The Worst Kobold Chapter 35: Storyweaver Interlude #2 - Kobold Egg Raising

Read chapter 35 of The Worst Kobold by Thalaas on NovelPedia.

One sight that few outsiders will ever see is a kobold hatchery. You are about as likely to see that, as you are to see the inside of a dragon’s lair. Though, if you have managed to sneak inside a dragon’s inner sanctum, you are probably moments from seeing the inside of a dragon’s stomach. Kobold hatcheries are located deep underground, in the most stable bedrock the kobolds can find. Building one takes months of planning, where everything from airflow, humidity, and ambient temperature are taken into consideration. Soon-to-be mothers, when they are about ready to lay their eggs, are brought to private laying rooms along with their loved ones. The egg-laying process isn’t generally as intense as having a child for humans is, but kobold doctors are there to help assist if needed. It generally only takes anywhere from one hour to two to lay the egg once the contractions start. So a kobold carrying an egg will stay underground with their clan when she is close to her laying date. The eggs are generally just over a foot tall, and only weigh about four pounds. The shells tend to be soft at first, but quickly harden once exposed to the air. After the egg is laid and checked to see if it is viable, it is brought by egg nursemaids to the main hatchery room, sometimes simply called the egg room. Depending on the size of the clan, there could be one large room to raise the eggs, or several. The eggs are then placed in soft material, which can be anything from hay, furs, or in the case of well-off communities, blankets of wool and silk. The position of an egg nursemaid is one of the most respected and difficult positions to obtain. One would need a sharp mind and steady hand, and have to work as a regular nurse for years before they can be promoted to work in the hatchery. They often are above average fighters, just so they can defend their young if need-be. If, worst came to worst, their clan was about to fall due to an attack or other catastrophe? It’s up to the nursemaids to take the eggs and young hatchlings to safety through secret escape routes, in the hope they can reach another clan. These nursemaids will tend to eggs constantly. They will monitor the temperature, air flow, humidity and the condition of the bedding every three hours. Eggs will also be rotated four times a day, and they will also be cleaned softly daily. They also will escort family members to see their eggs. Furthermore, Nursemaids will help the hatchling when they finally start to break through the shell. Normally, the hatchling is allowed to break through on its own, but if the child appears too weak, the nursemaids will help. The egg rooms tend to have several large nests, which are in concave shaped holes in the ground. This is to ensure the eggs do not fall off any heights. There are usually anywhere from four to six eggs in a clutch at any one time. The rooms are dimly lit with a bioluminescent moss, since a kobold’s eyes are sensitive to bright light. And a newborn hatchling’s eyes are especially sensitive. After the hatchling is born, it’s checked out by the healers, cleaned of fluid, and brought out of the egg room, to the nursery. The nursery is usually connected to the egg room, where the babies will spend the next five months or so, being tended, until they go home with their parents. A hatchling is very vulnerable when they are first born to temperature changes, and it is imperative their body temperature be kept constant. Their scales are also extremely tender at first, and must be constantly groomed so they come out properly. It is this reason parents will leave their children in the care of experts, until their hatchlings are strong enough to withstand the rigors of higher levels. The parents still will visit constantly though. Family bonds were just as strong with kobold families as with most of the sapient races. A kobold hatchery is also one of the most well-protected areas for an entire clan, second only to the dragon’s lair. They are located