The storm
1306 Words
After Draken showed his skills on the icefield, he became even more famous.
His name was in every talk.
In all three clans, everything ceased to exist. There was only Draken.
And this fame didn’t make him happy. Especially all these rumors and what Raghnall said about him. He was constantly thinking about his words.
Raghnall, after the incident on the icefield, “I think you will become a great warrior. And I am sure that you don’t want to leave. I think you found your place and you realize it. With your talent you can change everything.”
Draken hated the place where he was. He hated this clan, and he also didn’t like his feeling that stuck inside of his heart. But he perfectly, that if he stays here then it is only because of Leiandros.
Trying not to think about Raghnall’s words, he was reading all night long and then he greeted the morning with red eyes.
He read every book that was on his table, and one day he had nothing to read. Looking at the stack of books, he remembered that they belonged to Leiandros. “I should return these books.” Draken thought. He didn’t want to go to his house but on the other hand he wanted to go there with all his heart.
He shook Storm’s hand and said, “Brother, are you sleeping? Can you help me with something?”
Covering his face with the blanket, he murmured, “How can I help? But you should know, I won’t go for a hot water. This time, it is your turn.”
“No. Brother, can you return these books to teacher?”
Storm opened his face and looked towards the stack of books. “My muscles are aching, I can’t carry all these books. You took them and you should return them. Sorry Draken.”
“Please. If you return them, then I will wash all your clothes.”
“No,” Storm replied and closed his eyes.
Draken took his hand and wanted to say something but he angrily said, “I don’t want to go to his house. He is your friend. Not mine.”
Today, returning home early, after the dinner, everyone was sleeping or just sitting. Someone was eating. The room was warm and the atmosphere of coziness was everywhere.
Approaching the window, Draken looked towards Leiandros’ house.
Gathering all his will, he took his fur coat and whispered, “He must be awake.”
He tied the books with a rope and went out of the house.
Walking towards Leiandros’ house, his heart was beating faster than anything in this world.
Without even noticing, he was already in front of his house.
From the house was coming a sweet scent.
Draken reached out his hand and wanted to open the door but it was locked. He wanted to leave but something made him knock.
After a few seconds, Leiandros opened the door.
He was wearing a dark red robe and his hair was covering his shoulders, reaching down to his collarbones. He had a calm expression, but when he saw Draken in front of him, his eyes mysteriously sparkled.
“I want to return your books.”
Leiandros took the books from his hands.
“I have to go now. Good night.” Draken wanted to leave but Leiandros’ resonant voice stopped him.
“Maybe you want to borrow some books?”
“Can I?”
Leiandros entered the house and silently went upstairs.
Trying to step as quietly as possible, Draken losing all his vigilance, stumbled several times but Leiandros ignored it.
Passing the rooms which were closed, Draken still could notice one room. As he understood it was Leiandros’ bedroom.
The sweet scent was everywhere.
When they reached the library, Leiandros went back to his chair and continued his reading.
Feeling awkward, Draken stood on the doorstep until Leiandros said, “Why are you standing there?”
Draken quickly went up to the shelves of books and feeling nervous, he just took out one book. And then when he wanted to reach the top shelf, he felt Leiandros’ presence behind of him.
“The book you want to take is the collection of poems.” Leiandros said. His voice made Draken shudder.
“What kind of poetry is this?”
“Love poems,” Leiandros replied and leaning his head closer to Draken, he whispered, “You will like them.”
Draken, feeling weakness in his legs, slowly turned around. He expected to see Leiandros’ face close to his, but Leiandros was already sitting on his chair.
Tensely clutching the book with poems, Draken went towards the door but again, Leiandros’ voice stopped him, “Would you like to taste these almond cookies?”
“Cookies?”
“Yes. After the Burnt forest, we deserve something sweet.”
“Right,” Draken whispered and unbuttoning his vest, he sat down in front of Leiandros.
Leiandros, taking the kettle from the fire, poured the boiling water into the clay mugs and threw a few dried berries. “This is a herbal tea. Very good when you are cold.”
“Thanks.”
Moving a large plate full of round cookies towards him, Leiandros silently looked at Draken.
The promising silence was hanging over them until the sounds of crispy cookies filled the room.
“It is very delicious. Where did you learn to bake cookies?”
“When I was a child, I was often sick and my father always baked for me these cookies. The sweet taste, like magic was always taking my pain away. Only hot tea and cookies could warm my soul. And then when I grew up I learned how to bake them. Whenever I feel bad, I bake them.” Watching Draken eat one cookie after another, Leiandros added, “This sweet taste can take away feeling of sadness and pain.”
“A warrior like you can bake cookies. You are full of surprises.”
The faint crackling of fire made everything even more comfortable and the presence of many books and the soft carpet under his feet reminded Draken of his happy days of his past.
Looking somewhere, he took a sip of tea and then said, “So you also grew up with your father.”
Leiandros said nothing.
Breaking the silence that was very awkward, Draken said, “I have to go now.”
And at that very moment the windows opened with terrible force and a strong wind, together with snow, rushed inside, brushing several books to the floor.
Leiandros quickly closed the shutters and locked the windows.
“I have never seen such a strong blizzard.”
Leiandros, looking out through the window said, “Maybe you should stay here. Until the blizzard calms down.”
Draken shook his head. “The blizzard is not a rare guest in this world. I will be fine.”
He went downstairs and when he wanted to open the door, it immediately slammed shut as if the wind prevented him from leaving. Draken went up to the small window and noticed a large tree flying right in the air. And also, thousands of branches and heavy logs created the whirlwind.
“If you leave now, you will fly away. You should wait here. It is too dangerous.”
A small tree hit the door and flew high into the sky. The upper layers of the roofs joined the whirlwind.
The idea of staying overnight at Leiandros’ house was strange, but Draken agreed.
Sitting on the cold chair, Draken began to shiver. His legs and hands slowly began to freeze.
“Maybe you should go upstairs. It is cold here.”
“I am fine,” Draken said and slowly sank into the sleep.
- Writer
