How the Littlest Dragon
Saves the Day
Buttons lay just outside the white fence in the shade of a small lilac bush. Her black nose quivered between her two front paws and her sharp little ears twitched to the near and far sounds coming her way from the Great Field and Forest. The light summer breeze added little to what her active ears heard.
Suddenly, a motion high overhead caught her attention. She rolled over onto her back and looked up into the wide blue expanse over her yard. The sky seemed filled with birds—all making a beeline to the Great Forest. How strange! Most of the birds were huge brown and red hawks, uncommonly seen so near man’s habitations. Some were friends she recognized—some were not. Then, she noticed tiny flashes of brilliant color. Stranger still! Hummingbirds! The air was filled with hummingbirds—and they were weren’t even fighting with each other as they usually did. They were all buzzing straight toward the hill, a small grass-covered knoll in the Great Forest.
Buttons got up to pace, intently watching the sky. Crows and crackles of all sizes were moving toward the knoll, their voices filling the air with loud caws and crackling gossip, when another sound intruded upon her mind. It was Sally, the beagle making her quiet way through tufts of grass and around the small, scattered clumps of brush. Soon, she could be seen as she scurried about brushes and twigs, her small, well-formed hand held erect, ears flapping. Sally was breathing hard as she abruptly stopped in front of Buttons, her ears laid back along her head, wonder and concern written across her features. Buttons smiled. She was always pleased to see her best friend. The two small dogs greeted one another, nose touching nose, bright brown eyes looking squarely into bright brown eyes. Before either could even yip, however, the angry words of Iggy, the ground squirrel, could be heard.
He was obviously berating Biff, the bear, and as expected, Iggy hurried from the field just in front of the lumbering Biff who was huffing close behind. Iggy started to speak before he could completely halt, but was caught by surprise as Biff sat and skidded to a stop on his round rump. Biff’s round belly stuffed with the first ripe berries of spring slammed into Iggy, sending him tumbling head over heels. The rising dust covered most of Biff and, of course, all of Iggy who could only cough and gag as the dust began to settle on him.
Iggy rapidly scrambled to his feet, glaring into Biff’s round features. Biff grinned hugely as he watched his small friend whose angry features were all but hidden by the coat of settling dust.
“You, you, you . . . ,” was all Iggy, the squirrel could get out before having to sneeze several times. Loud, very loud, and directly into the laughing face of Biff.
Both Sally and Buttons broke into chuckles as Iggy began to shake himself.
In his turn, Biff, the bear looked carefully at the small squirrel, and then he, too, began to laugh, his round sides heaving as he tried to contain his merriment.
Iggy grinned sheepishly, feeling very silly. Then, he looked about him, surveying his close friends. Then, he began to giggle, but the dust got the better of him. He sneezed, although he tried valiantly not to, but it was no good. He sneezed again, and then again, his small beady eyes peering out from behind his dusky mask.
As usual, they all broke into gales of laughter, Biff finally lying on the ground rolling to and fro. It was one of the bear’s better tricks on the little trickster Iggy.
Finally, they all gained some control of their laughter, and each sat, Biff and Iggy side by side as they looked to their friends, Sally and Buttons. Smirking at one another, they felt as foolish as they looked, but they couldn’t help it.
Then, their expressions changed, slowly at first, then very quickly as they rose to confront Buttons. Dusty and dirty as they were, their faces spoke for them. Something was up as their looks moved from grins, to questioning, then to wonder.
Buttons sighed.
“What’s up now,” she inquired, looking from the fat bear to the small squirrel.
Iggy began to scratch himself as he also began to talk, his words coming in short bursts between his more vigorous bouts of digging at himself.
“Well . . .” Scratch, scratch . . .”It’s this way.” Scratch, scratch . . .”We were . . . uh . . . . Just at the hill.”
Biff broke in. “We were at the berries when suddenly . . .”
Iggy kicked the fat bear right in his fat flank. Of course, there was absolutely no effect as he began again, the words tumbling one after the other.
“Hey, it’s my story. You were just stuffing yourself as usual when it . . .”
Biff put one large paw out and easily swept the small squirrel aside, as he began again, “Ya, and it was the darndest thing. Wow, wait until you see . . .”
Iggy’s screech of indignation interrupted even the usually imperturbable bear who glanced down to see what was causing the squirrel so much trouble.
Iggy was furious at the interruption and was hopping up and down. “You, you, bubble-brained, over-stuffed . . .” His breath gave out and he suddenly sat, plopping to the ground in sheer frustration.
Biff grinned. This was more like it. “Well, it is the darndest . . .”
“Stop your sputtering,” barked Sally. “Let’s go!”
Sally led the way with Buttons right behind. They quickly made their way through rough grass and brush, until shortly they were entering the Great Forest. Here, Sally turned and headed slightly more northward, veering one way and another as she found the easiest path. The heat of the sun was quickly lost as they entered the deeper portions of the great woods where the larger trees blocked out the direct rays of the sun.
Soon, a clearing could be made out in the distance, and then abruptly, the trees ended, leaving an irregular opening which was brightly lit by a sun almost directly overhead. In the middle and slightly off to one side, a small grass-covered mound rose.
In the trees nearest to the hill were many hawks of all species. They sat silently as they watched something on the hill. The trees glittered with the glory of hundreds of hummingbirds, their small figures barely visible individually. But the sparkling iridescence was incredible against the muted browns and blacks of the hawks. Contrary to their usual obstreperous behavior and ongoing fights, the hummingbirds sat quietly, intently watching the hill like the hawks below them.
It was an eerie and uncanny scene which had never been seen in the Great Forest that greeted Sally and Buttons. Sally abruptly halted, Buttons almost running into her. Each took a deep breath before continuing toward the hill. But it was an even stranger sight which greeted them as they moved toward the spot so keenly watched by the birds.
There, almost at the top of the rounded mount sat a creature neither they nor any creature of forest and field had ever seen. At first, Buttons thought it was a very large and hairless cat, somewhat long in the body with a short, pointed tail. But it was without fur, and soft brown in color. Its head was hung low, on a long sinuous neck, with its nose almost buried in the ground. Slender ears were laid back against the sinewy neck. Clearly, the hind quarters were larger than the fore. Its sides were heaving with emotion.
Soft sobbing sounds came to their ears as they approached the creature from behind.
Buttons coughed gently and the small creature lifted its head, turning as it did so to view the two. Sally’s first impression was of huge lambent eyes, tears welling in them as the creature looked down at her. Buttons smiled. Surely, they were the most beautiful soft brown eyes she had ever seen, great pools of sadness, whirling with depths she had never before seen. Both small dogs approached, heads hung low.
The eyes were not the most remarkable thing about the creature, although clearly the most memorable. Folded neatly across her back were transparent wings, appearing too small and fragile for the creature, or for any creature her size, foreshadowing a strength yet unknown.
