full grown dragon could eat a cow, The meat that was being brought wasn’t fresh, and it looked as if something had chewed parts of it already.

‘ some didn’t come back from the hunt” her mother had said to them. Sometimes she would smell the tantalizing scent from the meat room, and hear the /squeak of the rats that squabbled over the scraps. She was very careful not to go near there- There was always a dragon on guard to stop only dragons who’s duty it was to share the rations from going in. It was on this night that Cormie heard Othelh’s voice speaking to the watch dragon. As far as Cormie knew, delivering of the meat had never been by Othelh, She was questioning the watch dragon, and made it a point to repeat the same thing over in different ways until the dragon final told her what she wanted to hear. There was no mistaking the smug triumph in her tone when she thanked the watch dragon.

Cormie backed up. Something was very wrong for Othelh to be that happy. Following the sound of the old dragonesses tail scraping against the rock Cormie crept silently along the cave pressing into the wall to stay hidden. This took her into a part of the caves she had never been before. As she passed by some of the other dragon’s caves she saw that each of them had different amounts of hoard about their homes. The older the dragon, the larger the hoard would be. She reflected on the size of the hoard that her mother had. It was much bigger than most of the ones she had seen. She could hear Othelh stop, and greet someone. Creeping forward, Cormie was able to find a small nook to hide in that gave her a view of the room. There was a handsome older dragon laying on a huge hoard. His scales were a reddish brown, and he was so old that there were graying curled whiskers about his muzzle as well as small tuffs of whiskers coming out of his ears. His body was long, muscular and he bore a grace of wisdom. Cormie heard him sigh. “What is it now Othelh? “ he rumbled.

“Well, Cyrisullie, I’ve just come from a visit to the meat stores, and the watch dragon has confirmed my suspicions. Large amounts of meat have been taken from the stores each day, and the watch dragon says, that he is only gone from his post for his own meal. Id taken steps that only enough food was taken to the cave, and yet the monster still gamles about as if it owns the place. I can only conclude that Beatri has been stealing food for that monster of hers. You know the penalty for theft from the wyer is.”

“Othelh, do not try my patience in this matter. It is not within your position to end any dragons life, no matter how they are hatched or what you may think they have done with out proof.”

Othelh gave out a gusty laugh. “ When I show the proof to the others, you will be thanking me for taking care of your laps of judgment.” With a snort Othelh turned and went out of the cave down past Cormie who went unnoticed in the shadows.

Fighting back the panic in her heart Cormie knew that Othelh was heading to her mothers cave and there was nothing she could do to get there before Othelh did. She was also between where Cormie was, and the bed that Cormie needed so much. Her belly rumbled loud. It had been a while since she had anything to eat. She had given more of what she caught to her mother. Sighing Cormie closed her eyes. Things were not going well at all.

A warm breath touched her hair. She looked up into large eyes and an open mouth that came down to where she was. …

To be continued…