Raven's Flight

by Chrys Cymri

  ‘I could buy him goggles and a flight jacket.’ Audrey laughed again. ‘Sorry, wrong war.’ She picked up the bottle and downed the last of the liquid. ‘But he’s not having my drink. No, sorry, not good for animals. Probably why you don’t want any, Raven. Alcohol isn’t good for you.’

  ‘I don’t want any.’

  ‘That’s just as well. All I wanted was to wear my frock to London. One day, I’ll get to London. And I’ll wear my frock.’ Her voice was fading. Raven watched her cross her forearms on the table and lower her head onto the bare skin. A few minutes later, her breathing told him that she was asleep.

  For a long moment he stared at her, wondering whether this were part of her Christmas rituals. Then he rose to his feet. The chill air creeping through chinks in the walls told him that it was going to be a cold night. The fire needed more logs, and he needed to think of a way to provide Audrey with some covering.

  As he prepared the house, Raven did make one firm decision. Ysbaddaden and Aingeal would not be permitted to provide Audrey with any more whisky. If necessary, he would smash the bottle himself.

  Chapter Seven

  The first thing Audrey did, when she woke the next morning, was rush to a side room. She retched noisily. Raven grimaced at the smells which followed. He made his way outside for some fresh air and to take care of his own needs.

  The clouds had cleared, and bright blue sky met his gaze. Raven stretched out his wings, but the low sun brought little warmth to his skin. According to Audrey, winter had only just begun. They would have to live through several more months of cold, and snow, and grey skies. He was already tired of living within stone walls and eating long dead meat. Why did he have to crash here? He wanted to be somewhere warmer.

  The thought sent off a tingle in his mind. His senses opened. There were many places where he could chase the cold from his bones. All of them were just short flights away.

  Raven snorted. How could that be? He had flown across the valley several times, and he knew that this cold land extended for many miles.

  But the thought was insistent. He could almost feel the hot sun waiting for him. All he had to do was fly through a part of the sky near the centre of the lake.

  Filling his gas chamber and a short flight would bring some warmth to his body. The short path he had cleared was too short for a running take-off, so he expanded his chest with extra buoyancy. His hind legs kicked him upwards, and his wings only just brushed the top of the snow on the first downbeat.

  The lake was frozen. Birds moved across the white landscape, muttering darkly as they searched for food. Raven swept his wings through the cold air, following the sense which pulled him forward. The air shimmered just off to his left, and he dropped through.

  The change was so abrupt that he expelled flames in surprise. The valley was gone. He was over the desert, the one he had seen whilst escaping from his mother’s jaws. Twisted hulks of burnt-out metal were scattered across the sands. There were no signs of any humans.

  Emptying his gas chamber had made him lose height. Raven dipped his wing and descended. The sand was hot, and burned his feet. He snarled at the unexpected pain, and pumped his wings to lift himself back into the sky. Where could he find warmth and ground which would allow him to land?

  The tingle drew him to another section of the sky. The opening was smaller than the previous one, and he pulled his wings in close to dive through.

  The tang of salt danced across his nostrils. He was looking down at a long beach, black sand glistening as waves crashed and retreated. Late afternoon sun caressed his spines. Raven landed more carefully this time, but the ground was cool against his skin. Folding his wings against his back, he walked along the shore, his feet sinking into the soft sand.

  Winter lifted from his scales. Raven strode to harder ground, and lowered himself onto his haunches. Black sand dunes rose away behind him, leading to a dry land of prickly plants and slow-moving reptiles. Other creatures moved in the sea, just beyond the waves. He watched them leap into the air, sunlight glistening on their sleek bodies, before they fell back into the water. Did they speak? He cocked his head. And were they any good to eat?

  The soft sounds of the surf and the warmth of the sun lulled him to sleep. Raven only woke when he felt the air beginning to cool. The clouds were red and purple over the sea, and the last rays of light glittered across the calm ocean.