The brown creature looked down at the two approaching dogs. Her clean, smooth head tapered slightly to a rounded short snout. She raised her left forepaw and wiped a tear off. Her paw was tapered with long fingers and blunted claws. She held the paw delicately poised at her eye as she viewed them carefully.
Then, she sobbed, and raising her head upward, cried aloud, the small voice carrying across the woods and field. Hawks fanned their wings as hummingbirds whirled in giddy spirals above her head. They all felt her sadness, and the deeply hidden anguish, but none knew what to do.
Buttons sighed. Well, this is a new one, that was for sure. Just what to do. She didn’t know offhand and she looked about, seeing for the first time that all of the creatures present were looking at her intently.
Buttons smiled her best smile and walked up the hill further so that she was more on a level with the brown creature. The creature watched her expectantly and did not miss the attention the others were giving the small black dog. Her brown eyes glittered, a bit of steeliness coming into them.
Buttons did not miss the look in the creature’s eyes, and the small Scottie lowered her head just a little bit before addressing the creature. “May I be of service?” She stood very still as she spoke, watching the eyes only, but noting once again that the brown creature was near to tears once again.
“Ooohhhh,” wailed the creature. “Where’s the queen?”
Buttons smiled once again. “We have several queens in our midst, but whom in particular do you wish to see?” Her tone was soft, neither too sharp nor too artificial. Buttons waited.
Haughtily, the creature started to raise her head, but quickly noted the smile on the small dog’s face. The creature sighed deeply, and answered, “The queen, of course, the one and only true queen.” She faltered in her response. “Well, I mean, a queen always attends to me, and well . . .”
Buttons smiled more broadly. The brown creature sighed once again, more deeply. This wasn’t going at all well.
“Oh, my,” the creature sighed. She raised her head and slowly surveyed the surrounding forest. Then, she sobbed loudly.
“I’m lost,” she cried. “I’m lost.” The tears now came in floods, running freely down her face to cascade about Buttons and Sally. “I’m terribly lost. And . . . I’m so lonely.” A catch in her voice momentarily stopped her, forcing her to take a long, deep breath.
“Perhaps,” Buttons broke in softly, “if you would tell us more about yourself. We’ve never met anyone quite like you.”
“Well, of course not.” The words escaped the small brown creature before she could catch herself. “Well, I mean, I wouldn’t expect you would have. I mean, I am the only one like me.”
Iggy’s voice came from the bottom of the hill. “Boy, I can believe that.”
Buttons and Sally glared at the precocious squirrel just before Biff unceremoniously sat upon his small friend, only a tiny squeak coming from beneath the smirking bear. The small creature tried to hide a sudden grin behind her dainty paw, but failed before the quick eyes of Sally and Buttons.
The creature spoke up, “Perhaps, if your friend wishes to come closer, we wouldn’t mind.”
Sally started to say something but was nudged by Buttons.
“Oh, the royal . . . we ?”
Buttons winked. “Right.”
Both Sally and Buttons approached. Buttons looked up and smiled, her small black eyes gleaming with humor and friendship.
“Perhaps, if we knew you.” Buttons sat and waited.
“Well, you see.” The creature sniffed, trying to keep a tear from forming.
Iggy couldn’t bear the waiting any longer and bounced up the hill to place himself directly in front of the creature. “Look, dummy, we can’t forever be calling you creature.”
“What’s your name? You do have one, don’t you?”
“Well, of course.” She sniffed once again, but this time it wasn’t because she felt like crying. She lifted her head ever so slightly, cocking it so as to glare more effectively at the disheveled squirrel who so boldly faced her.
“You,” and she left little doubt that she meant Iggy only, “may address me as Darling Princess Vintrix Sarandra, Protectress of the Upper Reaches.”
“Wow,” was all Iggy could say as he abruptly sat.
Biff’s gruff but humor-filled voice came from the bottom of the hill. “That’ll take care of you, you little twit.”
Princess Vintrix Sarandra went on, arching an eyebrow as she did so, “And,” she sniffed haughtily once again, “all lower life forms.” She couldn’t help adding, “of course,” as she glared balefully from Iggy to Biff.
Both Buttons and Sally were grinning broadly. That the small creature’s eyes were beginning to twinkle had not escaped their keen inspection.
Of course, Iggy had seen the exchange between Princess Sarandra and his two best friends. Boldly surveying the new creature, he lifted himself to his full, and rather insignificant, height, and snorted. “Come on, get real. We’ll just call you Sara.” Then, he had to add as he ducked her swinging head, “just for short.”
Before matters could out of hand, Buttons intervened. “Uh, if you approve, your highness. How about it, Princess Sarandra?”
“Oh, gosh, yes, I’ve never had such a name, or friends like you.” She turned and surveyed the clearing and all of the birds in the trees.
She lowered her head to whisper in Buttons’s ears. “Gosh, aren’t they beautiful, the small ones? And, of course, the hawks are so stately.” Her whisper carried clearly to all parts of the clearing and the trees, causing much ruffling of plumage and pirouettes by the hummingbirds. Her words were most appreciated.
Sally smiled as she inquired, “And, you will tell us something about yourself?”
Sara sighed deeply as painful memory after painful memory raced across her mind. She began slowly at first, but then, raising her head proudly, continued with only brief pauses between her words.
“I’m a dragon, of course.” She raised herself on her hind legs, fanning her beautiful wings. “Of course, I’m not very big yet, but we’re a long-lived race. Though there’s not many of us anymore.” She looked about her, the longing and hurt clearly etched in her youthful features.
She glanced around at her newfound friends. “There’s so many of each of you. It must be nice.” She sighed once again.
The irrepressible Iggy nudged her, his eyes large in his sharp features. “Gee whiz, I thought dragons were huge and ferocious.”
“Do you breathe fire too?”
Sara smiled wanly. “We do get pretty big. In time. But I’m still young.”
Iggy was not to be denied. “Yeah, but what about the fire-breathing?” He grinned smugly at Buttons.
Sara drooped, her shoulders sagging as she looked at her small inquisitor. Her voice was almost imperceptible even to the keen ears of the dogs and other woodland creatures.
“I can’t.”
“What?” Iggy was indignant.
He would have continued, but Biff, the bear had closed up behind at a glance from Sally. The bear placed both broad paws around the small squirrel and gently squeezed, effectively muffling all protests as he carried Iggy unceremoniously down the hill.
When Iggy could breathe again, he harshly demanded of Biff, “Hey, you big lummox, what’s the idea? Gosh, I wouldn’t hurt her feelings for anything.”
“Yeah, yeah, I know. Just be quiet for a while, will ya?”
Buttons grinned at Sara, who had watched the proceedings with increasing interest. “Do you know what you have to do to begin breathing fire?”
