Page 31 of Prison Moon

He had no eyebrows but something about the way it looked at her said if he did, they’d be raised in question. “You saw a dragon?”

Toren spit out a mouthful of the nosha leaves and put them on the creatures back and it stiffened and clamped its jaws down tight, pain once again transforming its features.

Sara said nothing more as he and Toren chewed and spit the leaves out and covered his back. By the time they were done, the sun had begun to lower in the sky.

Toren washed his hands in the stream and the creature stood. “My thanks.” He bowed his head at them both before straightening. He grabbed his waterskin, draping it carefully around his neck. “I will remember kindness shall we meet again.”

He started to walk off, back across the stream and Sara called after him. “What is your name?”

“Utan.” He bowed his head again.

“I’m Sara and this is Toren.”

Utan nodded and looked to the trees. “You know of—“ He paused, stared at them both for long seconds, then said, “Much talk of place hidden, a—sanctuary—enforcers and eyes that,” he looked into the sky and pointed. “Flying machines that see all, not know about. Called by many names. Others talk of finding it. Is where I go. Welcome to follow.”

“No.”

Toren didn’t even take a moment to consider it, not that Sara was surprised. If she had to guess, she’d say they’d spend the rest of their lives isolated and alone. It wasn’t a bad thought. Having Toren all to herself was nice but not ever having anyone to talk to would eventually drive her bonkers.

Utan bowed his head again. “As you wish. Again, my thanks for help.”

Sara watched him until he disappeared into the trees. He was the first person she’d had a real conversation with since she’d been separated from Marcy.

Toren walked back up the stream a ways to where he’d left the fishing net and once again tossed it out. She wondered about the sanctuary Utan had mentioned but knew asking Toren was useless. Now that Utan was gone, they were back to one-sided conversations. As much as she enjoyed being here with Toren, knowing he’d never be able to understand her left her a bit melancholy. She watched the water rush over the rocks and wondered where they’d be able to find one of the handheld translators for Toren and how far they’d have to go to get it.