Serpent In The Grass

Kurilla takes the sighting of a threat to the kingdom into her own hands. 300 words

Serpent In The Grass

“Put it down!” a deep authorative voice said from above her. Kurilla was so startled by it; she automatically did what it said.

“But Father, it is but a tiny thing and is so pretty!” the young girl said to Bous petulantly.

“Ahhh, my little sweetheart! If you only knew! You have so much to learn!” he said as he lifted her into his strong arms. She rubbed his tattooed skin affectionately.

“That harmless little pretty thing is a Painted Adder. It is extremely poisonous from birth. Never touch it and if you see an adult, run for help!”

Kurilla frowned up at her father.

“I do not run; for I am Princess Kurilla of the royal blood. I stand and fight!”

Bous roared with laughter then hugged his warrior princess.

“Maybe someday beauty but promise me if you see an adult Painted Adder you will run for help.”

“All right, Daddy. But when I’m grown....”

“I understand, but don’t grow up too fast,” Bous said as he kissed her soundly.

After a short nap, Kurilla decided to satisfy her curiosity and went into her father’s library. She searched out every serpent book she could find and sat down to find out more about the Painted Adder. As she read, she grew very alarmed.

“Why has no one ever told me about these beasts! Why have they kept them hidden?”

“The only snake that develops into a poisonous dragon as it matures. One bite from its jaws can mean instant death!” she read.

“There is no anecdote to its bite! There should be, since there seems to be at least one around. I must get to work and develop one at once.”

With the assistance of the palace healer, Kurilla set to work doing just that!