Sara raised her shoulders and let them drop as she shook her head negatively. “I didn’t get that far in my lessons before I got lost.” She dropped her head conspiratorially. “The world’s a lot bigger than I thought. I’ve been wandering for a long time.”
“So tell us about it . . .”
And Sara began to tell her new friends how she came to be in their forest.
“You see the world is very large, as I had been taught, but I forgot that and wandered away from the great mountains which the very few dragons in the world inhabit. My lessons were very complete, of course, and I thought I knew it all.” She sighed, “But, I didn’t.
She went on as the creatures of the forest and field listened. Sara continued, “I started out heading east. Well, anyway, so I thought, but . . .” She looked at Buttons, who smiled encouragingly. Sara smiled back, and taking a deep breath, went on. “I got out over water, sooner than I should have if I were truly heading east.”
Buttons stepped forward. “And of course, you weren’t. Right?”
Sara giggled a little, blushing as she nodded. “I’m not very good at directions, you see. I went on for a very long time, getting very tired before I sighted land.”
“Ours, right?” Iggy interposed.
“Well, yes and no. You see I still had ways to go, long ways before I landed here. Not many open areas at first, and I was frightened.”
As Sara went on to tell of her trip across the eastern part of the United States, Buttons looked at Sally, who in turn, glanced at Iggy and Biff. The latter pair slowly approached Sara once again. Respectfully this time. Iggy gently placed one very small paw on one of Sara’s forelegs, as Buttons whispered something into Biff’s ear.
“Don’t you worry. Buttons will figure it out.”
Iggy placed himself between Buttons and the small dragon as Biff turned away and scurried into the forest, rapidly disappearing into its depths. Iggy fastened his keen eyes on the black dog. “So, what’s wrong, huh?”
“Look, it’s simple. You can’t have fire on demand without something to set it off. Right?”
“Yeah, if you say so,” muttered Iggy.
“And, you’ve got to have something that burns. Right?”
“Well, sure,” said Iggy, beginning to brighten up. “Boy, that’s pretty good, Buttons. Always thinking.”
Sara suddenly fanned her wings as a crashing sound came clearly to those crowded around the hill. Clearly agitated, she began to rise to her tallest when Iggy grabbed at one forepaw.
“Easy, Sara, easy. It’s just Biff, the bear. Never did learn to go around when he could smash straight through.”
Buttons and Sally quickly reaffirmed Iggy’s impression, and Sara was settling down when Biff came crashing into the clearing, dragging a blackened bag behind. Plopping the bag at Buttons’s feet, he had to stop for a moment as he was panting hard. “Got it,” grinned Biff. I brought the whole bag. Easier that way.”
Sara was rapidly glancing from one speaker to the other as the discussion went on. Her eyebrows were rising higher and higher.
The bear grinned hugely. “There. How do you like that?”
It was Buttons’s turn to grin as she said, “Knew you could do it. Any problems?”
“Nope. In and out so fast no one ever knew I was around.” He looked skyward, not mentioning the door on the old barn that he had ripped from its rusty hinges, gazing about so that Buttons couldn’t detect anything amiss.
Sally coughed, taking Buttons’s attention from the bear.
Buttons raised first one eyebrow and then the other, but said no more on that topic. “Sure, OK. So much for that.”
She turned to Sara. “How do you like coal?”
“Huh?” responded the dragon. She looked from the bag to Buttons to Iggy and back to the bear. “Well, I’ve never had any.”
As Biff began to tear at the bag, Sara poked Buttons with her muzzle. “Just what is it?”
“Fire stuff.” Buttons’s eyes were wide and innocent as she commented, “All you do is chew it up, build up some gas, and blow it out. After we’ve lit your pilot light, of course.”
Sara looked hard and long at the small black dog, but could detect no sign of doubt. However, she recognized the hushed and expectant audience were becoming increasingly restless. To her credit, she was game, and taking a very deep breath, said, “OK, but . . .”
Sally smiled broadly. “Don’t worry. All dragons have to breathe fire. You will, too.”
The hawks and hummingbirds all exchanged nervous glances. “Fire? Here?” In the Great Forest? Nothing terrified all creatures of wood and field more than fire.
Just what was the black dog up to now? Yet, for all their fears, they trusted her implicitly. They hunkered down, each in their own way, waiting. It was not easy though and some fearful mutterings could be heard within the forest.
Small black blocks spilled onto the ground as Biff finished opening the bag.
“There’s your coal. Now, chew up a couple of the briquets.” Buttons and Sally waited to see what Sara would do.
The small dragon sniffed at the coal and pushed one briquet tentatively around with her nose. She glanced at Buttons and then at Biff. Iggy pushed into the fore so that he stood directly in front of the dragon with Biff. Iggy had gone and returned. He nodded to Buttons and gave a quick grin. In his paws was a small stick with a bright red rounded tip. Sara had never seen a match before.
Sara picked picked up one briquet and slowly moved it around her mouth. Her words were somewhat garbled as she addrssed the crowd in general, “Not very tasty, you know.”
Sara looked to the sky as though in silent prayer. Then, doing as she was bid, she began to chew, slowly grinding the charcoal.
“Chew it up fine,” cautioned Buttons. “It’ll make gas better that way.”
Sara did as she was bade, and continued chewing the coal into smaller and smaller bits and then swallowed.
Iggy watched the lump move down her throat. “Wow, she did it,” he breathed out in hushed admiration.
Sara’s eyes seemed to cross for a moment as she savored the aftertaste. “Oh my,” she said. “It’s sort of heavy in there, you know.”
“That’s all right,” soothed Buttons. “The gas will be along shortly. Just let it perk.”
“Gosh, I don’t know about this,” burped Sara. Her eyes began to wander as she contemplated the bubbling sensations which were beginning to emanate from her innards. “Are you sure?” she burbled.
“You’re doing fine,” Buttons reassured her
As events were clearly coming to a head, all the small woodland creatures began to gather more closely around the small group. Birds vied for better perches and a better view.
Sara groaned and many were the sympathetic groans echoing her obvious discomfiture. Sara dropped to the ground and rolled around, her paws pressed to her stomach, as rumbling sounds issued from her partially open mouth. More groans came from the surrounding forest, and Biff, the bear hugged his big belly in wide-eyed empathy.
“Oh, my, my poor stomach,” Sara moaned. “I feel like I’m going to explode. Oh my, oh me.”
“Wow,” Iggy commiserated, “oh, wow!”
Buttons stepped closer. “Easy now, Sara. It will be alright. You’ll get used to it. You just have to learn to control the right amount each time.”
Iggy piped in, “Yeh, you’ll see. Nothing to it.”
Biff shook his head and smiled reassuringly at the dragon. He knew no words were going to help too much at this point in time. He waited.
As Sara burped once again, Buttons said, “OK, you’re just about there. Now, listen carefully. Just take a deep breath and we’ll light your pilot light. You concentrate on keeping it lit. Just a little flame, remember.”
