The Legends of Christopher Drake: In the Beginning

By J.M. King

The Legends of Christopher Drake: In the Beginning is a young adult, science-fiction story about a young man who lives a rather normal life, working full-time as an assistant in an animal shelter/clinic in Guntersville, Alabama. After a a mysterious phone call and a terrible accident, he finds himself waking up, bloodied and injured, in a world not of his own. He learns he is now in the world of Sinnai, a place where the myths and legends he knows of are now a reality.

Christopher embarks on a quest full of trials and misfortunes in hopes of discovering more about the new world he is in, and along the way, he will learn more about himself as he grows throughout the book. The Legends of Christopher Drake: In the Beginning is only the first installment in the series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J.M. King
• Release date: Apr 13, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311895967

J.M. King

My name is Joseph King, I was born in Northeast Alabama in the year 1990, by the time I was 5 years old I was reading and writing. I grew up with two older brothers, whom I have always looked up to, even to this day. I had a loving family that quickly split in the past 8 years of my life. For unforeseen reasons. But a small few remain, with the exceptions of my Mom, and both of my brothers.I was the only person in my family to drop out of high school. I was trying to hold down a full time job so I could provide for myself and pay the newly obtained bills. Which at the time didn't work out to well. So i sought out a gift I had long since given up. (Writing) To regain the peace I once had.I have written many short stories, plays, novellas, poems, songs, and other works where being a wordsmith is required. Only until recently have I tried to break out in the publishing world.I write so i can escape from this world for moments at a time. It is my passion, my art, and my job.

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The Legends of Christopher Drake

In the Beginning

By J.M. King

Published by J.M King at Smashwords

Copyright 2015 Joseph Michael J.M King

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

The Legends of Christopher Drake:

In the Beginning

By J.M. King

Table of Contents

Prologue

1. Arrival

2. Draconis

3. Woods of Darkness

4. Caprico

5. Seer

6. Betrayal

7. The Serpent Cecil

8. Missing

9. Reunited for the Worst

10. The Lost Secret of Hines Cave

11. A Fateful Encounter

12. Brycen Lerough

13. Close Encounters

14. Home

15. Vampire Nights

16. Hero of Light

17. The Hunt

18. Oran Gallion

19. Kill or be killed

20. The Beginning

Prologue

The sound of an alarm broke the dead silence of early morning. Birds were chirping outside and a nearby train let out an ear piercing whistle letting the entire town know that it was time to start the day.

Okay, okay, I am up. Chris rolled over and swatted at the alarm clock knocking it on to the floor. He sat up in his bed rubbing his eyes to try jump starting his morning. Mittens, his cat, came to assist in waking him up by giving him a love tap on his nose. Hey pretty kitty, how are you this morning? Chris gave him a scratch behind the ears and Mittens let out a loud purr. You ready for breakfast? Chris asked. Immediately Mittens leaped up and darted to the next room. Me too...

He stood to his feet and made his way into the kitchen lightly dragging his feet as he went. Mittens stood nearby meowing to let his friend know he was ready to eat. I hear you buddy, I'm on my way. Chris opened the cabinet to grab a can of tuna for Mittens and a box of cereal for himself. Here you go. He set the tuna down next to Mittens water dish, then poured himself a bowl of cereal. As he went to get the milk from the fridge his cell phone started to ring. It's six o'clock in the morning, who in the world is calling me at this time!?!He mumbled to himself. Mittens also paused in the middle of his meal to notice the odd ring this early in the morning.

Hello? There was no response on the other side. You are calling me this early and not going to reply? Still no answer. Please don't call again, especially this early in the morning. As he went to hit the end call button he heard a raspy voice on the other end. Hello? Who is this? The voice sounded as if they were miles away. Stay inside. Said the voice. What do you want? Chris said politely, though anger was quickly rising inside of him. Mittens let out a loud hiss from the doorway, startling Chris and causing him to drop his phone and lose the call. He turned around and every hair on his cat was standing on edge, his eyes wide. He stared at the phone lying on the floor. What's wrong buddy? Chris asked. This was an unusual action from his dear companion. Chris went to pick him up and Mittens bolted to the other room and into his home made scratch tower. He shrugged his shoulders and picked his phone up and set it back on the dresser.

