Squawk: Beginnings (Book #1)

by Craig Halloran

  Gabe pressed his ear to the door. I don’t hear anything.

  A latch popped. The door started to move. Voices came from the other side.

  The dominion. Oh no, it’s the dominion.

  CHAPTER 42

  Gabe huddled as far back and out of sight as he could. The door opened. Peeking around the corner of the cages, he caught a glimpse of Angela. A pair of people stood behind her, wearing the showy robes of the dominion. Angela’s searching eyes found his. “Are the dragons secure?”

  He nodded.

  With a wave of her hand, she said, “Come over, Gabe. We have visitors.”

  Eyes on the ground, he made his approach. He remembered what Sage had said about the dominion showing up. He was supposed to stay out of the way, but the Count was dragging him right out in front of them. He stopped a few feet short of her. A sweet smell lingered in the air, tickling his nose. He sneezed.

  “Bless you.” The words came from the same girl he’d met months earlier when the dragon eggs were hatched. Her short chestnut hair touched her shoulders. Her blue eyes were intense as the stars. She held a metal cage in her hands. Squawk was inside.

  “Gabe, this is Mandy and her father, Oscar.”

  Oscar had an austere air about him. His eyes did not meet Gabe’s. The man covered his nose with a handkerchief. “Mandy is having trouble with her dragon. Perhaps you can help her with it. She thinks it’s sick.”

  Squawk lay in the middle of the cage, curled up in a ball. His face was hidden.

  “Apologies,” Angela said to Oscar and Mandy. “I believe Gabe is overwhelmed with your presence. If I can have a moment to speak with him in private, I’ll help him get his thoughts sorted out. If you’ll excuse us…”

  Oscar nodded.

  Angela led Gabe to a spot in the room as far away from their guests as she could. In a low voice, she said, “Listen, Gabe, you need to work with Mandy and that dragon. Convince her that she has control of it. At least some control. Just enough to keep her believing.”

  He started shaking his head.

  She grabbed his chin. “Don’t do that. You don’t have any choice in this. I’m leaving you alone with her. Briefly. Figure it out.” She showed an inch between her thumb and index finger. “Just this much. Do this, and your days will be filled with gravy.”

  Compelled by her words, he nodded.

  She led him over to the others. “Oscar, if you come with me, we can give them a moment.”

  “I’m not leaving her alone with the likes of him. Harlan!” Oscar gave a stiff nod. A behemoth of a guard stepped through the doorway. He wore the blue shirt of the Blue Guard. His face was skinned up like hamburger. The eyes above it drooped.

  Oscar said to the Count, “After you.”

  Angela gave Gabe a nod, and they departed. The Blue Guardsman’s eyes bore into him. His sausage fingers clutched at his sides. His forearms bulged in his sleeves, but other than that, he didn’t have any weapons.

  “Don’t make any sudden moves. Harlan is very jumpy in an overprotective sort of way. His face has always been like that since I remember. He’s big, and he doesn’t have much wit about him. He doesn’t hear so well, either.” Mandy shifted the cage. “This is getting heavy.”

  “Oh, uh, over here on this table. S-Sorry.” Gabe rushed over to a workbench and started clearing it off. “This should be good.”

  She set down the cage. Squawk had doubled in size, which wasn’t anything extraordinary in the early stages. His ruddy scales, the color of mud and peppered with black, had a sleek quality. Little ridges had built up along his spine. “He doesn’t eat. All he does is sleep. He’s not responsive at all.”

  Gabe made a move to open the cage door. He brushed against Mandy.

  Harlan shoved him down to the ground.

  CHAPTER 43

  Harlan shielded Mandy with his body. She slipped out of his protection, faced him off, slapped him in the chest, and said in a loud voice, “Stop that silliness, Harlan! Stop it now, you overprotective oaf!”

  Still leering at Gabe, Harlan cringed and grunted.

  “Harlan! Back off!” She shoved him backward a few steps. “I’m fine. Now, you stay put!”

  The hulking man shifted from side to side, staring at Gabe.

  “Harlan?” she said.

  The bodyguard half grunted and half nodded like an ape trying to figure out if it was in danger or not.

