Warrior Rising

Chapter 5: A Hearty Meal

When it was time for dinner, Antony followed Emile and Kehlani to the dining room of the house. The table was spread with five plates of food. Each plate was piled with cooked fish, toasted bread slices, shrimp, potatoes, and carrots. Beside each bowl was a ceramic bowl filled with water. Oskar and Miri sat together on one side of the table. Emile and Kehlani settled themselves on the opposite side. Antony looked before finding a spot between Emile and Kehlani. He sat on his haunches and bumped the table. He apologized quickly for hitting the table.

"I hope you enjoy the dinner, Antony," Miri said. "Fish is a common food here in Sea Haven."

"It's fine. I love seafood."

Oskar smiled. "Good. I wonder if you can eat seconds, thirds, and fourths like Emile and I."

Antony nodded. "I can. Take me to an all you can eat buffet, and I'll eat until I'm stuffed like a turkey."

Oskar and Emile shared a grin. Kehlani and Miri laughed at the statement. Then, Kehlani put her forepaws together and closed her eyes. She spoke a short prayer. When she finished, she opened her eyes and nodded to her mother and father.

"Let us eat," Oskar said.

Antony watched the dragons eat before he tucked into his food. He took small bites, savoring the flavors. He found the dinner hot and delicious. Here and there, he would glance at Oskar, Miri, Kehlani, and Emile, noting their mannerisms and expressions. He committed them to memory and felt honored and humbled to be able to have a new start and a new family.

Even though it was odd to be a dragon, he was slowly accepting it. He was learning how to move and talk in this new body. He still missed being human and being on his own world. But those times were behind him. It did no good to live in the past.

Antony glanced at Kehlani. She munched on a piece of bread. Her green eyes focused on each inch of the slice. She felt his eyes on her and turned to him. A questioning look formed in her eyes.

"Thanks for…finding me and saving me…"

"You're welcome, Antony."

"It's going to take time getting used to all this, but I'll try."

"I'll help you." Kehlani reached out and patted his paw. "Promise. No matter what."

"T-Thanks." Antony felt a warmth in his cheeks. It spread to through his body, and he appreciated the sincerity in her words. Even though it was adjustment living this new life, Kehlani seemed eager to help him.

"So…Antony, what job or career would you like?" Oskar asked.

Antony turned to the older dark red dragon. "I…. I honestly don't know."

"Well, there are plenty to choose from. I am a member of Sea Haven's Guard, and so is Emile. Miri is a nurse and healer."

"And I'm a healer and hunter," Kehlani added.

"It's your choice," Emile said, grinning at Antony. "Though, I think you'll like being a city guard."

Antony considered all this information with a nod. He put a paw to his chin and rubbed his scaly skin. He remembered having a job back on Earth, when he was human. It was a simple retail job. It wasn't his favorite, but he had earned a decent wage. However, in this world, he could start over and do something different. The thought interested and scared him.

"What does a guard do?" Antony asked.

"Patrol the city, arrest lawbreakers, keep the peace, fight criminals and thugs," Oskar replied. "We stand for justice, truth, honor, and honesty."

"We are heroes in the community," Emile said.

"Do I get training?" Antony asked. "What would I need to learn?"

"Yes," Oskar replied, "and you would need to learn combat and self-defense, law, civics, history, tactics, and more subjects. It sounds like you would like to be a guard."

I wouldn't mind, Antony thought as he nodded.

"Then we'll see about getting you recruited to the town guard."

When the dragons had eaten their fill, they took their dishes and bowls to the kitchen. They cleaned their dishes and worked quickly. Antony helped with the task, even though Kehlani told him not to worry about it. He didn't mind. He wanted to do his part and learn more about his newfound family and their mannerisms.

Later that evening, Antony lay upon his back on the bed, near Emile. He looked down at his scaly body, wings, claws, and snout. He ran his paws along his body for several minutes before yawning and laying his head down. He closed his eyes and allowed himself to fall asleep, ready to start a new day.