ADRIA

CHAPTER 1

I had a weird dream last night. I don't usually dream, but when I do, I forget about it by morning. Yet, this particular dream was different and I didn't forget.

It was very strange. Confusing would be the right word, but very strange.

Let me set the scene for you. It was pitch black and quiet. Nothing could be seen or heard. Just complete darkness. However, I saw myself running; panting from something, but there was nothing. I was running towards nothing and yet I looked terrified. Perspiration dripped from my forehead and my panting got louder and louder until I said the following.

"Help! Someone help me, please." But there was no one there. Just me and whatever I was running away from. Suddenly, I stopped and did nothing. My body was paralysed, and all I could do move was my pupils. Panic took over and I become desperate. That was when I felt it. It was a hand, no, a claw grabbing me, and pinning me to the floor.

I was trapped. My lips were sealed shut, preventing me from screaming and I couldn't fight back. "Help me" was all I could think about. All of a sudden, a sinister shadow appeared and began to suffocate me. I couldn't breathe.... I couldn't think. A high pitched scream was all I heard before the shadow covered my entire body.

GASP!

"I heard screaming. What happened?" Said, my father, as he slammed open the door, dropping the lamp from my bed side table and onto the floor. He had a worried look drawn on his face as he sat down beside me.

He placed his hands on my forehead. "You are sweating. Are you sure you're alright?" He asked.

"Uh... yeah dad."

"I'm fine," I replied.

"You don't look fine?"

"Yes, I am. I just had a nightmare, that's all." I reassured him and myself.

"I see."

"Go back to sleep. We have training in the morning at six, and I am not letting you off because of some dream." Got it?" He said as he got up from the bed, picked up the lamp and placed it back on my nightstand while heading for my bedroom door.

"Yes, dad, I understand very well."

"Good night."

Without another word, my father shut the door behind him quietly. It grew silent after the sound of his heavy footsteps echoed down the halls and into his room.

Silence!

I lied back on my bed, staring at the ceiling. Tomorrow was another day of training. Damn! I cannot stand it. I can't even lift up a sword without tripping over, and he stills wants to train me.

I gave a huge sigh before I went under the covers.

That dream was all I could think about as I closed my eye, and tried to avert my attention to something else.

"We have training in the morning at six."

SHIT!