Sara moaned and her eyes crossed as she gazed at her friends, who seemed to waver about her. “I’ll try.”
She did as she was told, carefully sitting erect as she took a slow and deep breath. Buttons motioned to Iggy to light the match, for that was what she had sent him for. Only the very facile squirrel could manage a match. She wouldn’t trust the raccoon twins who had just appeared at the edge of the crowd, or the river otters who would more than likely set everything aflame.
Iggy struck the match against a stone placed before Sara for that purpose. But Sara had held her breath as long as she could, and the inner rumblings were crescendoing at a faster and faster pace.
The match blazed into life, and there were many ohs and ahs from the surrounding crowd. Iggy triumphantly held it up, carefully placing it before Sara’s nose.
She belched.
There is not a word for the explosive burst which escaped Sara. The erupting gases billowed out and around Iggy. There was a tremendous blast, as gas and flame united. Iggy disappeared into a cloud of flame and smoke. Creatures cried aloud and fled in all directions. Buttons, Sally, and Biff tumbled down the hill, coming to rest on their respective backsides.
They all glanced quickly at Sara who remained where she was, but now with a marveling gaze on her face.
And Iggy?
Well, he, too, stood exactly where he was, still holding the match, but a badly charred and crumpling match. Gone were his whiskers, his pride and joy, his well-kept though ragged whiskers. Now, only a few stubby remains could be seen, sticking out of his blackened and soot-covered features.
He gazed around, breathing carefully and slowly. He looked at the small dragon who was beginning to grin in spite of her inner turmoil. He glanced around for Buttons and Sally, who were sitting up with Biff.
Iggy felt his sides and face, sought out his ears, which, like his nose, were frazzled and blackened, and rubbed his eyes in disbelief.
Then, placing a paw to nose, he sneezed and reeled backwards, tumbling down the hill to come to rest at Buttons’s feet.
Buttons laughed as Iggy got to his feet. Iggy frowned, and then he, too, laughed. He leaped aright, holding one paw over his chest and the other in the air, a salute, and he announced, “Our dragon is lit.”
Just then, everyone turned as they became aware of the sound of pounding hooves and the thunderous approach of Boomer, the young bison. The Great Forest filled with the sound of his heavy hooves hitting the ground. There could be no mistake as the earth seemed to bounce as the sounds approached. And, obviously, he was in a hurry, for as they looked up, his figure could be seen tearing through brush, bushes, and everything else in his way as he raced toward the small group.
Iggy sat up to better view the racing bison. “Wow, oh, wow, I wonder what’s up. He never hurries that way.”
Sally glanced hurriedly from Biff to Buttons. Iggy was right, the small bison was literally tearing his way to them, brush and bush flying from his heels, the dust rising in small whirlwinds.
He skidded to a stop in front of Buttons, the dust rising as it did around Iggy and Biff, only to settle on all of them, causing much coughing and glares as it settled. The bison was puffing heavily, having come some distance. Taking a deep breath, he blurted out, “The White Mustang is missing. The rats have him. The herd is frantic and don’t know what to do. And . . .” He would have continued with his staccato delivery, but Buttons interrupted.
“Easy, Boomer. Catch your breath. What do you mean ‘the White Mustang is missing’?”
The young colt who was born to the herd was the latest to bear that name, only one White Mustang being born into the herd every few decades, representing the strength and freedom of all creatures, never to be broken to halter or saddle. Buttons and Sally, the only creatures having any relationship to man, had been proud to be present at his birth and knew how important he was to the horse herds of Oklahoma.
Boomer’s sides heaved with the exertion of his race across the field and forest, but slowly brought himself under control.
“It’s awful. What they did.” He looked at each one in turn, his great brown eyes tearing up even as he spoke. None could recall the young bison ever being so badly disturbed.
Sally approached him, and sitting, peered long and hard into his sad eyes. “Out with it, Boomer. What happened?” Her ears were pulled back against her head in her mounting anger and concern.
Having overcome their initial fright over Sara’s first flame, birds and other animals of the forest had slowly regained their positions around the glade. They now moved closer, their anxiety clearly rising as they listened.
Boomer, the bison continued, “It was the rats. We haven’t heard anything in so long a time, we’d forgotten.” He sighed, his flanks heaving with suppressed emotion. “They attacked the mare late this morning as she returned from feeding. Two attacked her forelegs, biting her hard enough to partially cripple her.” His voice became steely. “It cost the two rats their lives, but it was enough to slow her.” He sighed again, more loudly as he recalled the events of that terrible moment.
“Several other rats led the poor, frightened colt away.” Boomer raised his head, looking long and hard at the Great Forest. He would have sobbed for the lost colt, but he was too proud.
“Frightened as he was, they couldn’t make him leave his mother without nipping at him continuously. The birds and creatures in the trees saw it all. He would have fought, puny as his new legs were, but he didn’t have the strength, and there were too many. They harassed him constantly. Never let him get near his frantic mother. She lost sight of them very quickly.” Buttons broke in. “Look, Boomer, where did they take him? Surely, the birds could have seen.”
“Yes, they did see. The birds saw it all, but only to the swamp.” As an afterthought, he added, “Silly birds, they were too terrified to follow any further.”
He sagged, his strength ebbing for a short while as his friends looked on.
“Easy, easy, Boomer. We’re with you,” Buttons spoke the minds of all there.
“Where was the herd?” queried Iggy, his eyes large in his head as he thought of the repercussions. “They must have heard.”
Boomer looked at his small friend, Iggy, who was standing on his hind legs to get that little bit closer. The bison smiled briefly, “Yes, the cries of the mare could be heard, but the colt was gone before the stallions arrived. They tore the forest apart in their anger and would have attempted to cross the swamp by themselves. Fortunately, they were stopped.”
Biff huffed and puffed at the news. “Well,” he said, “what happened? Who could stop them? Even we, bears would have been hard-pressed against the herd.”
Buttons smiled. “I can guess. Delph, the gator, right?” She glanced from one to the other, her eyes saying much for the strength and support of her friends.
“Well, it was Delph, the alligator who stopped the first rush into the swamp. But he couldn’t have held them back, not even in his own domain. The stallions were furious beyond sense or fear.”
Sally glanced at Buttons, and both nodded in turn. There could only be one creature who could stand up to the stallions and have any chance of coming out of it alive.
“Ssserek, the snake,” they said in unison.
Boomer shuffled his hooves. “Ya, ya, it was Ssserek. Boy, did he bring those stallions to a complete stop. They practically ran over one another in their hurry to get away from him as he rose from the water at Delph’s side. What a sight that was.” He grinned at the recollection.
“It had been impressive, all the great stallions roaring in their anger as they entered the water, the first appearance of Delph as he porpoised into view like a superpowered submarine. The angrier young ones would have attacked the alligator, but then, suddenly and unexpectedly, there was the incredible head of Ssserek, turning from side to side as he glared at them. His hiss of anger stopped them cold in their tracks. Their anger cooled real quick in his presence and Ssserek sent me to find you.”
