Chapter 10

Gray Dawn

The earliest shades of light had risen. Everything was covered in a gray mist that left traces of condensation on everything it touched. The weary travelers were all asleep, unaware of the spectacular change in their surroundings. Save for one.

On a ledge overlooking a small slope a ways from camp, Gray sat in a meditative state, eyes and mind closed to the wild world as dew formed on his armor and scales. He was at peace; one with the forest much like a stone or fallen leaf.

Approaching slowly from behind him came a lone figure. His footsteps broke damp twigs and grass that caused a racket in the pre-dawn. Gray slowly opened his eyes and turned his head without breaking form. He saw it was only Samuel Jackson.

"You're awake," he said in his deep, calm voice.

"Yeah. I couldn't sleep all that well. Those leftovers weren't agreeing with my stomach. So why are you up?"

"Just felt like getting up early. I normally meditate in the mornings, but I haven't had much chance to do that lately. I thought I'd catch up."

"Oh, well that sounds cool," was Sam Jackson's response. "Mind if I take a seat there?"

"Not at all."

The celebrity stepped over to a spot next to the relaxed Dragon Slayer. After some awkward maneuvering Samuel settled on the ground to Gray's left and let his legs dangle over the ledge. He looked out toward the endless fog as Gray returned to meditation.

"I've never been much of an outdoors kind of guy," Sam Jackson said, not terribly comfortable with the silence. "In fact, just about everything here hasn't been my thing. But hey, you can't get through life without trying new things. And while some of it has been dangerous, and annoying, and f***in' hard to believe, I don't entirely regret getting stuck here."

"Yep," was Gray's only reply. But Sam wouldn't leave it at that.

"Whatcha thinking about?" he inquired.

"Different things: The past, the present, people I met, things I did. Reflection stuff."

"Uh-huh. What you think about our current situation?"

"Hm?"

"How we're still I the middle of the woods looking for God-knows-what. What do you make of it? You think we're in for some more s***?"

"I can't say for certain. A lot of weird things have happened so far, so guessing what will happen next is practically impossible. Although, I do have this one particular feeling."

"Oh? And what's that?"

"...Darkness," Gray said solemnly. "A foreboding of what's to come. I sense that what will happen next will be ominous. Maybe even morbid."

"Whoa, you honestly think that?"

"It's just a hunch. But my hunches usually turn out true, so there's that."

Sam Jackson gulped. "I hope you're wrong, cuz I don't want to know how things could get morbid for us, apart from that fatso popping up unannounced. Or that one shiny mo-fo."

"Eh, it could just be a passing bit of negativity. Can happen when the mind wanders. Still, we should be ready for anything."

"Yeah, I hear that." Sam stood up. "I'm heading back for some more shut eye. Get focused and whatever."

"Okay, Sam. See you in a bit."

Sam waved a parting goodbye and made his way back to camp. High above, a pair of dragons silently glided opposite the direction the group had traversed.