Novels2Search

Chapter 9

Arden gestured towards the dragons below, his eyes alight with pride. “We’re not just farmers, Kymil,” he explained, his voice tinged with reverence. “We’re dragon keepers, entrusted with the responsibility of learning from these magnificent creatures.”

Kymil’s heart skipped a beat, the revelation sinking in like a stone dropped into still water. Dragons—here, on the farm. The very idea stirred a mix of excitement and trepidation within him.

Arden continued, his tone filled with a sense of awe. “Dragons possess ancient wisdom and knowledge that has been passed down through the ages, and it’s our duty to study and understand their ways.”

As they stood atop the hill overlooking the enclosures, Kymil took in the sight of Ember and Azure with new eyes. These were not just creatures of legend; they were living embodiments of a profound heritage.

A breeze rustled through the trees, carrying with it the distant echo of dragon cries. Kymil turned to Arden, a flurry of questions racing through his mind. But before he could speak, Arden fixed him with a knowing look.

Arden must have been able to read his expression. "Today, you can take your time getting to know the dragons and everyone here on the farm," he said kindly. "No need to rush into anything. Just observe and ask questions."

Kymil nodded, grateful for the opportunity to acclimate himself to this new environment. "Thank you, Arden," he replied earnestly. "I'm eager to learn."

“Come,” Arden said, leading Kymil towards the nearest enclosure. “Let me introduce you to Symund. He’ll show you the ropes.”

As they approached the enclosure, Kymil's gaze was drawn to the majestic wyverns within. One was a fiery red, its scales shimmering like embers in the sunlight. The other was a deep azure blue, its wingspan expansive and powerful.

The enclosure where the two wyverns resided was a sprawling expanse of rugged terrain, meticulously designed to emulate their natural habitat. Tall cliffs rose on one side, their sheer faces weathered by centuries of wind and rain, while dense forests blanketed the opposite end, offering ample shade and shelter.

In the center of the enclosure, a crystal-clear stream meandered its way through the landscape, its babbling waters providing a source of refreshment for the inhabitants. The stream's banks were lined with lush vegetation, including vibrant ferns and delicate wildflowers, adding bursts of color to the otherwise rocky terrain.

Large boulders dotted the landscape, providing perches for the wyverns to rest and survey their surroundings. Each boulder bore the marks of ancient claws, evidence of the creatures' strength and agility as they navigated their domain.

Above it all, a few trees stretched out, their branches intermingling to form a natural canopy that filtered the sunlight and cast dappled shadows on the ground below. It was a tranquil and serene environment.

A seasoned dragon keeper, was busy attending to the wyverns. He glanced up as Arden and Kymil approached, a warm smile breaking across his weathered face.

"Morning, Symund," Arden greeted while he and Kymil walked closer to the enclosure.

Kymil’s first observation of Symund revealed a man weathered by the elements. Symund’s tousled hair, streaked with gray, spoke of long hours spent under the sun. He had a sturdy build, his frame reflecting the physical demands of dragon keeping—strong and capable. Symund’s clothing, a practical ensemble of sturdy leather boots, worn trousers, and a well-worn tunic, hinted at a life spent working outdoors.

His face, lined with the marks of time and care, bore the evidence of countless days tending to dragons. Symund’s eyes, a striking shade of deep blue, held a quiet intensity.

"Morning, Arden," Symund greeted back, nodding to Kymil. "Who's this?"

Arden clapped a hand on Kymil's shoulder. "This is Kymil, our new hand. He's eager to learn."

Symund's eyes twinkled with curiosity as he turned his attention to Kymil. "A new hand, eh? Welcome to the team. I'm Symund."

Kymil returned the smile, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness. "Nice to meet you, Symund. Those wyverns are incredible."

As Kymil observed the majestic wyverns, a question lingered at the back of his mind, tugging at his curiosity like a persistent itch. Why didn't they simply spread their wings and soar away, free to roam the skies as they pleased? It seemed counterintuitive to confine such magnificent creatures to an enclosure, no matter how spacious.

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Symund, sensing Kymil's unspoken inquiry, approached with a knowing smile, his weathered face creased with lines of wisdom earned through years of working closely with dragons.

"I see that question in your eyes, lad," Symund remarked, his voice gruff but warm. "But you see, these wyverns may have wings, but they're bound to this place, just as we are bound to the land that sustains us."

He gestured toward the wyverns, who regarded them with keen intelligence, their eyes reflecting the ancient wisdom that dwelled within them.

"They're creatures of habit and routine," Symund continued, his gaze fixed on the wyverns. "They've grown accustomed to the safety and security of this enclosure, and they know that here, they have all they need – food, water, and shelter."

Kymil nodded, absorbing Symund's words with a newfound understanding. It was a reminder that even creatures as magnificent as dragons had their limitations, their lives intertwined with the rhythms of the land they called home.

Arden nodded in agreement. "Kymil is eager to learn about our dragons and their ways."

Symund's expression softened, a glint of respect in his eyes. "Well then, Kymil, let's start with Ember and Azure here. They're wyverns, close kin to dragons but with some differences."

Kymil's curiosity surged as Symund began to explain the distinctions between dragons and wyverns, delving into their behavior, anatomy, and the intricate bond they shared with the farm.

As the morning sun climbed higher in the sky, Kymil listened intently, eager to absorb every detail of this new world of dragon keeping.

Symund gestured towards the wyverns, Ember and Azure, as he continued his explanation. "Dragons and wyverns are related, but there are key differences. Wyverns, like these two here, have two legs and two wings. Their wings are attached to their forelimbs, which gives them a distinctive appearance."