Everyone started to speak at the same time, suggestions flying from the creatures now crowding around the hill. The noise was growing rapidly in volume, and angry words could be heard.
Everything stopped when Buttons barked, “Hold it, everyone. Just take it easy. We’re all going to have work together!” Then, properly hushed, they all gathered around the small Scottie, forming a semicircle of close friends, waiting for her next words.
At first, Sara had sat totally puzzled by the sudden flurry of activity with the arrival of Boomer, the bison. But Iggy had sidled up close to her and whispered hurried explanations into her appreciative ear as the bison had explained the situation as well as telling the small dragon about the swamp, Delph, the alligator, and Ssserek the great rattlesnake. Sara’s eyes grew larger as Buttons spoke again.
“First, we’re going to need greater numbers and strength and size if we are to move across the swamp. The horses are too big and could never make it through the deep muck however much they might try.”
“Ah, Buttons,” Boomer interrupted softly. “I already told Milo, the moose as I passed the zoo. He was under his favorite tree as usual.”
Buttons grinned at Sally, then answered Boomer. “You did fine. I know of no one better able to handle the swamp. Boomer grinned broadly at the praise.
Buttons quickly organized her forest friends. “I want Elmer, the Saint Bernard. He can swim all day. She looked into the trees, seeking out a particular hummingbird. “Pip, where are you,” she yipped.
The smallest and brightest of hummingbirds suddenly appeared above her head, turning upside down, the better to watch the Scottie.
“Now, remember this long enough to get them to the swamp in time,” Buttons admonished the smallest of birds. “Tell Elmer where to meet us and then go find Rarebit, the frog. No one knows the swamp better than him. Now, off with you.”
Pip would have responded in his usual hurried fashion, but knew all too well the importance of the White Mustang to the great horse herds and to the forest and field in general. He simply disappeared so quickly and went about his business.
Sara watched the small bird with great interest and then pushed forward, ever so slightly. “Buttons?” she said in shy, low tones. “Can I help? I mean, well . . .” Her voice disappeared weakly as she scanned the many creatures who now turned their attention back to her.
Sally nudged Buttons, and the two close friends needed no more communication.
“I know of no one who could be of greater use,” said Buttons and looked about acknowledging the ready acceptance of the small dragon.
Sara, who had dropped her head at her rash suggestion, raised it quickly at the rapid acceptance. She grinned at the two small dogs and at Iggy who beamed joyously at the newcomer. Scared she might be, but she was rapidly gaining confidence as other creatures made known their ready appreciation of her offer.
All Sara could say was “Wow” as she settled back to await events.
Buttons quickly organized the forest friends. The discussion was brief, and the marching order was decided. Biff, the bear was to lead off, closely followed by Boomer. Behind them came the two dogs, with Iggy at their side. To the joy of all, Sara had spread her wonderful wings and lifted into the air gracefully and swiftly, circling over head.
Thus, the group moved more quickly and with greater confidence as they made their way through the forest to the swamp. The path taken by Biff was easily traversed by the group selected to tackle the rats. They soon arrived at the Great Swamp.
As they broke from the covering forest, Buttons had raced up to the great serpent and joyfully greeted him with a warm kiss on his broad snout. Ssserek smiled as he always did when meeting the Scotty dog, and, if the truth were to be known, there were those in the crowd who shuttered inwardly. His great wisdom and strength were sincerely appreciated by all inhabitants of the forest and field; nonetheless, few sought him out willingly.
Sara wheeled overhead, taking the scene in, and then had turned to swoop in, landing beside the serpent and the dog. Ssserek rose to his fullest height as the young dragon landed, and then slowly inclined his head in greeting.
“Welcome, your most gracious highness, Princess Vintrix Sarandra. Your presence is both a joy and pleasant surprise. Welcome to our forest and field, may you grow in even greater beauty.”
Sara’s eyes were bright as she solemnly bowed, then she curtseyed as she replied, “Great is the fame of Ssserek among our brethren, your wisdom most esteemed, your strength notable among the mightiest, your cunning told and retold around our fires.”
Iggy’s voice came from the rear of the group. “Boy, listen to them. At this rate, the horse will be tail only.”
The serpent suddenly appeared before the squirrel. He lifted one eyebrow as he bent down to squarely face Iggy who, to his credit, had not moved. “Yessss, my young friend. You’re correct. We must move quickly, but not so quickly that all civility is lost or the correct amenities are forgotten. You do agree?”
He cocked his head, listening.
Iggy’s throat had suddenly constricted at the snake’s sudden appearance, but he was never without words. “Well, well,” he coughed, “then let’s be off.” And suiting action to words, he moved as quickly and nimbly as his small legs would permit, racing through the crowd to take refuge against Sara’s side.
Ssserek laughed aloud and moved toward the swamp where everyone waited. “Buttons,” Ssserek said, “you and Sally will go with Delph. Moose and bear can be our forward guard. Otters and raccoons, keep to the rear and sides, keeping an eye out for anything unusual. Bison and Saint Bernard will rove, keeping an eye on our friend, the peccary. If he sinks, fine.” His eyes had sparkled in good humor, although the small peccary was not so sure he didn’t mean it. “But don’t let him tarry over the succulence of the water greens.”
Ssserek paused as he gazed about the group. It was a fine crowd, not to be taken lightly, clearly representing the forest and field. They would do the job, whatever it might require. Then, he gazed closely upon Iggy who waited with bated breath. “Well, my little friend, just what are we to do with you. Hardly a mouthful for any self-respecting rat.”
Iggy came to his fullest height and would have answered boldly, but Sara nudged him before he could open his mouth.
She was smiling as she addressed Ssserek. “I do not know how I can be of assistance to you, but in my small way, I will do all I can.”
Ssserek nodded in return, trying mightily to suppress the grin which strove so hard to escape him. “Hmmm, well-said, your most gracious highness.”
Then, he could no longer repress the grin as he laughed, “Yes, go on. Do it, wisest of dragons, it’ll not be forgotten.” He turned to nod to Buttons who had placed herself between the eye knobs of Delph, the gator in preparation for getting underway, as Iggy muttered to himself, “Course, she’s the wisest. She’s the only dragon here.” Then, more loudly, he said, “OK, so I’m not of much use. I’ll stay behind.” He pouted as he slumped disconsolately to the ground as Delph moved offshore, with the two dogs perched on his back.
The otters quickly moved into their assigned positions as the twin raccoons took up their places. Bear and moose surged ahead of the party, making their way silently and surely through the murky waters. Dog and bison moved in behind as Ssserek swiftly made his way to the alligator’s side. Bobcat, peccary, and others who would be part of the party moved forward also, ignoring the small squirrel watching unhappily from the shore.