  Gabe remained glued to the floor. His butt ached. Harlan’s shove had lifted him clear off his feet and thrown him through the air like a toddler. The back of his head had smacked into one of the cages.

  Mandy came right to him, hands outstretched. “Are you okay? Here, let me help you up.”

  He pulled his hands away. “I’d rather you didn’t. I can get myself up.” He peeked around her body. “Are you sure it’s safe?”

  “As I said, don’t make any sudden moves.”

  He got up slowly, rubbing his rump.

  “You’re hurt.”

  “No. I’m in good shape. It’ll pass.” Gabe turned his attention back to the cage. “How long have you had him?”

  “Since my other dragon died.”

  Gabe recalled his first meeting with her, when she’d asked him to pick an egg out for her. “How did the other dragon die?”

  “It drowned.” Her eyes became spacey, her voice distant. “I didn’t even get a chance to name him.”

  “Drowned?” Gabe said, not hiding his shock.

  Harlan took a step at Gabe.

  Gabe shuffled back.

  “Harlan! Get back there. We are just having a conversation.” She rolled her eyes. “He’s almost as bad a child. Anyway, the last dragon died when I was giving him a bath. The poor thing drowned.”

  Gabe bit his tongue. His mind screamed. You gave a dragon a bath? Who gives a dragon a bath? That’s insane! He scooted Squawk’s cage away from her. “Why did you try to give him a bath?”

  “He smelled, but I think I learned my lesson.” She hopped up into a sitting position on the workbench, hiking her robes up in the same motion, revealing more of her legs. She crossed her ankles and started kicking them. “So you can figure out what is wrong with my dragon?”

  Her words went through Gabe like a hot knife. “I don’t know.”

  “Well, you’re the dragon expert, are you not? Your father was one of the best, as I understand it. Many had respect for him. It’s unfortunate that he had to die. Does that make you sad?”

  Removing one of the dragon gloves, he said, “Very.”

  “I don’t know if I’d miss my father. He’s a bit of an ass. I don’t think I’d want him shot in the face, though. Maybe in the ass, but not in the face. He already walks like he’s been shot in the ass, anyway.”

  She’s crazy.

  “I remember your father. He had distinction. A handsome quality. I caught him smiling once, and it made me feel happy.” She scooted toward Gabe. “You have his fine features. They stand out now that you are cleaned up more. Will you smile for me, Gabe?”

  He tightened his lips and looked away.

  “Gabe, I want to see that smile.” She slapped the workbench. “I demand to see that smile. If you don’t smile, I’ll have Harlan break your arms.”

  Swallowing, he faced her. “Like this?” He made a weak smile.

  “Oh, that’s horrible. I think I should have Harlan break your arms anyway.” When she saw his expression, she said, “I’m just teasing, Gabe. You need to ease up. We’ll work on your smile later. Right now, you need to fix my dragon.”

  “Has he eaten anything?”

  “Not that I recall. It’s not like I watch him all day, either.” She kicked her legs in a little fit. “Come on now, fix him.”

  The cage was filled with bug fragments, bits of food, scraps of hard meat, and some odd perishables that Gabe couldn’t describe. He fanned his fingers under his nose. “A clean cage might be a good start.”

  Mandy’s pretty eyes narrowed on him.

  �
��Uh, he probably got used to the den. He might miss it. Do you care if I put him under the light?”

  “No. I’d like to see his claws more closely. They’re locked to that messy cage like it’s a part of Toby’s body.”

  “Toby?”

  “Toby, yes, Toby. That’s the name I’ve given him. Why?”

  Gabe’s jaw clenched. A tiny fire lit inside him. It was a stupid name. A name with no character at all. Without thinking he blurted out, “You name a turtle Toby. Not a dragon.”

  “I like Toby. He’s my dragon. He’s my Toby.” She hiked her robes up above her knees. Her silky skin had a sheen to it. “Do you like my legs?”

  “What?”

  “I said, do you like my legs?” She caressed her thighs with her hands. “I think they are very nice, but I have to keep them covered up all of the time. My mother says you shouldn’t have to hide beautiful things. Father disagrees. He calls modesty a virtue. I’m not even sure such a thing can exist in this foul world. So what do you think?”