Kymil nodded, his interest piqued. "So dragons have four legs and separate wings?"

"Exactly," Symund confirmed. "Dragons are larger and have four legs, with wings that are separate from their forelimbs. They're more powerful and can often breathe fire, unlike wyverns."

As Kymil observed Ember and Azure in their enclosure, he noticed the distinctive characteristics that set them apart. Ember's scales, a deep fiery red with hints of orange, shimmered in the sunlight, casting a warm glow across the ground. The wyvern's movements were dynamic and purposeful, its long tail swishing back and forth with restless energy. Occasionally, Ember emitted a low, rumbling growl, a sound that resonated with power and vitality.

In contrast, Azure exuded a serene demeanor. The wyvern's scales were a striking shade of deep blue, reflecting the sky above like a shimmering sapphire. Azure's movements were more deliberate and controlled, each step calculated and graceful. Its wings, folded neatly against its body, hinted at a potential for flight, despite the confinement of the enclosure.

As Kymil continued to watch, he marveled at the interplay between the two wyverns. Ember's energy seemed to complement Azure's calmness, creating a harmonious balance within their shared space. The dragons' interactions spoke of a complex relationship, shaped by years of companionship and mutual understanding.

"Ember and Azure have their own unique personalities," Symund explained. "Ember is spirited and fiery, much like his color suggests. Azure is more tranquil, but don't be fooled—both are formidable creatures."

Arden joined the conversation, adding his insights. "We've had Ember and Azure here for many years. They've become part of our family, and we've learned a great deal from them."

Kymil watched in awe as Symund fed the wyverns and tended to their needs, realizing the depth of care and knowledge required to work with these creatures.

“The key is respect,” Arden chimed in, his eyes fixed on the wyverns. “Dragons are ancient beings with their own ways of communicating and understanding. We have to earn their trust and respect.”

Symund nodded in agreement. “Each dragon is unique, with its own temperament and needs,” he explained. “Building a bond with them takes time and patience.”

Kymil listened intently, feeling a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The prospect of working with dragons filled him with wonder, but he understood the responsibility that came with it. Dragon farming was not without risks, especially considering the history of conflict between humans and dragons.

Arden’s voice broke through Kymil’s thoughts. “Dragon farming is as much about learning from them as it is about caring for them,” he said, a note of pride in his tone. “Our goal is to foster harmony between humans and dragons, to coexist in mutual understanding.”

Symund pointed at Azure and Amber, “they taste delicious too!” Symund chuckled at Kymil's shocked expression. "Relax, lad," he said with a grin. "I was only pulling your leg. Dragons are our friends, not our dinner."Kymil let out a nervous laugh, relieved.

“I should have known better," he replied, shaking his head. "But what do dragons eat, then?"

Symund's expression turned thoughtful. "Dragons have a varied diet," he explained. "They primarily consume meat, such as large game animals or livestock. Ember and Azure here have a taste for venison and wild boar. Sometimes we supplement their diet with fish or poultry."

As Kymil's gaze shifted around the enclosure, he spotted a box nestled near the edge, filled with large, speckled eggs. His curiosity piqued, he glanced at Symund and Arden, who were watching him closely.

“We collect their eggs for consumption," Symund explained, gesturing toward the box. "They're highly nutritious and quite delicious, but we gather them in moderation to ensure the well-being of our wyverns."

Arden nodded in agreement. "It's part of our sustainable approach to dragon farming," he added. "We respect these creatures and aim to maintain a balance between learning from them and responsibly utilizing their resources."

Kymil's mind whirled with new insights into the complexities of dragon farming. The idea of consuming dragon eggs initially startled him.

He recalled the breakfast he had earlier that morning—eggs with a peculiar color and exquisite flavor. His eyes widened slightly as he connected the dots."You mean..." Kymil started, his voice trailing off as he glanced back at the box of eggs. "I had their eggs for breakfast?"

Symund and Arden exchanged knowing glances, understanding Kymil's surprise."That's right," Arden confirmed.

“I didn't realize," Kymil murmured, his voice tinged with remorse. "I feel bad now, knowing I ate their eggs."

Arden noticed Kymil's expression and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Don't worry, Kymil," Arden said kindly. "Wyvern eggs are similar to chicken eggs in many ways. They're a sustainable source of nutrition, and we harvest them carefully to ensure the well-being of our dragons. No harm is done, I assure you."

Kymil nodded slowly, taking comfort in Arden's words. He realized that dragon farming was a complex and delicate endeavor, where humans and dragons coexisted in a balanced ecosystem. The eggs he had consumed were part of that intricate cycle, contributing to the farm's sustainability and the welfare of the dragons under their care.

Kymil absorbed this information, realizing the complexities of dragon and wyvern care. It was a delicate balance between respecting the creatures and meeting their dietary needs without disrupting the natural order.

Symund looked Kymil in his eyes. “It's a lot to take in, but you'll get the hang of it," he said with a reassuring smile. "We're here to teach you everything you need to know."

Symund's reassuring words eased the weight on Kymil's shoulders, and he nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Symund. I appreciate your patience," he replied, feeling a renewed sense of determination.Arden smiled warmly. "You're part of our team now, Kymil," he said. "We'll help you understand everything about dragon farming."

As the conversation settled, Kymil watched Azure and Blaze contentedly bask in the sunlight, their bellies full from their morning meal. The dragons' majestic forms and peaceful demeanor filled him with a sense of wonder and reverence. Despite the initial shock of learning about dragon farming, Kymil felt a growing excitement to be part of this extraordinary world.

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