Free I Can Hear You by Hannah Davenport Page A

indefinitely.  I’d heard rumors that he had dated a human woman, but that happened before I took over as Commander.  The rumors stated that he had been stripped of his warrior title, forbidden to travel to the human realm and he was stripped down and whipped for his transgressions.
    “Thank you.”
     
    While I was walking the grounds outside the Castle, I noticed how beautiful the flowers were.  Unlike the human realm, the weather was always warm and the flowers were always blooming here.  Nothing in my world resembled theirs; at least I didn’t think so.  As I walked around trying to figure out my next move, Lukke walked up beside me.
    He nodded, “Commander.”
    “Hey, Lukke,” I said distractedly.
    “What’s wrong, Mikal?”  Only Lukke could ask me something so casually. 
    “I think I need to make a trip to visit a civilian called Desambriel.”  I glanced at Lukke from the corner of my eye, wondering if he recognized the name.  By his widening eyes, my question was answered. 
    “If you’ll permit it, Commander, I’ll accompany you.  I’ve heard that he lives in solitude and does not welcome visitors.”
    I nodded confirmation.  “Gather supplies and I’ll let the stable hand know that we will need two Cefis readied for the trip.”  Lukke nodded before he hurried away.
    I met Lukke at the stables and after mounting the Cefis, we were on our way.  We had several mountains to cross before we would arrive at Des’ home.  It would be an uneventful trip as our realm was a peace-loving place.  We passed by several waterfalls with luscious blue grass.  Yes, this place was unlike the Human realm.
     
    Two hours later, we came upon a little bungalow that sat in the middle of a field that had flowers blooming.  As we neared, I hopped off my Cefis and grabbed the reins.  As Lukke took them from me, I trekked off toward the bungalow.  A male that looked about my age walked out onto the porch with a scowl on his face.
    “You’re not welcome here!” he called.
    “Sir, I just need a moment of your time.”  I called back to him.
    “I have nothing to say to you.  Please leave.”
    “Des, just hear me out.”  He could tell by my posture that I would not take no for an answer.  The weight of the war rested on my shoulders and I would not let one stubborn man get in my way.
    When I got to the front porch, I could see the scars peeking out from under his shirt.  They ran up his neck and down his hands.  The only place that remained untouched was his face.  He had brown hair and dull brown eyes that spoke of a hard life.
    “What do you want?” he demanded and I bristled.  How dare he talk to me in that tone!  Before I could reprimand him, I caught myself and held my tongue.  I needed his help.
    “You are aware of the war?” I asked.
    “I am.  It’s the same war that’s been going on for centuries.”  He crossed his arms and held a stern look.
    “It’s not the same.  Before, we were keeping the humans safe and it was relatively easy.  Ornias has upped his efforts and now we are lucky to keep them at bay.  Risya spoke of a prophecy about a human that will decide who will win.  She suggested that I speak with you.”  Immediately, he shut down even more if it were possible.
    “I can’t help you.  Leave and don’t come back.”  He turned and went inside, slamming the door behind him.
    “I think we’ve wasted our time, Commander.”
    He was probably right, but I didn’t come all the way here just to give up so easily.  With sure steps, I marched to the porch and yelled through the door.  “Des, I am not leaving until you speak with me!” Nothing. Pounding my fist on the door, I yelled, “Des, I repeat, I am not leaving until yo…” the door opened and his hate filled face stood almost nose to nose with me.
    “Why don’t you go home and just leave an me alone.  Haven’t you all taken enough from me already?”
    I sighed, not wanting to discuss whatever