Warrior Rising

Chapter 10 – Gaining Experience

Antony felt enthusiasm and determination. He settled into his new life in Sea Haven on the planet of Auru. Two weeks passed. In those two weeks, he learned more about the world and its inhabitants and his job as a city guard. He even became more adept at moving and understanding his body.

Though two weeks had passed, he still had some setbacks and issues. He struggled to channel and use his electricity element. Shaping the element into bolts, orbs, darts, arrows was difficult. He kept losing sparring matches to Titania. He struggled remembering where particular buildings and landmarks were and how to find them.

Still, Antony internalized the experience he gained. One night, he sat alone on the sandy beach outside of Sea Haven. He dipped his paw in the sea water and made ripples in the surface. A yellow scaly face looked back at him. He smiled at the reflection.

"Antony…"

He gasped and looked up. Kehlani stood five feet away. She looked at him with a sweet smile.

"Sorry if I scared you," she said. "Mind if I join you?"

"S-Sure, go ahead."

Kehlani walked over to him. Her steps were graceful and steady. Antony couldn't help but watch her and nod. She was a stunning dragon. If she had been human in his world, on Earth, Antony believed she would have been beautiful. With a giggle, she sat beside him and pressed her side to his. Her skin felt cool and smooth.

"Why are you out here alone?" she asked.

"I needed to get away and relax, have alone time."

"Alone time?"

"Yes…I feel like I've still got a long way to go."

"Well, it's only been two weeks." Kehlani tilted her head. "But you're learning and growing. Yes, you've made mistakes and had setbacks. However, that's a part of life."

Antony nodded. "True. I…shouldn't expect to be awesome after two weeks."

"Of course not. You're awesome already because of who you are."

"I am?"

Kehlani nodded. She nuzzled his neck. "You are."

Antony blinked at the nuzzle and turned. His eyes looked into hers. Kehlani held his gaze with warmth and vigor. Seeing her this close and feeling her touch was welcoming and unusual. She looked away and brought a paw to her chest.

"Sorry if that …" she stammered. "That was stupid."

"Don't worry about it," Antony replied. "Thanks for helping and encouraging me."

"You're so welcome, my friend."

"I appreciate your kindness. That touch was nice."

Kehlani chuckled. She nudged him with her forepaw. "You're growing on me, and I want you to thrive here."

Antony nodded and nudged her back with his paw. He then looked toward the sprawl of buildings, docks, and ships of Sea Heaven. It was his new home now, and he loved it.

Gravnak looked upon the gates of Sea Haven, from a faraway vantage point, deep within a forest. He stood upon a boulder scratching its surface with yellowed claws. The dragon gazed at the city with hunger and greed as several of his followers stood around him.

"Ripe for the pillaging huh?" an elf asked, holding a crossbow in his arms.

"Ripe as a plump peach or a melon," Gravnak replied.

"When will we attack? I'm itching to use my crossbow."

"In the morning. We attack, take what we want, and leave. That's the plan."

"What about the guards?" Another dragon asked.

"We will wound them or kill them." Gravnak grinned. "I don't care. We're thieves and thugs. We answer to no one but ourselves."

The criminals laughed. Their laughter was malicious and loud. Gravnak licked his filed teeth and lashed his tail. His claws scratched at the boulder, leaving lines and scratches.

"Oh, just you wait, Sea Haven, Gravnak and the Gang are coming for you."