Warrior Rising

Chapter 11 – Attack – Part 1

Antony knew something was odd the moment he saw the blue clouds. Three swirled into view in the middle of a plaza in Sea Haven. Several townsfolk stopped to look at the occurrence. Antony wondered what the clouds meant. He looked at Emile and Oskar, a question in his eyes.

"Is this normal?" Antony asked.

"No," Oskar replied. "Be ready. Trouble may come this day."

"You'll get your first real fight," Emile said.

First real fight? Antony eyed the clouds warily. I have to be ready to defend my new home and the people here. The clouds increased in size for ten seconds. Then, they vanished. Three groups of new comers stood in the plaza. They were a mix of dragons, elves, sprites, and prowlers. These newcomers looked about them with greed, malice, and pride. Their smiles were dark and twisted. Some bore scars and worn armor and clothing.

A muddy-green dragon stepped forward. He had yellowed claws and filed teeth and black spines along his head. He looked about the town square, grinned, and spoke in a cool, confident voice.

"Good morning, people! I see you all living and thriving."

"Who are you?" a prowler asked.

"What do you want?" an elf demanded, clutching her daughter close to her. "Why are you all here?"

The dragon chuckled. "I am Gravnak, and this is my gang. What we want is simple…your valuables. Either you all can surrender your money, trinkets, jewels, and food, or fight me and my friends here. Your choice."

"I choose to fight!" Antony blurted out. He stepped forward and stared hard at Gravnak. What the hell am I doing? He felt his heart beat quickly and his claws tingled in anticipation. He didn't know what came over him, but he felt the need to speak up and to take on the bandits. It surprised him as well as the townspeople, Emile, and Oskar.

Gravnak took two steps toward Antony. He cackled. His laughter filled the streets. It was haughty and lofty. The other bandits joined in. Then, in two seconds, Gravnak's laughter died. His face shifted to a somber expression. He glared deep into Antony's eyes.

"Fight huh? You've got some balls, young drake. Or you could be an idiot. Who are you?"

"Antony."

Gravnak huffed. "Antony…well. I'll gladly fight you. All right gang, take what you want! Kill anyone that stops you!"

The bandits roared. Swiftly, they dispersed and the city streets fell into chaos. Before Antony could react, Gravnak barreled into him and slammed him into a stone wall. The wind rushed from Antony's lungs. Gravnak retreated three steps and grinned.

"That all you got, Antony? Whe-"

Antony staggered to his feet. He swung his body. His tail lashed out in a wide arc and connected. Gravnak yelped and stepped back two more steps. Antony met Gravnak's gaze and huffed.

"I'm…I'm…not done with…you."

"Neither am I. You're gonna regret fighting me."

I doubt that, Antony thought to himself. He noticed Oskar and Emile fighting with the bandits as well. Oskar tossed an elf over his head. Emile blasted another dragon with a fireball. Both dragon guards held their own and fought with courage and ferocity.

"Taking your eyes off the fight is a mistake, drake!"

A concussive force slammed into Antony's chest, following Gravnak's voice. Antony slid back across the stones. He looked up to see Gravnak, running toward him. I've got to focus! This fight is real. Antony dug his claws in to stop the sliding. Gravnak closed the distance. With a growl, the bandit leader swiped at Antony's head and chest with a volley of attacks. Each attack was vicious. Antony ducked and dodged as best he could, but some hits connected. Antony winced at the cuts and lacerations he received but refused to give in.

After the volley, Antony opened his mouth. Channeling the elemental energy from his belly, up his throat, and out of his mouth, he fired an electric bolt. The bolt smacked Gravnak square in the face. Yellow sparks and particles exploded. They spread across his face. Antony fired another bolt, but Gravnak ducked.

Around him, Antony heard the screams and shouts of the townspeople. Some tried to stop the bandits. Others ran. The bandits broke windows, shattered pots, and filled their pockets, bags, and packs with jewels, medallions, crystals, fruit, vegetables, coins, bills, and other items. Hearing the torment and agony coming from the Sea Haven citizens boiled his blood, and Antony charged at Gravnak.

He swiped and slashed. Gravnak twisted and dodged. Antony attacked again and again. His eyes glistened with rage. Gravnak dodged some of the attacks, but he received others. The bandit dragon growled in defiance. Antony knew this fight wouldn't be easy.