  Time to go home. He trotted down the beach, unfolding his wings to catch the air. As he rose into the sky, he looked down one last time. Small animals emerged from the base of the plants, slick fur sliding across their long bodies as they made their way down to the shore. Several large birds skimmed over the water, long beaks snatching at the fish just below the surface. Raven thought of the cold valley, and part of him wanted to drop back down to the beach. But Audrey was there, and he belonged with her. So he made his way back through the shimmering holes in the air.

  He emerged into midday. Smoke puffed from the chimney of the house, and a dark smear near the right wall told him that Audrey had decided to empty her waste buckets. With a carefully planned release of flames and just the right twists to his wings, he managed to land in the cleared area at the front.

  Raven hooked a claw through a leather loop and pulled the door open. With the ease of long practice, he slipped his body inside and quickly shut out the cold.

  ‘Raven?’ Audrey’s voice quavered. ‘Is that you?’

  ‘Yes, it’s me,’ he said, confused. ‘Who else would it be?’

  She emerged from the bedroom. Even in the dim light, Raven could see that her eyes were red. ‘I wasn’t sure--I thought you’d gone.’

  ‘I did go,’ he said. ‘And now I’m back again.’

  ‘I thought you’d gone, and you weren’t coming back.’

  ‘Why would you think that?’

  ‘I drank too much last night.’ Audrey rubbed at her face. ‘I thought I’d said things that, well, maybe were unkind to say.’

  ‘I went for a flight.’ Raven arched his neck. ‘And I found a beach, and sand, and sun. It was warm.’

  She came close. Although the smell of sick clung to her skin, Raven held still as she laid a hand on his neck. ‘Where?’

  ‘I don’t know where,’ he admitted. ‘But I found the shimmering places, the crossings, in the sky. I went back to the desert. Then I flew through a crossing to the beach. I wish I could take you.’

  ‘You smell of fresh air and sunshine,’ Audrey marvelled. ‘How do you find these crossings?’

  ‘I just think of what I want to find. And then I know where they are.’

  ‘Crossings. Like the one our aeroplane came through.’ Her fingers trembled against his skin. ‘Can you find anywhere?’

  ‘I don’t know,’ Raven admitted. ‘Where should I find?’

  ‘London. Could you find London?’ Even as she spoke, Raven felt the familiar tingle, his senses opening to a wider awareness. ‘Yes, I suppose that’s asking a bit much. You’ve never been to London, you might not even have a London here, wherever here is. Maybe I have to think of a way to describe it, like telling you about Big Ben or Buckingham Palace.’

  ‘I can find London,’ Raven said confidently. The name whispered across his mind, spoken by hundreds of tongues, held in thousands of minds. ‘It’s full of humans. And it’s cold there.’

  ‘Of course it’s cold, it’s winter in England.’ A smile brightened her face. ‘But you could find it?’

  ‘Yes. I could find London.’

  ‘And take me there?’

  ‘There are warmer places,’ he said slowly. ‘The beach is very nice.’

  Her hand moved up to caress his snout. ‘But you could take me to London.’

  ‘If you want to visit London, I could take you there.’ Honesty made him add, ‘If I can carry you. I’m not big enough.’

  ‘Maybe not now.’ Audrey laughed. ‘But you’re still growing, Raven. It’s only a matter of time. And then we can go to London.’

&n
bsp; ‘When I’m big enough,’ he agreed, ‘I’ll take you to London.’

  Audrey wiped at her eyes. ‘London. Thank God, he’s found a way for me to get to England. Thank you, dear Lord.’ She took a deep breath, and as she turned away from Raven she began to sing. ‘“All my hope on God is founded; he doth still my trust renew. Me through change and chance he guideth, only good and only true.”’

  Raven watched her work on preparing lunch, his own spirits lifting at her happiness. If this was all it took to make her sing, he would take her to visit London many times. But he would have to grow much larger before he could carry her. He shut his eyes and put words together in his head. God, if you are something that cares about humans and dragons, help me to grow big enough to take her to London.

  <><><><><><>

  On days clear of heavy snowfall or strong winds, Raven explored his abilities. He learned that sometimes the crossings to where he wanted to go were close together. Other times, he had to fly straight for longer distances. The only limit to his travels was his imagination. Audrey was a great help, suggesting what might make a good search. He brought back fresh meat, and one time he snagged a basketful of oranges when the nearby humans had gone inside a building for their lunch.

