Warrior Rising
Chapter 2: Sea Haven
Antony glanced about himself at the sprawl of stone buildings, wooden docks, ships, stone streets before him. Taverns, inns, towers with green flags and banners, market stalls marked one side of the street. Fishing ships, sail boats, and other boats were on the other side, floating on the water. As he followed Kehlani into the city, he noticed dragons, elves, and other creatures moving about the streets, buildings, and docks.
"What is this place?" he asked.
"Sea Haven," Kehlani replied, stopping and looking at him. "It's where I was born and raised. Dragons, elves, prowlers, and sprites dwell here."
"It's lively and spread out. Amazing!"
"Oh, wait until you start living here, my friend. You'll love it!"
Kehlani smiled warmly at him. She nodded before gesturing to a house in the distance. It stood between two other buildings. Before the house stood a dragon with snow white skin and curled horns. The dragon waved to the townsfolk and talked to them. When the dragon turned in Kehlani's direction, she waved Kehlani over.
"That's my Mom," Kehlani replied. "I'll introduce you. Come on."
Antony followed her onward through the city, feeling nervous. He stumbled here and there as he followed Kehlani. Walking on all fours was odd to him. When he was a human, he walked with ease on two feet. But as a dragon, it was like learning how to crawl. However, he was determined to make the most of his new life and master the new body.
When they approached Kehlani's mother, Antony lowered his gaze, not sure how the snow-white dragon would react.
"Good evening, my daughter," the snow-white dragon said. "It's good to know you are safe. Who is this dragon you found?"
"He's Antony," Kehlani said, dipping her head. "I found him on the beach while taking a stroll. I thought he was dead at first."
"Dead? Did you check his vitals?"
"Of course. Like you taught me, Mom."
"Excellent! You're a natural physician in the making."
Kehlani's mother nodded approvingly before turning her gaze to Antony. She examined him with a curious expression. Antony met her gaze before looking at his claws.
"Mom? Do…Do you think Antony can live with us?" Kehlani asked.
"Kehlani…I don't think we can."
"Mom, please. Antony doesn't have a family or home. We can make room."
Kehlani's mother sighed. "I suppose he can stay with us in Emile's room. As long as your father approves."
"Antony can help around the house and work with dad for the town guard or something."
Antony looked between the two dragons and nodded slowly. "I …I will do my best to not be a bother."
Kehlani put a wing around Antony and pulled him close to her side. Antony looked away and felt embarrassed at the gesture. He felt her skin on his and her scent filled his nostrils.
"Besides, he doesn't know much, and I can help him, Mom."
The snow-white dragon shook her head. She gave an energetic laugh. "Okay, Kehlani. Your father and brother are inside now. Let us introduce your friend to them."
Antony was led inside the house and into an enormous and spacious living room. It was furnished with a round table, flower pots, a bookshelf, and a mat. Two crystal clumps jutted from one of the walls and illuminated the living room with a white light. Two dragons sat opposite of each other. One was large and dark red. His snout and face were lined with age. His muscles were toned, and he looked to be a couple years older than Kehlani's mother. The second dragon was bright red and gold and looked a year younger than Kehlani. Antony figured that was her little brother Emile.
Both dragons looked from Kehlani and her mother to Antony. Both were suspicious, then curious.
The dark red dragon coughed. "Miri, my wife, what is this? Who is this male?"
"Where did he come from?" the young red dragon asked.
"Oskar, Emile, this is Antony," Miri replied. "Kehlani found him lost, unconscious, and alone on the beach. He has no family and no home."
Oskar, the dark red dragon, frowned. "A shame. And Kehlani wants to know if he can stay with us."
"Stay? Really?" Emile blinked.
Kehlani nodded. "Yes. Antony could stay with us and you could find him a job, Dad. He could share a room with Emile."
Oskar turned. He put a claw to his chin and scratched there a few times. His eyes lingered on Antony for several minutes. Antony shifted from foot to foot under the dragon's gaze. He also felt Emile staring at him too. After several minutes, Oskar replied, "Antony can stay in Emile's room."
"My room? Cool," Emile replied.
"Sounds good to me," Antony said. "I don't mind getting a job. I don't have experience as a guard but I can learn or do something else."
Oskar grinned. "That's fine. You can work as a guard. It pays a great wage, and you'll learn combat, law, order, and other subjects."
"And you get to show the ladies how strong you are," Emile added with a grin.
Antony chuckled. "I would like to be strong and look good."
"Don't encourage them," Kehlani said. "My dad and brother like to show off and do macho manly things."
"But we still love them," Miri said. "Welcome to our home and to our city, Antony."
Antony looked at Kehlani, Oskar, Miri, and Emile and smiled, appreciating the hospitality. Even though he was new to the world, new to the city, and new to the family, he was willing to settle in and live again.