"Aaraba" by Stephanie ´Pegacorna´ Small

He stood, his black frame silhouetted against the pewter moonlight. He snorted delicately as he looked out over the village. Down below the slumbering child lay waiting. He shook his heavy mane and flexed his dark wings.

Spreading their inky expanse he leapt from the small cliff and with a sweep lifted himself into the air. He circled once.....twice....staring down at the house. He shook his horn. He always hated this part. Someone had to lead them. Someone had to teach them. He knew with this one it would be harder than with the others. She was so young. She was so very young...but all the more reason he could not let her die of the lung sickness. She would learn quickly and though she would not die. She would never grow up. Immortality. Gift and curse. Perhaps Le'shaat would help him. He looked down at the house one more time. Perhaps.

He folded his wings in close and circled once more.....