Chris walked back into the kitchen to try and finish his breakfast before he had to leave for work. Everything just seemed different this morning, Chris was concerned for his cat and confused about the phone call. Why stay inside? He asked himself.

He didn't let it get to him for very long and by the time he got into the shower he had forgotten about the call all together. Even Mittens was acting normal again. It seemed as if the call had never happened.

It was now ten o'clock in the morning and Chris had an hour until his shift started. As he finished getting dressed and fixing his hair, Mittens sat in the window gazing at the storm clouds rolling in. I'm about to leave buddy, hold down the fort while I am working okay?

Mittens jumped from the window to meet his friend at the door. Chris knelt down to pet him, and Mittens started to purr. As he stood up to open the door Mittens started to scream. What is wrong? This was unusual for him to act in such a manner. You want to go to work with me? He removed his back pack and opened it for Mittens to jump in, but he refused. Chris stood back up and threw his back pack over his shoulder. Alright, since you want to stay, I guess I will go to work alone. Mittens sat there with a look of fright on his face. I will be back soon. Chris knelt down and scratched him behind his ears. Hold down the fort buddy. He said as he closed the door behind him.

He sat down in his car and noticed it was even more dark and cloudy outside. Hmm, the forecast didn't say anything about rain today. He saw Mittens jump back into the window and just look up in the sky then looked directly back at him. He could tell Mittens was scared. Chris waved and Mittens put one paw on the window. He put the car in reverse and was gone in no time.

He was on the road for only five minutes before it started to pour rain. The rain was coming down so fast it looked like a flat white sheet of paper across his windshield. Chris had to go half of the posted speed limit to keep from having a wreck. Only a couple more miles. he said to himself.

His phone started to ring, it wouldn't stop even after the usual four rings. When he answered it the raspy voice from earlier was on the other end. I told you to stay inside. they said. Startled, Chris dropped the phone, he looked down for a split second to try finding it, and drove right through a red light. A truck that was every bit of double the size of his small car crashed right into him.

Chris was ejected from the car and into the river nearby. So, this is what death feels like. He thought as he just went deeper into the water, deeper into the darkness.

Chater One: Arrival

The water gently splashed his face, his brown hair matted on his head with a mixture of blood and dirt. The sun was warm as it was shining down on his pale complexion. Chris, wake up. said a mysterious voice as clear as day, and his eyes popped open. Chris. the voice said again. It was slowly fading away. Chris. It said his name one last time then faded into the wind. He sat up and looked around. The mountain lines surrounded him in almost every direction. His vision was still slightly blurry, but as he looked around it started to clear up.

He tried to move, but a sharp pain shot through his body. He rubbed his eyes then he attempted to stand to his feet, What happened? he asked himself. He tried to stand up again but couldn't. When he looked down he noticed a large gash on his leg behind the tattered and torn denim jeans he was wearing, blood still escaping from the wound.

The wound looked deep as he began to examine it. To make sure he hadn't been shot he took his finger and dug into the wound. I don't remember anything. He whimpered. The pain was unbearable as tears filled his eyes. Help! He tried to yell, but his throat was hurting and dry and it came out at nearly a whisper. He sat there for a minute trying to get some strength back into his body. Then he started to pull himself across the sandy river shore.

He managed to pull himself to a rock away from the river so he could dry his clothes and tend to his injuries. He sat down and began to rip the jeans just a little bit below the knee. Using the ripped part of the jeans as bandages, he began gently wrapping them around his leg. Applying as much pressure as he could, without cutting the circulation completely, trying to stop the bleeding.

There, that should give me enough support until I can reach a hospital. He sat there for a little while longer, and his head began to pound. He reached up to his head, he could feel dried blood, and under it was a large cut. What happened? He muttered.

He stood to his feet and looked around; he didn't hear a single car or a train. He looked up and didn't see an airplane either. This is strange, how did I manage to get all the way into the mountains. He thought. Still not knowing what had happened to him, or where he was even. He walked back to the water and splashed some on his face to remove the dirt and blood. He then began walking to try and find help.

He had to walk with a limp and occasionally he had to drag his injured leg. The feeling in it would come and go with every other step it seemed and the pain was beyond excruciating. He walked for a few hours until he couldn't hold himself up any longer. He stopped to rest under a tree’s shade to get off of his tired feet. Laying there looking into the sky, he closed his eyes, trying to block out the pain.