  “Huh?” Gabe found Harlan’s eyes set on him, and without looking at her legs, he replied, “They are very nice.”

  “You didn’t even look at them.”

  “I better not.”

  “They’re just legs.”

  His cheeks warmed.

  “Oh my. Look at you. You’re blushing!” Mandy smiled from ear to ear.

  “No, no, I’m not.”

  “Of course you are. Hah, I bet you don’t even know what blushing is.”

  “Yes, I do,” Gabe said.

  “Really? Then what is it?”

  “If I give you the right answer, can we change the dragon’s name?”

  CHAPTER 44

  Mandy perked up. “I like that. A challenge. Interesting! It seems you have some savvy in you after all.” She gave a little shrug. “Okay then, you tell me what blushing is, and I’ll change Toby’s name.”

  “I get to pick the name.” Gabe pulled his shoulders back. “A dragon needs a unique name. A name that sets him apart and makes him or her special.”

  “They aren’t people. They’re lizards. But I see your point. My dragon that died was special. I cried for days. I felt a part of me was gone. It was really weird. I want that special feeling back again, but I fear it’s gone forever.” Her shoulders sagged. “I need you to help me, Gabe.” She stroked her fingers down his arm. “Please.”

  Why should I help you if you drowned a dragon? You’re a terror, and you want me to turn another dragon loose into your hands? Not my dragon! Gabe was young, but he wasn’t a fool. He started putting the pieces together. Losing a dragon could only be detrimental for someone in the dominion. They were cherished prizes. Mandy and her father were trying to cover it up by replacing the lost dragon with Squawk. The Count was helping them. It made perfect sense. I don’t want to play this game, but I don’t guess I have a choice. “I’ll do my best.”

  “Good. So, now, can you tell me what blushing is?”

  “Blushing is a physical reaction that happens when someone says something that makes you uncomfortable or embarrasses you.”

  Her faced brightened. “You are clever! A tricky man! I like it.” She fingered her chin. “Now, I just have to think of a new name.”

  Now the moment of truth. Gabe reached inside the cage door with the glove on his hand. “Before you pick a name, you might want to get to know the dragon first. It has to come to you.”

  “How would you know that?”

  “Uh, it’s just something my father told me. He says that’s what all of the other gamers do. It just comes to them. Like intuition.” Palming Squawk, he tugged at the dragon. He couldn’t pull him free from the links in the cage. Mandy was right. Squawk was one with the cage. The connection he had with the dragon was gone. Oh no. He’s forgotten me. That emptiness inside started to come back.

  “You’re pale, Gabe. What is wrong? One moment, your cheeks are red as roses, and now they are white as my linens. You’re a jittery guy, aren’t you?”

  “Perhaps.” He withdrew his hand.

  “How old are you?”

  “Fourteen, I think.”

  “I’m fifteen.” She smoothed her hands over her breasts. “I now have the body of a woman.”

  Gabe had trouble pulling the second glove off. He used his teeth while casting a quick glance over her body.

  Mandy was all smiles. “You’re blushing again.”

  Eyes on hers, he yanked the glove off, put his hands together, and began to rub. “They like warmth in your touch. Maybe this will get his attention.” He reached back inside the cage.

  Mandy eased off the bench. She rested her chin on his shoulder. “The moment of truth,” she whispered in his ear.

  He rested his hand on Squawk. New energy filled him. A tiny heart thumped in his palm. Gabe contained the excitement exploding inside him. Squawk moved.

  “You did it! You did it!” she exclaimed.

  “Sssh, you don’t want to spook him.”

  “Oh.”

  Squawk’s head appeared. He blinked. His small body came to life as if he’d woken from a long winter nap. His wings stretched out and collapsed over his back again.

  “I can’t believe it,” Mandy said.

  Let the show begin. There was no feeling in the world better than the way that Squawk lifted him up. In order to protect that, Gabe would have to do what the Count said and ask Squawk to do things that he didn’t want the dragon to do. It would be risky. Dangerous. Speak, Squawk, speak. Gabe thought the words, but he made the sound in his mind too.