Elmer, the large Saint Bernard, brushed by Iggy and entered the water smoothly. He swiftly swam to the fore where his great strength would be most useful. He briefly greeted the alligator and snake, and smiled warmly at Buttons and Sally, the two dogs he considered with greatest esteem.
Iggy sighed. He wasn’t very big, and not at all good in a fight, particularly since he always got beaten. But he always fought hard and never failed to give his best. Nuts! He hated being left behind. He turned to enter the forest when Sara, who had not left yet, coughed.
Her eyes gleamed, and the warmth and affection contained therein was almost too much for the ground squirrel. “Come, my little fire bringer,” she said softly, “let us show them how to do it.” She motioned to her back.
Iggy wanted to shout, but words failed him. He wanted to dance, but there was no time. He did what Sara bade him to do. He raced over to her, and with a giant leap, launched himself onto her shoulders. Iggy gripped Sara’s neck with all his strength.
His breath did indeed leave him as the small dragon launched herself into the air, leaping straight upward as she fanned her wings. Iggy’s small paws gripped as hard as he could as they soared over their group of friends. He wanted to shout, but couldn’t. Keeping his stomach with him was all he could handle for several seconds. But being a squirrel and accustomed to leaping from branch to branch high above the ground, unlike most ground squirrels, he quickly adapted to the new and incredible sensations of flying.
Then, he shouted. With joy and with glee and with all of his strength. What fun!
Sara circled and dipped as she passed over the swimming group, Iggy waving one paw as his enthusiasm and confidence grew. A dozen hawks soared higher in the air, watching for any unsuspected movement, no better guardians as they were. Around Sara’s head glittered many hummingbirds, the smallest leading them in complex spirals and turns, always moving just in front of the small dragon and her joyous rider. Directly in front was the small frog, who indeed had explored every nook and cranny of the swamp. To the amazement of all, Delph had formed a firm friendship with the frog who was often to be found resting comfortably on the alligator’s back. Hardly a small morsel to the ever-voracious alligator. Delph had come to respect the frog’s keen wit and knowledge of the large swamp.
Rat Island soon appeared, even hidden as it was in the deepest and darkest part of the swamp. The group had taken the shortest way possible. Like the surrounding silent water, the island was shrouded in gloom with large dead trees of many past years tossed up against the banks. Moss drooped from trunks and broken limbs, and the shadows were black. Nothing could be heard, the silence was thick everywhere A single clearing could be seen and, it was toward that that the group directed their way.
As Delph—with Ssserek in front and the bear and moose on either side—climbed ashore, a huge rat silently moved onto the sand. His fur was silver and his features were sharply pointed. Hatred clung to him like an evil cloud as he surveyed the group. He knew them, but if he feared them, it could not be seen. The five, with Buttons and Sally clambering to the sand to stand beside Delph, slowly advanced toward the rat. As they did so, the shadows behind seemed to move, and then many large rats gathered behind their elder leader.
Each party slowly surveyed the other, taking in numbers and strength. As they did so, hawks took up positions on dead trees, and the hummingbirds silently settled on the highest branches. This could not be the affair of the latter, but, nonetheless, their support was there for the rats to see and wonder at. On the other hand, the hawks were to be feared as they leaned forward to listen.
The elder rat hissed suddenly, “And to what do we owe this unwelcome intrusion? You have no rights here. Go away.” The last was spat out, his large eyes gleaming red and balefully.
Buttons spoke up, her voice clear and vibrant. “We have come for the White Mustang. As you well know, you cannot keep him.”
“We know you, little busybody. Go away.”
Buttons moved ahead of her friends “We are here for the White Mustang. We will not leave without him,” she repeated.
The large rat stepped forward, and his fearsome minions moved ahead, their teeth gleaming cruelly in the shadows.
“We do not fear you, little know-it-all. Go away Take this rabble with you, and leave us in peace.”
Sally and Ssserek moved as one, taking position at Buttons’s shoulders, with Delph right behind. Sally spoke.
“You know we will not leave. Your foul army cannot win.”
The old rat hissed loudly at the intrusion and was about to threaten further when he was abruptly interrupted by the sudden appearance of Sara, with Iggy clinging to her neck. She whirled over the heads of the rats, sending many scurrying for shelter within the dark confines of their evil island.
Then, she settled to the ground, almost landing on the large rat who was forced by her precipitous descent to scuttle backwards, hissing as he did so.
Iggy’s squeaky voice could be heard as he loudly whispered in Sara’s ear. “Great landing.”
The elder rat would have launched himself in retaliation on the little squirrel, but Sara preemptively swung her head down and around so that her nose was almost touching the rat’s.
“Good afternoon. I am Sarandra. How are you?”
Her soft dulcet tones made the old rat cringe inwardly for the second time, but he was made of stern stuff and did not budge.
“Another soft-bodied snack, I vow,” sneered the rat.
“Fine day, is it not?” Not to be outdone was Sara.
“A brown bag of chewies, it seems,” he hissed.
“Oh, father of rats, may your whiskers grow ever more bushy,” cooed Sara.
Buttons moved forward one more time and slowly eyed King Rat.
Ignoring the dragon, his eyes blazed as he spoke, “We’ll not leave our prize to you without harsh payment.” He glared at Sally who smiled back.
Ssserek leaned forward menacingly. “What will it be?”
Buttons smiled as sweetly as Scotties can, which, after all, is rather winning. To no avail. The old rat was not to be budged.
Ssserek rose in the air, and then he smiled, beckoning to Buttons and Sara to approach him. The otters and raccoons caught their collective breath and waited. No one knew what was going to happen when Scotties and rattlesnake put their heads together. Whatever it was, it would be worth the price of admission.
Buttons, Sally, Ssserek, Sara, and Delph had their noses together only momentarily. Iggy grinned and waited.
Buttons sat before the rat and lifted one paw delicately. “You don’t seem to understand, old fellow. We will have the young mustang.” Her soft brown eyes glittered with humor. “After all,” she murmured almost to herself, “it is a horse for your kingdom.”
“And,” began the rat, “my precious little . . .” Suddenly, he snapped at Buttons’s nose.
“None of that,” warned Ssserek as he lowered his head for battle. He was quickly joined by the bobcat and peccary as they ranged alongside the serpent.
“Easy, you two,” spoke Buttons. “We must be more persuasive, our arguments more to the point, our position more unassailable. After all, this is the king of rats. We must treat him with the respect due.”
Ssserek grinned as he winked at the others behind him.
The two raccoon twins raised an eyebrow apiece, then grinned in return, and sat where they were. “You’re the boss,” they vowed.
Buttons motioned to Sara, who then approached the rat and carefully arranged herself before the rat of all rats. Sara smiled. And coughed delicately behind her small paw. And then she took a deep breath.
Her ribs lifted as her chest expanded. She lowered her head, as the watching crowd exhaled together, she puffed and blew.