The sun was setting behind the mountains and night happened to be falling quickly. So, he decided that he was going to sleep there for the night. He rested his head on the root of the tree, tossing and turning until he finally fell asleep.

While he slept, dreams filled his head from home, memories from his past that he kept blocked for so long, the times with his mom and even his cat Mittens who he was missing so much, and then he began to dream about the time of his wreck. The phone began to ring and the voice that sounded like a serpent saying his name; it then turned into a nightmare.

He heard car horns, then a loud crash as he was ejected from the car. As soon as he hit the water in his dream he immediately woke up. I was in a wreck. He groaned. It was still dark, the wind was gently blowing, with a cool gentle breeze. It made beautiful music as it blew through the trees. He could hear the river nearby as well. It still seemed like a dream to him.

Chrissss. The same voice that continued to follow him since the previous morning spoke again. He sat up and looked around. Hello? he said. That voice... Why do I keep hearing it? How does it even know my name? He muttered to himself. Am I going crazy? He panicked.

As He stood to his feet he noticed something. There was a faint light glowing in between the trees that had caught his eye. Maybe they have a phone I could use. He said to himself. He sat back down to look at his leg before he started to walk again. The wound had finally quit bleeding, so he changed the wraps out and placed clean ones on it. Even though the pain was even more unbearable than before, he started to walk towards the trees.

It was only a few hundred yards away, but to him, it seemed like miles. The pain began overtaking his entire body like a poison that was coursing through his veins. He started to feel sick, and dizzy from the loss of blood.

He reached the outskirts of the trees, still dragging his mangled leg behind him. His stomach began to growl. He realized he hadn't eaten in quite some time. Ok, phone AND food. He muttered as he continued on through the brush and leaves of the forest.

As he got closer to the light he began noticed that it wasn't a house, or even a building for that matter. It was only a campfire. Chris stared in pure amazement as the light of the flames danced through the trees gracefully, and the fire licked the air shooting ash from its mouth. It was beautiful, like magic, as though the fire was actually alive.

Around the campfire sat three unusual men. They were all dressed in what looked to be chainmail armor, greaves, bracers and gauntlets, a breastplate lying next to each of them, and swords on their hips. They had what looked to be horses tied up to a nearby tree. What in the world is this? Chris snorted under his breath. He examined the camp looking at the unusual men, then back at the strange horse-like creatures.

The horse-like creatures were gigantic, similar to a Clydesdale. They were black with scales covering their entire body. They had two small horns protruding from the top of their heads, which oddly enough was like the head of a horse. They also had what looked like wings that were folded up on its sides, which were similar to the wings of a bat, just much bigger. One of the more odd features was instead of having hooves on the front, they had large talons.

Confused at what he was seeing Chris just stood there, dumbstruck. He didn't know if he should run away and forget what he just saw, or simply ask the strange group of men for help. At this point in time, and as bad as I am hurting, I really don't have much of a choice. He mumbled. So, trying as hard as he could to hold his composure, and keep from passing out he made his decision to ask for help.

He stepped out from behind the tree and began walking towards the three men, This could go one of two ways. he thought to himself, They could kill me, or they could help me. His legs began to shake as he quietly shuffled towards the camp. He couldn't tell if it was from fear, or pain, or maybe both.

When he stepped into the light of their camp they noticed him almost instantly, and drew their swords, Who are you!?! One of them yelled. Chris stopped in his tracks, his vision had gone blurry. He was suffering from exhaustion, hunger, loss of blood, and now absolutely terrified, and suddenly he just collapsed right at their feet, unconscious.

Is he dead Natas? One man asked, he was tall, and handsome. He had short blonde hair, and was built like an ox. Two of the men stood over Chris, examining him. The handsome one even lightly kicked him to see if he was still alive.

I don't know Laurel, hey Edward, come over here and check him. said the second man. Natas was rather young, and much smaller in stature compared to his friends. He had a long pointed nose and long wavy black hair that parted down the middle.

The third man, Edward, was much older than the other two. He had a bald head, with a full salt and pepper colored beard, and a large gut underneath his chain-mail armor, and he stood about as tall as Laurel the handsome one.