  The dragon shook his neck and let out a little squawk.

  “Did you hear that?” Gabe said to Mandy in astonishment. “He talks!”

  She hopped up and down, nodding vigorously.

  The dragon squawked again.

  Mandy clapped her hands. “I can’t believe it! I can’t believe!”

  “That’s unbelievable. He squawks like a bird. Oh, that would be brilliant for a name.”

  “What, Gabe? What would? Bird?”

  “No.” He posed as if deep in thought, staring up into the rafters. Talking to himself, he said, “No, that’s silly. You wouldn’t like it.”

  “What is it?” She shook him by the shirt. “What is it, Gabe?”

  “Squawker came to mind.”

  “Squawker?”

  “I knew you wouldn’t like it, I just thought it had—”

  “No, I think I like it, sort of.” She faced the dragon. “Squawker. Come.”

  “Try calling to him like he sounds. Maybe he’ll like that.”

  Patting her hands together, she did her best imitation of the sound, “Squawk. Squawk.”

  Gabe envisioned the dragon tilting his head in curiosity. Squawk did just that.

  “He understands me! He understands me! Squawk! Come, Squawk, come!”

  Gabe led the dragon into the palms of her waiting hands, though it pained him to do so. Mandy panted with excitement. Nestling the dragon to her chest, she stroked him like a pet. “I can’t believe it. I can’t believe it. Squawk likes me. He truly likes me. I don’t know how you did it, but you did.” She closed the gap between her and Gabe. “Thank you, Gabe.”

  “You’re wel—”

  Mandy kissed him square on the lips.

  CHAPTER 45

  With Mollie nuzzled in his arms, Gabe transported her from her dirty cage to a clean one. He ran his thumb over the ridges above her eyes. The dragon’s lids flicked up and down. Mollie was gentle. She didn’t claw at the air every time he moved her. She actually let you hold her like a pet. Most of the other dragons would scrape and claw at everything. They’d snap and hiss. They didn’t like being moved, particularly when it wasn’t by their dominion master.

  “In you go, Mollie.” Gabe placed her in the clean cage. He sprinkled some bugs on a metal tray inside. “You were good, so here’s a little something extra for your lunch.” He closed the door. “Whew.”

  Mollie was the last dragon he needed to move
that day. He’d been hard at it since morning. All of the cages were clean and the dragons moved. He peeled off the dragonry gloves and set them down on the workbench. There were some long scratches on his arms. The scabs were thick with caked blood. One of the dragons had gotten away from him. Gort was his name. Gabe had chased him down and cornered him. He didn’t have the gloves on when he picked the creature up. Gort ripped right into him, but Gabe held him fast. He hustled over to a cage and locked Gort inside it. That had been days ago. The wounds, though they looked worse than they were, still burned.

  He pulled out a tall wooden stool from underneath the workbench and sat down. There were crackers and a jug of water on the table. He wiped his face on a towel. Life had changed drastically during the past few weeks. Gabe still lived with Sage, who said as little as ever. Most of his day was spent in the dragon den. Dusk until dawn. Some days, he was tasked with running errands through the compound. He delivered packages and picked up notes. Whatever Sage tasked him with, he did.

  As for the dragons, he’d gotten a handle on them. It was difficult and nerve wracking, but he started moving them from cage to cage as needed. Some of them needed a nibble of food. Others he had to grab by the nape of their long necks and jerk free. Most all of them were feisty, but he got used to it. He hoped what he was doing would have made his father proud.

  He rubbed the wounds that burned on his forearm. They made him think of Mandy. She distracted him. That was how Gort had broken free. The sad thing was that Mandy wasn’t even in the den when Gort got loose. She just lingered in Gabe’s thoughts. Her scent always hung in the room. And the kiss. He couldn’t stop thinking about that kiss. It hadn’t happened again even though they’d spent much time together, but he was hung up on it and on her. It was a problem. The more she came around, the more he liked her.

  He washed the crackers down with some water. He mumbled to himself. “Just do what you have to do to take care of Squawk. Speaking of which, Squawk? Where are you hiding now?” He shifted around on his stool. “Squawk?”