The Change, chapter 5

It has been a week since the giant dragon died. The humans rode their ships back to their town. I followed them, and I could give no good reason why. That town is where I was captured; that is where I was tormented over and over in their fighting ring. Why would I ever want to go back there? Yet I went there willingly.

The one with the armor kept seeking me out. She fed me fish, and rubbed my neck. It wasn't as good as the small one's touch, but she is very kind now. Perhaps I spent too much time hating; I have run out of hate. I began to enjoy her company. Sometimes I would fly out to sea, or up to the hills, but I always came back. During all those years in captivity, being free was all I wanted. Now, freedom is mine for the taking. But a kind touch and a kind word from this human is even better.

She uses a word, "Astrid," for herself, and another word, "Stormfly," when she talks to me. I don't understand the concept of a name, but when she says "Stormfly," I come to her, and that makes her happy. I like making her happy. She flies on my back now and then. We are learning to understand each other and work together. The other dragons are also learning to live with their humans. We all walk the streets of the human town, unafraid.

Suddenly I can tell that she is very, very happy. The small one appears! I have not seen him since the battle. My Astrid rushes at him; for a moment, she seems to fight him. But no, they are happy together. The night dragon appears, too.

My Astrid and I will fly together today. Other dragons fly with us; each one willingly carries his favorite human. I never imagined that flying with a human could be better than flying alone. I do not understand how everything changed. But I love my human.