The man pushed past the other younger men and crouched down. He placed his hand barely over Chris' mouth. He is breathing, it is light, but he is still alive. He pulled a small pouch out of his pocket, inside of it was a small vial with a blue liquid that filled it to the cork. He opened Chris' mouth and poured every drop into it.

Pick him up Laurel, and set him by the fire, let him get warm, he will wake up soon. Laurel, the brawny blonde man, lifted Chris up and took him to a bedroll that was near the fire and laid him down.

Natas, fetch some more firewood will ya? Edward grunted. Natas, who had begun playing with a frightened squirrel that he had captured, looked up. Yes sir. he said as he released the squirrel back into the woods. He stood to his feet, grabbed one of the torches, and shuffled off into the woods. Laurel, go to the creek and fill up our water pouches will ya. Laurel, who was standing by the fire, said nothing, he just grabbed the empty pouches, and walked into the darkness.

Edward walked over to Chris, crouched down and gave him a gentle nudge on his shoulder. You awake yet boy? He said. Chris started to cough. Good. Edward grunted. Chris slowly sat up, holding his head. He glanced around, hoping that everything he saw before he had passed out was just a twisted dream and he was at home in his bed. Then he noticed Edward, immediately he jolted backwards, pushing himself against a tree. W-who a-are y-y-you? He managed to choke out.

Don't be scared son. Edward chuckled. Chris was beyond frightened now. He looked down at his leg and noticed the cuts and gashes had vanished. H-h-how did you do that? He choked out.

Ponkus leaf, cone seed, and a few rare herbs from Strife Valley, very few Magus survive the journey there so it's quite a rare and powerful medicine, very difficult to make. Edward explained.

Pardon my ignorance, but what in the world is a Ponkus leaf? Better yet, what is Strife Valley? Chris asked, he was beyond confused at this point, and he began to think he was on the brink of madness. One more thing, what is a Magus and why are you dressed like that!?

Edward was slightly shocked that Chris didn't know what any of these things were. He gave Chris a look of disapproval and started whittling away at a stick. Are you going to answer my question? Chris asked. Edward rolled his eyes and continued to whittle the stick. Answer me, what is going on here!?! Chris snapped.

Why are you even here boy? Edward snapped back. Chris stood to his feet, It wasn't my decision to be here! He growled. If I had my choice I would be at home right now sleeping in a nice warm bed! He kicked a few sticks into the fire then shoved his hands into his pockets. You and me both. Edward snorted. I think I need some medical attention, could you take me to the nearest hospital please. Chris said as he placed his hands on his head and began hyperventilating. Calm down kid. Edward said. Chris turned to face him. Me? Calm down!?! Chris hollered. I was just in a car wreck, flew into the Tennessee River and ended up here, GOD KNOWS WHERE HERE EVEN IS!!! Chris' face was red and nearly as hot as the fire burning beside him.

I'm going mad, crazy, cuckoo, insane, nuts, psycho, I need to go now. Chris muttered. You are not crazy kid. Just sit down and relax I am sure we can figure this out. Edward said nicely. Figure what out?!? Chris yelled.

Alright, alright, sit down boy, I don't wanna hurt ya. Edward chuckled while waving his dagger in the air. If you are going to kill me do it now, just let my mother know please. I don't want to put her through that pain again. Chris mumbled as he slumped back down against the tree with his arms folded. Now, tell me, where are you from, and what is your name? Edward asked.

Chris looked at Edward, his dark eyes looked to be full of compassion and concern despite the way he looked. I am from Alabama. My name is Christopher James Drake. Last thing I remember was I received a phone call while I was driving, then I got hit by a truck. After that I don't really remember anything besides waking up on the banks of a river that I thought was near my house, but, I can see I am far from there. Chris sighed. Would I happen to be in Tennessee or Mississippi, maybe south Alabama? I'm not really sure which way that river goes, never really did research on that.

Edward sat there, staring at him. His eyes were the ones wide with confusion now. They sat there quietly for nearly five minutes until Laurel broke the silence. He dropped the water pouches and walked over to Chris, he had a smile on his face.