  The mixture of activity and good eating resulted in a growth spurt. As the snow melted, and the days lengthened, he added height and length. When he came into the building, he had to duck his head to avoid hitting the ceiling.

  ‘But you’re still sleek,’ Audrey commented one evening. The day had been warm enough for them to spend time outside. ‘Not bulky.’

  Raven arched his neck. ‘Search dragons are the most handsome of all dragons.’

  Audrey laughed, then rose from her seat on the wall. ‘On what are you basing your assessment?’

  ‘I’m a search dragon. So they must be the most handsome.’

  ‘Of course they are.’ She reached up to pat his muzzle. ‘You’re about twice the size of a horse, now. Have you been practicing with that log?’

  Raven glanced at the piece of wood resting by the side of the house. ‘I did, yesterday.’

  ‘And?’

  ‘I managed to fly it across the lake and back.’

  ‘Good.’ Audrey smiled. ‘I’m lighter than it is, I’m certain. If you can carry the log, you should be able to carry me.’

  Raven’s claws dug deep into the hard ground, and his neck tingled at the thought of her legs pressing against his skin. ‘I’ll make a few more trips with the log over the next week. And then we can try a short flight?’

  ‘I’m looking forward to it.’

  ‘So am I,’ he said fervently. ‘So am I.’

  <><><><><><>

  They chose a dry and sunny day. Audrey climbed onto a stone, and Raven dipped his shoulder to bring his neck near. Her shoes scraped at his scales as she pulled herself awkwardly into a gap between two of his triangular spines. ‘A gentle take-off,’ she told him. ‘I don’t have much to hold on to.’

  Raven waited for his heart to calm. Then he slowly changed his pace from a walk, to a trot, then to a canter. His wings spread out, stretching to catch at the passing current. A slight bump as his feet left the ground made Audrey’s legs tighten against his skin. Then they were rising into the air. Raven pounded his wings slowly and carefully, conscious of the precious burden he carried.

  The shore slid past beneath them, and then they were mirrored in the still surface of the lake. Raven tilted his body and took them in a long, gradual circle back to land. A few minutes later he landed, his feet kicking up the soft soil as he gradually slowed to a full stop.

  ‘That was wonderful,’ Audrey said. ‘Why didn’t we go for longer? Did you tire?’

  Raven’s heart was beating and his legs felt weak, but not from any physical exertion. ‘Longer next time,’ he replied, unwilling to lie to her.

  ‘Yes, you’re right. Best not to chance it, not the first time.’ She slid to the ground. ‘And my muscles are aching already. It’s been a long time since I’ve ridden a horse.’

  ‘You’ve been on someone else’s back?’ Raven demanded, his lips drawing back in a snarl.

  ‘Only a few times.’ Audrey smiled up at him. ‘But I’ve never flown on someone before. Only on you, Raven.’

  ‘Only ever on me,’ he agreed. Then he lowered himself. ‘Again?’

  She stepped back. ‘I thought you were tired.’

  ‘I’m better now.’ He would prove to her that a ride on him bettered any previous experience. Raven brought his belly down to the ground. ‘I could show you the beach?’

  ‘It’s been ages since I’ve been at the seaside.’ Audrey stretched up her hands to grasp his spine. ‘If you’re certain?’

  His heart was pounding hard again. Raven filled his gas chamber, shifted his weight to his hindquarters, and kicked away from the ground. ‘Good heavens!’ Audrey exclaimed, and he felt her body shift. But the grip of her legs was still strong.

  A few minutes later they were gliding over black sands. ‘The sun’s at a different angle,’ Audrey called out.

  ‘It’s afternoon here,’ Raven replied. A breeze off the ocean caught at his wings, and he backwinged into a light landing.

  ‘But how can that be?’ Audrey tapped at his shoulder, and Raven lowered himself so she could slide from his neck. ‘How far have we travelled?’

  ‘We’re very far away from the valley. It would take me weeks to fly back there, if I didn’t use the crossings.’

  ‘What an amazing talent. You are an amazing creature, Raven.’

  ‘Yes,’ he said. ‘I am.’

