Flame in the Dark

Chapter 2 Welcome to Luoyang

Chapter 2 Welcome to Luoyang

My name is Junlang Chen. I am from Luoyang, China in the Henan province. My family runs a restaurant down town and we live above it.

I remember going to bed last night, but I opened my eyes to find myself sitting at a booth with my head on the table.

"How and why am I here?" I asked myself. Still drowsy I sleepily look around noticing this place was very familiar. I am in my family's restaurant, but why? More importantly how did I get here. Normally I don't walk in my sleep.

The room was dark and empty. I could tell it was very early morning or late at night. It was so silent I could hear the crickets from outside. It was peaceful, but the emptiness gave me a chill.

Suddenly, a bright light appears in the middle of the room. I cover my face as I turn away and close my eyes. A few seconds later I reopened my eyes and looked back over to find Gabriel.

"The Most High sent me to you." He announces in his excited tone. His golden, glittery body hunched over in our restaurant. I was amazed he didn't bust up my families tables and chairs. Instead it was like he was present and so were they.

I was still stricken with awe at his presence. I have read that Mary was stricken with fear and awe, but this was not what I had imagined at all. He was more than I had imagined. Although I will admit that his voice threw things off for me. He spoke so child like and it made him more approchable.

"But I am not worthy and I am just a teenager." I replied barely getting the words out in a hastily manner. He reaches his large arm over and suddenly we were outside in the city on the rooftop.

I looked around at the city lights. It truly is beautiful to see the lights at night in Luoyang. I look back over at Gabriel who's eyes never left me. "What are we doing here?" I asked curiously.

Gabriel presents me a sword. I look at it surprised. I recognized it. It was a Chen sword. The length of the sword was about five feet tall. The design was so fresh it appeared that it was made just a few days ago. My eyes were widened as I took the sword admiring it's craftmenship. I carefully unsheathed it noticing how lite it felt in my hand. It was amazing!

"This is an amazing gift, Gabriel; but why are you giving this to me? I hesitantly ask.

"You will need it for your mission. What you are about to face this sword will always slice through. It won't matter the thickness of skin or the armor." He replies in a calmer tone.

I looked over at 9him with widened eyes surprised at his reply. "Wait! I'm going to fight?! What am I fighting?!" I asked in an anxious tone.

With that I found my self waking up to my alarm. I shut off my alarm and laid back wondering if these vivid dreams had some truth to them.