Cured by the Dragon (Stonefire Dragons 6)

“Just a little while.”

Sid held her breath and waited.

Brendan’s pupils finally turned round and stayed that way. “Who are you? Where’s my mam?”

Stroking the boy’s forehead, Sid answered gently, “My name’s Dr. Sid. As for your mum, she’s back home. We’re trying to get you well so you can go back to her.”

Brendan looked around. “I want Dr. O’Brien.”

Her dragon spoke up. Calm him. I don’t like him scared.

“Dr. O’Brien will be back as soon as he can. He’s trying to find a medicine to make you better.”

The boy stared for a few seconds before replying, “Why is my dragon so angry?”

She released her arm that had been pinning him down and touched his bicep. “He isn’t truly angry with you. He’s just been given a strange drug and it changed his behavior.”

“Why would someone do that?”

“I wish I knew, Brendan. I wish I knew.” Noticing the tension in Brendan’s body, Sid needed to do something or the dragon may try to take advantage of the boy’s weakness. “How about we play a game while we wait?”

“What game?”

She searched his eyes as she undid the straps restraining him to the bed. “I used to love charades as a child, but I’m not sure you’re up for it.”

As soon as the last strap came free, Brendan sat up in his bed. “I like guessing. You act something and I can guess.”

With a smile, Sid stood up. “Okay, although I’m a bit rusty. Hopefully you can guess.”

As she tried to think of what to do, her dragon chimed in. Pick a children’s movie. It will be easy for him.

Taking a chance, she asked, What do you suggest?

I like Pixar movies. Use one of those.

Sid barely resisted blinking at her dragon’s comment. Sid had seen maybe two Pixar movies in her life, both times with one of her patients. However, if her beast remembered them enough to name them, it might be a way to win her dragon’s good graces later to watch a few more.

Picking an easy one, she said, “Kid’s movie.”

Holding up one finger, the boy said, “One word.” She nodded and put her hands up as if holding a steering wheel. Turning this way and that, she made her way around the room with over-the-top movements. Brendan clapped his hands. “I know! Cars!”

Sid grinned. “Yes. Shall we try another one?” Brendan nodded enthusiastically. The happiness in his eyes reminded her of why she loved helping people.

Her dragon spoke up again. I have another idea. Let’s do the pyramids of Egypt. I always wanted to see them.

Me, too. Maybe one day we can go.

She waited to see if her dragon would huff and turn her back, but she merely said, We’ll see.

Those two words sent a tendril of hope through her body. However, not wanting to break the spell, she said to Brendan, “Famous place.”

As she went through the motions, Sid forgot about everything but making the little boy smile and laugh at her silly antics. She might be cheering up the boy, but Sid couldn’t remember the last time she’d had so much fun.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Opening the door to Brendan’s room, Gregor grinned at the sight in front of him.

Cassidy was making motions with her body and the boy was guessing. Not wanting to disturb the fun, he merely hung back and watched.