Nothing happened. She looked at Buttons. Her eyes were round, and some doubt could be seen as she lowered her head apologetically to Ssserek and Buttons.
The great rat snickered, and the chittering behind grew in volume.
“Oh my,” said Sara. My pilot light is out.” She looked with dismay at the rat who preened as his tail whipped to and fro.
Sara turned to the rat imploringly. “You’re not afraid of fire, are you?” she asked innocently.
“I’m not afraid of anything,” King Rat snapped.
“Hey, no need. I can do it,” stated Iggy, boldly stepping forward as he searched his ragged tail.
“No need, my grungy little friend. This is Rat Island. I do the honors.”
“Now, hold on,” Iggy was adamant. His fur started to rise along the ridge of his back as he leaned forward. “I can do it.”
“Look, my scrawny little friend, move aside for your betters.” The old rat rose to his full height. He was indeed a fine looking rat, as such things go, with his black nose, large beady eyes, and silver fur. But his naked tail flicked angrily back and forth, belying his fine words. His anger was rising.
Iggy would have retorted in kind, but Buttons nudged her friend aside. “Please, Iggy. He really can do it.”
The rat’s lips curled as he sneered, “Yes, I can and should.” He stopped and looked at the little dragon who remained sitting.
The rat turned to Buttons. “What’s a little fire? I’m not afraid!” His glances flickered from one to the other of those before him.
“Excellent, most exalted of all rats.” Buttons turned to Iggy.” Let him have it.”
Iggy made a big show of unwillingness, but cut it short when Ssserek’s head began to drop The small squirrel reached back to his tail and carefully removed a match, its red tip gleaming like the rat’s eyes He bowed ever so slightly as he handed it to the large rat, and then scurried quickly to the rear, and remained there, peeping around Biff’s rotund figure from moment to moment.
The rat was nonplused. He held the match in the air, turning it one way and then another. He looked to Ssserek, then to Sally, and finally to Buttons, where his attention remained.
She smiled blithely. Stepping forward, she said, “All you do it, strike it against a rock.”
“I know! I know! Any dummy knows how to light a match!” King Rat hissed.
Buttons glanced around and waited as the raccoon twins carried a large, flat stone forward. They carefully placed it before the rat and quickly left.
Buttons nodded toward the rock. “Then, it’s quite simple. You hold it for Sara to breath on it. That will return her pilot light.”
The rat searched the faces of the creatures before him, but could detect no subterfuge. He next looked at the dragon who watched, her eyes large, luminous, and, yes, rather pleading.
The rat swelled with fast-growing pride. He could do it. Only he had the dexterity and skills required. This would show them. He looked at the stone before him.
Buttons looked up at Sara, who was engaged in monitoring her insides. First, she rolled her eyes to the right, dipped her head, and then rolled her eyes to the left as she measured the growing sensations. Then, she smiled broadly at the rat.
“I’m ready, whenever you are,” she crooned.
King Rat rose onto his hind legs, gazed carefully about, and then struck the match across the rock. Sparks flew, rats behind scattered, and then he held it high. The flame flickered brightly in the gathering dusk.
Buttons was watching closely, and then cautioned the rat. “Hold it down a little.”
He looked at her, and then his eyes brightened. Of course, the little dragon couldn’t comfortably reach it as he held it over his head. Beaming with pride, he lowered it until it was right before his nose. His long, grand whiskers twitched.
Sara nodded, and as Buttons and the others retreated, Sara let all of the accumulated gases within escape in a single huge burst.
Billowing flame and smoke engulfed the rat. So great was the blast that even the more daring of the rats behind were wrapped by the minor holocaust. There was much coughing and spluttering before the flames and smoke subsided.
King Rat stood there, and like Iggy before him, the match slowly crumbled to the ground. Gone were the whiskers, and much of the shiny gray fur. Gone was the pride. But not the anger, or the hatred, not the gnawing kind of hatred only rats can harbor.
King Rat raised one paw to his burned and scorched nose. He rubbed it as he discreetly coughed and surveyed the crowd before him. Yes, it must be admitted, there were some snickers at the back, but Buttons, Sara, Ssserek, and the others simply stood their ground, waiting. They had no smiles, and their features were grim.
No! There was one exception. The scrawny little squirrel was grinning broadly, thoroughly enjoying King Rat’s plight. Iggy couldn’t help it. He grinned even more broadly as he sidled up next to Sara. And then he moved before her, directly in front of the rat who watched with growing wrath.
The rat sighed. No, no, no. Nothing to do but admit it, but he was a rat and he had stood his ground, though his evil heart quailed within his breast. The dismay disappeared from his face, the hardness returning as he began to speak.
His tones were soft and low, apologetic. So soft and low that Iggy had to lean forward to hear. Precisely what the rat wished for.
Perhaps he could not win, but he could make at least one sorry. He could still hurt someone. And that someone was directly before him.
Only Ssserek and Buttons understood immediately what the evil rat intended, but only Ssserek had the speed required.
King Rat grinned evilly, and then, as though glancing to one side, he slashed at Iggy, faster than thought itself, meaning to take the small squirrel in the throat. Even faster was Ssserek’s strike, brushing Iggy aside in a single quick motion. But not fast enough. Although King Rat had missed the throat, still he inflicted a mortal slash across Iggy’s shoulder.
Blood rapidly welled from the ghastly wound, falling to the damp ground in a steady, life-taking flood.
King Rat smiled as he settled back to watch the effect of his action.
Buttons and friends were hunkering down, readying themselves for the attack, angry words beginning to flow from them almost as rapidly as blood from the squirrel.
Sara rose up, spreading her wing widely, preventing Buttons and Sally from an immediate attack. She alone faced the growing number of rats gathering behind their master and king. Her eyes blazed as she began to take a deep breath. What would have happened is not known, for the rats were numerous, and they were on their land.
Ssserek moved, sliding beneath the fanning wings, to take position before the angry young dragon. “Stop. There is no time for that, your highness. Stop and think.”
The young dragon shook her head. She wanted revenge. But then, she glanced down at her friend who had collapsed to the ground. His eyes were closed and his breathing was becoming more and more shallow.
She looked at Ssserek. Of course, he was right. First things first.
And to the bewilderment of the gathering rats and to everlasting wonder of her friends, she knelt beside Iggy and slowly began to lick his wound. She had wanted rats’ blood, but it was that of her friend, Iggy, she tasted As she cleaned the wound, the flow of blood began to slow, then it became a trickle, then ceased altogether. Healing had begun, then rapidly progressed until only a scar remained.
Those behind cheered. Those in front shuttered.
Sara rose again to stand before King Rat She coughed, a small jet of smoke and flame escaping from between her soft-appearing lips. She smiled and King Rat shuddered. Her pilot light was relit, and King Rat shriveled inside. This time, she knew how to control it. King Rat shriveled more. She smiled even more broadly as she lowered her head to place her nose scant inches from that of the rat.