Oh the little guy is awake! Laurel said. He walked over to Chris and held out his hand. My name is Laurel, The brawn of the trio! Chris looked down at Laurels hand then back up at Laurel. It is a common courtesy to shake hands and introduce yourself in these lands. Laurel snorted.

Leave 'em alone Laurel. Edward muttered. Why is he wearing these silly clothes Ed? Laurel asked while tugging on Chris' hoodie. I said leave him alone Laurel! Edward bellowed out, he threw his dagger at him, coming only inches from his head. The dagger had landed in the shadows of the woods behind Chris. That was only a warning, next time I won't miss. Edward chuckled.

Laurels face was red from embarrassment as he went and sat beside the fire. Moments later Natas came from behind them all, Wow, if I were an assassin hunting some Caprico knights I would have killed you all already. Natas laughed as he dropped a large pile of wood beside the fire. Oh look, he is alive. Natas said as he held out his hand to Chris.

I'm Natas, the stealthy one of the bunch. He said with a smirk on his face. Chris grabbed Natas' hand and shook it. Oh, I see is it because my muscles are so intimidating and you were afraid I would crush your hand, is that why you refused to shake my hand? Laurel asked as he crossed his arms and began to pout.

Edward stood to his feet, I didn't properly introduce myself I suppose, since all of this handshaking nonsense has been going on. I am Edward, the brains to the two numbskulls. He grunted as he held his hand out to Chris.

Chris lightly gripped Edwards hand and a warm smile spread across his face. You happen to be amongst the finest bunch of men in all--- Edward was interrupted by an ear shattering scream that echoed throughout the forest. What was that? Chris gasped.

Christopher, come with me, quickly. Edward said in a low voice, that Chris could barely hear him. Laurel, keep watch on the camp, if anyone comes looking for him or myself, call for me, if I do not come, you and Natas be sure to deliver this to the King. Edward took out a small roll of cloth from a satchel on his hip and tossed it to Laurel. Be careful Edward. Laurel said the look on his face stern. I hope this isn't really happening right now. he said. It sounded as if he were afraid of something.

Chris looked over his shoulder at Laurel and Natas as Edward ushered him through the woods. What is going on? Chris asked. Just follow me, I will try to explain shortly, try to keep up. Edward replied. For such a large man, Edward was swift on his feet; it seemed as if he was flying instead of running, his feet barely touching the ground. Chris could barely keep up. Then Edward stopped abruptly in the path causing Chris to run right in to him. Shhh, stay down. Edward muttered.

Draconis!!! they heard a shout in the distance. RUN!!! NATAS!!! it was Laurel and it sounded like they were being attacked.

Edward, we have to go back for them! Chris pleaded. Shhhhhh, we can't it is too dangerous, Laurel and Natas can protect themselves, the draconis must be coming for YOU Christopher, I have to get you to safety. he explained.

What is a draconis, and what do they want with me? Chris asked, and was terrified yet again.

Follow me, and stay close, I will make sure that you are not harmed, we need to get out of these woods as fast as we can, when we reach the Shrine of Delagah I will explain as much as I can to you there, these draconis are vile, nasty, and evil creatures, with teeth like daggers and claws like swords. If you ever meet one, avoid its piercing green eyes. Edward had a hint of fear in his voice.

Green eyes. What kind of monster is this thing? Chris questioned. Yes, with just one glance eye to eye they go straight to your soul, and shred it to bits if you're not careful. said Edward.

Well, doesn't that sound so lovely...? Chris muttered sarcastically.

They continued through the trees slowly and quietly until they came out at a massive opening, in the middle was a statue. It looked to be in the shape of a woman, she was shrouded in a hood and in one hand she held a dagger and in the other an open book. The moon was shining directly above it giving the statue an ethereal glow.

This, is the Shrine of Delagah, we are safe for now, when the sun rises we need to move as fast as we can. Edward whispered as he removed his chainmail and dropped it at his feet. He then pulled his sword and sheath off and sat it on top of the chainmail.

This is all happening so fast. Chris gasped while breathing heavily, trying to recoup from the constant running they just did. What in the world is going on here, where am I, and what does this draconis want with me? He dropped to the ground, still trying to catch his breath.

"All I know is what I have heard around the city, you are the Hero of light, and you are the one to save this world, not only