  ‘And not very humble!’ Audrey turned her face towards the ocean. ‘It’s so lovely and warm here. And quiet. Turn your back.’

  ‘What?’

  ‘It’s been months since I was able to clean myself. I’d love a hot bath, but salt water will do. Turn your back. I'm going to strip off.’

  Although mystified, Raven did as he was told. He swivelled his ears, listening as sand crunched under her bare feet. The sound of water splashing against her legs was accompanied by a gasp. ‘It’s colder than I expected!’

  ‘At least the sun is warm.’ Raven felt his eyes shutting. The earlier internal heat, generated by something other than his gas chamber, had dissipated, and now he felt very tired. He curled up and slid into a nap.

  Audrey’s voice woke him some time later. ‘I'm dressed, you can look.’ Raven rose, shook the sand from his legs, and turned his head. She was running her fingers through her wet hair. ‘Should have brought a towel,’ she continued. ‘If I even had a towel.’

  ‘I can fly you here again,’ Raven offered. ‘And there’s a place with a warm waterfall, I could take you there. I can take you anywhere.’

  ‘London will do.’ Audrey came to his side. ‘When do you think you can arrange that?’

  Raven reached out with his senses. ‘I’ll have to do some straight flying. A few shorter trips, first, to build up my muscles. Then we can go.’

  ‘Wonderful.’ The smile slipped from her face. ‘But, for now, we’d better go back to the valley.’

  Raven lowered himself so she could clamber up to his neck. Yes, back to what was currently their home. But once he had developed the strength to carry her for longer flights, they could visit anywhere. Perhaps even live anywhere. Audrey began to sing, and he hummed along. ‘“Thy hand, O God, has guided thy flock, from age to age; the wondrous tale is written, full clear, on every page...”’

  <><><><><><>

  For the first time since Raven had known her, Audrey was relaxed. When several nights plunged below freezing, she freely topped up the fire without worrying aloud how many logs she had left. Extra vegetables were added to the daily broth, and when Raven told her of the rotten smell coming from the ice house, she seemed unconcerned. ‘I won’t need it again.’

  As he shovelled extra soil over the entrance, in an attempt to dampen the putrid scent, Raven reflected that she was right. Summer was pleasant in this vall
ey, warm and full of hunting opportunities. But next winter, they could live elsewhere. His wings would free them from the cold house and the snow. Warm months here, winter elsewhere. The thought perked his ears in a smile.

  In the meantime, while he carried Audrey on shorter trips, he reached out with his senses to work out the best route to her beloved London. It would take five crossings, and two straight flights. To go there would mean spending at least three hours in the air, with her weight on his neck. He had suggested taking a rest part way, but Audrey didn’t like the idea. She wanted to go straight to the city, no pauses.

  ‘I think we can go the day after tomorrow,’ Raven told her one evening, after a long flight across the lake and back. ‘My wings feel fine. I’ll hunt tomorrow, and if I have a good meal, I’ll be ready for the visit to London.’

  Audrey’s hands crept up to her mouth. Her head turned as she looked around the house. The warmer weather meant that the shutters were open, allowing the setting sun to touch the rough table with light. ‘After all this time,’ she whispered. Then she rose from her chair. ‘Well, it’s not like I have that much to pack.’

  ‘Except your frock.’

  ‘My frock?’

  ‘You said you wanted to wear it to London.’

  Audrey laughed. ‘Might be a bit much on dragonback!’ Then she nodded. ‘Actually, yes, I could wear Mark’s great coat over the top. So long as you don’t take us through any cold or wet places.’

  Raven closed his eyes and sensed his way through the various crossings. ‘Mostly dry.’

  ‘Fair enough.’ Audrey clapped her hands. ‘London! Finally!’

  The next day, Raven took himself through several crossings to a wide plain. Large brown-furred animals roamed through the tall grasses. Although sharp horns curved from their broad heads, Raven had learned that the calves were small enough for a dragon to swoop in and pick up in outstretched claws. He only had to avoid herds which were protected by large flying insects. The one time he had hunted a protected group, he had only managed to escape the insects’ pincers by diving through a crossing place.