Gentry Cummings stroked Canna’s head. Well, she stroked the underside of her chin. The great white shimmering dragon lay upside down, her feet in the air, her back ridges buried in warm sand. Canna looked ridiculous, but Gentry knew Canna didn’t care. Neither vanity nor pride were among the dragon’s weaknesses. Figs, yes. Chocolate, yes. But vanity? Caring what someone thought of her looks? Not in a million years.
Girl and dragon basked in the noon sun, soaking in the pleasure of sunshine and water. Their private riverside beach was hidden from prying eyes. They were far enough away from any settlement to avoid being found by anyone. Canna could disappear into the river’s depths at a moment’s notice and never leave a trace. Gentry could slip into the trees with equal stealth. No one would know the two were there. No one.
Especially the dragon hunters who hounded Canna from place to place. Gentry sighed at the thought of the men…and women…who wanted nothing more than to cut Canna to pieces and sell her parts. Collectors paid top dollar for a dragon claw, or tooth, or scale. Gentry growled under her breath.
Canna didn’t move her head but raised her chin to speak. “I think you and Jansen Kittrey should explore beyond the ridge.”
Gentry stared at Canna side eyed. “Why would I want to do that?”
The dragon stretched her feet. Her voice remained sleepy. “Might be better pasture for the sheep. Might be something worth seeing. Might win a friend.”
The girl huffed. “I have all the friends I need. I have you.”
Canna rolled over on her side. “You can never have too many friends. And I can’t be everywhere at once. You never know when a human friend may come in handy. Like Merchant William did the day you were almost kidnapped and sold into slavery.”
Gentry shuddered. The thought of Old Bailey’s hands around her shoulders brought back haunting memories. Merchant William had arrived and fought off the thief. Old Bailey had stabbed William…Gentry shook the images off. “But you were there, finally.”
“The point is, William arrived first. A human can usually fit where a dragon can’t. You need friends. Jansen would be a good one to have.”
Gentry scowled. “Is there more to this than friends?”
“Jansen is the most honest young man in the village. If Jansen says he saw something, people will believe him.”
“Unlike me, who no one believes. I’m the girl with the dragon.”
“Perhaps. Perhaps it’s time that changed.”
Gentry startled and sat forward. “Time what changed? You’re leaving me?”
Canna snorted. “Never. I think it’s time people’s idea of you changed.”
“How are you going to do it? It would take a miracle.”
A light breeze danced through the canyon. Trees barely swayed in its passing. Blue jays chucked their displeasure at the dragon on the bank of the river. Mockingbirds sang their songs, unbothered.
The dragon held Gentry in her eyes. “Do you trust me?”
Gentry could give only one answer. “Yes. With my life.”
Canna rose to her feet, her massive girth towering over the girl. “I think you and Jansen should go explore the area over the ridge.”
Gentry considered it for a minute. “What’s there you want us to find?”
Canna gave the dragon equivalent of a shrug. “Who knows? Maybe nothing. You won’t have to lie about what you don’t know to begin with.”
Gentry nudged the dirt. “But how do I get Jansen to go with me?”
Canna chuckled. “Start by telling him the truth. You’ve always wanted to know what might be beyond the ridge, and you thought he would be a good one to take with you. In case you find anything. Because no one would believe you by yourself.”
“I’m supposed to tell him that?” Gentry’s voice rose at the end.
“It’s a suggestion. Tell him anything you want. Or not. It’s up to you.”
Gentry narrowed her eyes. “You’re being awfully sneaky about something. What’s over there you want me to find?”
Canna repeated, “You won’t have to lie about something you don’t know to begin with. It’s a beautiful valley. You’ll love it. So will Jansen.”
“Fine.” Gentry said it harder than she meant to. But Canna’s hints were aggravating. “I’ll ask. Bet he won’t go with me.”
Canna’s eyes twinkled. “You won’t know unless you ask.” She stretched her wings. “I think I’ll fly up to the mountain and get lunch. Come back when you have something to report.”
Gentry rolled her eyes. She stood up and dusted the back of her tunic. “You’re terrible sometimes.”
The dragon lowered her head and nuzzled Gentry. “I love you, little one.”
Gentry hugged her head. “I love you, too, Canna.” The girl walked back to her home.
Canna called, “And don’t forget to pray about it. That’s the most important part to remember.”
Gentry waved her hand. “I’ll remember.”
Praying to the Master was like breathing for Canna. Gentry still needed to learn all about what it meant to follow the Lord of Heaven and Earth. Mostly, she knew she would never be alone. He would be with her always. He would never leave her. He warmed her soul with His presence. And His peace. Whatever Canna wanted Gentry to find, Gentry would find it. And everything would be alright. In the end, it would all be alright.
Wouldn't it?
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