As she began to take a deep breath, the many rats behind vanished, leaving their king alone to take the full fury of the young dragon.
He abruptly sat down, almost reeling off-balance. He caught himself, tried to hold himself upright. But it was no use. He openly shivered, frozen as he was by the glare of the dragon’s eyes, and those of Ssserek, and particularly those of that black dog.
“After due consideration.” Anything to forestall the dragon. He took a deep breath. An evil day indeed when rats met her. Oh, but for her. And now. She! He gazed once more into the eyes of the young dragon.
“I believe you will have no difficulty finding your way back.” Sighing, he turned to leave. Then, as though it were an afterthought, he nodded to their right. “You’ll find the mustang in a well-protected bower.”
This was no afterthought. “Please leave.” He sniffed. His nose almost touching the sand, he disappeared into the shadows, which were rapidly swallowing his kith and kin. For ever after, King Rat referred to Sara only as she, or when in a really nasty mood, that creature.
Buttons and her friends found the young mustang in a nearby bower. He was hungry and had little to drink. He was weak, and though he wobbled badly, he would accept no aid.
The rats were clever, using tussocks of grass and partially submerged trees—over which the way was fraught with difficulty for the colt—and islands beneath the dark waters. Once onto the trail, the sure-footed raccoons and otters cheerfully led the way, with Biff, the bear and the young moose standing on both sides of the colt. Iggy and Sara soared overhead, accompanied by clusters of hummingbirds, and flanked by grim hawks.
Iggy was happy just to hang on, having little strength left after his ordeal. If he were more subdued than normal, he had good reason.
Ssserek and Delph followed slowly behind, not trusting the rats. Perhaps they had given in this time, but they remained evil and untrustworthy, quick to change their minds once the immediate danger had passed. Sally continued to sniff the air. There was no sign of rats, and there would be none. This time.
The small band of animals reached Dead Rat Cove by sunset. It had been a long day, and the many friends departed after seeing the young mustang returned to its mother and herd. The stallions remained skittish, but grateful, in their own way. They thanked Sally and Buttons with great courtesy, but shied from Ssserek, and stayed away from the water’s edge where Delph cruised up and down, watching the proceedings. The mustangs looked with wonder at Sara, and there were many mutterings within the herd at the marvel of it all.
Sara was quite pleased with the affair and patted Iggy on the head repeatedly, much to his chagrin and the amusement of the others. The small dragon finally approached Buttons and Ssserek after the herd had left.
She simply said, “I must be going. Lost, you know.”
Buttons and Sally and their closest friends gathered around the small dragon. The raccoon twins and the otter were openly fascinated by her magical healing of Iggy’s near-fatal wound and repeatedly begged her to tell them more. But she bashfully demurred, saying only that dragons had many gifts unknown to the present world. Biff, the bear grunted in good humor as they relived the fateful day, he and the Saint Bernard sitting on one side as Sara sidestepped the many questions.
The dragon looked to Buttons for help, and finally, Buttons had to literally push her friends away. Sara sighed deeply. “You know how scared I was, Buttons, and yet . . .” She sighed again. “I didn’t know I could do it until you showed me how. And now . . . Well, I’m lost, but I’ll never be alone again.”
Buttons had simply grinned. It had been a great day and she expressed the deep emotions of all and their love for the unique creature who had joined them, even for a short while.
“We’ll miss you Sarandra,” she said as she stood against the dragon’s shoulder, small brown eyes meeting great luminous brown eyes. Then, Buttons had whispered something in her ear before dropping back to the ground. “And, that will take care of that problem.”
What she had whispered was never revealed, but Sara’s pleased smile warmed the hearts of all who were present.
Then, to keep her overwhelming feelings under control, Buttons had winked, and said, “Ya’ll come back.”
Iggy giggled, Biff guffawed, and Sally, glancing at Ssserek, simply shook her head, as they all joined in the laughter.
Sara was about to lift her wings for flight when she noticed Iggy shuffling his feet in the sand. She wanted to say something funny like Buttons had, but she couldn’t. Never in her life had she met a creature quite like the irrepressible squirrel.
Iggy glanced up, suddenly seeing only Sara’s large and beautiful eyes contemplating him. He would have run for the nearest tree but couldn’t move. He wanted to race to her and tell how much she meant to him, what their flight together had meant, and how much . . . well, how much . . . his thoughts were in total disarray. He fidgeted and coughed, though his throat was very tight.
Sara moved forward slowly, never taking her eyes away from the small sad creature. She knelt before him, and then reached out to gently stroke his wounded shoulder. She wanted to say something, but even as intelligent and knowledgeable as she was, for one her age, she didn’t know what to say.
Buttons and Sally watched the two with growing pain, and then they moved forward as one to stand on either side of Sara.
Buttons spoke clearly and crisply. “What she wants of you, you twit, is to take care of your wound. No fights with the raccoon twins for a while, no racing helter-skelter around trees where you don’t belong. OK?”
At her no-nonsense words, Sara smiled, the pained look rapidly disappearing. “Exactly. No nonsense, Iggy. Do take care of yourself, or I’ll never come back. Promise.” Her heart was about to burst, but she stepped back, and assumed her most haughty stance. “You do understand? Right?”
Iggy grinned sheepishly, and then his unusual restraint vanished. He rushed forward and grasped the surprised and pleased dragon. Raising himself to his highest, he said, “I understand. Truly, I do. And, you will be back. I know.” Only by holding tightly to the dragon could the small squirrel contain his shaking. Then, with one last gasp, he said, “I’ll miss you Sara. Please hurry back.”
Sara nodded, and then to the complete surprise of everyone there, she reached down, picked him up, and kissed him. She could only say “Bye” as she lifted her wings. Nodding with pleasure and love, she launched herself into the night sky.
Iggy looked at the dirt in front of him. It would never be the same again for him. He had flown, he had soared with the hawks and hummingbirds, and for a while, even a butterfly would be envied.
Buttons and her friends sat, clustered around Ssserek and Biff, the hawks perched on nearby limbs, and with the frog and gator circling in front, they watched the small dragon disappear into the darkness, small gouts of flame lighting her way.
Sally sighed, “I wonder if she’ll be able to keep her pilot light going.”
“Oh sure,” Iggy piped in, “I told her everything she needed to know. No problem. Really.” He had looked at them all, grinning mischievously. “Told her everything I knew.”
Biff groaned. “She’ll be back sure as shootin’.”
Buttons had laughed with Ssserek and Delph put paid to the day with a great resounding slap of his tail on the water as he and Milo, the moose had joined in.
Thus ended the visit of Princess Vintrix, Sarandra, Guardian of the High Reaches, and friend to the smallest and proudest little ground squirrel who would lay awake many a night wondering what sky she was crossing.
The End