Chronicles of Han Storm - Leilaka #1 (Fantasy, Adventure, Dragon Riders)

Leilaka *** Chapter 8 ***

Han meets one of the main friends involved in the Leilaka series. 

*** Eight ***

My spirit hit my body with a thud, shaking the whole bed, waking Drake who was sitting in a chair, supporting his sleeping body on the side of the bed. It was still dark, the darkness right before dawn.

With the strange dreams came visions.

Visions of a probable future for these people I was only starting to know. Of a possible future they may have if I stayed here and tried to change things around.

I knew in my heart, no matter who I really was, I was placed in this position for a purpose, and my first task was to find the creature I had dreamt of.

"Hi" I greeted a confused and alarmed Drake.

"Hallo. Are you feeling better?"

"Starving" I replied in my childish voice.

For the first time I was ready to eat absolutely everything they could place in front of me.

Drake handed me a gown. I was relieved to see that I did not have the fancy clothes on any more, but an oversized shirt, serving as sleeping wear.

We made our way down corridors to a warm kitchen area.

Drake seated me near the dying fire before stoking it alive again.

Scrounging around for left-overs, he found some in a separate pantry. He brought over a tray and we shared the cold meat, cheese and bread. For desert he found us a pair of red apples.

It was starting to get light when the cook walked in. At first he looked upset, but on recognizing us, he greeted with a smile, offering pancakes for breakfast.

We were pretty full by now, but agreed to wait for tea and pancakes.

Drake helped the cook and between the two of them I had tea and a batch of pancakes in no time.

I carefully hid a few bread rolls for Strongclaw. It was unlikely that he would enter the kitchen and I would run into him sooner than later anyway.

After thanking the happy cook, we returned to our quarters to find Connor and Brutus waiting for us.

Drake was apologetic. I could not care. I had a full stomach.

"Han was hungry and we went to the kitchen" he explained.

"After last night, I am glad he has his appetite back. We are not travelling today in order to give him a rest and another check-up before we leave. I do not want any interruptions along the way to slow us down."

Connor's seriousness rubbed off on my happy attitude. I immediately thought of the country I had seen in the dream over which the Huracan had flown me to Crosshaven.

After dressing into my regular, slightly too large clothes, I sat cross-legged on my bed, contemplating if I should tell them my vision/dream, when Connor addressed me.

"Reif will see you after he has had his breakfast."

I nodded, still trying to figure out what, and if, I should tell him about the route we need to follow.

They were busy preparing for the day, each man going through his own morning routine. I watched them wash up and comb their long hair and beards. I was fascinated by their beards. I have not yet seen a grown man without one.